NOT FOUND: 09_07 July NSN_Page_03_Image_0001.jpgI am often asked what qualifications I possess to consider myself a food critic. No, I am not a former chef nor do I have any culinary training. And it is obvious to anyone who graduated the 3rd grade that I do not have a degree in journalism. I simply possess a great love for food. Yes I prefer good food but I pretty much love all food. I love a good hamburger and I love a good New York steak. I love fish and chips and I love a lobster tail. I thoroughly enjoyed Die Hard as well as Pretty Woman. And of course I love Peaches as well as Herb.
So if you ask what my favorite type or favorite ethnic food persuasion is, I do not have a quick response. You will get the same speed of response if you ask me to multiply by 12 or why Bob Dylan has sold so many records. I just do not have an answer. There are oodles of Chinese and Mexican restaurants in our area and being a big fan of both styles of cooking, this brings me joy. Sure some restaurants are better than others but rarely, though it does happen, do you find a real bad one. What is more unusual is to find one that serves food that is so good it stands out above the rest of the crowd. Well I have found two such places and I am going to tell you about one, Mexican, this month and one, Chinese, next month.
NOT FOUND: 09_07 July NSN_Page_03_Image_0002.jpgRecently I had lunch and Vaqueros TAQUERIA at 7753 Roseville Rd. in Antelope. I had the pleasure of dining with my good friend Maude and her adorable, young son Sguiggy (Maude is a huge Laverne and Shirley fan). Maude kept insisting we go to Mel’s Diner until I convinced her they were showing non-stop reruns of Happy Days over at Vaquero - that would be a lie. Listen Potsie or no Potsie, this food was awesome. Shockingly, they have tacos on the menu. A taco is a taco is a taco until you try the special, spicy taco at Vaquero. No, that is not its official name but just order the Eric Taco, take a bite and feel your taste buds go ablaze in Taco Heaven.
Vaquero offers all the traditional Mexican items as well as many seafood and unique tastes as well. Carnitas, chicken, beef and shrimp are not unusual. However, for $10.99 the Vaqueros special (or as I affectionately call it, the #25) is GEM OF A MEAL. The polo (chicken) and carnitas are particularly good. And at $10.99 it is about the most expensive plate on the menu. Yes, Vaqueros is priced very nicely but money aside, it is simply excellent Mexican food. And although I didn’t try it, I have a good feeling about the grilled shrimp salad.
Next month I will bring you a Chinese culinary gem. I believe I will leave Maude and Squiggy out of the next one. The public display of bobbie socks and a poodle skirt are a trifle embarrassing.