The Art of Tacos

If one could make a list of things Brownsvillians have great passion for, it would be for tacos. Yes, we Brownsvillians love food...if we didn't, so many of us wouldn't be suffering the risks of having a diet that has not adjusted to our now modern and rather sedate lifestyles. But none the less, when it comes to tacos, that's speaking straight to the heart.

Most people have their favorite restaurant or "taqueria"; a favorite taqueria in Brownsville and a favorite taqueria in Matamoros. Back in the 80's, it used to be that one had to go to Matamoros to get decent tacos made just the right way, with queso blanco (white cheese), aguacate (avocado), cebolla (onion) and cilantro and with a side of frijoles a la charra (beans) and una Joya bien fria (Mexican soda). But around the 90's, a taqueria boom began in Brownsville and now you can pretty much get tacos made a la Mexican style at a variety of locations. But still, if you want an authentic taste that hits the spot, the occasional trip to Matamoros, just for tacos, is a must-do.

There are a few differences between taquerias in Brownsville and Matamoros. In Brownsville you will find that many locations offer a variety of aquas frescas (different flavored water beverages), lemonade being the drink of choice and preferably homemade. Those locations that offer powdered lemonade lose one star in my book. My personal fave is Horchata (a sweet rice drink) but it's also somewhat rare, not many locations offer it, I guess because the process of making it is much longer. But in Matamoros, most places only offer carbonated drinks of Mexican brands and Coco-Cola and they will bring them to you chilled in the original glass bottles to drink directly from.

Many Brownsville taquerias offer a more diverse menu that include tostadas, flautas, plate specials, etc...so if you are in the mood for tacos but maybe your companions are not, then stay in Brownsville because most taquerias in Matamoros only serve tacos.

One thing you will not find in a Brownsville taqueria is a trompo, a vertical rotisserie where pork is marinated and thinly sliced to make tacos al pastor. From what I heard, the reason why is due to a health department regulation and you will understand why in the next sentence. Many Matamoros taquerias proudly place their trompos at the entrance of their location, but also mostly because there is better ventilation outdoors. While Brownsville taquerias have figured out ways to make Tacos al Pastor that taste pretty good, al Trompo just tastes better in this blogger's opinion.

Tacos are a part of mainstream culture for the young to the old. It's not strange to see a whole extended family eat out for tacos, be there a celebration or not. It's also quite popular for the younger crowds to go eat tacos in the wee hours of the morning after a night of clubbing or bar hopping. Many families even frequent the same taqueria and pass the tradition from generation to generation. Brownsville can grow and change, but tacos, are here to stay.


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TAOB Note: If you would like to share the name or names of your favorite taquerias, please do so in the comments section of this post.