Two Al Fresco Taco Stands: Yuma

I really have no idea what Cathy and Kirk are doing today, but they are not posting at mmm-yoso, because Ed (from Yuma) has a post here instead. But before the actual post begins, Ed wants to give a shout out to the fabulous Tamale Festival in Somerton (just a few miles S of Yuma on Hwy 95) which this year will take place on Saturday, Dec 20, 2014. Over 40 different tamale vendors - real artisan tamales, some of the very best I have ever eaten. Come Go!

This is the prime season for dining out – out-of-doors, actually – in Yuma. Here are two places well worth a visit.

El Buen Taquito

Some things change – some things stay the same. El Buen Taquito has been part of the Yuma dining scene for a long time, well before my first post about it. Now EBT has relocated to 8th Street almost across from Food City, and it is only partially a taco truck these days:

As you can see, there is now a semi-enclosed space as well as restrooms; the cooking is done in the separate truck.

Currently, there is no identifier on the building because the signage for the new location is a small billboard facing west at the edge of the lot:

On the other hand, the menu is basically the same:

You go up to the window, place your order, get a number, and sit at one of the tables inside or out. Your food will arrive shortly.

Tina and I started with the consommé:

As previously, this was really good. Both of us appreciated that this broth was more complex than we anticipated – with herbal and citrusy notes that enhanced its beefiness.

Tina ordered two flautas, a taco dorado, and a tostada:

I received two sopes:

and five flautas:

EBT is the king of crunch. The simple potato rolled tacos were magnificent, perfectly deep-fried (who knows in what?). The mild shredded beef flavored the crispy folded taco and the tostada. My sopes lacked the crackle of the other items, but the corn cakes had a nice chew. I found the whole meal to be filling and satisfying. EBT doesn't do a lot, but what it does, it does well.

El Buen Taquiyo seems open from before lunch into the later evening every day, and it always seems to have customers.

 

Mariscos El Delfin

This is the second year for this small restaurant that occupies the space that previously contained the El Navegante truck (1019 Ave B):

Seafood is not just the specialty here, it is just about the only thing served. The truck seems to be a one-woman operation, and her English is not fluent, but this modest seafood stand with two plastic tables is doing a good job.

Recently I stopped in for her combination coctele – containing pulpo and Camaron (octopus and shrimp) ($10):

The sundae glass nearly overflowing with seafood. The octopus was perfectly prepared, not gooey nor leathery, just fresh and chewy tasting:

The shrimp fresh and perfectly cooked:

As well as sauces sitting on the table, Delfin has a first-rate HOT house salsa that can perk up anything:
While the seafood was perfectly prepared, the cocktail liquid was dominated by lime flavors and a bit one-dimensional. I also prefer a wider range of ingredients such as the campechanas at Juanita's or Mariscos Mar Azul.

On the other hand,  right now Mariscos El Delfin is making my favorite fish tacos in town:

The fish filets are fresh and hot and flavorful. While the breading could be crunchier, the taco is otherwise wonderful and perfectly balanced.

The shrimp tacos likewise:

Tina and I were also amazed by the ceviche:

While not containing a lot of pescado, the freshness of all of the ingredients impressed. The balance between the citric tang and the crisp sweetness of the veggies was the perfect backdrop for the fish. No way overpowering, but just about right in every way.

Mariscos El Delfin is open 10 AM to 5 PM every day of the week except Monday.

Comments

[Soo H]

Cool looking taco shops! :-)

[nhbilly]

Looks like they know how to use lard correctly and a plus for de-pooped shrimp.

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Yeh, authentic looking shops, for sure, Soo.

The lard is why I don't ask so they won't tell, billy. Some things it's best not to know. As for the depooped shrimp, I am generally impressed by the hygiene at most of the taco trucks in the area. I think too many people are phobic about mobile eateries. I worry more about what I might get from a Burger King than from El Delfin - that's for sure.

[nhbilly]

I definitely agree with you regarding cleanliness. I embrace lard as long as it not processed like the stuff in the supermarket.