Taco Velos

This taco truck should appeal to the taco eating cyclist if only because of its name, Velos. Having eaten quite a few tacos of late, I opted for a torta even though the prices looked too high. The carnitas torta I ate was $5; less than I expected because there are many in the $6-8 price range. The sandwich consisted of a large, soft roll with mayo, meat, cheese, lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, and avocado. Some people make tortas with beans and I am allergic to beans. Yes. Allergic.
The best torta I've had in a long time, which is unfortunately meaningless because I have not had a torta in a long time. But even so, it was good and I will go back.

I am trying different mapping options. I think the map below is a tad big. Maybe next time I will chose the link button option so you'll only see the map if when you want it.



Car Map:


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The photo above is close to what you should see when you arrive but now there is a taco truck parked there. Click to see the map.

Estrellita

Soon to be satisfied customers.

If you find yourself in Mountain Home, Idaho on a Saturday or Sunday (correct me if I'm wrong but I think they are only open weekends), eat at Taqueria La Estrellita. Today, on my way to Boise from Battle Mountain, Nevada, I sampled three delicious tacos. The plate on the left was my plate and the tacos, from left right, are al pastor, carne asada and lengua. The lengua was the tastiest of the three and the al pastor was, although quite fine, came in third. Tacos cost $1 at Taqueria Estrellita.
On the way out of town one of my associates spotted another taco truck not far from the truck featured today. That truck will have to wait until the next trip to Mountain Home.

A note on the maps: In cases where I have not ridden my bike, the instructions are google maps suggestions and therefore not guaranteed my the editors of Taco Truck or it's affiliates.


By Bike:


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By car:


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Jalapeno's

If you find yourself driving through Boise on I84 between 11:45am and 6:00pm on a weekday, Jalapino's is a convenient and delicious option that wont take you to far out of your way. Tacos are $1. If you want tripe or lengua, add .50. I’ve been there once and sampled both carne asada and al pastor tacos - very good. Two corn tortillas, cilantro and onions. I can think of no negatives. This truck also offers tamales and I tried to buy some to take home for dinner but they were sold out. I’ll take that as a good sign. Tortas are $5.00 and someday I’ll try one.

This afternoon there were several young girls in the truck helping out. One of them was saying, "I should be doing my homework." Good kid.

The photos were taken from across Broadway and I think they give an accurate feel for the location. The truck is right next to an emissions testing camper. For some reason emission testers are often camping trailers in Idaho. This one is painted orange and blue in support of the Boise State Broncos.

If you go by bike, the Federal Way part of the ride is on a pleasant bike path.

Location:
Federal Way at Broadway Ave.

Map from downtown Boise YMCA by bike:

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Map from downtown Boise YMCA by car:


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El Torito

As you might have noticed, I did not get out of my car to take this picture. I am a bit shy about asking if I may tomo un photo. One reason is that I am not sure if that is the correct way to ask and another is I'd rather avoid explaining why I want a photo of someone's mobile restaurant. One tactic would be to photograph the restaurant when it is closed, which I did in Emmett. Unfortunately it was closed so I did not have a chance to taste the food, but I'll save the photo for when I do get back to Emmett to sample the tacos.

In general I plan to review only taquerias in Idaho and near the borders of neighboring states and provinces. Also I will only write about restaurants that I would eat at again. It may not be the best taco I've ever had but it may be the best taco for miles.

El Torito is in Garden City, Idaho. The tacos are good and they cost $1.25 unless you want tripe for an extra .25. I've tried the carne asada and the pastor. Both are good but greasier than average. I might suggest avoiding El Torito on a cold day, as the grease will solidify on your paper plate before you are done and that might be unappetizing. Tacos are served with two corn tortillas per taco, which is my preference because the single tortilla taco often falls apart. El Torito sells tortas, and I love tortas. When I get a chance to eat one I will report back. I do know that they cost $4.00. The horchata is delicious, $1.50 including one free refill.
The service is friendly and pretty quick depending on how busy they are.

Location:
46th and Chinden, Garden City, Idaho behind El Torito Market.

Directions by bike or on foot from downtown Boise (Dawson's)


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Directions by car:



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