100-2970 Glen Drive, Coquitlam
If you are a fan of both Mexican and Korean cuisine and have always had a difficult time choosing between the two, look no further than Coquitlam's Tacoreano, metro Vancouver's answer to fresh tacos with an Asian twist. I had passed by Tacoreano a number of times and finally had an opportunity to try it with some friends, and I was shocked at how delicious and innovative this fusion was. I was admittedly a little wary, seeing as I had never had Korean food before, but the mix of flavours was truly out of this world. Tacoreano serves up a wide variety of tacos, burritos and quesadillas with Asian flavours mixed in, making for a delicious experience that is hard to find in the Lower Mainland. The restaurant has a long communal table running through the center with three other 2-person tables and a cozy nook area, making the restaurant quite small. A lit up sign that boasts the name of the restaurant hangs over top of the long table, giving the restaurant a very cozy and Tumblr-worthy interior. Along the wall there is a selection of hot sauces to stay true to the Mexican side of the restaurant, next to the pitchers of cold water and hot tea to stay true to the Asian side. The tacos were incredible - I had one pork taco (pork marinated with red pepper paste, cabbage, salsa, pickled radish, miso crema) and the shrimp taco (sizzling shrimp, sliced avocado, garnish with sour cream and cilantro). We also shared the very typical Pinata nachos. All of the dishes sound really innovative, most notably the strawberry taco that has brie cheese, basil and honey among other things. If you're not feeling tacos but still want to check it out, Tacoreano also serves up rice bowls that feature various proteins, kimchee and salsa fresca - an odd, yet satisfying fusion. The service was quick and friendly, and also a strange hybrid of fast food joint and sit down restaurant. The server will come and take your order, and you go up to pay for your food at the end of your meal. I don't really know what to say to that. The important thing is that the food came out in a timely fashion and that it looked and tasted delicious! With the new Evergreen Extension, I will definitely be making a point to go into Coquitlam, and Tacoreano, more often, to try out as many dishes as possible.
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201-800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster
TASTE: 3/5 SERVICE: 4/5 PRICE: $$ If you're looking for something different, quirky, and new, then I would highly suggest going for Mexican in New West. You heard me. Stemming from their original cafe in Port Moody, Original's Restaurante Mexicano is a new Mexican restaurant adding to the diversity of food choices in New Westminster. Conveniently located at the New West skytrain station, Original's has a wide expanse with lots of space to sit down in it's cozy, candlelit dining area. After much debate and searching, my friends and I literally stumbled upon the restaurant and went inside to give it a try. I had a chicken taco and flautas, which are basically Tacquitos (remember those?), and my friends and I shared a chocolate cake and, to be really bold and adventurous, fried plantains. Our food came relatively quick and it was delicious. However, I think because it is a fairly new restaurant, it has yet to pick up a following. That night it was pretty empty, so we got served pretty much immediately. But if you like Mexican food and live in New West or the surrounding area and don't want to go downtown, then head down to Original's and give it a shot! One day I'll also make it out to Port Moody to their cafe as well. 15 West Cordova Street, Vancouver (Gastown)
TASTE: 5/5 SERVICE: 4/5 PRICE: $ Craving tacos? I was too, and that's why I went to Tacofino. The successful taco and burrito shop got it's start in Tofino and quickly brought it's unique Baja style tacos to Vancouver. Aside from it's Vancouver storefront in Gastown, Tacofino also boasts its colorful trucks which can be found all over the city. With a burrito bar and taco bar open on either side of the restaurant, there are plenty of different food drinks options, regardless of what you are craving. Eleanor and I both decided to have tacos - a classic fish taco for myself with Pacific cod, salsa fresca and chipotle mayo, and a unique potato, mushroom and collard greens taco for my sister in a corn shell. The flavours were really full and delicious, bringing fresh ingredients with unique combinations of flavours. Everything was delicious and the service was quick and great. My only piece of advice would be to probably get more than one taco, depending on how hungry you are. While one was delicious, one definitely wasn't enough! With cute decor, multiple delicious options and quick and friendly service, Tacofino is definitely a top pick of mine for taco cravings! |
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