Barbacoa - What are these, tacos for ants?

Yet another piece of administrative detail; a friend informed me that Sunrise Cafe has fish tacos. So this is a net zero progress post, knocked one off but added one on. Such is the nature of the tour.

As a lot of Boise residents may know, Barbacoa has an interesting history. It burned to the ground in 2010 and was rebuilt with a notably different layout. I've been to the before and after versions, and I have to say I prefer the new one. The layout is open and unique, with great decor and ambiance. Food and drinks aren't cheap, but aren't egregious either. They could go for a slightly better beer selection, but their liquor selection is impressive.

Presentation - There's a bar upstairs called the Luna Rooftop Bar with a limited menu. The hostess said they'd have tacos, so we went up there first. They do have tacos, but not fish, so we ended up heading back down to the main bar. No matter, the upstairs crowd wasn't quite my bag, I much preferred the folks inside. Solid and attentive bartenders, awesome decor as I mentioned above, and unique platings. I can't find much wrong with the place honestly. 5/5

Aroma - I'm not 100% sure what was on these as the menu isn't explicit. Fish, pico, cilantro, some sort of cheese (I say cotija, Christine says feta), and a white sauce. It smelled pretty good, regardless of what's on it. 4/5

Value - $9 for a "brick" of 5 tacos. A buck eighty per taco isn't bad, but it should be noted that these are tiny. I two-bit the first taco, did the rest in one chomp. With a side of tableside guacamole and one taco to the lady friend, I left pretty full for a late night bonus dinner. Not a deal, not exorbitant. 5/10

Fish - Blackened white fish of some sort with some good seasoning. Blackened is rarely my favorite preparation, but these were a notable exception. Great seasoning, perfect amount per taco, really good. Not as good as they could have been fried, but really good nonetheless. 8/10

Not Fish - Two tiny corn tortillas per, along with pico, cilantro, some tasty crumbly cheese, and a really good white sauce. Oddly enough a lemon on the side. I left that be. The came with a mini-side of coleslaw that was great. I could have gone for a bit more spice and some limes, but pretty good all that said. Unrelated, I cheated and got an Anderson Valley Summer Solstice instead of a Diet Coke. No regrets. 7/10

Overall Taste - Not gonna lie, I wish I got 10 instead of five, they were better than expected. Well balanced, medium fishiness (fishitude?), pretty close to traditional with just enough difference to be unique. Dug em. 8/10

Bonus Points - If the upstairs bar wasn't full of douchiness and empty of fishiness, they may have earned one. But nope. +0

Overall Overall - 37/50

Tied for fourth, not at all bad for a late comer. I'm not surprised they did really well, their kitchen is on point, if not a tad pricey. For a fancy night out, highly recommended. 

The Funky Taco - HIPPIES!

The Funky Taco has been on my radar for a bit, but they seem to emphasize the vegetarian and vegan options. Nothing wrong with that, but fish are decidedly alive. Before they're murdered and made into tacos for me that is. Point is, I thought The Funky Taco and The Tour de Fish Tacos were a venn diagram with no overlapping middle part. I was wrong.

It appears the fish options are occasional at best, but kismet put them at The Boise Farmers Market from 9-1PM today with ahi tacos on the menu, and me returning from a 10k in Eagle right around 9AM. It was a sign from above, eat some damn tacos.

Presentation - Ambiance is a bit odd, it's a trailer in a parking lot. A pretty bitchin Airstream for what that's worth, but they only control a pretty narrow radius around the trailer, so I won't fault them on anything outside their control. Cash only, which is irritating, but there is an ATM at the market so it was a minor delay at most. Tacos come in a tub, one per (they're big). Limited beverage selection, water and La Croix (more different fizzy water), so I opted for a coffee kombucha from the Idaho Kombucha tent right next to them. No diet soda that I could find, I had to improvise. I regret nothing. 3/5

No inside picture. The inside of the trailer appeared to be crowded with cooks. I didn't ask to go inside. Side note though, this is stop number 50 on the tour, and holy balls do I have a lot of fish taco related pictures.

