Maybe I can try another Zacatacos?

Lazy Sundays are the best! It’s the perfect opportunity to lounge around the house, catch up on this fall’s TV series, which for me happens to be Boardwalk Empire, and order some take-out. This Sunday, la familia had an itching for tacos, rightfully so; they turned to their rooky taco blogger.

I suggested that we try Zacatacos on 59th and Pulaski, even though as noted in a previous posting, I am not ecstatic about their tacos. But, I was enthusiastic because not all taquerias in a chain serve the same quality or taste of food, which could challenge the concept of a chain. Unlike this weekend’s episode of Boardwalk Empire that served a saucy Brooklyn love affair between a 1920’s gangster and showgirl, my tacos from Zacatacos were stale, but tolerable.

We ordered enough tacos for seven that included tacos de lengua, al pastor, and carne asada with cilantro, salsa y cebolla on the side. When my brother arrived with what sounded like a stellar taco dinner, I quickly unwrapped the foil around my tacos del al pastor, skipped the cilantro and cebolla, when straight to pouring my salsa roja and took a big bite. Instead of adding a savory juicy tenderness, the marinade on the meat was encrusted after cooking. La salsa roja had a vinegar/citrus after taste that was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

If I had to highlight a positive reaction to these tacos, I would say that the lengua was tolerable. The lengua was well cooked, but it couldn’t distract from the taste of the tortillas. The tortillas seemed as if they were barely defrosted and then thrown on the grill. More attention to tortillas, please! 

Maybe, there is another Zacatacos in my future? Until then I hope people will continue to send in their suggestions. Actually, coming soon is another posting on El Rey, near Kelly High School on the south side, if this your favorite place, comment on your favorite taco.


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