Daily Loaf

Zurritos is the brainchild of Beard Award nominee chef Zack Gross, who turned the spot into a quick burrito and taco joint after moving his Z Grille down the street and around the corner. Agave is a St. Pete Beach Mexican restaurant that’s more authentic than most, with regulars and tourists lining up outside the door even on weeknights for the food and killer tequila selection.

Check them out for yourself and vote now. Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Zurritos or Agave? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full, UPDATED Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

The first weekend of CL’s Tournament of Tacos competition saw the full range of taco artisans at play, from modernized Mex restaurants to corner bodegas, from Latin-fusion to combo-plate factories.

Here were the matchups:
Casa Tina vs. Mexico Lindo
Mekenita Mexican Grill vs. Vallarta’s
Red Mesa Cantina vs. Zapata’s
Chihuahua vs. Estela’s

Did this weekend finally result in the upset of high-seeded taco? Who advances to the Savory Sixteen? Which tacos took the popular vote?

Find out after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

These two small, strip mall Mexican joints dish out tacos in traditional way, but one does it with a little more power and flavor than the other. Check them out for yourself and vote now. Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Sabor Latino and Maya’s? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

You may not know these places, but the glory they find today will enshrine them in the hallowed halls of taco-construction. At least for a week. El Toro Negro is a drab corner spot with classic pastor and barbacoa. Los Mariachis is an Americanized dining hall with seasoned ground beef. Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: El Toro Negro or Los Mariachis? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

The third day of CL’s Tournament of Tacos featured only one actual Mexican joint — Miguel’s — and three other places with their own take on the possibilities presented by the taco.

Second seeded Mema’s Alaskan Tacos faced Miguel’s in Tampa South and Peg’s Cantina battled Burrito Boarder in Pinellas South.

Who advances to the Savory Sixteen? Which tacos took the popular vote?

Find out after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

In what may be the most unexciting battle in the entire Tournament of Tacos, today we have two moderate, Americanized Mexican joints duking it out over who has the best of the bland. Can you tell Ihow I feel about this one? Check them out for yourself and vote now. Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Chihuahua or Estela’s? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Red Mesa Cantina is a downtown offshoot of St. Pete’s ever-popular Red Mesa (which has already moved to the the Savory Sixteen). Zapata is another downtown spot that wants late-night traffic to its tequila bar. Can Red Mesa Cantina’s pan-latin fusion tacos get the job done? Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Red Mesa Cantina or Zapata’s? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Mekenita was opened way up in north Tampa by the former chef partner of our local Roy’s. Vallarta’s is a local mini-chain dishing up Mexi-food to families for years. Will the modern upstart beat out the old guard? Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Mekenita Mexican Grill or Vallarta’s? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Casa Tina is a revered Dunedin dining spot known for tasty Mexican with modern flair. Mexico Lindo is a bodega with more square feet devoted to phone cards than taco menu options. Can a downtown Dunedin restaurant beat out a place with a butcher shop on the premises? Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Casa Tina or Mexico Lindo? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

The second day of CL’s Tournament of Tacos featured the undisputed popular favorite — El Taconazo, the Taco Bus — up against a newcomer hawking San Diego-style fare off the beaten path. Day 2 also gave me some of the best tacos I’ve tasted so far — and they weren’t from Taconazo.

First seeded El Taconazo vs. California Tacos To Go in Tampa North and La Cabana del Tio vs. Carambas Restaurante in Pinellas North.

Who advances to the Savory Sixteen? Which taco took the popular vote?

Find out after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Mema’s used to be a hidden gem off of Ybor’s main drags, but the success of their fried, “Alaskan” tacos allowed them to move into a bigger space in the thick of things. Miguel’s is a typical, south Tampa Mexican joint that specializes in seafood. Can Mexican via Alaska beat out an old standby? Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Mema’s or Miguel’s? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Peg’s Cantina serves Midwestern pizzas and surprising Southwestern fare in the midst of Gulfport’s quaint main drag. Burrito Boarder is a prototype chain in downtown St. Pete that dishes out assembly-line quick-Mex. Can the surf and skate chain beat the bungalowed independent? Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for past and future matchups, daily results, contact info for contenders and updated brackets.

So who wins: Peg’s Cantina or Burrito Boarder? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

The first day of Tournament of Tacos competition saw some fierce competition, although the outcomes for both the readers’ polls and my critic’s picks could perhaps have been predicted. First seeded Red Mesa faced dark horse El Tenampa in Pinellas South, while first seed Acapulco Grocery faced unknown Florence La Mexicana in Tampa South.

Who advances to the Savory Sixteen? Which taco took the popular vote?

