Tonight it was taco Tuesday because we would be getting free tacos. We had enrolled in a dance fitness class and any everyone who signs up for Tuesday classes gets a coupon for a free taco.
Working out never tasted so good. And this isn’t just any taco, it is one from the popular, local BC chain Tacofino, specifically their Ocho location in Mount Pleasant.
Ocho is one of their newer locations with a larger emphasis on their drink menu and a darker more late night, lounge-like vibe. Thus, making this the ideal location to unwind at after a sweaty work out. Especially with $1 off classic cocktails as one of the day’s specials.
The service was quick. We were seated immediately and the staff were well aware of the promo and seemed to be expecting us.
Our dance instructor recommended it as being really tasty, so despite it not being part of the drink special, that was what I had to go for tonight. The Raspberry cardamon margarita with cazadores blanco, raspberry purée, lemon juice, rose syrup, and cardamon bitters. I liked the ingredients list, but didn’t get much of the spice to balance out the sweetness. It tasted like punch.
One of us went the alcohol-free route with the promise that it would still taste just as good as any of the other cocktails. Pineapple ginger collins with a ginger pineapple cordial, habanero bitters, and fresh lime. Citrus and spice, this made a great digestif.
And the third of us wanted the Blood orange margarita, but it was sold out so got the cranberry pisco sour and was able to take advantage of the $1 off cocktail special on Tuesdays. El Gonernador pisco, lemon juice egg whites, and cranberry syrup.
Keeping in our theme of ordering their specials we went for their popular Nachos at $5 off tonight, but did add on guacamole for $4, so the $5 off pretty much covers that. A handsome platter of crunchy chips topped generously with aged cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, roasted jalapeño, chipotle creme, salsa Fresca, feta, and cilantro. The chips remained crispy throughout and the mix of toppings kept us going back for more. Definitely one of my favourite nachos to date, if not the best. Will definitely order again the next time I visit, discount or not.
And now for the reason why we decided to have dinner here in the first place. Free tacos with our Taco Tuesday coupons. One per person, we got one each.
The Grilled pork Al pastor with grilled pineapple, avocado salsa, pickled onions was a classic. A well balanced mix of zesty and fresh, and the pineapple was the tropical highlight.
The Steak with pickle tomatillo salad, kale and radicchio slaw, and salsa verde was a nice heartier option. The steak could have been a bit more tender to flow better with its accompaniment texture-wise.
I felt like the Asadero cheese was the best out of the three. This vegan option was the tastiest with the greatest mix of flavours and textures. Although I often find this the case for many plant-based recipes. Edamame puree, lime pickled onion, sunflower seeds, and cilantro. The feature was the hard slice of halloumi cheese that offered substantial bite.
A great spot for solid fusion Mexican offerings and tasty drinks. The Tacofino brand continues to deliver for fans and new customers alike.
Tacofino Ocho
8 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1G8
(604) 709-0015
tacofino.com
