Garland Grabbers

Greetings, fellow taco connoisseurs. The Holiday Season nears, and DFWT wishes to express its thankfulness to all you who've been so encouraging and helpful. Specifically, a heartfelt shout-out to Nick and Evita who've kindly pointed us beefward despite reasonable convictions that might've led them to otherwise object. I'd also like to thank my parents for lovingly helping to keep my taco tank filled during these difficult recessive times. Likewise, we wish to thank the many hardworking taqueria employees who've tirelessly tolerated our picture-taking, question-asking, and oddball repeat visits necessary to dissect their offerings. Taco Round One feels a success, and we couldn't have made it this far without you.

Now onto taco talk. This week, we hone in on a pair of Go-Go-Taco kitchens that make their homes along the busy Broadway-to-1st Street strip in Garland. Anyone who knows this route is well aware of the plenitude of taco outlets that line the street. While there are numerous sit-down restaurantes along the route, specializing in everything from Yucatan-styled seafood to slow-simmered Oaxacan delicacies, the "gas station scene" here thrives like hives. Many of the taquerias here offer irregular fare, featuring daily especialidades rather than a standard menu. Chahhhhming, dear. Among these, I haven't found a bad taco yet, but here are some standouts.

Resist thee not.

First, a taqueria of UNKNOWN NAME (wicked), that's located at the intersection of Broadway and Centerville in a fueling depot appropriately labeled Taqueria Beer & Wine. Maybe some things are too good to burden with a name proper. If so, this joint qualifies. TB&W, as we'll call it, offers a select menu of tacos, a rather large burrito, a chicken salad purported to be the best in Garland, and even hamburgers. The burgers appear immensely popular, but Old Bull and I each tried them and agreed they leave desires. The tacos, however, are stellar and addictive. They're also a bitchin' bargain at only $1.29 each.  Featured daily, you'll find Americano-style beef and chicken, as well as "hardcore" varieties like chicharrón (made from pork rind), lengua (beef tongue), and corazon (that's heart, baby). The pork carnitas (fried meat) are among the best I've tried, and the barbacoa (in the city, meat wrapped in papel de mixiote and steamed) is always juicy and delighful. Interestingly, I've now twice tried to order corazon tacos and the cook won't give them to me, leaving me feeling like teenager carded for beer. Next time, I'm taking a Nican Tlacan friend to vouch for my desires. Despite its lack of faith in my palette, I really like this place. These are the most arromatic tacos around, aided by the pile of grilled onions and the giant GRILLED jalapeño that favorably replaces the standard nasty pickle jar variety. Yum. Again, the pork carnitas are tough to beat and the chicken tacos are nothing to shake a stick at.

Servicio con una Sonrisa

A mile down the road, tucked in a check-cashing quick-stop, we find Taqueria Diana, a fine little kitchen that serves up massive tortas, savory sopes, and tacos de cabeza de res (head tacos).  Diana has something special on the menu daily, and I recommend asking for it. Most recently, I had cabeza tacos stewed with cactus, and they completely converted my former cacti-shunning ways. All of Diana's tacos are piled high with condiments which usually consist of fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a grilled serrano (I think?) pepper. Service here is friendly, helpful, and efficient, though you've enough time to shop for lots of terrific imported Mexican snacks and beverages while you wait. Likewise, there are three or four tables at which you may wait or dine, depending on your agenda.

It's a fact-i love cacti. 

Diana's is located at 1815 S. First Street E. There's a Taco Bueno across the road, but I highly doubt they have cacti. Diana also has a second location at the One-Stop Shop over on West Walnut. We haven't made it over there yet, but give us time.

That's all for this week, kids. Please do stay tuned to our continuing saga. While we're obligated to minimize our taco intake in order to prep for the upcoming eating extravaganza next Thursday, we're sure to sneak in something spicy here or there. And if anyone knows where to find a turkey taco, let us know as I'd sure like to try one. We bid Peace and Harmony to all. Except turkeys--you guys are totally screwed.