Find out after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

El Taconazo is the end all, be all of Tampa’s taco world, the undisputed popular favorite in this tournament. California Tacos To Go is a dark horse that recently received a warm — if not glowing — write-up over at Laura Reiley’s blog. Can the little Baja taco stand upset the Taco Bus? Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for both future matchups and daily results, until the tournament ends April 1. And you’ll find contact and location info here for all of the competitors.

So who wins: El Taconazo or California Tacos To Go? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

La Cabana del Tio is a locals’ favorite with classic versions of the glorious taco. Carambas has items like jalapeno poppers and “Mexican” rice. But appearances may be deceiving at both of these north Pinellas spots. So which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for both future matchups and daily results, until the tournament ends April 1. And you’ll find contact and location info here for all of the competitors.

So who wins: La Cabana del Tio or Carambas Restaurante? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup: El Taconazo vs. California Tacos To Go!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Red Mesa is the one spot in the Bay area that serves Mexican cuisine with a little upscale style, while Tenampa is a classic combo-plate joint. But don’t judge a book by its cover — the best tacos in town can come from most low-down spot and fussy food doesn’t always equal success. So which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll track the results in our readers’ poll. Who knows, maybe you guys have the refined taste and exceptional skill to match my critic’s picks. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for both future matchups and daily results, until the tournament ends April 1.

So who wins: Red Mesa or El Tenampa Mexican? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Acapulco serves tacos from the back of a bodega crammed with Mexican ingredients and phone cards. Florence la Mexicana is an aged lunch counter near the docks. Neither has any atmosphere to speak of, so it’s down to the nitty gritty: Which taco deserves to move up to the Savory Sixteen?

I’ll reveal my pick tomorrow, but you still have a say. Vote below for your favorite in this taco-a-taco showdown and we’ll create a separate bracket just for readers’ picks. Who knows, maybe you guys have the refined taste and exceptional skill to match my critic’s picks. And if you haven’t tasted these two worthy competitors, this is a perfect excuse for an extended, taco-tasting lunch.

Check out all of CL’s Tournament of Tacos coverage here for both future matchups and daily results, until the tournament ends April 4.

So who wins: Acapulco or Florence la Mexicana? (And don’t forget to vote in today’s other matchup!)

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Check out the full Tournament of Tacos bracket after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Acapulco Grocery
1001 N MacDill Ave., Tampa
813-873-3665

Agave
6400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
727-367-3448

Algusto
912 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
813-250-3500

Burrito Boarder
17 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg
727-209-0202

California Tacos to Go
1450 Skipper Rd., Tampa
813-971-TACO

The rest are after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Two years ago, CL challenged 64 pizzerias to enter tournament-style culinary combat, slice versus slice, the deserving winner crowned best pie in the Bay area. Last year, burgers took center-stage in our quest for gustatory greatness, one patty reigning supreme. This year, the tradition continues.

It’s Taco Time, baby!

Like pizza and burgers, the fundamentals are simple: tortilla stuffed with meat, vegetables and sauce. But, as with CL’s tournaments of years past, taco success is more elusive than that basic combination would indicate. One misstep and the entire thing can literally fall apart in your hands.

Tacos also defy easy definitions. How do you compare the fried fish tacos of Baja California with the chopped, stewed tripe of Central Mexico? Or pork pastor slathered in adobo versus simple ground beef seasoned with chili and vinegar? Not to mention the litany of meats that rarely cross American palates, like cabeza (head), lengua (tongue), buche (esophagus) and sesos (brains). Can finely chopped tongue stack up against simple carne asada? Read the rest of this entry »

CL’s Tournament of Tacos kicks off tomorrow with daily, taco-a-taco matchups between the competitors. First up, we’ll cut the thirty-two finalists down to a Savory Sixteen with two matches every day for a week. And this year, instead of just my stellar palate picking the winners, you get a chance to be heard.

How can you help determine the best taco in the Bay area, and get an opportunity to win valuable prizes? It’s simple: Read the rest of this entry »

Ignore the video and just listen — there are a variety of versions of this on YouTube, but this one has the best audio. Attributed to the Rick Bayless choir, to the tune of Pachelbel’s classic Canon in D major, I give you Taco Bell Canon, the official them song for CL’s Tournament of Tacos, after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Two years ago, CL challenged 64 pizza places to enter tournament-style culinary combat, slice versus slice, the deserving winner crowned best pie in the Bay area. Last year, burgers took center-stage in our quest for gustatory greatness, one patty reigning supreme. This year, the tradition continues. It’s Taco Time, baby!

Such a basic recipe: one tortilla, stuffed with meat, vegetables and sauce. But, as with CL’s pizza and burger tournaments of years past, taco success is more elusive than that simple combination would indicate. And finding the savants of this art is no easy task, since the best of these hand-held treats often come from the back corners of anonymous bodegas, or off the backs of semi-mobile trailers, uncharted territory far from the comfort of Google searches. Read the rest of this entry »