Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Taqueria Mexico - Waltham

Taqueria Mexico
24 Charles Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 893-2205
www.taqueriamexico.com

Greater Boston offers up some tasty Mexican food, but it's hard to find the authentic variety in these parts. Look no further -- I offer you Taqueria Mexico, sandwiched between two houses on a residential, one-way street in Waltham. This simple establishment of deliciousness serves up affordable, authentic cuisine. And the waiter refers to me as "amigo." I like being "amigo."

Chile rellenos, $5 burritos, and whole, pan fried fish, oh my! I have yet to have something here that is bad. Even the very simple, such as the carnitas tacos ($2 each, by the way) are fantastic simply because of the basic flavors and the taste of fresh cilantro. And there are many, many special and combination platters to choose from. Honestly, I say try them all. I dare you.

A note to the spice-fearing soul: many dishes pack a punch in the heat department, so choose wisely. This includes the salsa served with the delicious chips as you sit down. But fear not, you'll still have many choices. And I won't judge you. At least not too much.

Unfortunately, I have yet to detect a margarita (and I'll keep looking -- maybe they're hidden under the tables), but feel free to enjoy a cerveza. I look forward to the summer, sitting on their front patio, cerveza in hand, indulging in the wonderfulness.

When I first went here, on a day off, for lunch, I asked the waiter how long this fine eatery had been around. I was told 22 years. I also noticed a Zagat rating of 22 for food. Not too shabby for a casual, inexpensive restaurant on a side street. I can see why it's been around so long.

Why it's a gem:

Authentic
Spicy when it should be
VERY affordable - $5 burritos (many varieties), $2 tacos (many varieties)
Outdoor patio

Tips:

Don't forget to look at the specials board. The whole, pan fried fish is often up there. And it's awesome, if of course you don't mind your food looking at you.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

The Local - West Newton

The Local
1391 Washington Street
West Newton, MA 02465
www.thelocalnewton.com

Mmmmmm. Truffle oil. I love truffle oil, and so does The Local. Going to this cozy "gastropub" cannot occur without getting a bucket of their parmesan truffle fries -- possibly my favorite snack in Boston. Lightly crisped and delicious, you can easily taste the truffle in these suckers. And they're only $5. Brilliant.

The Local specializes in crafting meals with local ingredients and offering a selection of New England beers.

Perusing the menu, one will find an excellent selection of $5 snacks, a real plus for this place. They have fried pickles on this menu, which I was pleased to see; however, I must add that I've had better (see Cambridge Common). Dinners are creative and gourmet (root beer braised pork), but they can get a little on the pricey side. Several flat bread pizzas are available for a reasonable price, including one with three cheeses , mushrooms, and, of course, truffle oil. Dee. Lish. Iss.

In terms of yummy liquids, there are large pours of wine and decent beers on tap, with the option of either 16oz. or 22oz. glasses. The martinis are wonderful, and there are blue cheese-stuffed olives that could leave me at the bar for hours popping them in my mouth with a huge grin on my face, not caring about the ajar mouths of the surrounding patrons.

Although the beer selection is pretty good (and there is always a guest, special brew), it is my primary qualm. For a place that boasts a good selection of New England beers, there aren't really that many, especially with all the places around that do serve many a local beer. And even though I like that Ithaca Apricot Wheat is on tap, it does not count as a New England beer. Enough of that. This place is great anyway.

Why it's a gem:

Parmesan truffle fries
Tasty snacks for $5
Blue cheese-stuffed olives
Flatbread pizza with truffle oil
Parmesan truffle fries
Comfy cozy atmosphere
Friendly, neighborhood bartenders

Tips:

There is a government parking lot next to The Local which is available after 6:00 (I think it's 6 -- you should check)