A New (Old) Frontier in New Mexico

Staying at a downtown hotel in Albuquerque afforded me easy access to the surroundings that make up the University of New Mexico campus.  The strip on Central is typical of a downtown, campus-supported area:  bars, cheap eats, etc.  Turns out a legendary place is smack-dab across the street from the school's main entrance. 

Frontier is the kind of place where generations and mingle easily and comfortably, any and all socio-economic and/or cultural differences set aside in favor of the honest, simple food served under the conspicuous yellow barn roof.

This spot has been so popular, in fact, that it now occupies an entire city block, having expanded over the years to engulf shops and eateries that have come and gone.

Frontier is open all day and night (5am-1am) and is apparently known for their own take on a sweet roll (appropriately named the Frontier Sweet Roll), but I was there for dinner... an authentic New Mexican dinner.  Which is why I ordered the Frontier Burrito. Now, if you've never been through New Mexico, or the Southwest in general, you've never truly experienced the beauty of the Green Chile.  It has an umami-like

quality, which is to say, there's something indescribable and unique that sets it apart from other chiles.  Hot but not fiery, it speaks to my taste buds in a way no other spicy food does.  And it's a common ingredient in EVERYTHING served in New Mexico.  Everything! 

So it was with my Frontier burrito, stuffed with beef, beans, and a green chile stew, along with the aforementioned chiles (you thought I was kidding?).  This is old-fashioned, no-frills food... and I loved how the menu has a section reserved exclusively for "New Mexican Food."  Not "Mexican," "NEW Mexican."  There is a difference.  And I tasted it in all it's simple, savory glory, at Frontier. 

I Just Ate A 5,000 Year Old Burrito...

What was a not-so-well-kept secret and point of pride in Tampa, has now migrated to the burgeoning foodie confines of Saint Petersburg, FL.  I speak -- and glowingly so -- of the instant classic Taco Bus, which stands for all things good and conscientious and ... tasty as hell!

Taco Bus (which by the way, have the coooolest resto tees I've seen -- eat your heart out, Adam Richman!) leverages the hotness and hipness of the food truck wave, with the indie uniqueness of a pop-up restaurant, and the freshness that defines the locavore movement.

All this to say... this is mighty good Mexican food!  I've been there twice now, since they opened in St. Pete in January -- most recently, today for lunch with my friend and fellow foodie Chris.  I surprised even myself with my initial order on my maiden voyage: I went VEGAN!  The Butternut Squash Tostada is prepared Yucatan style, with gorgeous, tender chunks of gord mixed with pico de gallo and topped with quesa cotija Mexican cheese.  Light, flavorful, filling, and the crunch of the tostada reminds you this is legit with every bite...

Today, though, was the topper:  a Conchinita Pibil Burrito, which I come to find is a 5,000 year old Mayan recipe.  They marinate the meat in anchiote and bitter orange and wrap it in banana leaves, then slow roast it in a smoker.  A dios mio!  The shredded pork was incredible, magnified by the fact that all of this is accomplished on four wheels!

Something you'll love about Taco Bus is how you can personalize your order:  every entree is made to order, so you can get the Pibil in a quesadilla, or a taco, just as easily as I did in a burrito, and the same goes for every protein, on down the list.

This is no-nonsense, honest-to-goodness, authentic Mex.  It is another reason St. Pete is the best kept secret for foodies.  Look out Charleston, Atlanta, and the other better-known culinary destinations.

The 'Burg is breathin' down your back! 

   

It's Good to Be a "Nit-" Picker In This Case

A few things to buzz about in my adopted hometown of St. Petersburg. If you're a local, get on it! If you're looking for a place to visit... St. Pete is quickly becoming a food destination...

First up... an older place that's a new find for me. Thanks to my fellow foodie, Chris, for turning me on to Nitally's (http://www.thaifoodtogo.net/), a Thai-Mex joint that now has an established home and working hours on 25th and Central. If you like it hot... this is your kinda place! The fact thery call themselves a Thai Coffee House is more than a bit misleading. They've been doing their cultish thing @ St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market for a while, but discovering their full menu was a revelation for me. I like Thai food. I really like Mexican. But Nit & Ally (the couple -- hence, the name) combine the two and pull it off with authenticity and attitude. I loved my Panang Mole Burrito with chicken (#44), served "American Hot" (thankfully, they will custom alter the degree of hotness you prefer). The other time I had a Panang style dish was in NYC @ Fatty Crab. I blogged about that a couple of months or so ago, as it was a transcendent meal for me. This one was extremely tasty, and did no disrespect to the name, as well. Plus, the portion size was more than generous, which is always a plus for an eater like me. The thing I love about this type of food is, when done correctly, you can really pick up all the intricacies of the sweet and spicy flavors. The coconut milk, the chilis, etc. It was served with two dipping sauces: one was a terrific homemade mole sauce; the other was a sweet & spicy number that featured honey and Thai basil. I basically could've lapped up both with or without the burrito on the plate!

I dug the decor, was impressed with the extensive, affordable menu options (and beer choices!), and was psyched that at 1pm on a random Wednesday, the place was full! It heartens me to know that locals will always find a place that serves solid food, especially when it's as unique as Nitally's...