Straight From Mexico to Pelham Parkway: Tacos El Bronco
When most people think of tacos, they think of endless toppings in a hard-crusted shell. Well, at least I do. When my fellow Bronx Narratives partner Hector suggested we try Tacos El Bronco, I did not know what to expect. “What’s so special about El Bronco’s tacos?” It took less than five minutes for me to eat those words. Literally. Quickly realizing I had a lack of understanding for the Mexican culture, I took the time to reevaluate, learn, and appreciate the mannerisms of another culture. When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do.
Nestled right on the corner of Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road is Tacos El Bronco, coincidently a few steps away from Taco Bell. Late afternoon or early evening, you will find a crowd of people patiently waiting in line for their orders to be taken. Quick, easy, and to the point, the owners of Tacos El Bronco have mastered the art of this phrase in every sense. With the sounds of the busy streets, kids running, people shopping, trains passing, and cars honking, the employees seamlessly get their customers in and out. After all, this is New York. Not to mention, the raw environment adds to the aesthetics of a budding food truck industry in New York City – quick food in a very busy neighborhood.
Prior to ordering the tacos, I asked Hector again:
“What makes this taco truck so special?”
His response:
“It’s straight to the point; it’s an authentic Mexican taco.”
What is an authentic Mexican taco? Your meat preference, onions, cilantros, and a variety of hot peppers for my spicy lovers – that’s it? Yup, that’s it. Hector was right. It was straight to the point and by far the best taco I’ve ever tasted. The simplicity allows you to truly experience the essence of Mexican tacos and its setting gives street style food a new meaning.
The variety of meats includes: Cueritos (Pork Skin), Bistec (Steak), Pollo (Chicken), Carnitas (Fried Pork), Buche (Pork Stomach), Suadero (Tender Beef), Cabeza (Veal Head), Vegetariano (Vegetarian), Carne Enchilada (Spicy Pork), Chorizo (Mexican Sausage), Cecina (Salty Beef), Barbacoa (Goat), Lengua (Tongue), and Tripa (Tripe).
One of the owners, Anthony, explained he and his brother wanted to bring a piece of home to New York. Relocating from Mexico to the Big Apple, they originally set up shop in Brooklyn with a storefront restaurant and soon after launched their food truck on Pelham Parkway in 2009. They hope to expand their food truck business. They believe it offers accessibility and good homemade tacos to their customers.
Coda’s Corner – 5 out of 5 stars for Authenticity, Street Style, and Happy Customers.