Get genuine tacos from the kitchen of Chorizo Mexican Eatery in Norfolk – The Virginian-Pilot
I’d see them on tv from time-to-time, some unique dish that was removed from my meat-and-three wheelhouse.
Then, in 1978, life modified. Taco Bell got here to Atlanta. Abruptly there have been tacos, and burritos, and the much-coveted enchiritos. I used to be 12 years previous, and considered myself as fairly cosmopolitan. I used to be celebrating Taco Tuesday, lengthy earlier than Taco Tuesday was cool.
Since then I’ve had Cali-Mex, Tex-Mex, and West-Mex. I’ve had the true stuff too, proper from the center of Mexico Metropolis throughout midnight taco runs with my buddy Paco.
All the time on the hunt for genuine, wherever genuine could be discovered, there have been whispers from fellow foodies: “Have you ever been to Chorizo but?” I can now reply, “Si.”
Chorizo Mexican Eatery, situated throughout from the Outdated Dominion College campus simply off bustling Hampton Boulevard, is sort of far from Mexico, however not in style.
The quaint restaurant, open and ethereal from plenty of massive home windows and an uncrowded eating space, has simply the correct quantity of Outdated World aptitude by shade and decor. The meals and the hospitality are fabuloso.
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The Eat: Tacos, $4.50 every
The menu at Chorizo options numerous choices, together with tacos, tortes, and quesadilla, every served up with a alternative of 10 “proteinas” or proteins. There may be additionally an enchilada entree.
Any Mexican restaurant is of any worth if it will probably’t produce an ideal taco, maybe essentially the most recognizable of all Mexican dishes. Chorizo exceeds.
Scrumptious, hearty handmade corn tortillas are the bottom, with the proteins filling the 4-1/2 inches. Get yours “con todo,” that means “with every part,” on this case with chopped cilantro and onions, such as you’d discover at any taqueria in Mexico.
For my proteins, I picked chorizo, a extremely seasoned and flavored Mexican sausage that’s braised in beer, hongos, or mushrooms, and barbacoa, slow-cooked beef cheek.
Every taco was completely scrumptious. The standard of the tortilla stood out, and stood as much as the beneficiant quantity of substances added.
I like chorizo sausage, and the providing right here has a little bit of coarseness and plenty of nice spice, with out being overpowering. The barbacoa was additionally great; wealthy and flavorful and oh-so-tender.
The mushrooms had been an actual standout. I’ve not had mushroom tacos earlier than, and right here the marinated mushrooms had been so meaty and so stuffed with umami, it was exhausting to consider it as a vegetarian dish.
We began the meal with an order of Avocado Salsa, $13. Neglect what you consider salsa, or guacamole for that matter. Huge chunks of contemporary avocado predominate this bowl, topped with beautiful additions like pickled onion, and tossed in a tart lime French dressing. Chips for dipping come alongside.
There are 5 shareables and plenty of sides, that are nice for the desk to get pleasure from collectively, or to piece collectively a meal of smaller bites.
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The Drink: Margarita, $13
Simply as nice tacos are an indicator of a superb Mexican restaurant, a wonderful margarita can be a tell-tale signal of high quality.
The signature margarita at Chorizo is available in 12, 16, and 22 ounces, and is amazingly contemporary and refreshing. High quality tequila mixes with natural agave nectar, freshly squeezed lime juice, and freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s crisp and scrumptious.
Chorizo presents different cocktails too, together with a Michelada, one other favourite of mine, in addition to agua frescas, or contemporary waters, pleasant non-alcoholic drinks. Comfortable drinks, beer and wine are additionally obtainable.
Chorizo Mexican Eatery is at 4820 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk. Name 757-390-2526 or go to www.fb.com/ChorizoMex.
Patrick Evans-Hylton, PatrickEvansHylton@gmail.com
