Taco Truck

Bilando

2011-09-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Being very discerning about the food I eat (picky) - particularly when an animal's life was taken for the food - makes eating out more of a challenge. I ate a quesadilla at this fine restaurant in Truckee, California, despite the wonderful meat smells emanating from the exhaust. Once my vegetarian brother walked into my grandmothers kitchen and politely said, "Mmm, that stew smells good." My grandmother responded like so: "Then why don't you have some? You can eat around the meat?"

Which makes about as much sense as this:

Food Trucks in Boise. Me, Elsewhere

2011-09-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of crap from my so called fans about not updating my so called blog. By a lot of crap I mean very little. What actually happened was someone reminded me that I have a blog. If I were a genuinely dedicated food truck blogger I would have stayed in Boise over Labor Day weekend. Instead I was here:

Lame. Meanwhile Boise was lousy with food trucks, and my source informed me that there were even vegetarian tacos!

Lesson: Never leave Boise.

There was some sort of food truck festival last weekend. And, FYI, there is another coming in October, BTW. More on that later.

That said, I have nothing else to say at the moment.

France

2011-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Once again, I went to France to Photograph the Tour de France. While I was there I saw many a pizza truck - the wood fire variety. Also in France my computer broke. I have not had a chance to look at my pictures from the trip yet. But I know there is a picture of a Citroen pizza truck that I look forward to posting. I realize it aint a taco truck but you take what you can get. In France you can get pizza - really good pizza - from a truck. In Idaho you get excellent tacos from trucks. It is a decent trade off.

Vegetarian Option

2011-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

The view while waiting for my quesadilla.

The view of my quesadilla.

I got the distinct feeling that I was confounding - flabbergasting even - the nice woman at Taqueria for ordering a quesadilla without meat. Evidently, she thought I was simply a delicate eater so she warned me that it was served in a corn tortilla. That I can handle. Being a picky or delicate eater is something I never wanted to be but I am afraid that is what I am becoming. The bean allergy is something I cannot control. I would if I could. Not eating meat is a different and more complicated story, much of which I wrote about previously on this blog.

Yet, I miss visiting Idaho's taco trucks so today I visited Taqueria for the above quesadilla. Immediately after the photograph was taken, I stuffed the iceberg lettuce, tomato and avocado into the tortilla, poured some of her delicious red salsa on top, and stuffed it into my mouth. My conclusion is that even without meat her quesadilla's are worth the trip. But they are tastier with meat and sour cream.

Boise Weekly

2011-03-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Food Trucks

This blog is mentioned. Thanks Rachael.

Taco Truck Manhattan

2011-03-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

This truck was somewhere near Lincoln Center in New York. The food looked good. I did not stop to ask any opinions or even see if there were any non-meat or non-bean options. As it was I almost lost my companions when I stopped to take this photograph. We stumbled upon El Idolo as we were leaving the Merkin Concert Hall where we had just heard Gabriel Kahane and Timothy Andres.

Directions

a suggestion to entrepreneurs

2011-02-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

If the people of Idaho are anything like the people of California*, or more specifically, if the people of Boise are anything like the people of Los Angeles** this will be a big hit: A taqueria that offers delicious vegetarian options such as the Jamaica (hibiscus flower) taco. Full disclosure: not sure I could taste the flowers but just knowing they were there was comforting - and I liked the texture. The taco with the blue corn tortilla was a delicious potato taco.

*I know what you are thinking: in many cases the the people of Idaho are from California.

**I still know what you are thinking: in many cases the people of Boise are from Los Angeles.

576 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Neighborhood: Eagle Rock

Walking Directions

Tacos

2011-01-26T15:54:00.000-08:00

3rd and 11th in Nampa. That's all I know about this truck.

Truck Thoughts

2011-01-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

When I sing along to this composition or piece, if you will, I replace "Hut" and "Bell" with "Truck" and "Truck," respectively. "I'm at the pizza truck, I'm at the taco truck, I'm at the combination pizza truck and taco truck." Which leads me to my thesis: when will Boise branch out beyond the Mexican themed food truck? A pizza truck for example? I think I mentioned the wood fire pizza trucks in France a while ago. Good idea. I am willing to give out all my brilliant ideas since I have no entrepreneurial spirit (and I have a job).

A handmade donut truck. The key word here is handmade. The other key word is donut. Both hard to resist.
Anything vegan truck. Maybe Idaho is not ready for that (and vegans don't have money).
Curry Truck?

I do know about the Salad Man and I have heard positive things about him. He is parked somewhere on State Street in Boise.

