TacTac

First of all, completely NOT Mexican food and I totally don't care. I'm not selling you on this because it even resembles a taco - it's more like a burrito you make at home when you are cleaning out the leftovers and you think, "Hum?? That's pretty good. Also kind of strange... but I like it." I mean, it was a total mess but I scarfed it all down and felt good about it (maybe because it's a lot like the "Mexican" food we made in Alaska in the 80's & 90's). Didn't regret it. Will totally eat there again and think, "What am I eating?" but still be totally ok with it.

If you are a super picky eater where everything has to be "authentic" and just like home please don't go here. This isn't for you. Just keep walking. To go McDonalds or something. For everyone else who like a fun little adventure you might just find a delightful little place to eat some weird Kor-Mex food. Personally, I don't care if people from other cultures experiment with food and flavors. That's how we come up with interesting, inventive new things to eat.

Plus, it has Jarritos and you can't go wrong with Jarritos in a cute lunch stop with an adorable owner eating food wrapped in a tortilla. Maybe it's my seven years in Korea, but I was a content little waegukin.

It's not terribly cheap but not horribly expensive. One "taco" (which is more like a small burrito) and a Jaritos was about 8,800 won or something like that. Can't really remember. Didn't break the bank, but did make me scream "I should have gotten two". They also haven't made their menus yet so if you have zero Korean skills it might be hard to order.

For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store. 

Why we do this:

We made the app to accompany the blog because it's easier to keep update with current information. In the past we've tried keeping the information on the blog but it's too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

La Mesa

Although it might not seem like it when you read my reviews, I don't love every place I eat. I simply don't feel that me hating a place makes it intrinsically terribly. It's just not what I happen to like, but want to I let others draw their own opinions. What I hate might be what someone else loves. Plus, the life of small business owners is hard enough without dealing with random people who fancy themselves demigods of the food world. Nope, my job here isn't about telling you what you should hate, it's just about telling you about what I love.

Which is why I have never talked about La Mesa until today.

Since I believe in second chances and revel in stories of redemption, I rallied and went to La Mesa last night after hearing signs of change in the air. To be honest, I didn't want to go. My experience last time, without getting into details, was so bad it was traumatizing. Everything about it was terrible. I say this so you understand that the following recommendation is one I never thought I would write.

La Mesa is fabulous. Last night I walked into a new restaurant with the same name. It was flawless. So much so that I had to ask if there as a new owner, what I learned is that it's the same owner but under new management and there are new chefs in the kitchen. This new team has talent.

Just look at these enchiladas and those salas and that guacamole, OMG! And the price? Fantastic. Way more affordable that Seoul Mexican food and so much better. I haven't tried everything on the menu yet, but I'm extremely excited about going back and getting as many different dishes as possible, just as soon as I get over my obsession with the chicken enchiladas.

In addition to the food, the service was perfect. Sure, I was there before the rush, but last time was before the dinner rush and it was still a train wreck. Last night everything was effortless and the staff very relaxed. 

Please, if you had a bad experience in the past don't hold it against them. Give them a try again. If you are new, get your but over there and eat yourself sick. It's scrumptious and right near the walking gate.

Address: 경기도 평택시 팽성읍 안정순환로 120번실 7

Phone: 010-7519-0719

Website: www.lamesa.co.kr

(Tex)Mexican Food Outside Seoul

El Gitano

If there is one thing I have learned since moving to Korea it's that I can live without a lot of things, but burritos isn't one of them. To be completely honest, one of the very real reasons I've stayed put in Pyeongtaek over the years is the fact my other favorite cities in Korea don't have restaurants selling these little flavor packages.

Anjeong-ri

• El Gitano - These are the new guys on the block and I am admittedly addicted. They are fast, delicious, consistent and delightfully TexMex all the way.
• Casa Burrito - I've been eating here for years. Sometimes this is exactly what I want. Just like TexMex is a twist on Mexican, this is a twist on TexMex and actually is a lot like some CaliMex burritos I've had in the states. I kind of love that he burritos have fries in them.
• La Mesa - I've heard it's improved a lot since opening, but I've not been back since my first visit. Trying to build up the nerve. EDIT: New management and chef's has now made this amazing. See my new review here.

Cheonan

• Cantina - Delightfully fun TexMex where the party happens at night. If you are hungry, don't order the tacos even though they are delicious. This is a great place for a date or night own. Totally worth a trip to Cheonan.

