5/11/17: I've been to Mexico and now I realize it's even harder to say what is "authentic" here vs. not. Usually we see stuff like tongue and pig face tacos and instantly think oh this is the real sht, but honestly, the stuff I had down there wasn't like that either... well I'll put it this way...
This is an American's ultra real sht.
But before I get to the food, we must talk about what this restaurant is... see, we just left Downtown Gilroy with the "historic" buildings and all cause no one there would frickin' serve us (cause it's after 9pm!?!?)... and so we drove a mile down and got into the more "interesting" part of town where the buildings are no longer the brick and wooden buildings of old, titled in script of perfect penmanship... no... no... this part of town has an entirely different taste of architecture and food.
Entering the restaurant it was immediately evident that this melting pot was not the same as the melting pot of Silicon Valley. We got rock dude hobbling around with shorts so long they nearly reach his ankles, and a long mane of curly and unkept flax colored hair that was highly contrasted against his pure white skin.
And there was dagger man who stood ordering at the counter with his cute gf. A hunting knife with about a 8" blade hung from his belt onto his right hip, still easily seen outside his camo pants. Unlike long shorts man, I couldn't see this dude's hair cause it was covered under a black beannie.
The staff?--behind the counter working the stove and register, some very large women, some women with the stare of a UFC fighter, and all the men were significantly smaller than the women...
First, the cashier lady handed me the drink... fascinating. I watched as she ladled the Jamaica juice into a large styrofoam cup, not all entirely making it in. She filled it absolutely to the rim making that beautiful meniscus. Then she proceeded to move her arm towards me, pouring red juice all over wherever she stood. I attempted to take it from her, but as much hands clenched juiced also poured out for me, but now all over me. Rinsing the day away from my hands, down my arms, and onto her counter. She had no facial expression. Luckily the napkins were next to me so I proceeded to clean the sweet sticky mess from my arm while the next in line proceeded to order...
1. Jamaica $3.00: So, licking it from my arm, the dried sweat mingled well with the sweet juicy to produce a nicely salty sweet sensation. The dirt gave it some texture. But I think without my body juices, it's somewhat weak. 3/10
2. Mulita with Pastor $7.50: House-made thick corn tortillas, soft, warm, and a bit sweet. This is great. This made me happy. Two tacos sandwiches meat and cheese, Taco Bell style, but this would be as far from Taco Bell taste as Sizzler's steak is from Alexander's. I'd say it's a hybrid between a taco and a quesadilla. REALLY good. Even the Pastor pork is cooked on a huge rotating contraption like they use for Greek gyros. All how it should be. 9/10
3. Huarache with Asada $9.00: I also ordered this having no clue what it was. When it arrived, I was a bit underwhelmed unfortunately. Appears to be a large open-faced taco. You got the amazing tortilla, just as awesome as with the mulita, but then they piled the veggies and meat on top which just makes you think you're eating some tostada salad. The asada was also EXTREMELY overcooked. Was very tough to eat. Terrible meat. But it did look pretty cool I'd have to say. Check out my pics. 4/10
4. Taco de Chicharron $3.50: THIS is what we all think is the authentic sht. Pork with the skin left on. Lots of skin. It's been braised, so it's not crunchy like the snack bags. Mushy. Sticky. Gelatinous. Mmmmmmm. But what I found most amazing wasn't even the meat--it was the braising liquid. HOLT CRAP. This is some of the most flavorful meat juice EVER. Just packed with spices and rich meat, and REALLY hot. It's so hot my weaksauce friend (a guy) couldn't take more than a bite. Kept saying, oh it's so hot so hot, I can't eat that sht so close to bedtime. Wussie. Look......... it's frickin' amazing tasting. No pain no gain. And those tortillas!... 9/10
Your next food adventure awaits!
4/5
#mexican #gilroy #star read more