For the record, I am still a fan of taco trucks, but as many of you know, I stopped eating meat and I am allergic to beans. Those restrictions make eating at taco trucks difficult.

These thoughts were spurred by a discussion with a reporter (is that your title?) from the Boise Weekly earlier this afternoon. Thanks.

Portland

2010-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

Pato Feliz on the corner of SE 32nd and Hawthorne

and if you do not like Pato Feliz try Neza on 33rd and Hawthorne. I tried neither because I have yet to give up giving up meat.

The Corner of Jefferson and Broadway Ave

2010-11-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

For Sale

2010-11-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

100

2010-11-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

Fall in Garden City

2010-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Confounded

2010-11-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe instead of sampling and opining about the food served at taco trucks I will critique the actual trucks. Like, "there is a beautiful green taco truck on Overland. It has a pretty sign." Or, "there is a decent looking taco truck in Garden City but it has a flat tire."

I refuse to call myself a vegetarian (because vegetarians can be insufferable) but I am still avoiding meat and I suspect I will always be allergic to beans. Maybe I should recruit a pinch-eater to eat at the taco trucks.

Book Non Review

2010-10-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing puts a damper on eating a nice plate of carne asada like a good book.

I wont go into the details, gory or otherwise, of the book but I will say eating meat has become difficult for me since I opened the book. Perhaps difficult is the wrong word because I have not tried eating meat since I picked up the book in the Rediscovered Bookshop. I am not quite finished with Eating Animals (the book) but I am fearful that Safran Foer is going to leave this reader with little hope for guilt-free protein. This reader is allergic to beans. I know, and this reader loves Mexican food. Without meat or beans the options (maybe "options" with an s is too optimistic) at a taco truck are few. Those shrimp tostadas look good but shrimping and shrimp farming are as bad or worse than factory farming. But I said I wouldn't go into the details. There are plenty of delicious cheese quesadillas for sale at our numerous local taco trucks. Imagine a blog (Yawn!) dedicated to the locations of the tastiest quesadillas (snore) in Idaho.

The only thing people hate more than cruelty to animals is a vegetarian. Well, a prosthelytizing vegetarian. My advice to me is not to tell anyone if I am a vegetarian.

I've got more advice. For that fringe group of people who are concerned with animal welfare, global climate change, and personal health: someone should open a taco truck that serves local family farmed meat. Meat from animals that get pet every day and get to sleep inside and watch TV on Thursday nights. Or whatever the current most humane version of a farm is today. Of course tacos could no longer cost $1. But I for one would pay $1.50 for a clear conscience. Maybe $2.

Location, Location, Location

2010-09-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

Have I already talked about the problem with reviewing - or in my case - pointing out taco trucks? I'm pretty sure I have but to reiterate; its the wheels. Taco trucks move. For instance Jalapenos that used to be on Federal Way is now missing. When an ordinary restaurant, one that is firmly attached to the ground, fails or moves it is easier to figure out what happened. There is a sign in the window to direct the loyal eaters to its new location. Or, in some cases to say goodbye. When a taco truck is gone there is always a hope that it has gone to cater a wedding or to fill up its gas tank. It will be back. So, often in vain, you drive passed its former location (parking spot) hoping it will be back to feed you the way it used to. Unfortunately, when I go hunting for taco trucks I do so when I am hungry. And the closer I get to the former location I get even hungrier, like when you have to pee and you get close to a bathroom, and then the bathroom is locked. When I'm hungry for taco truck food no other quick food will do. Particularly not McDonald's or another of that ilk. Even if it makes no sense time-wise, I will then drive five miles in another direction to eat at an existing taco truck.

When a taco truck is not where it used to be, feel free to let me know. I will not go back and revise previous posts though, due to a previous commitment. I am committed to laziness.

To my devoted reader

2010-07-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

As you must have gathered by now, I am out of town and have been for months (or two). I did eat a couple of delicious carnitas tacos today at Taqueria Jalisco (not a truck) in South Lake Tahoe. Which reminds me: if I ever open a taqueria in South Lake Tahoe I will name it South Lake Taco. Which reminds me that I will never open a taqueria.

I'll be back in Idaho in a few weeks.

Los Comales #3

2010-06-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Taco trucks are few and far between in Chicago but good mexican food is everywhere. Yesterday an affiliate and I ate tortas at Los Comales in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago and

boy were they good. My torta was skirt steak but it looked and tasted like pork. Maybe it was flavored with pork. The spicy carrots were particularly delicious and all you can eat. Each table has a bin like the one pictured below stuffed with carrots, cauliflower and jalapenos.

