There's something a little bit peculiar about an authentic taco chain that has four locations, three in Los Angeles County, and one here in Birmingham.
I couldn't not try it out.
Pinches Tacos has opened in Homewood, on the corner of Oxmoor and 19th Sreet, by a native of Homewood, who after spending twelve years in Los Angeles, returned home with a little taste of Hollywood to share.
I ate lunch there today -- three short days following its grand opening -- and I admit, that's about as cutting-edge as my life gets!
The design screams west coast (and is peppered with strange skeleton decor), the staff is friendly and chill (although very proud of their food), and guests will be scolded if they ask for queso or sour cream.
(Just setting the scene here, people.)
Jorge Anaya, one of the partners in from L.A. to help open the restaurant, was running the register today, and as any foodie would, I released control and asked him to order for me.
Without hesitation, he began entering my order, "You will have one fish taco ... and would you like chicken, pork, or beef?" When I opted for chicken, the chicken mole taco was his easy recommendation. He explained, "It is a chocolate-infused sauce that tastes nothing like chocolate."
(Interesting.)
I also squeezed in an order of chips and pico as well, but passed on the guacamole.
The tortillas are homemade -- and yes, taste very authentic -- and the fillings are, as promised, flavorful and fresh, and not greasy. Regarding the two tacos I tried, the fish taco (Pescado) with Veracruz cole slaw, was the favorite without question. The chicken mole taco (Pollo Mole) was also very tasty, with more than a little bit of spice. (For the record, I did pick up on a distinct cocoa flavoring, although it was not sweet.) And, the pico was clearly homemade and fresh.
It may have room to seat around thirty patrons, most tables being two- or four-tops, so be aware of seating limitations.
Generally speaking, I'll give a restaurant a thumbs up after a first-time visit, if I'd return for a second visit. I plan to return to Pinches, because several menu items intrigue me.
And that's bold, considering the fact that much of their menu is listed in Spanish, and cheese dip is frowned upon.
Birmingham folks, try it out, and let me know what you think!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages
The Weirdest Greatest Show on Earth has officially passed through Birmingham ...
... and Little Sister Bailey and I were there in full force to take it all in.
It's been well over twenty years since I watched horses, tigers, and very limber people in spandex parade around an arena, sidestepping (big) presents left on the show floor by the elephants.
Here was Bailey's recap of the night (superlative categories reported in her own words, descriptions in mine):
funnest (not scariest or favorite, but "funnest")
These men in tights on the wheels of steel (photo required, because I can't explain this act in words):
scariest
The crazies on the tightrope.
boringest
Dimitri and his sibling (his name of which I obviously didn't catch), also known as, The Brothers of Brawn. Although at first (incorrectly) identified by Bailey as sumo wrestlers, they essentially performed very random stunts to display their 647 pounds of combined weight. They really struggled in the personality department.
felt most sorry for the animals
During the horse show. This was the closest I'll ever feel to a PETA protest.
biggest surprise
The Ringmaster now sings? Or has he always, and I just don't remember the musical numbers?
biggest disappointment
No trapeze.
favorite overall
The tigers.
And, two highlights of my own:
best $8 i've spent in a long time
For parking in the deck, strategically located right at the exit so as to avoid all egress traffic. Success.
best $21 i've ever not spent
The pink plastic (or were they rubber?) pigtails that topped the cotton candy. (Who does that?)
Anyone else out there hit up the circus lately? What were your superlatives?
... and Little Sister Bailey and I were there in full force to take it all in.
It's been well over twenty years since I watched horses, tigers, and very limber people in spandex parade around an arena, sidestepping (big) presents left on the show floor by the elephants.
Here was Bailey's recap of the night (superlative categories reported in her own words, descriptions in mine):
funnest (not scariest or favorite, but "funnest")
These men in tights on the wheels of steel (photo required, because I can't explain this act in words):
scariest
The crazies on the tightrope.
boringest
Dimitri and his sibling (his name of which I obviously didn't catch), also known as, The Brothers of Brawn. Although at first (incorrectly) identified by Bailey as sumo wrestlers, they essentially performed very random stunts to display their 647 pounds of combined weight. They really struggled in the personality department.
felt most sorry for the animals
During the horse show. This was the closest I'll ever feel to a PETA protest.
biggest surprise
The Ringmaster now sings? Or has he always, and I just don't remember the musical numbers?
biggest disappointment
No trapeze.
favorite overall
The tigers.
