In Search of Good Food: it’s in the taco
By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor
While the country is engulfed in the World Cup, we have decided to honor it by searching for good, cultural foods through the duration of the tournament. With Mexico as a host nation having advanced to the round of 16, a Mexican restaurant was the only choice this week.
In 2024, I first went to the Taco Wars in downtown Shreveport. Taqueria San Miguel, 4100 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City, won the “Best Tacos” award. With San Miguel close to where I live, I have been there many times over the years, so I already knew the food was good.
We went Sunday for lunch, priming us for the soccer games that were played later in the day, including Mexico hosting England. Unfortunately for Mexico, it lost in a hard-fought classic, 3-2, leaving the United States as the only host nation still in the World Cup, playing Belgium tonight at 7.
I went with the steak tacos; why not, they are award-winning! The order came with three tacos, rice, and beans. I’ve always judged a Mexican restaurant by their beans. San Miguel’s are very good, not running nor dry. Years ago, I accidentally mixed my beans with the rice. It was a happy accident that I now do every time.
My daughter and son-in-law ordered the Veserra Grill, which comes on a smoking fajita pan. When I say smoking, it took over the dining room as it was brought out. It dissipated quickly but none of us had any doubt the food was hot. The Veseria Grill is a butterflied and seasoned skirt steak, with peppers and onions. There are tortillas on the side with all the fixings to make the meal complete. The one bite I was allowed to have was very good — which is why that’s all I got.
My youngest daughter ordered the Birra tacos. She liked these so much, she didn’t even let me try one. Although I cannot give my personal opinion, she told me that the tacos were cooked perfectly and the avocado slices were the ideal touch. I am not sure exactly what is in the sauce that comes with the tacos, but it brought the whole meal together, or so I hear.
One of the desserts stood out to me: the flan. I remember having flan as a kid when we lived in Spain, so I couldn’t resist. We ordered one to share, they accidentally made two, so we ended up getting the second one for free! The flan was served cold and was so good; I don’t believe there will be a visit there again that doesn’t include the flan.
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net