Do not wait for your check. The check gets hung behind the register under your table's number.

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El Gallito

2010-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago I was in Culver City for an art opening and, feeling peckish, my associate and I made the short walk to Tacos El Gallito at the intersection of Venice and La Cienega. Between the time I took this picture and the time it took to walk to the truck, a table with covered with multiple garnish containers was set up outside the truck. The garnishes included onions and cilantro, radishes and a salsas of many colors and flavors. The tacos (Lengua and Carnitas) were delicious as they seem to always be at taco trucks. The meat pieces were larger than average, moist and tender. Gallito serves a thoroughly cooked melt-in-your-mouth onion and a grilled jalapeno on the side.

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Taco Trucks in Los Angeles? Yes.

2010-05-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

This morning a colleague took me to one of his favorite local Taco Trucks, La Estrella.

I ordered one al pastor and one carnitas taco. My esteemed colleague ordered Carnitas and carne asada.

The tacos were served with a smokey (chipotle?) chile sauce. The meat was tender and juicy. Some people do not like the word juicy prescribed to meat but more people dislike the word moist. I might even say most dislike moist. La Estrella is located on York about a half a block before Avenue 54.

My esteemed and respected colleague suggested that we try another truck's offerings. We immediately made the trek to the corner of York and Avenue 54, a half block away, to Tacos El Pique.

I ordered the same at El Pique, pastor and carnitas. My trusted, esteemed, and stylish colleague and I agreed that the meat was less flavorful than Estrella. I thought El Pique's tacos had a fresh taste that I quite liked. Perhaps the cucumber garnish had something to do with that. I would suggest El Pique over Estrella if you were not in the mood for a smokey salsa.

So far, like Idaho taco trucks, all the food was delicious.

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Notes

2010-05-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Note to self: Take notes next time I visit a taco truck. Hmm. Nothing to write on. I'll just remember.

Tacoslapiedad

2010-05-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

If you are in Caldwell and enjoy viewing wildlife while eating your favorite mexican food I recommend TACOSLAPIEDAD. Look carefully and you will see a Yellow-bellied marmot, locally known as a rock chuck, above. There were many of these wood chuck sized rodents nearby watching us, standing of their haunches and whistling.

You might also consider Tacoslapiedad the next time you need a muffler as the truck is parked in the SW corner of the Meineke parking lot. The food was, as usual, yummy. I recommend the burria, locally known as rock chuck (kidding - burria is goat) which I have not seen at Boise trucks.

A note on the name: I was referring to this truck as "Slapiedad," but that did not sound right. Then it occurred to me that the 's' was the pluralization of taco. But Lapiedad sounded wrong too. Eventually I arrived at Tacos La Piedad, as in piety. Tacos of compassion.

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Al Pastor

2010-05-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

I found this video on The Great Taco Hunt. I have seen one truck in Idaho serve al pastor like this (on a much smaller scale) and it was the best taco I have ever had. I wasn't even hungry.

The Food Pyramid

2010-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

You'll notice tacos at the top of the food pyramid (that is if you don't count Visa and MasterCard). Hamburgers are at the bottom.

Went to six taco trucks in the treasure valley today. I'm not hungry.

Tacos Mobile Primo

2010-04-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I do not frequent this truck more frequently. Visiting a truck once or twice in three years can hardly be called frequenting. I refrequented TMP yesterday as part of my taco truck tour with the previously mention Actual Food Writer (AFW).

As you can clearly see these tacos look delicious and as I could clearly taste, they were delicious. The carnitas (can be seen above at 4 o'clock) had large chunks of pork and pork fat. I am struggling with how to describe fat in a way that will make you hungry... The fat was full of flavor and practically melted in my mouth.

The adobada and the pastor tacos (10 and 12 o'clock respectively) were only differentiated by the pineapple compote on the pastor. They were both tasty. Tacos are $1.20 at TMP. Overall the AFW and I agreed that the tacos at Tacos Mobile Primo were the best of the three trucks we sampled.

The other truck not mentioned in the last post was El Torito. I will still frequent (today's word of the day) El torito partly because it is behind a store (of the same name) that is a great place to pick up cucumber popsicles, Ibarra chocolate, and corn tortillas. Also the truck is conveniently located near Bill's studio. Do not spend too much time trying to figure out who Bill is.

