Zilker Area Food: New Tacodeli to Open Soon

And by soon, I mean the new Tacodeli at 1817 South Lamar will have its grand opening on July 17th.  According to the article, this stand-alone location will feature a bar as well as a pet friendly patio.  

Food: Scallop Taco @ Tacodeli

Scallop Taco @ Tacodeli

Just when I thought Tacodeli couldn't get any better, I rolled in for an early lunch while on my way to the office earlier today.  I had heard rumors of a scallop taco available on Thursdays (at the Barton Skyway location), and the rumor was indeed true.  Here's what's involved:

• pan seared scallops
• red and poblano peppers
• corn
• Mojo Sauce
• a corn tortilla

I can't really say anything else about this taco except that it is exceptionally delicious and that you should buy one next Thursday.  

Also, as a bonus, I found out that I have been accepted into the Austin Bar/AYLA 2012 Leadership Academy while waiting in line at Tacodeli.  Moreover, I was informed by the gf, who is also going to be a member of the 2012 Leadership Academy Class.  

Recycling with Tacodeli

I stopped in Tacodeli (on Barton Skyway) this morning and noticed the sign pictured to the left. If you are into composting and that sort of thing, Tacodeli would like to hook you up with some of their vegetable scraps.

Turning unused food into fertilizer is one of many ways to promote sustainability, to recycle useful materials, and to help lower the city's waste output. It's good to see that Tacodeli, which already produces extremely delicious food, is also actively promoting the recycling of its leftovers.

Of course, I still think the coolest restaurant waste recycling program is the processing of biodeisel from used cooking oil.

Food: Taco Deli

Man, do I love TacoDeli. I been going there since 1999, right before I went to law school. I avoided it at first, mostly because every cafe/restaurant which had previously been in that location would crash and burn promptly after starting up. I didn't want to get hooked on a doomed taco. Fortunately I was wrong about the location, and once I visited I was instantly hooked. Moreover, thousands of other people are apparently hooked. TacoDeli has won six Austin Chronicle readers' choice awards. It's even quite popular on FourSquare (I'll have to check on GoWalla).

I'm most fond of the steak frontera funditos (pictured above). I also like the Mexico City and the al pastor tacos. Furthermore, the have excellent queso and they stock the fridge with delicious Mexican Coca-Cola (the kind with real cane sugar).

The gf and I ate lunch there today. I was initially concerned about the weather; however, the patio was quite comfortable in the sun and their were plenty of outdoor propane heaters on standby. The only unpleasant aspect to the entire meal was the loud woman who kept describing her last child birth experience in graphic detail (i.e., only an obstetrician would not mind hearing this while eating). It was freaking out me, the gf, and several other diners.

I plan to hit TacoDeli quite often once the weather warms up. Tacos are great before heading into Barton Creek for photos, biking, and other amusing activities.