Se habla espanol?

Mr. M and I have just recently discovered the joy of biking in our beautiful state of Colorado, and today we decided to attempt our first real climb. We drove out to Golden to ride up Lookout Mountain's Lariat Loop Road. I don't even think we actually thought we'd make it to the top, but we ended up doing it without even stopping! Not bad for first-timers, I'd say, though it was rather embarrassing to be passed so many times by so many people at such great speed on our ascent.

Anyway, after a hair-raising descent back down to the car, we were feeling pretty good about ourselves, but also quite hungry. We got back in the car and headed back to town on Hwy 6, looking for a place to eat.

I'd always wanted to try El Taco de Mexico, with numerous people claiming that it's some of the most authentic Mexican food in town. It happened to be right on our way home, at Santa Fe and 7th.

The actual restaurant is not a place for atmosphere. It's rather confusing how it all works when you go in - there's a long counter, but no real line or ordering station. I'm not convinced that any of the employees speak English (a place after my own heart). Eventually we placed our order, then opted to sit outside rather than in the small crowded seating area inside.

If you've ever been to Mexico, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say that eating on the street is exciting. The sights and sounds and smells, the knowledge that some of the very tastiest eats are being made right there in front of you. At the same time, it's not unlike playing Russian roulette. You never know what kind of "excitement" will be later afflicting your bowels. But some of the best tacos you'll ever taste will be the ones sold on the street.

For lunch, I tried tacos of 3 types - asada, carnitas, and lengua (tongue, for the uninitiated). All were very tasty - the type of taco you get on a street corner in Mexico, not at Taco Bell. The lengua was surprisingly my favorite - very tender and juicy. All tacos were priced under $2. Many of the other patrons were eating smothered burritos - I'll have to try those on the next visit.

So, if you're looking for a place to eat when arriving back from the mountains, stop by! It's fabulous that we can eat Mexican street food right here in Denver, and WITHOUT the "excitement."