Aroma - Honestly a little light given the oddball ingredients. Not bad, but I didn't get much wasabi. Oh, that togarashi though, that was something. I think. I don't actually know that I smelled it. Google says it's a Japanese chili pepper. If it was there, it was light. 2/5

Value - One taco is eight bucks. That caught me off guard. Luckily they're pretty giant, on 8" tortillas. I wasn't crazy hungry and two would have probably been too much. I'd equate it to about two average tacos, so call it 4 bucks per with premium fish. About average. 5/10

Fish - Ahi again! You can see in the picture, it's cooked through more than the McGrath's version. Some of the small pieces didn't actually have any pink, I'd call it more pan fried rare than seared. Still just fine. If there was togarashi, it was part of the fish seasoning, and was a bit light. Above average by just a bit. 6/10

Not Fish - Hat tip for all the bolditude. Fresh scratch-made corn tortilla, guac, wasabi, and some crazy ass veggies. All things considered the combo was way milder than I expected. I think these were legitimately healthy, which is not always the case. I can dig. 7/10

Overall Taste - They came together pretty well. I could have done with a bit more flavor, but they tasted like hippy tacos, which is exactly what they are. A distinct left turn from the norm for fish tacos, and not quite a home run, but plenty tasty. 7/10

Bonus Points - Nothing comes to mind, tough to get these if your're a food truck. +0

Overall Overall - 30/50

These guys occasionally have other fish options, they tend to announce them at least a day beforehand and are at the Boise Farmer's Market all summer. If I go back I'm going to try something else, they have some very unique ingredients and flavors. Funky, some might say...

Casa Mexico - Subterranean

Another piece of administrative detail to knock out. There's a food truck called The Funky Taco that is normally a vegan joint. However, they had a facebook post today indicating that they would be at the Farmer's Market in the morning with tuna tacos, which coincides nicely with me driving by after a 10k in Eagle, surely hungry for tacos. So they're now on the list. Still no word on Gloria's.

We've been in the North End for over two years now, and have been to most restaurants in Hyde Park. Sun Ray, 13th St. Pub and Grill, Parrilla, etc. But never Casa Mexico, until tonight that is. Getting down to the wire on this thing, and since the wife was off cosplaying some Harry Potter bologna, the girls and I went down to get some tacos.

Presentation - I had no idea this place was in the basement. Honestly, on a scorcher of a day like today, no qualms with that, it was a welcome respite from the heat. We got in early (5:30ish) and were the only customers until we left maybe 45 minutes later. Rather quiet for a Friday. Service was good, plating was pretty meh. But all in all fine for family dining. 3/5

Aroma - The white sauce and cilantro dominated, not a lot of fish. But not bad smelling. 3/5

Value - $11.25 for two tacos and rice and beans. If the side was better, it would be about average, however the rice and beans were pretty boring. And/or not good. 4/10

Fish - A pretty solid portion of grilled tilapia. Tilapia is a solid fish because it's a blank slate, leaving a lot of room for creativity for the chef. This chef didn't really take that opportunity. It was bland and boring, nothing wrong with it per say, but not enough seasoning or flavor. Bummer, could have done a lot better. 4/10

Not Fish - A lot of my fish comments carry over. The pico was onion heavy and under-spiced. Too much cilantro. Two corn tortillas, but no limes. Decent white sauce. Rice hiding down in the bottom. And the sides were blah. Not great. 3/10

Overall Taste - All of the above said, they were not bad, they were just entirely forgettable. Even triangle fish portions from Lorena's were more memorable. 4/10

Bonus Points - Kids meals were nothing to write home about. Nothing else of note. +0

Overall Overall - 21/50

Tied for second to last, but they got to the score by being entirely boring, not bad. I can't say I'd recommend them, but I wouldn't say don't get them either. Just don't expect much.

Willowcreek Grill - New Downtown Location

Sprint stop part deux! I love double taco days! Taco Tues...err...Thursday! I've legitimately had five fish tacos today.  Three to go...

Did you know Willowcreek Grill has a downtown location now? I don't hate Vista Avenue, but 10th and Bannock is so much closer to home. I did have to pay fifteen cents to park, but I suppose it was worth it.

