Last spring, I learned about the excellent chicken fingers inside the Independence Hall tourist stop known as The Bourse. Another food stand that stood out next to the Sbarro and pizza, was one serving Mexican food. At first, I didn’t think it could possibly have decent food there, but upon learning The Bourse also houses the Mexican consulate, I was less of a skeptic.
Two weeks ago, Dream Mexican Grill opened on Walnut Street where the San Samosa Indian buffet had reigned for at least as long as I’ve been in Philly. Not much has been done with the interior so far and the outdoor seating won’t be useful for many months. Dream is open daily for lunch and dinner with a Mexican and Caribbean menu. For lunch, you can order a la carte or choose 3 (an entree plus two out of the soup, salad, dessert choices) for $9.99
This month, a Mexican restaurant called Quetzally took over the tiny space formerly occupied by the Asian fusion restaurant, Stix Asian Eatery. No more Korean style chicken wings. Instead, salsa and melty cheese. Apparently, Quetzali means beautiful in Nahuatl, and while the space isn’t exactly beautiful (currently photos of Mexican food cover up a giant poster of a Korean fried chicken wing), it is homey and comfortable.
This weekend was the 4th Annual Meatball Matchup at the American Swedish Histpril Museum. I judged the amaetuer competitors along with Hawk Krall and was reminded of a review he wrote a while back about the sandwiches made at the tiny El Soto Deli & Grocery.
El Soto was even smaller than I imagined, just a few shelved stocked with things like jalepeno chips, tropical jello flavors, and mole starter kits plus a counter to pay at one end and a counter to order from their selections of sandwiches at the other end.
While they don’t make their own stuff here- the deli meat is mostly Dietz & Watson, they do have great options for sandwich accompaniments and were flexible enough to let me create me own.
Posted at 2:57 pm, October 7th, 2013 under Mexican, pork, sandwiches.
El Gallo Pinto and its Nicaraguan delicacies had been on my mind. It was over 2 years ago that I visited the spot on 7th and Federal and learned the scoop, a Mexican grocery store with Mexican and Nicaraguan food served out the back. It seems that soon after my visit, ownership changed and instead of Nicaraguan and Mexican food, they now do Honduran and Mexican food and call themselves Tamalex. The signage outside still reflects the old name. As Honduras and Nicaragua are neighbors, and the layout looked unchanged, I was optimistic I would still enjoy the impending meal.
Posted at 2:01 pm, September 12th, 2013 under Mexican, sandwiches, South Philly.
In May, the juice and healthy snack spot, Animo opened at 17th and Arch, making a lot of city workers happy. The menu consists of soups, salads, burrito variations, juices, smoothies, and frozen banana creations. They have a lot of claims about their products: healthy, made to order, organic, and hormone free to “nourish the mind and body”. Naturally, I was skeptical. But I am happy to report Animo did not sacrifice flavor in the name of nourishment.
Posted at 10:55 am, August 28th, 2013 under cafe, Center City, Mexican, vegetarian.
Luncher John keeps on trucking, this time at Mucho Bueno.
One of the new trucks making the rounds at LOVE Park and City Hall Courtyard this summer is Mucho Bueno. Ever since Honest Tom’s set up a permanent brick and mortar shop, Center City has been devoid of mobile taco trucks. Mucho Bueno helps fill that niche quite nice with its creative Mexican fare.
Posted at 11:37 am, August 14th, 2013 under food truck, Mexican.
