452641 Sat Oct 20 18:45:34 -0700 2007 7 20 Tristate Region 0 3053072 For whatever reason, I've always meant to try herradura on my new rochelle excursions but have never been able to get there. I finally went there last night. I was a little skeptical once in there - especially when I tried the tomato sauce-like salsa that accompanied their chips. I didn't have much time, so I just ordered two tacos and some horchata. Because I'm a creature of habit, I ordered on carnitas, then ordered one of their "herradura" tacos, grilled steak, which I figured would be just carne asada. As soon as the food came out, I was very pleasantly surprised. First, the tortillas were handmade. No other taqueria in westchester or fairfield hand makes their own tortillas. Los Gemelos in Port Chester makes them onsite, of course, so they are pretty fresh, but there's something very different about a "hand" made tortilla. Herradura's are obviously made of reconstituted masa harina, (the closest true fresh masa I've seen is Chicago). But they are unmistakely hand made. Slightly thicker, a little chewier, more rustic and more flavorful. I went late in the evening, and I think they had been made a little earlier, but it was still very good. Big, big points for those tortillas. The carnitas was good, though not amazing. Pretty moist, just not as much flavor as you'd get down the road at michoacana. But the grilled steak, which I had low expectation, was tremendous. Not really traditional carne asada, instead cut into strips (think fajitas, but not fajitas at all) with a huge mound of guacamole. The meat was very flavorful, slightly salty, not overcooked and not tough or dry - the two most common problems with any kind of grilled beef in mexican places. Oh, and the table salsas that accompanied the tacos - both fiery hot and deep in flavor - were very very good. One a chunky roasted tomatillo-based salsa verde, and the other an extra hot fresh chile salsa. And, the horchata there was great to boot. I really need to get back there and do some more exploration. I completely discounted stuff on their menu, like fish tacos, since I've been burned way too many times in this part of the country. But after those tacos and tortillas, I think it warrants some exploration. What else do you like at La Herradura? So, I have to update my favorites list for New Rochelle. My favorite new rochelle tacos, in no particular order: Grilled steak taco, Herradura Al pastor, Little Mexican Cafe (only when the spit is running) Carnitas, El Michoacano Carnitas, Taquiera El Chino Sat Oct 20 18:45:34 -0700 2007 11120 adamclyde 1 3053509 adamclyde, I know someone who loves La Herradura. I haven't been there yet. Does La Herradura charge for the taco chips? Sun Oct 21 02:52:02 -0700 2007 3053072 11104 dolores 2 3053674 i've driven by a bunch of times, interesting facade, thanks for the heads up... Sun Oct 21 07:08:48 -0700 2007 3053509 132440 riverhound 3 3054266 Interesting interior too. I'm happy for the tip. I really don't like trying new places without some semblance of a recommendation. Looks like I've got one -- alls I need now is an appetite for Mexican. Sun Oct 21 12:58:28 -0700 2007 3053674 10609 Cheese Boy 2 3054898 no, no charge for chips. though the table salsa they serve with it doesn't leave much to be desired. Frankly, I'd rather pay and get one of their other salsas they served with the tacos. Sun Oct 21 18:05:48 -0700 2007 3053509 11120 adamclyde 1 3054290 Adamclyde, have you tried any of the Mexican eateries along North Avenue? On North Avenue (from Main Street to Iona College and perhaps beyond) there are several. Just wondering if any are worthwhile. Let us know. Sun Oct 21 13:11:10 -0700 2007 3053072 10609 Cheese Boy 2 3054902 No, I haven't at all. I really don't know the area too well, except for that strip of main where all these places are. do you have any names, or has anyone else been to these places? I'd love to check them out. - Adam Sun Oct 21 18:08:47 -0700 2007 3054290 11120 adamclyde 3 3055117 Adam, I don't have any names but there are several. North Avenue almost resembles Main Street at one point -- that's how many there are. Some look uninviting, but there are plenty others that look welcoming. I'm not that adventurous when it comes to Mexican eateries, but I'm sure someone out there can do some exploring. Sun Oct 21 19:58:04 -0700 2007 3054902 10609 Cheese Boy