Flea Market Tacos? I'm in!

Freezing rain, chattering teeth, and empty stomachs on a murky day, Sara, Evy, Rafa, and myself thought it was an ideal opportunity to visit the Maxwell Flea Market for tacos. Ecstatic about the diverse taco options that would be at my tongue tip, I was frozen by the sad site of the, only two, taco stands on the block.

Normally, the market is crowded, overflowing with people,chachkies, deals and food vendors from early in the morning until the afternoon. Yet, this snowing mid-day Sunday was cold enough to scare anyone away. Not us! Oh no, the four of us stood in line (surprisingly) at Manolo’s stand. 

Manolo’s is definitely a family business. An entertaining mother and son duo prepared our orders. We placed our orders with la doña, and her son confusingly whipped around the comal, often asking his mother if he was adding the right ingredients.

That day they had three meat options, including, al pastor, carne asada and chicharron en chile. Rafa and I ordered at least one taco of each, with the works, cilantro and cebolla. Although, I want to rave about these tacos, because I know them to be famously delicious, Manolo’s tacos were not completely satisfying.

Yes, they definitely serve fantastic tortillas. There is nothing dainty about this tortilla; it can withstand any great portions of meat. The taste of the maiz, and the char from the comal felt warm and gratifying.

Still, I could not overlook the unpalatable texture of the chicharron, as it turned to mush in my mouth. The al pastor and carne asada was tough to chew, but we were the last round of customers, on an extremely stinging cold day.

If I were to return to Manolo’s stand, I would return for their tortillas, and their savory spicy salsas. I’m sure on a much warmer day,I could fully enjoy the flavorful heat of their salsa verde and the rub on the al pastor. 

Plus, I’m sure my friends would return, purely for the atmosphere created by the family dynamic at Manolo’s stand. Their sharp tongue comebacks,tasty tortillas, and energy, despite the weather, transports me to the best pueblito eateries in Mexico, and I'm anxious to return.