Taco Tuesday! 5 Venues to Get Your Taco On.

Did you know American basketball star, LeBron James regularly celebrates Taco Tuesday with his amigos and team-mates?

Last year he joined forces with US fast-food giant Taco Bell in a bid to end ‘Taco Tuesday’ trademark registrations in the hope that everyone can celebrate the tradition. James has fought for ownership of the phrase before after a series of social media posts of his family taco nights.

For all of us who enjoy tacos any night of the week…here are five cucinas to get your Mexican fix:

Inspired by the thriving restaurant scene in Mexico City’s cool neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa, find high-end restaurant and Mezcal bar, Sonora on Bayswater Road in Potts Point. Step off the street to discover a fun and funky vibe of authentic accents, banquette and table seating, ideal for lingering over a tequila with amigos from a menu showcasing tacos chingones – literally bad-ass tacos.

 

Think choices ranging from swordfish to lamb shoulder along with vegan options; say arriba to starters of spicy octopus tacos with pickled wakame, smoked eel and salsa macha, before duck carnitas with hibiscus, hazelnut crumbs and jalapeño chipotle, or chicken adobo, chilaquiles, pickled onion and textures of chips.

Find the freshest seafood Central Queensland has to offer at Pompano Seafood Deli at various locations around Yeppoon. This mobile deli and food truck pops up at markets, picnics, festivals and events, along with stints at Capricornia Cruising Yacht Club and Coorooman Creek, dishing up all manner of seafood temptations sure to hit the mark.

 

Throw your net over catches like citrus-cured trevally with tomato, red onion, chilli, lime and coriander atop salted corn chips – add zesty guacamole and extra chilli for the ultimate flavour bomb – don’t forget to take home a bowl of signature seafood chowder for a quick and easy family meal.

Those seeking Tex-Mex fare with flair on the Gold Coast head to Panchos on Gold Coast Springbrook Road in Mudgeeraba. There are sombreros and bright murals on the walls, along with well-worn brick, a fireplace and an alfresco area which feels like you are in Baja with cacti, wagon wheels and wine barrels.

 

Grab your amigos and a Margarita to go with grilled corn, chipotle aioli, queso fresco and tajin, before chowing down on slow-cooked brisket tacos with caramelised onion, rocket and burnt tomato salsa; seafood lovers opt for garlic prawns, smoked paprika, fresh chilli, mango, jalapeño salsa and rocket leaves.

A laidback vibe and Mexican fare with flair have East Brisbane foodies returning time and again to La Bodega on the corner of Lytton Road and Latrobe Street. This bright and breezy terracotta-hued taqueria boasts bright yellow chairs at cosy tables, potted cacti and twinkling fairy lights setting the mood for tacos and tequila.

 

Jump right in and start your food fiesta with spicy chipotle chicken wings and housemade crema dipping sauce, then prepare yourself for tacos like Tecate-battered barramundi, Mexican tartar sauce, pico de gallo, slaw and radish; or wrap your mouth around grilled rump steak, chimichurri, corn salsa, crumbles queso and fresh radish.

Inspired by the dramatic sunsets of Cabo San Lucas, La Costa Cantina on Pacific Street in Crescent Head pays homage to the travels of wandering souls. Bringing Mexican vibes to the Mid-north Coast of NSW, sandy feet are welcome at this cantina where chilling out with tacos and tequila is the name of the game; either alfresco under thatched umbrellas, or indoors where neon signage sets the tune for evening fun.

 

Perhaps share a taco platter with six tortillas, pico de gallo, habanero, pineapple, pickled onion, cabbage and chilli with protein choices like smoked brisket, octopus, barramundi, chicken and lamb rump; or order individually and devour tacos stuffed with grilled spiced prawns, cheese, bacon and salsa.