cmccool
Jan 29, 03, 8:55 am
Teocalli Tamale
336 Elden St
Herndon, Virginia
703-904-9336
"People in this area do not know food, especially good Mexican food. They think good Mexican food is Rositas*." So started my conversation earlier this month with Chris Williams, the man-in-charge at Teocalli Tamale (TT). Chris spent a couple of summers in Colorado, learning the inner workings at the original TT in Crested Butte, Colorado; Teocalli is the name of a nearby mountain. He gathered the courage to give up his day job (teacher) and launch TT.
TT does not try to do everything and they do what they do very well. The setup is fast food but everything, I mean everything, is handmade and super fresh. You simply step up to the counter, pick burrito or taco, select your filling and sauce, pay, sit down, and eat.
Picking the filling and sauce, however, is not so simple. There are about a half-dozen choices for each. It is difficult for me to get any filling but Mike's Mex-O-Lina (mouth-watering, slow-cooked brisket), but I sometimes go with the steak (super lean, marinated, and grilled). Other fillings include grilled chicken and veggies. You can even select a thai burrito or fajita burrito (chicken, steak, or shredded beef with peppers and onions). TT has five salsas. All are fantastic but I usually go with the hottest, smoky chipotle. If you need more fire, TT has a wall of bottled hot sauces.
TT's fish dishes (mahi-mahi tacos and burritos) are pretty good (I unfairly compare them to Southern California versions). When I get fish, I usually opt for a taco combo (1 steak, 1 chicken, 1 fish). A big plus for TT is that they have really good corn tortillas. Hard to find fresh corn tortillas in ths area.
The tamales are, of course, fresh and tasty. My favorite is the red chile & pork, but there is also the green chile & cheese version. Both are served in a corn husk.
I have been told that TT's guacamole is outstanding. Since I do not touch the stuff (no avocados for me), I cannot vouch for it. I do usually opt for a side order of the cilantro-lime rice; it is THAT good. The chicken tortilla soup is fantastic and not too salty (as most other places make it). TT has a good selection of Mexican and domestic beers. The dessert bars next to the register will break most New Year resolutions. The oreo bar is wicked to-die-for.
During your next Dulles layover, forget about the tried and dull. Drive a couple of extra miles for a fresh experience.
* Name has been not-so-cleverly disguised to protect the offending guilty party.
[This message has been edited by cmccool (edited 02-07-2003).]
336 Elden St
Herndon, Virginia
703-904-9336
"People in this area do not know food, especially good Mexican food. They think good Mexican food is Rositas*." So started my conversation earlier this month with Chris Williams, the man-in-charge at Teocalli Tamale (TT). Chris spent a couple of summers in Colorado, learning the inner workings at the original TT in Crested Butte, Colorado; Teocalli is the name of a nearby mountain. He gathered the courage to give up his day job (teacher) and launch TT.
TT does not try to do everything and they do what they do very well. The setup is fast food but everything, I mean everything, is handmade and super fresh. You simply step up to the counter, pick burrito or taco, select your filling and sauce, pay, sit down, and eat.
Picking the filling and sauce, however, is not so simple. There are about a half-dozen choices for each. It is difficult for me to get any filling but Mike's Mex-O-Lina (mouth-watering, slow-cooked brisket), but I sometimes go with the steak (super lean, marinated, and grilled). Other fillings include grilled chicken and veggies. You can even select a thai burrito or fajita burrito (chicken, steak, or shredded beef with peppers and onions). TT has five salsas. All are fantastic but I usually go with the hottest, smoky chipotle. If you need more fire, TT has a wall of bottled hot sauces.
TT's fish dishes (mahi-mahi tacos and burritos) are pretty good (I unfairly compare them to Southern California versions). When I get fish, I usually opt for a taco combo (1 steak, 1 chicken, 1 fish). A big plus for TT is that they have really good corn tortillas. Hard to find fresh corn tortillas in ths area.
The tamales are, of course, fresh and tasty. My favorite is the red chile & pork, but there is also the green chile & cheese version. Both are served in a corn husk.
I have been told that TT's guacamole is outstanding. Since I do not touch the stuff (no avocados for me), I cannot vouch for it. I do usually opt for a side order of the cilantro-lime rice; it is THAT good. The chicken tortilla soup is fantastic and not too salty (as most other places make it). TT has a good selection of Mexican and domestic beers. The dessert bars next to the register will break most New Year resolutions. The oreo bar is wicked to-die-for.
During your next Dulles layover, forget about the tried and dull. Drive a couple of extra miles for a fresh experience.
* Name has been not-so-cleverly disguised to protect the offending guilty party.
[This message has been edited by cmccool (edited 02-07-2003).]