Community Spotlight: Tacos del Cartel
Serving up its own tasty brand of California-style Mexican street food, Tacos del Cartel is one to watch.
About Tacos del Cartel
It’s a classic story about perseverance and following your dream. Chef Julio Machado cultivated his passion for food back in his native Venezuela before seeking political asylum in the U.S. a few years ago. He gained recognition in South America and Europe due to his knowledge of gastronomy and his skill as a chef. When he came to New Orleans, however, the only restaurant work that he could get was as a dishwasher at a burger joint. There was no hiding his talent, though, and soon his responsibilities at work were increased.
Spurred on by his ambition, Julio soon set his sights on a bigger prize and landed a job as a sou’s chef at a well-known restaurant. Again, his talent shone through, and he became chef de cuisine at one of their other restaurants. It was there that his love for California-style Mexican food blossomed. On November 6, 2020, Julio and his business partner, Danny Cruz, opened Tacos del Cartel. A native of Honduras, Danny believed and invested in Julio’s dream, and it’s been a great start.
The Inspiration
Chef Julio’s passion for Mexican food and culture is the driving force behind Tacos del Cartel. He and his team aim to provide you with a truly memorable—and mystical—experience.
The inspiration for the look and feel of the restaurant itself is, without question, Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos)—with a psychedelic twist. You’ll see chandeliers and pink silk roses, but you’ll also see party skeletons and pink neon. Colorful and crafty: That’s the vibe.
The Menu
Chef Julio and his team go the extra mile to provide food and service of the highest quality. The ingredients are fresh and prepared with care and passion that you can taste. Taco selections include Pastor (marinated pork served with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and guacamole), carnitas (braised pork with salsa verde and chicharron sauce), and mushroom (deep-fried crispy mushroom served with house mayo and pico de gallo). There are also beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, and vegan options. Birria tacos (slow-braised short ribs in chile adobo with chihuahua cheese) are a crowd favorite.
Appetizers include a variety of salsas and dips, such as salsa de árbol, made from charcoal pineapple, chile de árbol, and onions, crushed on a stone mortar. The menu also has several fajita options, as well as a tantalizing range of desserts. Desserts include churros, tres leches cake, and choco flan. There are several vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a kid’s menu.
The Taste of Mexico: Tacos del Cartel
Tacos del Cartel is the place to go when you’re craving some Mexican Street food with a pop. The flavors are fresh and the ambiance strikingly unique.
Drop by Tacos del Cartel in Metairie today. You can check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see everything they’re cooking!
