I haven’t spoken to too many people who don’t love tacos. And there are so many choices now that you can’t go too many blocks without finding a spot to indulge. There are food trucks, fast-casual spots and even full-service places that are dispensing them all of the time.
Two great choices include China Poblano at the Cosmopolitan on the Strip and El General Taco that recently opened in Henderson. Poblano offers two menus (Chinese and Mexican) put together by renowned Chef Joseph Andres.
I was first introduced to their treasures as a part of a Finger Lickin’ Foodie Tours. I recently re-visited the spot for lunch and there are eight different tacos to sample.
The tortillas are hand made on site from corn harvested from Oaxaca, Mexico. I really enjoyed the Pollo a la Parrilla, a collection of grilled chicken, guacamole, charred green onions and chile pequin.
Another gem is the Carnitas offering with braised pork, onions, cilantro, chicharron and salsa verde. A couple of meatless options are available like the Frijoles with refried black beans, crema, onions, cilantro and chipotle salsa. Another vegan choice is the Hongos with sauteed mushrooms, roasted poblano, guac and fried epazote, an herb that is used in many south-of-the border food items.
All of the tacos are a la carte, but you can accompany them with fried rice, wok-roasted green beans or Chinese green beans.
If you want to take a cruise through their entire fare opt for the Tasting Menu that includes Taco de Carnitas, vegetable fried rice and just about everything else.
Sweet treats are innovative like Uno, Dos, Tres Leches with a collection of ingredients like dark rum soaked cake, condensed milk espuma, banana, strawberry and raspberry dust.
El General Taco features a large menu of Mexican dishes ranging from signature tacos to burritos and quesadillas. Again, there are eight tacos to choose from. Very popular El Pastor choices are here along with Birria that is also becoming a must pick for many. Shrimp and fish editions are part of the fun along with chorizo and chicken.
The burritos are huge with a full array of ingredients that you can pick and choose. Each one is made-to-order, and they are a meal in themselves along with the quesadillas. In addition to the tacos and such are extras like beans, chips and salsa plus rice if you really want to make it meal.
A couple of desserts will satisfy your craving for sweets. There are churros and paletas, popsicles that are great any time of the day.
I was surprised to see a large selection of drinks like aguas frescas, jamica and horchata. There is also a large list of bottle drinks like ginger ale, powerade, pink lemonade and a couple of juices.
Since so many people love to wash their tacos down with a beer they are available too. Modelo, Corona, XX and Miller Light can all be purchased.
China Poblano and El General, two great places for tacos and more.
China Poblano, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 698-7900. El General Tacos, 55 N. Stephanie St. #120, Henderson. (702) 430-9381.
www.chinapoblano.com
www.elgeneraltaco.com.