One of the many Mexican delights that I have been looking forward to tasting is "Tacos al Pastor". To curb my craving for these delicious tacos, my friend Hugo and I decided to have lunch at a taqueria called "Pare y Come" (stop and eat). This is just what we did. It is a taqueria that has been in Hugo's neighborhood for over 30 years. Hugo eats here at least once a week. It's one of his favorites.

As I entered, I was engulfed by the aroma of los chiles guajillos roasting on the comal (grill). They give the tacos their authentic flavor. Juan is one of the chefs at this taqueria. He has been working there for 6 years. The menu there is simple... tacos, tacos and more tacos. I had a difficult time deciding what to order because there were so many different varieties. Juan said most popular is the "taco al pastor". It is also the least expensive (at .20 per taco, you can't beat it!) This particular taco is made of a small corn tortilla topped with roasted pork, pineapple slice, onions, cilantro, and chile. Que sabroso! Juan explained to me that the meat is roasted for several hours with a variety of herbs and spices in order to have the delicious flavor. The tacos are small, about the diameter of a donut. With that in mind and my stomach growling I decided to order eight. I couldn't resist the temptation of trying other tacos on the menu so I ordered an "alambre" (the wire). This is a larger taco made with a corn tortilla, charbroiled beef, poblano chiles, onions and cheese. They also have a variety of salsas, both spicy and mild, made with different kinds of chiles that you can add to your taco. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven when I spotted a jumbo-sized bowl of guacamole to make my taco complete!

For you onion lovers, there's a dish called "cebollitas". These are green onions that are charbroiled on an open flame. Perhaps it may not sound very appetizing but with a squeeze of lemon and salt, it makes a delicious snack. To quench my thirst I had a glass of "Jamaica" which is one of the most popular of the "aguas naturales" (natural water). This refreshing drink is made with hibiscus flowers and sugar to give it a sweet taste. Hugo ordered horchata. This popular drink is made of rice, cinnamon and sugar.

The friendly chefs and the delicious food made eating at Pare y Come a great experience, much more interesting than time I've eaten at Taco Bell! After stuffing my face with a total of 10 tacos, I was ready for a siesta.

Adios Taco Bell! Hola taquerias!

Jamila