So I'm sitting here, mulling my lunch options, and I realize that the one thing I really, really want to eat, I can't have.
Well, not without getting on a plane to Mexico.
Or driving a couple of hours to a major metro area where maybe, just maybe I'll find some place that makes them kind of like the way my tastebuds think they should be.
What is my obsession?
Tacos al pastor.
These are no ordinary tacos.
In fact, they couldn't be more unlike the general American idea of what a taco is: crunchy yellow shell out of an Ortega or Old El Paso box (or cold, dry, lacking-flavor tortilla from the supermarket's refrigerated section), ground beef seasoned from a packet, a few tomatoes, shredded lettuce and cheese with a douse of hot sauce.
I'm talking about a small, soft, warm disc topped with specially marinated, rotisserie-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth tender pork shaved from a spindle, sprinkled with chopped onion, cilantro, maybe a few specks of white cheese (depending on the place) and served with lime slices to squeeze over the whole wonderful thing.
The succulent pork (not spicy) combined with the tang of the citrus, the cool freshness of the diced veggies, the warmth of the tortilla envelope blanketing the whole mixture. Mmmm.
If you want an idea of what these are like, go to Yayas (320 E. Philadelphia St restaurant or the stand at Central Market, both in York) or hop on I-83 and head to Herby's El Mexicano restaurant near Harrisburg.
Hint: Sometimes they're listed on the menu as "tacos adobados" instead of "al pastor."
I've gotta stop writing now. It's too much torture.
Tacos al pastor are the best tacos in Mexico. As Jen said, you can find them at Herby's or Yayas. I personally prefer Herby's but if you don't feel like driving, Yayas is ok.