El Rincon de la Lechuza

El Rincon de la Lechuza is the best taqueria (taco restaurant) in Mexico, if you ask me. The name means "The owl's corner" and this charming little restaurant with low ceilings speaks of years and years of great meals. The ambiance is definitely family friendly, although you are just as likely to see a pair of college students or businessmen catching a quick lunch sitting at the tables. The food selection is dominated by tacos, since this, after all is a taqueria. From the classic "Alambre" (beef, dell peppers, and onions) to the more exotic cow brain tacos, this place has the full selection of tacos. Tacos al Pastor (a unique Donner Kabob-like way of preparing seasoned pork meat)are a relatively recent addition, having only made the menu about 15 years ago at this classic taqueria.

The quezo de cazuela is not to be missed. This cheese dish is served boiling hot in the clay bowl that has been placed over an open flame. Seasoned with tomatoes, and onions, and is a perfect addition to your tacos, or can be eaten alone. There is always a selection of fresh fruit drinks, including Tamarindo drink, Jamaica (made by boiling a red flower and serving as a cold tea), and orchata (a rice drink, very refreshing). But of course, the tacos are the best, served on fresh hand-made tortillas.

El Rincon de la Lechuza has an open kitchen that allows you to see how the meat is grilled on a flame that seems to leap wildly out of control every few minutes. The cooks are true artisans as they rapidly cut up a slice of cooked meat into tiny little pieces that are then rapidly placed on the hot torillas, right in front of your eyes. It's like a Japanese restaurant meeting Mexican food, except these guys have been doing it for ages. A woman in the back, clearly visible, is making tortillas in her hands, and placing them on a giant wok-like metal convex pan (it's like an upside down wok). You can watch your tortillas inflate as they cook, and them be removed rapidly to make their way to your table.

Dessert is either the famous flan, a vanilla custard, or arroz con leche, the rice and milk dish that is sweetened by condensed milk, with a dash of cinnamon. Mmmm, delicious.