Taco truck trip with an actual food writer

2010-04-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

An important thing to know when visiting taco trucks in Idaho is that most are closed on Sundays. But not Taco's El Rey #2. The actual food writer and I tried carne asada, adobada (marinated pork) and lengua tacos. And we also tried tostada de mariscos (shrimp tostada) $3. As you might guess, all the tacos were good. Really good and as usual, $1 each. The tostada was also good but shrimp tostadas hold no mystery for me. The ingredients are exactly what you see: canned bay shrimp, pico de gallo, avocado on a crispy corn tortilla. All good things, but tacos have meat that is seasoned, I might even say expertly seasoned. For fun I'll even add mysteriously seasoned.

More trips planned with the food writer. Next time we will go on a weekday when more trucks are open.

Taco Technique

2010-04-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

An associate showed me his technique for dealing with excess taco filling. As you know if you have ever eaten tacos from a taqueria, each taco is served with 2 tortillas. My associate saves one of the tortillas from his last (usually forth or fifth) taco and makes another taco with the filling left on the plate. Brilliant. No plastic fork required.

Tacos Velos

2010-03-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Taco Truck Leaving Idaho

2010-03-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

One of my taco truck operatives (TTOs) discovered this truck as it was being shipped to Washington. It's a shame; it has a lot of character. Would that a truck like this would park semi-permanently in downtown Boise.

This taco truck is an International Harvester Metro Van. IH made these from 1938 - 1975. The body was built in Bridgeport Connecticut as was my friend Rick Pinchera. Since I am talking history it seems appropriate to bring up a war story; history is full of war stories. One of the first Metro Vans was sold to the Czechoslovakian Army and destroyed by the Nazis during WWII. The Nazis went on to destroy a bunch of other stuff after that.

If you are interested in a new Metro Van it was re-issued in 2000 by Navistar.

Taqueria Revisted

2010-03-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself hungry at 12:30 am, 1:00 am or even later this truck is open until 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. I discovered this when some friends flew in from Chicago and arrived hungry. I thought we were going to have to settle for an all night joint like Denny's. I do not know if Boise has a Denny's but now I know it has an excellent taco truck open late on weekends.
Last time I was there I ordered a quesadilla that was big and full of meat (there is something wrong with that phrase) and cheap (not getting better...). Let me regroup.
The woman in the truck asked if I like guacamole. I was speechless. I looked at her like a deer in the headlights. There can only be one answer to that question. Search your mind and you will find that answer. She gave me - for free - a lot of guacamole. If there was a little thumbs-up icon I would click it.

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La Reyna

2010-02-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

I got my film back. The Canonette works.

The hours are listed above. Unfortunately La Reyna closes at 6:00, also known as dinner time. I have been there twice during business hours when they were actually closed. That includes today.

In this picture of the tip jar I decided to include the black borders just like in the olden days (the 90s).

I ordered and subsequently ate a pastor taco and a carne asada taco. You will not be surprised to hear that I liked them. They were both delicious and they were only $1. The people in the truck were very friendly.
While I sat and ate my tacos, a middle-aged gentleman drove up. He approached the man in the window and said, "My father worked for this company for 40 years." That seemed doubtful to me. Then it occurred to me that maybe he was not talking abou the taco truck. Maybe there used to be a company in the vacant lot (well, no longer vacant) where the truck (mini bus) was parked. The man in the taco truck did not seem to know how to react to that information. The middle-aged gentleman left without buying anything. I doubt he went home to a better tasting meal.

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Bike/Walk

Film

2010-02-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

I've decided once again to take pictures of my taco truck visits with film. The film is being processed at Timeless Photo. I'll have pictures from 2 trucks soon, that is if my new thrift store camera

works. It is the same camera used in the Oscar winning film, Pecker. What? Sorry. My fact checker informs me that Pecker was an Oscar losing film.

Tacos La Reyna

2010-01-31T13:23:00.000-08:00

Another taco truck out West on State street. This one is, as you can see, a converted mini bus.

Like most taco trucks they serve $1 tacos made from scratch.

Also like most taco trucks they are closed Sundays. I will give more info when I get a chance to actually eat at Tacos La Reyna.

Colima

2009-12-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Or is this truck called Mora's Taco's? Whatever it is called it offers delicious food in just the right location - if you happen to be near the corner of Middleton Road and Caldwell Road in Nampa.

While at Mora's Colima Tacos, you can do some Christmas shopping. Movies, music, clothing and more.

An oft overlooked advantage to eating at taco trucks is that no one ever asks you to step outside to talk on your cell phone.

It seems unlikely, but if you can not pay the entire dollar for your taco at one time, this truck offers financing.

It does not offer financing. This truck is adjacent to a Honda dealership.

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Photographer

2009-12-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

at Jalapenos taco truck.

