Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Gringo's Taqueria

The first time I ever went to Gringo's Taqueria (612 Norfolk Ave. Ste. 109 VA Beach, VA. 757-961-2987) it was a while back with some friends and was during some day drinking, so I don't remember to much other than we sat in the hall and the salsa was good. So on a recent Saturday I had a major craving for good tacos and was referred some where else but on the way while on Norfolk ave I remembered about Gringo's and decided to swing in for a bite. When I first got there I was the only customer and was quickly greeted by 3 very polite young ladies, one of which was chopping onions for some tasty salsa. Since I was flying solo I decided to take a seat at the very small low rise bar, there are only about 4 or 5 tables in the restaurant itself but there are a couple more in the hall way leading into Gringo's. The first thing you will notice is the very small size of this spot, but don't let that fool you they put out some serious food.
After taking notice of the decent beer selection I decided on a Tecate with my chips and salsa while I looked over the regular menu as well as the specials board on the back wall. I first decided on the fish taco, pabst blue ribbon beer battered tilapia on a warm crispy flour tortilla with cabbage and a habanero sour cream. The fish was crispy, tasty, and not over powered with batter and the sauce wasn't overwhelming and it all worked out nicely. By the time I got my next taco the place had filled up and the tables in the hall way were taken, so if you get there and there's an open table jump on it, cause someone else might. The 2nd taco I had was the carne asada taco, fully equipped with cheese. lettuce, salsa, and i belive there were some grilled poblano peppers too. What a quality taco, the meat was perfectly seasoned, the perfect about of lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It was definitely a worthy 2nd choice. After shoving 2 tasty, huge, fresh tacos in my gullet I start on a second Tecate and decide that 1 more taco should do me right and send me home for a good nap. So after looking at the menu and noticing the Yurbi taco and that there was a name on the ABC board that was the same, and a menu item that bares an employees name on it has to be pretty good so I decided to go for the Yurbi taco. A marinated pork taco with grilled corn, poblano peppers, and white onion, with lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It was the end all be all taco and to be honest was the largest taco I've ever seen. It was love at first bite, the spice, the marinated pork, the coolness of the lettuce, more spice from the salsa, the grilled corn, onion, and pepper, it was a perfect pork taco. If I had this taco first I probably only would've eaten 2 tacos and they both would've been Yurbi tacos. From now on every meal at Gringo's will be finished off with a Yurbi taco.
They have a few different burritos on the menu as well that caught my eye and the next time I head into Gringo's that's what I'll be going for. They also have quesadilla's on the menu as well as salads and a breakfast style burrito. Most if not all taco, burritos, and quesadillas can be made into a meal by adding beans and rice for an up charge, but to be honest skip the beans and rice and get another taco. Gringo's is a small spot doing up huge flavors with a lot of love in their food. As soon as you get a chance get to Gringo's and try some tacos, burritos, or anything else on the menu, if your not into beer they also have wine. Gringo's is a definite winner and I will be back for sure and will spread the word.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Kim Cafe

There are some restaurants that have been around forever and you went there when you were a kid or it was years ago and for whatever reason you just never went back. So is the case with Kim Cafe (757-340-4989 2605 Virginia Beach Blvd, #103 Virginia Beach, VA), Kim Cafe has been at this location for I know at least 15 years and I ate there when I was younger, but for whatever reason I had never been back, till yesterday. Man was it a great experience. It is straight up a greasy spoon ran by an older Asian couple and they are doing things proper there.
When I say this is a greasy spoon it's your typical greasy spoon operation without the actual greasy spoons. They have greasy spoon food with greasy spoon prices. Burgers, grilled cheeses, chicken sandwiches, salads, breakfast, etc. A line of 2 top tables in the front with a narrow walk way between the counters and the tables, counter seats at the kitchen area and a "larger" dining area in the back that looks like it is straight from 1980. Kim Cafe has to be one of the best kept secrets in VA. Beach for a while and I am stoked to have found it again. When I first walked in I was quickly greeted by a nice gentleman named Lou. 99% sure he is the owner with the lady that cooked up my tasty lunch. The only reason I knew his name was Lou is because another customer addressed him as such. This place has full on been setup in the small greasy spoon/diner fashion, getting the most use out of the little bit of room you have. From the mini dishwasher to the mini fryer and not to mention the overwhelming amount of Brady Bunch floral print plates, saucers, and cups. It has instantly become a new favorite for me. As I am writing this I just went there for lunch and talked to Lou for a second, he informed me that they have been there for 25 years and that as soon as he make a million dollars he will retire. How great is that?
On my first visit back in at least 15 years I had a taste for a burger and that is exactly what I got. A bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, mayo, and fries. All sammich's come with a little jammy of coleslaw and chips or fires. What I got was a tasty, fresh, juicy, burger grilled and topped with American cheese and quality bacon not some garbage pre-cooked shizz. The burger is arguably one of the best around and for $6.55 you can't go wrong. Today I had a b.l.t. with fries and again was completely satisfied with everything. Nothing hard about a b.l.t., but for some reason some places manage to screw them up. This one had the perfect ratio of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and by request mayo. Again the price was just right at $5.45, come on now are you serious? A tasty, fresh, filling lunch for cheap, and they do breakfast too. That will be my next venture with Kim Cafe.
Do yourself a favor if you are in the area of the boulevard and Lynnhaven near the RK dealership, in the shopping center with the West Indian grocery store and go-ho auto, then stop in to Kim Cafe and get your grub on, you will not be disappointed. This is definitely a hole in the wall spot throwing out tasty burgers, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast for cheap. Get on it, a good thing doesn't last forever and I am really bummed that I waited so long to fall in love with this spot and it's been right under my nose this whole time. A true dining gem.

I'll be back on the regular for sure and spreading the word.