**** Emily's is no longer at this location and does catering only
I've gotten some great recommendations over the years. In fact, I don't think we'd still be around and heading toward 3600 posts of not for all the recommendations I receive. This one, is from "KenB" who always sends me interesting emails a couple of times a year. Last week, he shot me an email after saying: "Excellent food. Birria de chivo was fantastic." Birria de Chivo? Man, there are places I enjoy for Birria de Res; but Birria de Chivo. So, even though I needed to go into the office this past weekend.....I kinda took....the long way...yeah...that's what I did....take the long way....
To this little shop on the corner of Grand, where Jamacha Road becomes Apple Street. Cathy's done a post on the place on that corner, La Sinaloense. This one is named Emily's Taco Shop & Birrieria.
A very humble looking shop, in what looks like an apartment conversion, which shares a tiny parking lot with a laundromat. This is the kind of place you'd miss if you blinked.
And yet, it seems there's a steady flow of regulars, couples, and families. This is a real mom-and-pop operation; the nice young gentleman is named Christian and I'm assuming the very friendly young lady is his wife. I was told by the young lady that Emily is her daughter, who was busy watching a movie on one of the tables.
This is one of those order at the counter and have a seat kind of places. I pretty much knew what I wanted....birria and consommé of course, so ordering was a breeze.
I got a taco de birria de res and de chivo (beef and goat $4.25 each). Which took a while but when it arrived, I knew it was worth the wait.
The wonderful, sturdy, corn-y tortillas, were up to the task, soaked and griddled (dorado), they held up and had so much flavor. The birria de res, was tender, with a decent amount of seasoning, but seemed a bit too mild to stand up to the thick, smokey, salsa....a nice slow back of the throat burn. I think Fernandez does better. But the birria de chivo was excellent....just a perfect balance of that distinctive "flavor of the pasture" and seasonings. The texture was tender. A squeeze of lime and bit of that salsa and I could eat this everyday.
As much as I enjoyed the tacos; it was the consommé de chivo ($2) that really got my attention. First off, it was served in a wonderful cup.
The cup had both form and function as it kept the broth molten hot for the entire meal. I took a couple of sips that burned a path down my esophagus. Deep flavors, nice gamey up front, comforting, very balanced...you know you were drinking broth that came from goat....but it wasn't screaming that fact to your taste buds. Lime did a great job of smoothing out the edges. This was delici-yoso.....
There's and interesting crowd here. An older guy came in and ordered in Spanish and took a seat. I was surprised to see that he ordered Carne Asada Fries! And he looked like he was enjoying them. KenB also recommended the carnitas.
So there you go. You might find it interesting that I'm doing a post on a newer place with one single visit. Well, I know I need to take the Missus here soon or She'll kill me. So, I can't visit again without Her. I'm sure this will be soon enough. Here's hoping that consommé is just as good.
Emily's Taco Shop & Birrieria
1015 Grand Ave
Spring Valley, CA 91977
Hours:
Tues - Sat 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm
Thanks for the recommendation KenB!
Good looking tacos!
Posted by: Soo @ hungryones | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 08:54 AM
These were quite good Soo...and that consommé!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 08:55 AM
Back when we were at La Sinaloense almost weekly, the apartments behind had temporary banners indicating it was a birrieria (I never saw the name 'Emily') and we had meant to go back and try. Glad you got there (and that it was good). KenB has been to a lot of good places.
Posted by: Cathy | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 10:01 AM
Interesting Cathy....I wonder what it was. I think Emily's has only been around since January. Ken was so enthusiastic about this one; that I just had to go.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 10:25 AM
I'm glad you enjoyed the meal. We sure did! Now, I'm anxious to return to try the consomme. Did not spot this on the menu. Next time..... Plus: bring your own beer.
Posted by: Kenneth Bonus | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 12:48 PM
Yes, BYOB...though it's kind of a long car ride back for us Ken. Thanks again for the recommendation!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 01:24 PM
Those tacos look great (res for me!) :)
Posted by: caninecologne | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 03:36 PM
sounds & looks great, nice recommendation!
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 09:54 PM
Don't let the Missus kill you!...We need the blog... LOL
Posted by: Alan Hays | Wednesday, 05 July 2017 at 10:28 PM
Looks and sounds like a winner.
Posted by: Nhbilly | Thursday, 06 July 2017 at 06:03 AM
Check them out CC!
It was Kat!
Lol Alan....I'll do my best not to let that happen.
It was Billy. Can't wait to go back.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 06 July 2017 at 06:35 AM