Taqueria El Torito

Nestled in one of the larger grocers (El Torito) on Cherokee Street is a large and open collection of tables known as Taqueria El Torito. Do not let appearances deceive, Taqueria El Torito is fabulous. We were greeted by a fairly extensive menu including some weekend specialties, menudo, barbacoa, etc. Perhaps the one word of caution is that El Torito makes liberal use of peppers, particularly jalapeno. While I do not find this a source of trouble, Ambrose threw a fit of the sort that only a six year old can when he first mistook the salsa verde (which is quite creamy, and very tasty) for the guacamole we had ordered. Though he overreacted, the salsa was hot. Very hot. Fantastic, but hot. The guacamole arrived and it also contained notable chunks of jalapeno. Ambrose was heart broken. He managed to navigate the peppers and eat it anyway, but he was not pleased. The rest of us were quite pleased with the preliminaries. I should also point out the extensive selection of Jarritos and Coca-Cola with real sugar. A rarity and a nice treat. Now on to the main event.....

I opted for a milanesa plate, something I have not seen on a menu in a very long time. Even right on the border this is somewhat uncommon. That said, it did not, in any way, disappoint. Served, as is conventional, with a salad (read lettuce and tomato) including crema and a bit of queso fresco and a healthy portion of fabulous rice and beans, the milanesa was hammered thin, lightly breaded, cooked to perfection (perhaps a bit past), and was absolutely delicious. My wife ails to remember what she had, but knows she was impressed. All in all, Taqueria El Torito would survive in any market in Texas. To put it succinctly, between Taqueria El Torito and La Tropicana, Saint Louis has become a much easier place to live. If only there was a real tortilleria that made flour tortillas.....