Taqueria

2009-10-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

This taqueria, which I believe is called Taqueria, is a rather large fifth wheel - a Holiday Rambler.

I ate two lengua tacos and an adobada. My colleague had a couple carne asada tacos. We agreed that the flavor was great but the asada tacos were a bit on the chewy side. The lengua and adobada were tender and perfect. Also, Taqueria serves on reusable plates.

People have recommended that I include menus whichI think is a great idea. If you have trouble reading this, click on it. I have also been asked to include hours. Unfortunately not all of them have regular hours. I can tell you that this one is open Saturday afternoons. In cases when hours are available I will post them.

Interested in buying a taco motor home? This advertisement was taped to the side of Taqueria.

Taqueria is butted up against Savvy's, a bar in Garden City on Chinden Street.

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Lil Red Cookhouse Visited

2009-10-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Lil Red Cookhouse is not exactly a taco truck, and not just because it's a trailer,

but also because of the above. A Mormon friend of mine, when I told her about this taco said, "Oh, Mormon Tacos."
The Jolly Rancher is a good touch but I unfortunately threw mine away. Also unfortunate was the sudden and unavoidable need to - um - go to the bathroom. It was so sudden in fact that I can't blame this perfectly passable flour tortilla, chicken and iceberg wrap.

If you are tired of looking for a place to smoke while you eat, the Lil Red Cookhouse could be just the spot. In fact, it looked like there were free cigarette samples - there are a couple of fresh, new Marlboros in that large, ceramic astray.

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Lil Red Cookhouse

2009-10-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

In the above photo there are two concessions. The white one is Muley's Mountain Coffee and the Red one is the Lil Red Cookhouse. The Lil Red Cookhouse advertises burritos, tacos, sodas and more. My associate and I had just eaten in Idaho City about ten minutes before stumbling upon these trailers and could not give the cookhouse a try. If you try the Lil Red Cookhouse, let me know what you think. I plan to eat there next time I drive out highway 21.
I am not sure how to make a map to the location. All I know is, if heading north on 21, it will be on the left about ten minutes before you reach Idaho City. No address or cross street.

It needs a grill

2009-10-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Taco Bike?

2009-10-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Inside

2009-10-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Inside a potential taco truck. I could cook in there.

This is not a review

2009-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

I happened to stumble upon the Chilango's truck while I had black and white film in my camera so I am posting this to show people what blogs looked like back before digital cameras.

This truck is often parked near the Capital in Boise around lunch time. This time it was parked on 6th street between Bannock and Jefferson.

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Just when I give up paper bags

2009-09-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Tiger Shorty comes into my life.

Thank You

2009-09-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Amy for linking Taco Truck on your blog.

Family Friendly

2009-09-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Some associates decided it was high time they took their baby to a taco truck. He is three weeks old after all. Naturally they called me to accompany them.

For baby's first taco truck we chose Jalapeno's on Federal Way next to TK's Bar (coldest beer in Boise). Jalapeno's was chosen for it's delicious food and convenient location.

And because I have been wanting to try the tamales at Jalapeno's for a while. They were good and the young man only charged $1.50 (instead of $2) because he said they were a bit smaller than usual. I like my tamales on the smallish side but I suspect these tamales might not have been as fresh as they could have been. The baby seemed content to stick to an all dairy (is mother's milk a dairy product?) diet for the time being. By the way, I had my tamale with an excellent lengua taco chaser.

By Bike
By Car

Impact Man

2009-09-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

I was just perusing No Impact Man, the blog about a family who attempted a year with zero environmental impact. A movie of the same name is due out momentarily. I know that eating beef is not great for the health the environment, to say nothing of the health of the cow. But carne asada is delicious. Cutting out beef is the first in No Impact Man’s list of guidelines for a low impact life. The second is not buying water, particularly imported water, which is a lot easier than cutting out carne asada. A few days ago I made Boeuf Bourguignon because Julia Child took the time to show me how on her PBS show, The French Chef. Julia makes everything seem ok, even ignoring the environmental impact of one’s eating habits. The Boeuf was pretty good by the way – I think the fact that it was cooked in almost an entire bottle of red wine helped. But I still felt awkward buying such a large hunk of meat. I don’t think I have every done that before. Yet, for some reason it is easy for me to suspend personal concerns about where my food comes from, what its effect on my body is, and it’s environmental impact when I patronize a taco truck. I am not about to stop eating at taco trucks. These are simply thoughts that occur to me and they fit perfectly with the rest of my hypocritical life. I drive more than I should. I almost always forget to bring bags with me to the grocery store. I eat beef.

