Restaurant recommendations from MnMo food critics Jason DeRusha and Joy Summers
Joy’s Picks:
There’s a new trend of fancy “fork-and-knife” tacos at Twin Cities restaurants, but as much as I love a hand-pressed tortilla, sometimes I long for a deep-fried chimichanga.
El Tequila Mexican Restaurant: This lively eatery has intricately carved, brightly painted tables, a full bar stocked with mammoth margaritas, and seemingly endless baskets of chips and salsa. It’s here I rekindled my love of a deep-fried tortilla, stuffed with meat and seasonings and dipped in a cup of fresh pico de gallo. (Brainerd)
Azteca’s: Inside an unassuming strip mall in the shadow of Miller Hill Mall sits a little slice of Mexico. Not exactly what you’d expect in Duluth, but the luscious refried beans and cheese-laden chiles rellenos are happiness on Fiestaware. (Duluth)
Jason’s Picks:
Why wait for Cinco de Mayo when you can celebrate Mexican food all year. I want rich, deep flavors, a giant basket of tortilla chips, and an awesome family running the show.
El Burrito Mercado: The second generation is now running this St. Paul family run institution, and Milissa Silva-Diaz has big plans to pair a new patio and huge banquet room with the same delicious recipes. The sit-down restaurant next to the deli has live music on Fridays. (West Side, St. Paul)
Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano: The Leon family came from Jalisco, Mexico in the 1990s and their nine kids are involved in the restaurants. They do great chimichangas, taquitos, enchiladas verdes, and have a flight of three tequilas for $15. (Eight locations including Blaine, Woodbury, and Stillwater)