Daejeon

• La Casita (라카시타) - Haven't been here yet. Totally need to go. Putting it out there in case anyone wants to check it out.

Songtan

• Casa Burrito - See what I wrote above.
• Tacos Locos - These Baja style tacos are fabulous. Super fresh, very slow to make. The shop is quirky, inconsistent hours, and not open in winter. It's one of my favorite places in town and I eat here 1 -2 times a week when they are open. I can't help myself.
• La Casa Del Mexicano  -  I have eaten here a few times. This is the most truly Mexican place in Songtan. Since the highlight of most of the dishes is the cheese and I can't eat cheese, I've never really found anything I'm excited about. If you love cheese and heavy food though, go here. You will most likely really enjoy it.

Shipped to Your Home

• Tamales in Korea - These guys are amazing and legit. I love their tamales. You really need to make an order and keep them in your freezer as snacks.

Tacos Locos in Songtan

El Gitano

With great delight, I welcome El Gitano to the neighborhood. For five years I've dreamed about having something like this in my life again, so by next Wednesday I will have eaten there four times in their first week. Yes, I'm that excited. Since I'm not in the military, I haven't been to the US in three years, and go to Seoul only twice a year - having this open near me is a life changer.

Based on the Chipotle concept, El Gitano/s ingredients selections include: two kinds of beans, two kinds of rice, fresh cilantro, a variety of specially prepared meats, fresh guacamole (which is an extra charge), fresh salsas, pico, homemade sour cream, queso, corn salsa, Craftworks on tap, an assortment of imported beers, etc.

For those from base, you may be shocked by the cost of the guacamole, please don't complain too much.  I'm begging you. Based on the price of both the limes and avocados (which have only recently become available on a regular basis at any kind of "reasonable" price) the additional cost is to be expected. Even at 3,000 won for the add on it's likely their profit margin is minimal. So, when customers complain about the price of guacamole restaurants usually just take it off the menu and stop offering it because they can't afford to drop the price. 

As someone who desperately wants guacamole on her burritos, again, I'm begging you not to complain too much. Not all of us (Koreans, teachers, foreign spouses, etc.) have access to the privileges of the commissary and we really need this. Even at 3,000 won it feels like the guac gods have finally taken pity on us and we are thankful.

Name: El Gitano

Located: Anjeongri, walking distance from main gate

Near Black Box/ UHair building down the street from Bang,

If you walk East from the car gate in front of Humphreys, a few blocks down there is a Chinese restaurant on your left. Turn left there. El Gitano will be on your right at the next intersection.

Gringos Burritos: Delivery Across Korea

For years, before all the fancy new restaurants, Gringo Burritos has taken care of expats across Korea. They ship fresh, tasty, homemade burritos and sides right to our doors. They are delicious, reliable, and a blessing to have around.

If you find yourself wishing your freezer was filled with magical prepared food, I highly recommend keeping your freezer full of Gringos.  They are the perfect solution for those pesky, late night burrito cravings. 

Order your own: 

www.gringoskorea.com

www.gringoskorea.com

Loco Taco

UPDATE: Now always open, have added fish and shrimp tacos

I'm caught in a moral dilemma.

Recommending these tacos is like recommending your favorite new show that is most likely going to be cancelled after the first season,

and is swapping time-slots each week.

Do you really want to tell someone to get addicted to something they may never be able to find, and if they do, it might just vanish?

On one hand, 

these are possibly the best Baja style tacos in Korea 

and you need to put as many in your mouth as possible.

On the other hand,

 you never know if the shop will be open,

or if they will even have food.

This shop is just a hobby for a businessman from California who loves beer and tacos. 

He doesn't have any motivation to be open if he doesn't want to be open, 

which part of me respects and part of me resents because:

I WANT A DAMN TACO!

Two tacos is enough, but I want to eat six.

Seriously, man, don't mess with a girls tacos.

We are sensitive and fragile, 

our little taco shell hearts are easily crushed 

when you aren't open when you said you would be open.

Pretty soon we stop coming around for tacos,

not because we don't want them everyday,

but because we can't handle the rejection.

Chicken Taco

*deep breath, wipes away a tear *

Please, don't let this just be a summer fling.

Please let this be real.

Stop being a taco tease and make a commitment.

Pork Taco

Name: Loco Tacos

Address:  Located near Osan Main Gate.  

Look for Sponge Bob and 3 wheeled machines parked out front.