It's been more than a year since we went searching for a great taco al pastor in Mexico City, spending a couple of hours sampling these scrumptious taquitos at three restaurants. We decided that the best one was served at El Cailfa (photos top and bottom) and returned two more times.
Here in New Jersey, we haven't been able to find the taco, which is made with marinated pork roasted on a vertical spit, in the Lebanese style (photo left); fresh pineapple, and chopped onion and cilantro.Oh, sure, we've ordered tacos al pastor listed on menus. One place in Jersey City used canned pineapple -- much too sweet. Another, in Passaic, didn't have any pineapple. So the search continues.
I just returned to Bergen Co. from vacation in Mexico City and have full-blown fever for Tacos al Pastor! Downloading recipes, mulling over reviews, researching ingredients...you know the drill. So I come upon your post, from 2 years ago, and want to know: Have you found anything yet? Have you made them? Any advice? Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Betty.
ReplyDeleteYour fever is understandable, the cure more elusive.
I haven't been able to find a place in North Jersey or the city that serves the al pastor taco they way they do in Mexico City. And about a year ago, I stopped looking because I no longer eat meat.
But you might be in luck at Rosa Mexicano in the former Riverside Square, where the taco meals are made from scratch and come with terrific salsas.
I've had the fish taco, and it comes with rice and beans and other garnishes, and I've seen a steak taco on the lunch menu.
All you need to find out is if they have any marinated pork and fresh pineapple. You might have to bring your own pineapple.
Of course, even an entree of marinated pork would do, since Rosa Mexicano makes terrific tortillas in the dining room, and you can make your own tacos al pastor with their salas.
The restaurant also is a feast for the eyes. I've written about meals and cooking demos at Rosa Mexicano, so search my blog for a phone number and so forth.