A few months back we became aware of this taco truck that seemingly suddenly appeared in the neighborhood. Tempted by memories of the tacos I had enjoyed… enjoyed? No, jonesed after would be more appropriate… at the makeshift stand that appeared each night on the sidewalk outside the Goodyear garage in Irapuato, Gto. Mexico when I lived there in 2001, I finally made a trip one lunchtime to the taco truck. (That it had chosen to park outside the Ace Hardware only served to enhance my anticipation.)

Johnny K and I bellied up to the screened windows on the side of the stainless steel behemoth and each ordered three barbacoa tacos, with the works: onion, cilantro, shredded cabbage, avocado, and a deep red spicy hot salsa.

One bite, and I was instantly transported back to the streets of Mexico. (In my mind, anyway. Physical instantaneous teleportation is AT LEAST a couple of years away. Damned scientists are wasting their time on other stuff, I guess.) These are the most authentic, delicious tacos I’ve found north of the Mason-Dixon… and, they’re only a buck and change each! Just like in Mexico!

The only mistake we made was ordering three. These things are so huge, two will more than fill you up.

Since those glorious days, the Taco Truck has moved from outside the hardware store to outside an auto parts store, the cost of a taco has been raised two bits, and they don’t seem to have the barbacoa anymore. But none of that matters. It’s still easy to get to, it’s still one of the cheapest meals in town, and the al pastor and carnitas are just as delicious as the barbacoa.

And two tacos are still more than enough.

I think I need a nap.