Starting today, I am not going to accept bags at the grocery store.

Tacos Juanita

2009-09-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

This restaurant is right behind Harvey's peach stand on State highway 55 and Riverside Rd. in Caldwell. It's just two roads before you get to Chicken Dinner Road. Or two roads past Chicken Dinner road if you are coming from Marsing.

Juanita's tacos cost a bit more but at $1.59 that's still a bargain.

I ordered carne asada tacos. They were served with cabbage on fried tortillas. Delicious. This time of year you can go next door to Harvey's and get a juicy red globe peach for dessert. Or a cantaloupe, or a two pound bag of green beans. Or all of the above which is what I did.

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Basilio's

2009-08-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

On my way to the fair I stumbled upon this taco trailer advertising “Mexican Tacos.” I love Mexican tacos, so I ordered three al pastor tacos. They were good and they cost $1 each, my favorite price.

I went back a day later and ordered a shrimp tostada. The shrimp are medium sized and served cold with pico de gallo and avocado; a great choice for a hot day. The only problem with the tostada is the crispy corn tortilla that broke into pieces when I bit into it. Maybe this is not a problem with the tostada but a problem with the biter? Either way, this biter ended up with the tostada toppings on his shirt and lap. That did not stop him (once I switched from first person to third person I couldn’t switch back) from eating 90% of the shrimp tostada. He ended up eating it like chips and salsa, picking up the broken pieces and dipping them into the pico de gallo. The tostada cost $3.50, the price of a corn dog at the fair.

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Chez Bruno

2009-07-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is not a taco truck. As expected, taco trucks are very rare indeed in France. This truck serves wood fired pizza, the kind with the the cracker thin crust. You will find Chez Bruno parked in the city center of Sault, which is in Provence near Mont Ventoux. The Pizza my colleague and I tried was called the Provencial and it had fresh tomatoes and olives. Beware, the olives had pits and for the first time in my life I broke and olive pit with my teeth. I am glad it was not the other way around. The pizza was the best pizza from a truck that I've ever had. And there was an actual wood fired oven in the truck. Tre cool.

Travels

2009-06-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

I suppose there are two or three people out there hoping for word about another taco truck (or two or three) in or near Idaho. Unfortunately, I am out of Idaho and soon I'll be way out of Idaho in France, Europe. I have been warned that the tacos in France are rather sucky. I will let you know.

Guest Photographer

2009-05-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

Beautiful pinhole (Leica pinhole!) photographs of El Torito by T. Apel.

Lily's

2009-05-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

Finally hungry enough to eat at Lily's taco truck. I am not sure if the above spitted meat and pineapple is a special product for Cinco de Mayo or if this is something we can get on a regular basis from Lily's. It cost 25 cents more than the other taco choices for a grand total of $1.25. Perhaps the best taco in the treasure valley. They are served on a corn tortilla dredged in flavor (grease). They are also served with a pile of caramelized onions and peppers. These tacos are so good that I am going to have to unpack my adjectives to do them any justice. I usually only use adjectives like, "good," or "delicious," so this is not easy for me. I am a little self-conscious. Here goes: Lily’s al pastor tacos are extremely tender, succulent, mouthwatering, toothsome and expertly spiced. That wasn’t so bad.
According to one of my operatives, Lily's is usually parked at the Walmart in Nampa. I will report back with any further findings.

An Embarrassment of Riches

2009-05-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

And I just ate breakfast.
At first I thought there were five (Cinco) taco trucks parked in front of the Student Union at Boise State University, but one (uno) was a Hawaiian Shaved Ice and cotton candy trailor. Cinco made sense to me because today, May 3rd, is Cinco De Mayo here at Boise State University.
But what has me so excited are all the solar panels:

It is nice to know that truck dining is one of the "greener" options in Idaho.
Of the four taco trucks I have only NOT eaten at one of them, Lily's. Lily's is the one on the left that says "Mariscos" on the side. Unfortunately, I really had just eaten breakfast so I have yet to sample a taco from Lily's.

By the way, none of the solar panels are actually solar panels.

King Taco Express, Marsing

2009-04-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is the truck I recommend when visiting Marsing, Idaho. Freddy's tacos will do in a pinch but if both are open go to King. The great advantage King has over Freddys is variety. I tried lengua, pastor and asada (I think, it's been a few weeks). I do remember that they all tasted good.

If you're not hungry you might want to hike up one of the many canyons in the Owyhees, then go back to Marsing for Lunch.

