Taco Quest: Next Stop “Tacos Mexico Rico”
Posted by Erin Kampf on Tuesday, December 19th, 2006Tags for this Article: burritos, enchiladas, mexican, review, sopes, Street Food, taco, tortas, tostadas, vancouver
I’ve finally made it to another taco joint to continue my quest for the best taco in Vancouver. Tacos Mexico Rico has a fairly extensive menu including tacos, tortas, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and sopes, amongst other yummy sounding Mexican delights. But the true test remains… how are the tacos?
The downtown lunch crowd has obviously found this place, as many tables were filled. The cheery orange walls of the restaurant brightened up an otherwise grey and rainy Vancouver day. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s clean, with MTV Espanol playing a little too loudly on the big screen.
I ordered four tacos for $7.00. There are about 10 choices of fillings, and I opted for one each of: pastor (pork in red sauce), carnitas (shredded pork), chorizo and pollo (chicken). The best thing about Tacos Mexico Rico is the platter of fixings that come with the meal: a red salsa, a green salsa, chopped onion and cilantro, tortilla chips and a spicy pico de gallo (chunky salsa). I ate every last bit of that pico.
The chorizo and pastor were both tender, juicy and full of flavour. The carnitas was simple but so tender – it tastes better than it looks. The pollo was probably my least favourite, as it was a bit dry. I added quite a lot of both salsas to all the tacos. It is flavourful, but I would say the spiciness has been toned down a bit for us gringos, so go ahead and slather it on. All in all, it was a tasty lunch. I will definitely be back to try other menu items, particulary as it’s probably the only authentic Mexican restaurant (and, really, one of the few Mexican places of any kind) within walking distance of my office.
Tacos Mexico Rico is located 309 W Pender Street in Vancouver, BC; (604) 688-7426
Posted on December 20th, 2006
Ben Garfinkel says:
I’d agree with your assessment. Quite tasty. They moved to their current location about a year ago from the same block on Hastings. They served the best horchata (rice milk drink) around. Now, I’m not sure if last time I was there they said they don’t serve it at all anymore, or they didn’t have anymore left that day. Hope it’s just the latter as I like to judge authenticity on more than one criteria (dish)!
Posted on January 6th, 2007
Jeremy Thorp says:
You really need to try Taco Loco – Commercial & 11th. I had some really great tacos there just last week.
Posted on January 16th, 2007
Erin Kampf says:
Jer — I’m afraid I can’t agree with your recommendation on Taco Loco. Just tried it last week and was not impressed. Stay tuned for a review…
Posted on January 19th, 2007
David says:
Taco Rico is good. You ever try The Mouse & Bean one block down on Hastings? The chorizo is so freaking good! Chorizo dobliditas (sp?) – so great!
Posted on January 22nd, 2007
Erin Kampf says:
I ate at the Mouse & Bean once, about three years ago. I remember liking some things, and not liking others — of course I no longer have a recollection of any of those things, bad or good. I’ll be back to try it again on the “Quest.”