Thursday, May 27, 2010

Food fight preview: chicken tacos!

Ok, so tacos aren't a decidedly Chicago dish by any means--unless you count the tortillas, which are made by Chicago food manufacturers like Azteca Foods, El Milgaro, and Del Rey (and I'm sure I don't know them all). But, like hot dogs, taco stands and restaurants litter the city from hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale restaurants run by none other than Top Chef Master Rick Bayless--so why not feature them in a food fight?

The taco, of course, originated from the indigenous people who lived in the area now known as Mexico back in 3000 B.C. The tortilla, back then, was called the tlaxcalli, which was often filled with various toppings--just like we fill them today. But unlike the original taco, we won't be topping our tortillas with fish, locusts, and snails.

Rather, we're going for chicken. No pork, no steak, no beef--just chicken, simply for ease of comparison.

All of the food fight participants will bring their own favorite tacos--from places such as La Pasadita, Picante, Frontera Fresco, among others--after ordering them 'as is' off the menu. Once gathered, we'll divvy them up and vote!

Where do you get your favorite taco in Chicago? Which restaurant should be in this Mexican food fight? Share your opinions below!