Presentation - The location is pretty awesome, kind of on the edge of downtown with a unique but nice layout. There's a bar area, a sushi bar, a patio, an upstairs, and a nice "standard" dining area. Really anything you can ask for, except maybe a swim-up salsa bar. But you'd have to be pretty weird to ask for that. They had the patio door open but the AC cranked, so it was pleasant, even in 100 degree temps. Good service and a nice plating with the taco holder that I've come to love. 4/5

Aroma - The seasoning plus the chipotle aioli made for a nice smell. 4/5

Value - Two tacos and a choice of chips & salsa, twigs (fries), soup, or salad for $10. Really not bad for a decent sit-down restaurant, and plenty of food. I didn't have room to finish Rylie's grilled ham & cheese, which is saying something. 6/10

Fish - Grilled seasoned cod, which was not particularly bold but not at all bad. It blended with the other ingredients well, but after nomming some on the side, definitely tasty. Not in short supply either. 6/10

Not Fish - A bit cabbage heavy, but good. Corn tortillas, one lime slice per taco, and the chipotle aioli was solid. Ended up adding some to each taco and dipped the mix of regular and sweet potato fries in the rest. 6/10

Overall Taste - The aioli tied it all together and made for a solid pair of tacos. Well balanced, and oddly enough the most "standard" of the taco options. The others are carnitas, pork belly, and asian style chicken, all of which sound super tasty. Next time... 7/10

Bonus Points - Solid performance here with two high points. The first is a good kids menu with unique choices for both the side and entree. Ample portions too, both kids brought home leftovers. The second is one I'm usually not fond of; live music. They had a guitar player on the patio and from the center of the restaurant the volume was perfect. Loud enough to hear and follow, but easy to have a conversation over. Great cover of Fire and Rain too. +2

Overall Overall - 35/50

High middle of the pack, right where it belongs. Worth a stop if you're downtown and want to try something new. Or on Vista for that matter. Free parking there, leave your nickles at home. FIVE TO GO!

Lorena's - Fish Triangles

A couple administrative details to knock out up front. I contacted both The Refuge and Solid, who were maybes on the list. Both don't have tacos, and thus both are off the tour. Bwa bwa. Gloria's is still a maybe, haven't gotten a hold of anyone there yet. We'll know soon. On the opposite side a stop over at Barbacoa for an anniversary drink revealed another stop. They serve them by the "brick". Looking forward to another visit there shortly.

With a net minus one on the remaining stops, we're getting down to the last of them. In fact, I'm considering a sprint to the finish, so expect many stops in short succession. Lorena's is the first in this whirlwind and made for a fine lunch break at work today.

Presentation - Lorena's is essentially a semi-permanent food truck behind the Jack in the Box at Fairview and Maple Grove. I can honestly say I had no idea it was there until today. That said, it's got a nice little seating area and an overall pleasant vibe. The plating was a paper plate. Covered with aluminum foil to go. A little to be desired, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for being a stand out food truck. 3/5

Aroma - Though the toppings were a bit odd, they didn't smell bad. Not stand out great either, but not bad. 3/5

Value - $2.50 a piece isn't bad. I had three, could have gotten by with two if I went with a side. $7.95 with tax. For reasons explained below, that's good, not great. 6/10

Fish - Can you see it in the pic? Something fishy (lol). That fish is in a triangle shape, not unlike Gorton's Fish Fillets. One might say it is in fact one Gorton's Fish Fillet per taco. I may say that. I do say that. I think they threw them in the fryer, because they didn't taste bad, but that's cheater fish. I'm being generous here. 3/10

Not Fish - The tomato is a weird choice, kind of out of place. Just sitting there suspicious like. It's trying to blend in and failing. The lettuce, cheese, and red sauce are just fine, two corn tortillas, and a slice of lime. Plus an orange for some reason. And a little tub of green sauce, which was actually solid. I put it on the last taco, should have put it on all three. 6/10

Overall Taste - I chucked the tomato slices right in the trash. Yuck. Without those the tacos were honestly pretty good, even with supermarket freezer fish. 6/10

Bonus Points - No points for you fish cheaters! +0

Overall Overall - 27/50

If you happen to be nearby and want a fish taco, I guess it's worth a stop here. Actually, nah, drive a little further and go to El Habanero. Or get something else at Lorena's, the reviews I've read have been very complimentary, so I may have just found a meh item on an otherwise decent menu.

