Despite its legendary status as a benchmark in fine interior Mexican cuisine, Austin American Stateman food critic Mike Sutter was clearly NOT impressed with his recent visit.  He is certainly was aware of over 3 decades of untarnished praise bestowed upon FSM by food writers, much of it from the Stateman itself…but just maybe things have slipped with the newest head chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas.

We weren’t prepared for the room-temperature preparation of the relleno (neither the menu nor the waiter mentioned it). I was disappointed by the chopped tuna filling, which reminded me of canned fish. Even with olives and capers, two Anaheim peppers and a side of heirloom beans, the dish was a washout of soft textures and even softer flavors.

Sutter goes onto to DISS the award winning interior design art collection as “tacky and carnivalesque” and their famous Sunday brunch as “like eating in a storage room”…And don’t get him started on the Angels on Horseback, “a trainwreck of stiff textures and a sour-sea aroma…”

Of course, its not ALL BAD – he does say like 2 nice things, but i think its just to be diplomatic…read for yourself

OK – I will admit that my last visit for Sunday Brunch was not quite as amazing as previous euphoric experiences…and with great new spots like Garrido’s and La Condesa popping up to challenge the throne of Interior Mex – I’d say Fonda better keep their game tight – but that’s as far as i would go – Fonda is still the king to me…until further notice.

cabeza

originally posted on November 4, 2008
Most Austinites are familiar with the al pastor taco- tender marinated pork flanks stacked on a “trompo” with pineapple and slow cooked rotisserie style. Well, Did you know its origins are actually Lebanese?  That’s right – Lebanese immigrants in Puebla, Mexico introduced their neighbors to the Shawarma and the rest is history. more info>

Mexican taco franchise Chihua received world-wide attention when it broke a record for the Guinness Book of World Records by cooking the largest trompo in the world. The hunk of meat weighed 3.9 metric tons and served more than 24,000 people.

Here’s some of TacoTown’s favorite Al Pastor tacos in Austin:

• Fonda San Miguel - the gold standard
• Maria’s Taco Xpress – always solid
• Curra’s – amazing, if non-traditional
• Chango’s – a contender for best of austin

Cabeza was leaving town for a while so we decided to treat ourselves to what has been touted as the nicest mexican restaurant in Austin, Fonda San Miguel…. we made reservations an everything, “party of 5 hummmkhay!” (in my rich prick voice). We even arrived early so that we wouldnt arrive late and lose our table (the hostess had warned me over the phone that this could happen).. it was a good move, cuz we got to check out the digs, have a seat at the bar and order one of the best mojitos I have ever laid my lips upon.. for 8 or 9 bucks i guess it oughta be..it was with this that i turned to the grumpy little miser taunting me from my shoulder and gave hime a swift flick in the nuts.. I had eaten enough $3.25 crispy taco dinners at tamale house to earn myself this one, I was determined to do this meal right..drinks, appetizers, dessert, the whole nine.. Read the rest of this entry »