tacotopia

Tacotopia brings us, oh ye sinners, to a gathering in which we celebrate the loss, hopefully temporary, of a Corpus Christi institution.  For more than 25 years Elva’s has served up quality in their eatery on Staples, in the heart of old Corpus.  It has changed very little over that time. They still serve up their signature taco, the Destroyer – which has eggs, bacon, cheese, potatoes and more.  It will destroy any hope you have of not making a late morning bombing run at the company bathroom.

I was accompanied by tacho-nical consultants Kevin & Shelly N. and we arrived at 6:45, only to find it closed.  While snapping a picture, George came out evidently ready to kick some ass and asked us why we were taking a picture.  Elva’s is being closed so that he may deal with health issues, although I’d have assumed he was in the best health of anyone there.

The tortillas were excellent – a pillow of floury clouds.  The chorizo was rich sultry – of you can say that about chorizo and in this case I think you can.  You could barely taste the egg because is was so beaten down by the chorizo.  It was better than the destroyer – which was also good.

The carne guisada was less than exciting – with a nearly clear gravy and little flavor but the beef was good, and the tortillas, well, I’ve already talked about the tortillas.

Elva’s will be missed by its regular patrons, and the students of Ray High School (around the corner).

I also discovered, while chiming in on a conversation at the next table, that we have also lost one of the taquerias that shaped my love for tacos – Austin’s Las Manitas.

Let’s all have a taco in remembrance.

I found this one randomly driving this morning.  I’d driven by hundreds of times and hadn’t ever been in.  I asked how much for the chorizo & egg, and was answered in Spanish [Note: all discussion of the speaking of Spanish is intended to convey atmosphere, and not as any sort of qualitative measure] and then moments later in English.

Everything about the place (except the awesome signage) seems average and I expected the same from the tacos.  They were, however, very good.  The Chorizo & Egg is among the best I’ve had, with a strong but not overbearing flavor.  The Carne Guisada had a slightly thinner sauce than is typical, and seemed like it hadn’t been cooked as long as some – but the flavor and tenderness can’t be disputed.

The coffee was average, although I was not asked what kind of sugar I wanted and they gave me the pink!  Located right off crosstown on the way to Home Depot I won’t be able to avoid eating here again.

You may have noticed changes to Breakfast Taco Friday. I want to thank you for clicking out of facebook to read this review.  I wanted a little more control than facebook could accommodate.  I’m still transitioning, so expect more changes in the future.  Also, I welcome suggestions – with which you can email me at tacos@whetstonegraphics.com.

This taqueria was recommended by Corpus OfficeWorks’ own in-house saviour Heather Lynch.  If you like industrial urban decay, you’ll enjoy your drive here.  I did have to fend off one panhandler upon entering the drive through but he was deflected by a mere wag of my head.  Great signage.  The drive-through has no remote speaker or menu, but the server spoke english natively and was sharp.  The drive thru sign itself is a rustic masterpiece.

The tacos are slightly larger than normal, with thick homemade tortillas measuring around 8 1/4 inches.  The salsa wasn’t spectacular and they only gave me red.  The chorizo could have had more grease.  The carne guisada was quite good, with a sauce almost as thick as the beef was tender.  It countered the flavor of the salsa well.  Standard coffee. Well worth the short drive.  Especially with the Gabfest.