Monday, May 29, 2006

Denver Taco Trucks

Metropolitan Denver is a huge area, and there are probably a couple hundred taco trucks scattered around.

I LOVE TACO TRUCKS! They range from tiny trailers like Tacos DF to gigantic RV-body "catering vehicles," just like the ones that used to appear at construction sites every lunchtime. There's a surprisingly wide variety of authentic Mexican food available, and afficionados know that dining at a Taco Truck is like having back-door access to the kitchen of a good Mexican restaurant.

For me they are an excellent replacement for your typical fast-food establishment. I'm often on the road at lunch time or supper time, and when a taco truck catches my eye I know I'm in for a treat.

But taco trucks can be somewhat ephemeral, and their mobility makes it tough sometimes to find one in an area that you're not familiar with. There is a desperate need for them to be cataloged and mapped, and that's what Denver Taco Trucks is all about. I can't take credit for the idea-- a friend pointed me toward a page featuring Seattle area trucks, and my search for a Denver equivalent was fruitless.

Our first three tacos trucks all have a regional identity that is reflected in their cuisine.

The D.F. in Tacos D.F. stands for Distrito Federal or Federal District, which encompasses Mexico City. So it's like the DC in Washington DC. The work-in-progress design visible behind Adrian in the photo is the emblem of Club America, one of Mexico's most popular football (soccer) teams.

Los Regio proudly wears a Monterrey emblem. Monterrey is the capital city of the state of Nueva Leon, which is in Northeastern Mexico, inland from the Gulf and actually having a very small border with the former Mexican state of Texas.

Tacos Ensenada is named for the third largest city in Baja California, which accounts for the seafood emphasis in their menu.

I'll probably expand coverage out from the center as time goes by, and it remains to be seen how much detail I'll be able to provide about the taco trucks that I visit.

Readers in the Denver metro area are most welcome to submit their own reports-- anything from a recommendation or "request for a visit" to a full blown article with pictures. Just send them to me at tdeden@google.com.

Taqueria Corona



Taqueria Corona is a real sleeper! Tucked into an ordinary parking space in the middle of the shopping center at E. Mississippi Ave and S. Peoria St (southwest corner), it's real easy to miss, especially since they don't have any real signage. It's visible for a few seconds as you are driving East on Mississippi, but not if you blink. But it is definitely worth seeking out!

In fact, everything except the food is seriously understated.

The selection is perhaps a bit limited, but it is a tiny truck and the servings are generous. We enjoyed asada and adobada tacos and an al pastor burrito. Staffed by two women, and a young boy (12 or so) whose primary function seemed to be to interpret for us gringos, the service was fast and friendly.

Conveniently located about 30 yards away from a carniceria (Mexican butcher shop) this one is definitely worth another visit, soon.


--