McGrath's Fish House - Ahi!

Getting down to the last of these stops, and really some of the ones I have low expectations for. McGrath's was near the bottom of the list. I don't really know why, I haven't had a bad experience there or anything, just wasn't looking forward to it. But alas, the tour must complete, so off we go!

McGrath's is in the same complex as the Black Bear Diner, which is a rough start. Nothing much to look at outside, but the inside is nice and kitschy. We ate at standard old people time, about 5:30, and the clientele matched the hour. I heard a lot about the illustrious world of razor clams from the elderly gentleman behind me. The manager was about as enthused as I was.

Presentation - Weirdness and geriatrics aside, the service and ambiance were good. I'll get into the menu in a minute, but they were happy to let me have both fish options on one dish. All things considered, not much to complain about. 4/5

Aroma - Appropriately fishy. Nuf said. 3/5

Value - They charged me the ahi price for the mixed tacos, which is fair. Portions were large and the rice side was really solid, lots of veggies. I left full. 6/10

Fish - The "fish" option is grilled white fish with some decent seasoning. The ahi option is seared with a good amount of cajun seasoning. Also, ahi! That's a new one for the tour and was honestly pretty solid. Unique and you need to be ready for raw fish, but I can dig. Neither option was a real standout, but they were both pretty good. 6/10

Not Fish - These tacos were full. Dirty rice is another new addition to the taco fillings. A bit odd, but not terrible really, another welcome change from the usual. Like the fish, not a big standout, but good. 6/10

Overall Taste - Something about the ahi made this come together. Same with the rice pilaf, just different enough to make for a solid meal. 7/10

Bonus Points - Nothing to report here. Bwa bwa. +0

Overall Overall - 32/50

These are starting to get a bit shorter. Running out of things to say as this thing draws to a close. That said, these are worth the try, especially if you are an ahi fan. And McGrath's didn't suck. Also they're a chain. Who knew?

Crescent Bar - Now Family Friendly?

Down to the last 10! Probably even less actually, 3 of them may or may not have tacos. Kind of a mixed bag left, some I'm really looking forward to, others a bit more meh. Crescent Bar falls into the latter, but so be it, the tour must proceed!

They are really touting their family friendly atmosphere for some reason. Presumably an odd location and dwindling customers, but who knows. I don't think they changed much to bring about the family friendliness, it's still all high top tables or bar seating (unsurprisingly kids can't sit at the bar). Also no kids menu.

Presentation - See above for my thoughts on the ambiance. Feels like a bar really. Luckily my girls are old enough to sit at a high top table without incident. Service was good, though they only let me have one type of fish. I chose fried cod. Sorry tilapia. Plating was meh. 2/5

Aroma - Smelled like fried fish tacos. Not a standout, but not bad. 3/5

Value - $8.99 for two tacos. No side. Big pieces of fish, but by no means a bargain. When the plate arrived I expected to need to stop at Del Taco on the way home. That didn't happen, so I'll give them one extra point. 4/10

Fish - One big piece, and not bad. Good breading, not too greasy or heavy, solid flavor. A bit of a pleasant surprise. 6/10

Not Fish - Only one tortilla per taco, but also one lime slice per, which offsets it. The sriracha ranch wasn't bad and was needed to avoid an otherwise dry taco. Fresh veggies, still not sure about that jack cheese. But overall it came together. 6/10

Overall Taste - I didn't hate them. I actually liked them. Not like a lot, but no real complaints. Well balanced and more filling than expected. I wish they would have let me do one of each. 6/10

Bonus Points - They tried here, the owner brought out some snacks for the girls. Nice gesture, but they were expired. +0

Overall Overall - 27/50

Didn't expect too much out of this one, they ended up coming in a bit above what I anticipated, but still blend into the middle. At the price point I'd advise you skip it. If you're in the area and really jonesing for some fish tacos, there are plenty of better ones within a mile or two. 9 to go.