Patch Blog: Gluten-Free Fare on a Budget

This cheerful, family-run Mexican restaurant on York Blvd, just minutes from South Pas, has been around since 1994, and it's never disappointed us.

Like almost all Mexican restaurants, My Taco's menu is extensive offering everything from enchiladas to tortas, sopes to tacos, and agua frescas to flan. The only item containing gluten on the entire menu is the burrito, which is made with a flour tortilla. Avoid it, and you're good to go.

My standard meal is three tacos: pollo, al pastor and carne asada. The al pastor in particular is awesome. Boneless pork shoulder is marinated in dried chiles, onion and pineapple, then slow-roasted to juicy perfection. The meat comes out tender and sweet, with a beguiling spicy finish. I always order a small side of the homemade guacamole, which is simple and creamy with only avocado, cilantro and salt. 

The standout item, and my husband Rob's go-to choice, is their homemade Barbacoa de Borrego, or marinated slow-cooked lamb. They serve it with piles of finely diced white onion and cilantro, fresh yahualica salsa, warm corn tortillas and a side of hot goat consomme. Jonathan Gold claims that "Barbacoa is reason enough to visit My Taco." It is without a doubt a traditional and delicious dish.

If our daughter Stella is with us, she usually opts for a carnitas taco, which is considerably less spicy than the al pastor, a side of rice and a homemade horchata for dessert. Many times I've tried to tempt her with the jamaica or melon agua fresca, but she will not be dissuaded from the milky, cinnamon-spiked horchata. Who can blame her?

Our entire meal usually tops out at just over $20. Not bad for the authentic flavor, the warm friendliness and the fullness of our stomachs.

For more Gluten-free reviews and news, follow me on my personal blog at Three Squares.