Car
Bike

Freddy's, Marsing

2009-04-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

When a taco vendor greets me with the phrase, "chicken or beef," I become suspicious. Also, ground beef and tacos are two things that should only be together at Taco Bell or Taco Time or on my plate in the 1970s.
Freddy's does not have great variety, but on the bright side they

have a cute trailer and they provide seating for their customers

and parking

and a flag.

If you find yourself in Marsing I would recommend driving a few blocks west of Fredy's to see if the other truck* is open for business. If not, then go back and eat at Freddy's. My colleague and I both ate tortas. One of my favorite parts of a torta is the avocado part. Sadly our tortas were avocado free.

*To be mentioned in a future post.

By car
By bike

Los Portales, Nampa

2009-04-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

A colleague from Portland, Oregon snapped this photograph with his iPhone. Thank you. He is a vegetarian and enjoyed a bean, cheese and avocado taco. Moments before we had eaten tacos at Jalapeno taco truck on Federal Way in Boise. He thought both were delicious but preferred the taco at Portales because it contained whole pinto beans. I had a yummy lengua taco. The tacos at Portales are served with limes and radishes. After this we went to Tacos Aguillia in Nampa. I had another lengua taco. Also delicious. The colleague had a third bean taco. He still preferred the Portales taco because of the whole beans. Also, Portales was the only truck that put the requested avocado on his taco.

The truck is on Garrity on the right as you head toward downtown Nampa. I will post more precise directions later.

Benny's Taco Bus Weiser

2009-04-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

From the side I wasn't sure if this was a business, a sign, or a former business

but from the front it looks like an actual, viable taco concern. Unfortunately they aren't open at 7:30 in the morning and my associates and colleagues - well, two associates and one colleague - would not wait 4 1/2 hours for the bus to open. But that wont stop me from recommending it. Next time you are looking for Mexican food in Weiser try Benny's.
Let me know if it is good.

By Car
By Bike

Tacos Aguililla Revisited

2009-03-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a colleague and I had an obligation that took us to Nampa and that facilitated another visit to Tacos Aguililla. I've got nothing to add to my previous review except that the tacos are still delicious.

Here is our Nampa obligation being filled. The gentleman above was in need of transportation to Portland, and after a failed, halfhearted, effort in Boise to see if anyone was driving to Portland we settled on dropping him off at the train tracks. Three hours later my colleague and I received a text from our hobo friend with the news that he was safely riding in a grain car.

Tacos Mexicanos

2009-02-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

I failed to find a taco truck in Twin Falls but I did find a place called New York Burrito. Experience has taught me to avoid restaurants with names like "New York Burrito," or "Mexico City Bagel." Note: it is OK if the cities are switched.
I did discover a beautiful canyon.

I admit that I did not try too hard to find a taco truck because when I got out of my car it was freezing and I did not relish the idea of outdoor eating or even outdoor ordering.
So I left one Falls for the other Falls. While driving on the Yellowstone Highway in Idaho Falls, I stumbled upon Tacos Mexicanos.

The prices were pretty good - $1.50 for tacos and $2.85 for tortas. But the tacos were either an acquired taste or not very good. I admit I was a bit suspicious when the person who took my order seemed to be an American and not of Mexican descent. Would I offend if I said "Gringo?" Yes and not least because she was a "Gringa." I have my prejudices although I prefer to call them preferences.
Directions:
Car
Bike

La Chiquita

2009-01-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

I've been out of the Taco Truck stated area of coverage for many weeks. The above truck is in Arcata, California; a state that does not border Idaho. Some of you, I am sure, are happy that California does not border Idaho, indeed that it borders two of our neighbors is too close as it is. You will also be happy to read that the tacos at La Chiquita are twice as expensive ($2) as our local delicious fare. But if you prefer bigger tacos you might be less happy to read that the tacos are also twice as big as an average Idaho truck taco. I will not bother with directions to this truck. I'll just tell you that it is north of the Plaza off H street - easy to find if you are in Arcata.

Tacos El Rey #2

2008-12-18T20:57:00.001-08:00

An associate and I went to T.E.R. #2 last night and had adobada tortas that were delicious. It was about 20 degrees but we discovered T.E.R. #2 has an indoor eating area. We took our food home anyway, but it is nice to know that on these frigid nights eating at a truck is not out of the question.
I ordered a champurrado and realized that it is different than hot chocolate. Champurrado is a thick, chocolate drink made with masa farina (hominy flour), piloncillo, water or milk and occasionally containing anise seed and or vanilla bean (tasting somewhat like a thick chai tea). Atole drinks are whipped up using a wooden whisk called a molinillo (or, a blender). The whisk is held between the palms of the hands, then moved back and forth in the mixture until it is aerated and frothy. I remember getting a molinillo for Christmas one year - a year with a 1 and a 9 in it. There was probably an 8 and then one more number like a 3 or 4. All I was told is that it was for stirring chocolate. But I did not understand why chocolate needed to be stirred and if it did why it required such a specialized stirrer. Now it makes sense.

