California Taco Shop Love

Almost daily, PID and I drive by this tiny, hole in the wall, shack of a building on Rt. 51 with a sign outside that reads California Taco Shop. For months I thought this place was closed. But as I drove this past weekend, I caught a flicker of neon reds and blues out of the corner of my eye.  California Taco Shop was indeed open for business.

I had been on my way to meet PID at the gym when I saw the sign in the window and after a rigorous workout, we were both in the mood for a filling lunch to get us through the day. I immediately suggested my exciting new find and we pulled into the empty parking lot with our fingers crossed.

Inside, an adorably festive six-table dining room was waiting for us.  It was quaint, but still a pleasant surprise from the deceptively drab exterior.

An extremely friendly young man greeted us and took our order, taking the time to carefully explain to me how a torta was like the Mexican version of a Primanti's sandwich and guaranteeing that I would quickly become addicted to their fish tacos. I was also extremely excited to see that they serve...wait for it...breakfast burritos!

I decided to take him up on his offer and ordered FOUR tacos -- one fish, one beef, a carnitas and a grilled chicken. I called it a focus group.

PID ordered a chicken enchilada,  chicken burrito and a beef taco (he couldn't be trusted to not steal mine).

I am now fully convinced that angels placed this tiny little taco shop less than a mile from our house.  My carnitas was, without question, the most perfectly cooked shredded pork I've ever inhaled. It had a deep, smokey flavor that I wasn't even remotely expecting. The beef and fish tacos were equally outstanding,

Carnitas taco, $3

Chicken/Beef tacos, $3

And the promise of fish taco-addiction? No hoax. The filet was lightly breaded and fried, sealing in a deliciously buttery, flaky fish which could not have tasted any better with the freshly chopped tomatoes, cilantro, green tomato hot sauce and homemade guacamole.

Fish tacos, $3

PID's burrito was enormous and made with fresh chicken breast and fresh cut veggies. It was the perfect ratio of meat-to-veggies-to-rice-to-beans.

Chicken burrito, $6

But the real star of the show was PID's chicken enchilada. I had a tiny bite just to try it. Then had another. Then politely requested another and finally had to remind myself that I had four tacos to finish. So much flavor. Perfect balance of heat and sweet. I dreamt about that enchilada.

Chicken Enchilada, $3

Restaurant Information:

California Taco Shop

Address: 2760 Saw Mill Run Blvd (across 51 from the Dairy Queen)

Phone:  412-885-5600

Reservations: Not taken or needed.

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

             Friday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

             Saturday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (closed Sunday)

Cliffs Notes:

2 beef tacos @ $3.00
1 fish taco @ $3.00
1 grilled chicken taco @ $3.00
1 carnitas taco @ $3.00
1 grilled chicken burrito @ $6.00
1 chicken enchilada @ $4.00

Tax:                        Food tax  @ 7% (Allegheny County only) @ $1.75

Tip:                           $5.00
Total for two:          $26.75

 

Overall Opinion:

I think PID and I are in a bit of trouble.  Not only have we discovered the world's most delicious taco shop north of the Texas state line, but the pleasant man at the counter let us in on a little secret...they start DELIVERY on February 1st.  DELIVERY.  When PID and I first met, he used to tell me his adorable business ideas like the self-stirring pot and how he was the one who really invented TIVO. But the one he had always been the most ambitious about was opening a Mexican restaurant that delivered. I'm so sorry that PID has been beaten to the punch, but I have to admit I'm so happy that we have a taco-craving fix whenever we want it! (My tummy and my wallet may not be as approving, however).

We ate like kings (and had a few leftovers) for only $27.  We took our food home to enjoy, but I wouldn't be opposed to dining in their bright, fun little dining room sometime. The staff was incredible and the food was to die for.  This place is a win for the dive joints of the world.  Ole!

Cinco de My-Oh-My!

Cinco de Mayo.  The very special holiday where Mexicans celebrate their most important civic holiday and Americans pretend they're Mexican for an acceptable excuse to drink tequila on a weeknight.

So in honor of this very awesome non-American holiday, I've decided to put together an abbreviated TOP-Ten (okay, we'll call it a TOP-five for accuracy) list of the Burgh's best Mexican restaurants, at least in my opinion. I admit I'd like to review more Mexican Restaurants so I open this post up to any and all spicy suggestions.

I'd like to start by saying I've chosen my TOP-five with a pang of sadness.  My very favorite Mexican Restaurant is no longer open to the public.  Poor Las Velas.  I miss you so much and wish you'd come back.  Will you please come back?

5 - El Sombrero (Cranberry Twp):  I've only been here once and it was a long time ago, but I remember it being so authentic and delicious....and SPICY! And that's what I love.  Menus written in Spanish may confuse the crap out of me, but at least I feel confident about the food I'm about to receive. Check their website for "All You Can Eat Taco Nights!" They're offering a chance to win a free dinner on Cinco de Mayo so check it out! Also... the fried ice cream.  Just do it.

4 - Emiliano's (South Side): I've only been to the South Side location, but they've also got restaurants in the North Hills and now Gibsonia.  Something for everyone! They have an excellent vegetarian menu and really great interior decor! They all open at 11 a.m. tomorrow morning so get their early for the big fiesta (and Margarita specials)!

3 - Picante Grille (Dormont): Every Tuesday is $1 Margarita Day.  Yes, you heard me. $1 Margaritas.  Known and loved for their amazing quesadillas, these guys also throw a mean party. Tomorrow you can get a $7 combo dinner platter and $2 Dos Equis.

2 - Mad Mex (All over PGH, Columbus and PSU, too!): Is it weird that my ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE thing on their menu (aside from the Big Azz Margarita) is their Mahi Mahi Salad? Their wings and giant burritos are great too but that Salad....mmmm.  Tomorrow they're serving breakfast starting at 9 a.m.and they've got specials going all day.  The Shadyside location is where I'll be (squeezed in with everyone else in the region) starting at 6 p.m. Come meet me!

1 - Los Chiludos (Canonsburg): If you haven't, please, PLEASE try it.  Make the trek.  It's worth it.  It was the one and only time in my entire life that I had ZERO leftovers when leaving a homespun Mexican restaurant. I ate it all and wanted more.  PID and his coworkers go crazy for Los Chiludos and he begged me to make it number one on this list, but didn't have to beg too hard.  I know a good burrito when I see one.  They've recently moved to Southpointe Blvd, so make sure you check out their new location!


So tip your glass and your sombrero to these TOP-five Mexican restaurants in the area.  Enjoy your tequila, but make sure you enjoy your food while you're at it!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Wordless Wednesday: WELCOME TO MOE'S!

Now I know my main squeezes are the locally owned and operated powerhouses in our fine city.  But once in a while I just have to give a shout out to well known favorite.

Gotta love the warm "WELCOME TO MOE'S" you get from the enthusiastic, efficient assembly line every time you walk through the door :)

I had the Homewrecker Burrito with black beans and mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmboy was it good!

The FREE chips and bottomless salsa with every order ain't a bad gig either.

A HUGE thank you to Moe's for sending me $10 in Moe's Bucks to play with! It was more than enough to fill my belly for the entire day.