Review Robert J. Tousley

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Reviews | Send mail to The Voice Big Servings, Small Price at The Original Taco House Screwing up a taco is tough to do. Cram some kind of meat, some cheese, and a few condiments into a crunchy taco shell, and - voila - you have a taco. Although a taco is hard to screw up, it isn't the "food of the gods," either. So any place called The Original Taco House ought to offer more than just quality tacos. The food at The Original Taco House is simple yet satisfying. The range of burritos starts with choices of beef or chicken, and the servings were more than enough to fill the average eater. The beef burrito came smothered in a taco sauce that complemented it nicely, except the sauce tasted overcooked. The chimichangas were of healthy portions as well but seemed dry. The highlight was the tostado -- a corn tortilla bowl filled with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, onions and tomatoes. Fans of ice cream and fried foods can get the best of both worlds with the fried ice cream dessert. The crunchy fried shell covered in caramel is a perfect contrast in texture and temperature to the vanilla ice cream on the inside. The decor of the restaurant consists of sombreros hanging on the walls, and wagons placed in the windows. An uncomfortable mixture of red, green and brown color stains the walls. The metal bars covering all of the windows give one the distinct feeling of being in a Mexican prison. The atmosphere of The Original Taco House is that of a family restaurant. The majority of the tables are not secluded. Corner booths are more private, but they are still openly visible by most of the restaurant. The atmosphere is more conducive to a group of friends grabbing something to eat and hanging out than for a romantic dinner. Service is efficient. The server brought drinks within a short period of time. The large glasses were convenient because although the drinks came quickly, the refills weren't nearly as prompt. The food came out in about 10 minutes andcame out hot. The biggest benefit to eating at The Original Taco House is the price. Students on a tight budget can easily fill up for $5 to $10 per person and get there with a five-minute drive north on Northeast 82nd Avenue. So although The Original Taco House isn't a great place to propose to a girlfriend of three years, it is a great place to come with poor and hungry friends. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Cover Stories | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2004 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.