I think everyone has a distinct memory of that “ah-ha” moment when you realized that the deli meat called “tongue” is in fact, exactly that. It’s a little odd that so many of us live so disconnected from the source of our food, but, like Julia, I am pretty happy to have discovered the delicious lengua at Toro – and unlike her, I’m pretty happy to keep my distance from raw, whole and/or living beef tongues.
I recently discovered that nearby Anna’s Taqueria sometimes has lengua, (you can tell by the paper sign taped to the counter that says, “we have lengua”) which I have enjoyed in taco format with corn tortillas, onions and cilantro. It’s cubed and cooked to a tender state, altogether different from what you find at Toro (or Rubin’s for that matter) but delicious all the same.
Gotta love the glow in the dark Mexican lime soda, too. And while I’m on a taco tangent, I should mention that Boca Grande has got a wonderful version of Tacos Al Pastor, marinated pork with a non-guacamole avocado sauce served in three tiny corn tortillas. Ironically, there’s no sign of tongue at Boca Grande, but Anna’s also offers Al Pastor. Further comparative research is required.
And if you happen to be at Boca Grande with a design geek, you should be sure to cross the street (look both ways!) and visit Abodeon for some mid-century modern goodness. Too bad their website isn’t.
Taqueria La Mexicana in Somerville also has lengua. It’s not mentioned anywhere on the menu, but you can ask for it as a filling for the enchiladas or tacos. http://www.lataqueria.us
I am also jonesing for some good, deep-fried fish tacos, like I used to eat in Arizona. The one place that used to have them, Cafe D in Jamaica Plain, closed. And the last time I was at Legal Test Kitchen, the other place I know with fish tacos, they weren’t on the menu. Any suggestions?
I was in a restaurant in paris once that served “coeur de boeuf” (heart of beef) which I assumed was just a poetic way of describing steak. It wasn’t…
Abigail — the Savant Project has some great fish tacos. http://www.thesavantproject.com or you can get the recipe here: http://www.growcookeat.com/2008/12/savant-project-special-promotion.html if you want to make them at home.
Boca Grande in Porter Square has awesome tamales. Not some little soggy snack, but a whole meal in a corn husk. Also, they sometimes have great posole soup there as well. I’ve only seen these two items at that one location.
I’ve had very good fish tacos with fried fish at of all places Pico in the South End, otherwise known as a brick oven pizza restaurant. Also liked El Pelon but alas Humpty Dumpty hasn’t been put back together yet.