FOOD TRUCK REVIEW: Mariachi Mexican Tacos nice mix of textures, tastes

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/08/2021 (1592 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon Sun is on Food Truck grub review No. 5. As the summer draws to a close and September is just around the corner, we embarked on this gastric journey for our readers. It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it.

We paid for our own food so as to not show favouritism and didn’t announce our arrival. We tried to keep it as objective as possible.

The judge — me — does not have any previous food review training. I just like to eat delicious grub.

Today’s review is the Mariachi Mexican Tacos Authentic Mexican food truck on 18th Street North in the parking lot where the CAA is located.

With strains of some unknown salsa beat wafting on the breeze, the location is suitable for the busy corner it sits at. Plus, there’s ample parking.

As I approached the food truck, a family sat to one side on the curb, munching on something tasty as I listened to my stomach protest its emptiness.

As I walked up to the side of the brightly coloured trailer to an open window to place my order, I glanced at the sandwich board.

“Today’s Special. Three authentic pork chorizo tacos with side of Pico de gallo and guacamole plus two kinds of salsa and a coke or water. $17”

“How’s the special?” l asked the masked face behind the counter.

“It’s my favourite,” came the response.

“OK, gimme one of those.”

A sign on the window said the order takes a little longer because they’re busy grilling the ingredients. OK, I thought. I’m patient.

Not long afterwards, my order was ready.

I could feel the heat through the bottom of the environmentally friendly container. But it was the smell of my pork chorizo tacos that made me salivate.

I looked around. Clean serving area. Check. Garbage can. Check. I didn’t see a recycling box.

A little slow on the uptake, I’m finally getting the picture. All of the food trucks are takeout service. While a garbage can has been present at all food trucks, recycling containers haven’t necessarily because the intention is to take your food somewhere else — where there likely is recycling available — and eat it.

The menu was clearly marked on the side of the trailer and the sandwich board advertising the day’s special was clear.

Maybe 10 minutes passed until my food was handed to me.

The drive home was maybe five or 10 minutes. My food was still hot as I juggled the container and my drink.

Drooling, I opened the biodegradable box and proceeded to enjoy the smell of the variety of spices nicely mingled into this delightful Mexican dish.

There was great colour as one layered over the other in a nice balance. Basically, it looked really appetizing. A couple slices of lime sat inside.

The container was definitely suitable for the type of food served. There was plenty of room inside as an aluminum liner added one more layer to the dish’s heat retention.

I think it’s the nature of the beast for tacos to be sorta-kinda messy. Definitely a fork to scoop up every tasty morsel was needed for this one.

Since I was home, I used my own utensils and recycling to dispose of my pop can.

I dug into my hefty tacos.

What an assault on my taste buds.

I’m still drooling thinking of this dish. The pork certainly was not overcooked and done to perfection. There was a nice mix of textures with the smoothness of the taco shell, and the diversity of the various sauces I was provided with. There was a nice balance of seasonings and nothing was too overpowering.

Finally, it was cooked to perfection. The meat was tender and juicy. The vegetables were fresh and crisp. The sauces were a tasty adventure, as I had never entertained adding the Pico de gallo and guacamole plus two kinds of salsa to a taco. The lime was a bonus and added a nice zippy taste to the meal.

I would definitely recommend this food truck if you like Mexican cuisine. The food was delicious and I appreciate the steps they’ve taken to make their containers biodegradable. I’m giving them a five out of five.

» kkielley@brandonsun.com