GLOBAL melting pot, Manchester. You boot out the Bouncing Czech from the old Francophile Montpellier’s site and go for a Mexican makeover. The Northern Quarter now welcomes the city’s “first traditional Mexican taqueria”, lovechild of dirty food pioneers Solita around the corner. It’s called El Taquero.
Rings a taco bell? There seem to be more Mexican joints in the area than you can dance on your hat for. The likes of Luck, Lust, Liquor and Burn – and that’s only one – while the Mezcal flows free at nearby Crazy Pedro’s.
Still Solita head honcho Franco Sotgiu is a shrewd operator, that ‘authentic Prague beer bar’ a rare blip, so high hopes for El Taquero (Spanish for the taco maker), for which he has imported tortilla press direct from Mexico City.
This will produce 100% corn tortillas for signature tacos and quesadillas including Carne Asada, Pork Carnitas, Smoked Chicken, Housemade Mexican Chorizo, Shrimp, Fish and numerous veggie options plus a few unorthodox specials.
Diners get to add their own additional fresh toppings and sauces including salsa verde, salsa roja, chopped onions, coriander and a mega-spicy habanero sauce at the serving stations.
All this washed down with a range of Mexican beers and a tequila-led cocktail menu, the soundtrack Latino cool, the vibrant rustic decor inspired by Mexico’s old school taquerias, focusing on a full size neon cactus and ‘living wall’ on the first floor. All in place by early August. What’s not to like, gringo?
El Taquero, 42 Back Turner Street, NQ, Manchester M4 1FR 0161 832 3146. Open seven days a week, midday until late.