It All Starts With Breakfast Tacos
Driving down Main street in Lafayette, I notice a rather large silver Taco truck. What the heck, I like to try new things so I stop in for breakfast tacos. The tacos are delectable and I bring my wife on the next visit. Julie says the tacos are a good mix of savory and spicy.
El Mercado
Next to the taco truck is a store front I’ve seen countless times but never given a moment’s notice. El Mercado is a little carniceria – a Mexican grocery store. The windows advertise telephone calling cards and other items I’ll likely never need, but what the heck, life is an adventure so I stop in.
Nobody Speaks English
This isn’t really true; the owner has operated the business for eighteen years and speaks fluent English. But after that, this is mostly a Spanish speaking venue. There are several telephones set up for making long distance phone calls to Mexico and South America. The store space is also different, it is much more cramped inside. In one corner, pinatas dangle from the ceiling. The two highlights of the shop though are the meat counter and fresh Tamales.
Best Tamales In Town
Hands down, El Mercado offers the best Tamales in town. Made fresh, rolled in corn husk and oozing flavor, these are the best authentic Tamales I have ever tried. I go back often for these zesty mouth watering treats. They sell them a dozen to the bag, but generally will sell me six if I ask.
El Mercado Meat Counter
I started out loving the food truck offerings and then the Tamales. So now I’m starting to work my way through the meat counter. Here, I find the staff smiles a great deal, but doesn’t really speak much English. Still, what is needed now is bravery and adventure.
Tip: Try the Chorizo Sausage. It is made in house and is deliciously spicy.
I’ve discovered wonderfully marinated pork chops, excellent beef, seasoned beef and pork for burritos and more. Most recently I purchased some hot salsa. This stuff blew the doors off. Super spicy and filled with red hot heat. I’m not certain I can order it twice. But what I do know is every time I visit El Mercado I’m rewarded with great food.