And, two highlights of my own:
best $8 i've spent in a long time
For parking in the deck, strategically located right at the exit so as to avoid all egress traffic. Success.
best $21 i've ever not spent
The pink plastic (or were they rubber?) pigtails that topped the cotton candy. (Who does that?)
Anyone else out there hit up the circus lately? What were your superlatives?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
thankful thursday #11
This is the tale of how a Thankful Thursday can change at the drop of a ring.
When I was in Charleston a couple of weeks ago, I bought myself a little memento from the market, as a reminder of our trip: a thin, plain, silver band, to wear on my left pinky.
One kind of like this:
The only rings I wear are my grandmother's engagement and wedding rings, on my right hand, so it took some getting used to, but I was loving that ring!
For a whopping three days.
On the Monday after our trip, I was leaving work, and I realized that my delicate little pinky ring was so delicate, I seemed to have missed it falling off my finger. Naturally, I searched in my car, in the parking lot, under my desk, and any other place I remembered visiting that day, but to no avail.
It was a sad day, not because the ring was extravagant or pricey, but because that little ring was a big reminder for a spectacular trip!
Fast forward nine days, to yesterday. I came in to the office, and here was what greeted me:
My old-fashioned planner, with my to-do list for the day, and the ring! Glory!
I was so thankful it was found, and that our cleaning crew was honest enough to leave it for me (never mind the fact that they apparently only clean under my desk every nine days). Today's Thankful Thursday entry was going to be cake!
Until last night, when, after one whole day of wearing my ring, and being so grateful, I was having dessert with friends and realized it wasn't on my hand.
Really? Unfunny!
I could identify a thirty-minute window where it could've come off, and again, I searched everywhere. I had waiters move booth benches, and I left them with my name and number. I retraced my steps. I checked the restroom. I hoped my ring wasn't being swept into the dust pan, and tossed into the garbage bags.
Sigh.
Needless to say, my Thankful Thursday is no longer highlighting the chance discovery of my missing ring, or the honesty of an office custodial crew.
Not gonna lie, I'm feelin' kind of bummed (for the second time, mind you!), but it's Thankful Thursday. Must. Appreciate. Something.
I'm just grateful I only spent $10 on that sweet little ring.
Please tell me someone has a more inspiring thankfulness than me today. Go on, be grateful!
When I was in Charleston a couple of weeks ago, I bought myself a little memento from the market, as a reminder of our trip: a thin, plain, silver band, to wear on my left pinky.
One kind of like this:
The only rings I wear are my grandmother's engagement and wedding rings, on my right hand, so it took some getting used to, but I was loving that ring!
For a whopping three days.
On the Monday after our trip, I was leaving work, and I realized that my delicate little pinky ring was so delicate, I seemed to have missed it falling off my finger. Naturally, I searched in my car, in the parking lot, under my desk, and any other place I remembered visiting that day, but to no avail.
It was a sad day, not because the ring was extravagant or pricey, but because that little ring was a big reminder for a spectacular trip!
Fast forward nine days, to yesterday. I came in to the office, and here was what greeted me:
My old-fashioned planner, with my to-do list for the day, and the ring! Glory!
I was so thankful it was found, and that our cleaning crew was honest enough to leave it for me (never mind the fact that they apparently only clean under my desk every nine days). Today's Thankful Thursday entry was going to be cake!
Until last night, when, after one whole day of wearing my ring, and being so grateful, I was having dessert with friends and realized it wasn't on my hand.
Really? Unfunny!
I could identify a thirty-minute window where it could've come off, and again, I searched everywhere. I had waiters move booth benches, and I left them with my name and number. I retraced my steps. I checked the restroom. I hoped my ring wasn't being swept into the dust pan, and tossed into the garbage bags.
Sigh.
Needless to say, my Thankful Thursday is no longer highlighting the chance discovery of my missing ring, or the honesty of an office custodial crew.
Not gonna lie, I'm feelin' kind of bummed (for the second time, mind you!), but it's Thankful Thursday. Must. Appreciate. Something.
I'm just grateful I only spent $10 on that sweet little ring.
Please tell me someone has a more inspiring thankfulness than me today. Go on, be grateful!
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