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By Lisa Kampeter

I can tell we’re getting old.  Or maybe it’s just me.  Every May, the Dining Divas typically try out a Mexican restaurant in honor of Cinco de Mayo, regardless that we don’t know why it’s celebrated.  This year, the actual feast day fell on our Dining Divas day, and I said, “Absolutamente, no!”   Tacos and tostados would have to wait for June.  I didn’t care to deal with the crowds of gringos celebrating a Mexican feast day with margaritas and mariachis.

Happy to have the Deep Thought Diva joining us this month, she’ll be lucky if we invite her back again.  Originally, the Dining Divas were going to try out Taqueria el Jalapeno in St. Ann.  Mexican restaurants in this area are often compared with Cherokee Street in South City for the best and most authentic Mexican food in St. Louis, and the taqueria is one we were excited to try.

The Deep Thought Diva is directionally – challenged, and when she couldn’t find its location on the internet, she started a tidal wave of confusion and concern.  Her directions showed some place on Woodson Road; the Taqueria is on St. Charles Rock Road.  We tried to call; the number was disconnected.  We were in a last minute frenzy so we decided to change venues.  We chose Taqueria Los Tarascos on Woodson Road.

Wear your sunglasses and sunscreen when you go into Taqueria Los Tarascos.  Major glares shine from the bright decorations of suns and moons, colorful under-the-sea animals, sunflowers, Toucan Sam, and more.  We got a kick out of Bandamax, the Mexican music videos playing on the tv’s throughout the restaurant.  I didn’t realize Alicia Villareal videos, with plenty of “between the sheets” moments, were dinnertime appropriate.  They made MTV seem G-rated.

And everything was in “stereo”.  Some of the TVs were on a delay.  From our table, it was quite entertaining to hear Alicia Villareal singing “Acaso Eres Tu” from one side of the room, and then again from another.  We didn’t know what she was saying either time, but we didn’t care.

Taqueria Los Tarascos is just down the street from another Diva favorite, Las Palmas.  A few Divas prefer Las Palmas margaritas and quesadillas to Taqueria Los Tarascos.  A few thought Los Tarascos was better.  One thing is for sure.  The menus are the same, just like Las Fuentes, El Maguey, and most other local Mexican restaurants.  Regardless, when you go to these restaurants, do not order a regular margarita.  You can do better at home.  Go for a Cadillac margarita or Top Shelf margarita.  You’ll be glad you did.

We’re picky about our salsa, too.  The multiple refills we requested says it all.  And we liked the queso also, even though we confused our waitress when we asked for white cheese.

We enjoyed Taqueria Los Tarascos, and for those of us living in Florissant, we were happy to find another good Mexican restaurant close to home.  However, we all wondered about the other place.  The original.  “Maybe it’s like Henke’s.  No phone,” one Diva commented.  “I saw a street view online.  It has to exist,” said another.  We were on a mission.

Prior to showing up at our new destination, I took a detour.  Taqueria el Jalapeno did exist, but there wasn’t enough time to notify everyone and change back to our original location.  So instead of welcoming motivational and thought-provoking comments from the Deep Thought Diva, we showered her with grief and insults.  She loved it, but we loved it more.

But we still wanted to try out the other restaurant, so a couple of us did just that.  If you are looking for truly authentic Mexican food, go to Taqueria el Jalapeno.  We tried the pork burrito and the steak quesadilla.  They’re nothing like what you’d find at Taco Bell or Casa Gallardo.  Accept that, and you’ll love them.  Tuesdays are dollar taco days, but they’re made the Mexican way – meat, onion, and cilantro.

Plan to take your meal to go.  There are only four tables and a counter.  And don’t plan to have a cocktail.  No alcohol is sold here.  Also, make sure you have cash.  They don’t accept debit or credit cards.

But it was a delight.   And it was a delight to dine with the girls at Taqueria Los Tarascos too, especially on a night that wasn’t filled with drunks and debauchery (well, except maybe for the music videos).

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