Piloncillo are small bricks of sugar cane.
Atole drinks are hot drinks with corn starch or masa farina.

This truck is in Garden City on 42nd and Chinden blvd a few blocks East of El Torito. It is open until 10 pm.

Car or bike

Tacos Aguililla

2008-12-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

Tacos Aguililla does not take credit cards and for that reason the Kewpie Dolls cry.

But the tacos are good and they are served with a roasted jalapeno. I love roasted jalapenos.

I tend to order a lengua taco at each truck I visit and I did so this time but none of them looked or tasted like lengua. Whatever the odd man out was, it was good.
This truck is parked at the corner of 1st and eleventh in Nampa.

Directions by bike
Directions by car

Hot or Not?

2008-12-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Tacos El Rey #6

Not too hot. We were asked if we liked them hot but alas, they were mild. Mild and delicious. I had a lengua, carne asada and adobada taco. The lengua and the adobada were great but the asada, like the El Rey truck on Chinden in Garden City, was made up of really small peices of meat, so small in fact that if it weren't for the tortilla chewing would be optional.

Update: I forgot to mention that this truck is in a Pennzoil oil change parking lot so next time you get your oil changed you might want to chose your changer based on its proximity to tacos.

Biking Direction
Driving Directions

El Torito

2008-12-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

in Garden City is serving hot chocolate.

I think this truck is called Primo Tacos

2008-12-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

Do you have any idea how many taco trucks there are in western Idaho? Me neither. But if I were to venture an guess I would say, roughly, a whole lot. And they are for the most part pretty similar, which is not a bad thing because they are all good (so far). There are some little things that distinguish one from another like price and free re-fills of horchata, but location is perhaps the number one consideration. So, as an advocate, I think the best I can do is tell you were they park. The truck in the above photo parks in the parking lot of a Vietnamese restaurant called, Vietnamese Restaurant at the corner of Franklin and Curtis. The truck faces Curtis. The tacos are $1.
Note: aesthetically, I have decided to link to maps instead of posting the maps.
Directions by car.
Directions by bike.

Updated, April 2010. Primo's updated menu.

Chilangos

2008-11-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

Chilangos truck parked in the restaurant lot

I have eaten from a Chilangos truck, honest. It was parked in front of the rec center at Boise State. But ever since that time I've been trying in vain to hunt one down to photograph. Today one of my Taco Truck operatives (TTOs) called to clue me in on the location of a Chilangos truck but it was gone by the time I arrive. Not to be defeated, I, along with an associate drove to the Chilangos restaurant. One of the best things I can say about it is that it stays put. I had a pork torta. It was good but not quite as good as tortas I've eaten from Idaho trucks. I have had their tacos and they are pretty good. Let's just say that I would eat at Chilangos often if I lived in the neighborhood or if I did not want to eat outside. Otherwise I would chose one of the many trucks in Southwestern Idaho.
The tomales look good.
Bonus: while eating at Chilangos you will be treated to random animal noises, like an elephant trumpeting.

Car map:

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Bike Map:

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Once Again

2008-11-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

I tried again the next day (see previous post) and still not truck. But on the bright side, I heard from a reliable source that the truck was indeed on the Boise State Campus. It had moved to a different part of University Avenue. When I find it, I will report.

Missing

2008-10-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

As you can see in the above photo, there is a conspicuously absent taco truck. I'm worried. This truck was conveniently located for those of you who live or work near Boise State University. I have eaten there once and it was good and tacos were $1. I had planned on photographing the truck and ordering some tacos today so I could write about it but to my dismay it wasn't there. Adding to my dismay was my unfortunate choice to get sushi from the Student Union. The sushi was fine but at $8.00 it was a poor substitute for one dollar tacos.
I will let you know if the truck reappears.

Directions by car or bike:

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"Carne asada is not a crime."

2008-10-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

It would make lunch difficult if your taco truck had to move every hour.

This story was brought to my attention by a loyal reader from Chicago. Thanks.

Taco Velos

2008-09-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

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.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/id/-boise/107265996522"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;TOcos Velos&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/id/-boise"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Boise, Idaho&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

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

2008-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

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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