Tres Carnales

FINALLY A DECENT MEXICAN PLACE IN EDMONTON.

There. I did it. Probably the only requirement for subsistence in a city other than San Diego, is a decent Mexican Food restaurant. Another one of Katie’s brilliant suggestions, I went to Tres Carnales after being sorely disappointed by crap offerings off Whyte Ave.

Welcome to: Tres Carnales!

They model themselves as street food vendors off the street, nice selection of indie music playing, cool cultural decor, but not as cool as Lucha Libre in SD, but hey, who is? The great crowd pleaser seems to be their tacos, more like tacos al carbon that I’m used to South-South-of the border :).

Now, I’ve been here twice now, first time, I drove around for 25 minutes looking for parking (apparently impossible, downtown) and settled on parking half in the street, half in a planter. I got 4 Al Pastor tacos thinking… hey, that’s my favorite street taco that I get with Tabor at Manny’s TJ tacos in North Park SD. Take em back to my car, fearful of getting a parking ticket.

Then: I black out. I have no idea what happened but I am sitting back in my seat, groaning in approval, pineapple salsa down my dress shirt. Delicious, fresh, and true to the classics. At $10 for 4, it would be super expensive to fill up a Big Fred, but it sure is cheaper than a plane ticket to San Diego.

If you’re really hungry, the Tortas are pretty big. The waitstaff will first ask you if you’ve eaten one, and then gives you a lesson on Torta assembly/massage/devourment 101. Still, I prefer tacos as the primary meat delivery vessel.

The chorizo is ok, seemed to be fairly one dimensional, but sure delivers on the grease, which many will agree is the signature of chorizo. The Pollo Asado is grilled then shredded, was hoping for cubes of diced chicken, but certainly helped with the salsa verde. Hidden gem is the skirt steak. My first try was superb, second try was a little dry, but the flavor was there!. And, really really great Guacamole. I mean like slather iton like sunscreen please. Fresh and lime-y, just how I LOVE it.

Definitely impressed by the attention to detail, copious cilantro and onion usage on tacos, big grill space and plentiful staff means your food comes out quickly, special salsas for every kind. Cute Jarritos and Mexican colas, super friendly waitstaff, and you know it approaches authentic when the Manager/Owner rolls the R when he says Camarón. This is a quick 8 minute LRT ride to Central station from the University. Jasper and 101 A st.