EAT: Tacos Mexico Rico

I tried a new Mexican joint in downtown today for lunch. I went to Tacos Mexico Rico not only to see if their food is any good, but also to watch the soccer game between Argentina vs. Netherlands.

I ordered the day's special which was enchiladas. I had the vegetarian version, which came stuffed with green peppers, mushrooms, and onions, topped with red sauce (green sauce is also another option). The platter (for $8.99) came with a side of black beans and Mexican rice. I was quite impressed. I especially liked the black beans, although I did find them a little too salty, but I do have a preference for not-so-salty food, so for others it may not be so bothersome.

They also serve you complimentary tortilla chips and salsa. The salsa has been the best I have tasted so far in Vancouver. It had quite a bite to it so if you aren't tolerant of spicy food I suggest you stay away.

Be sure to try their aguas frescas (freshly made drinks). I ordered horchata (a milky drink with sugar and cinnamon). You can order jamaica or mango if you prefer. The horchata was a little too sweet for me so I had to wait until the ice melted and watered it down. Again, I have a tendency to like things a little less sweet than usual so for others it may be the right amount of sweetness. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the drink and found it refreshing. It was definitely one of the better horchatas I've had (even better than some of the ones I've had in Los Angeles).

I like the decor of the place. It's humble but has a nice relaxed ambience. It's simply decorated with Mexican knick-knacks. Kinda has that hole-in-the-wall feel. For a moment there, I felt like I was in LA.

Tacos Mexico Rico
309 W. Pender St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 1T3
604-688-7425
Mon-Sat 11:30a.m.-8:00p.m.

::5 stars::

HEAR: As Heard on KCRW

I'm really digging the following songs. Of course, I first heard them on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic"--the ultimate source for all the cool music in the world. Most of these songs can be heard currently on the show.

"You're All I Have" by Snow Patrol: Reminds me of the kind of songs I heard in the 90's. It's a rock-pop song with lyrics that are even kinda romantic, but in an adolescent kind of way.

"Hold on" (Lindstrom Remix) by Magnet: I didn't really care for the original song but this remix has got me hooked. This song boasts of lush electronic soundscapes that take the song to a whole 'nother level.

"Multiply" by Jamie Lidell: A great R&B song that makes you move. Sounds very old-school.

"Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley: Very catchy.

"Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project: From the latest album. A little bit of Spanish rap, electronica, and tango mixed up. Really cool.

Anything by James Hunter: This guy croons like he's from the 60's. I like every song on his current album, and I cannot say enough good things about it. This is definitely going to be my summer soundtrack.

"I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" The Brand New Heavies: This song can be heard in full at http://www.myspace.com/thebrandnewheavies. This soulful song makes me get up and dance.

Oldie but goody:

"In The Waiting Line" by Zero 7: From the 2002 release Simple Things. This song is sexy as hell. Also, their new album seems like another fine piece of work.

Hear samples of these songs on iTunes or your preferred online music store.