If two years running constitutes tradition, it has become customary that on New Year's Day, while braving the chaos and beautiful tumult of the Mummer's Parade, my crew and I make a pit stop at Taqueria Veracruzana on Washington Avenue.
With minor hesitation, it is my favorite Mexican food in Philadelphia. I hesitate because my absolute favorite (tamales) comes from a van that parks outside of my work every Saturday morning, but that's a whole other story. When I go after good Mexican, all I want is for it to be simple. Limes, raw onions, cilantro and tacos al pastor are all I need in life on a day when I just can't take any more Thai or Vietnamese (staple foods).
Beautiful things about Veracruzana: the SALSAS! Absolutely wonderful, and so bright. They serve homemade tortilla chips with salsa verde and roja, which for me is reason enough to come here. So often salsas aren't seasoned enough, aren't hot enough or are just too thick - these are thinner, spicy and perfect.
Tacos al pastor - well that's just easy. Pork and pineapple with drippy greasy wonderful. The mole isn't bad, and the burritos are a sure bet.
Bonus points for it being cheap as hell and a BYO - right next to the super classy, but to date has never let me down, "40 Sto'" for all of your Tecate needs.
Basically, if you're looking to fill the down and dirty needs that only a plateful of queso and greasy pork can supply, don't go to one of the American "Mexican" places - you know which I'm talking about...Veracruzana is all you need. (Go on the weekends and ask for tamales!!)
Cheers.
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