Another Sunset ROTD for Brownstoner

Not an original choice, since Matamoros gets all the taco attention (poor Xochimilco across the street!), but Brownstoner posting two Sunset Restaurant of the Day items in February (Ba Xuyen was the 'stoner ROTD on February 2nd.) means we've arrived. Doesn't it? Or does it mean we're leaving?

The Bad News: Disappointing Delivery from Maria's

We've had very positive experiences when we've gone to Maria's for lunch/dinner. Well, perhaps just positive. When they first opened here in Sunset, it was excellent. It was worth the extra dollar or four added to the items on the menu (compared to other local establishments). Now that they've been here more than a year, it seems that some things have been slipping. The brunch is still a darn good deal if you get a bloody mary or mimosa. The pozole with the tostada is an especially good deal.

What kept me going back, however, and what kept me ordering in from them, was the guacamole. The last three times we ordered delivery were guac disasters. The first (of the last three) time there was more onion than avocado. Really. It would have been good as a spread on a burger (veggie for me, thanks), but as guacamole? Just too crunchy and, well, oniony! Still, one terrible guac encounter didn't deter me from trying again. The next time we ordered in with Maria's, the guac was better, but not amazing. We also noticed that their prices had climbed considerably. I understand raising prices a little. Really, I do. But to add three (or was it four) dollars to the vegetable enchiladas? What? Also, my maduros were as dry as tostones. I think someone got mixed up in the kitchen. Well, okay, but at least the guac was tasty. So we ordered a third time (this is over about six weeks, by the way). The guacamole was back to being chunky onion salsa with some avocado added. The tostadas were still good, and the pork burrito was "really good," according to my husband.

The other problem that they have had recently is a staff attitude problem. Some formerly friendly, talkative, sociable staff members have become apathetic, error-prone, and - at least on the phone - hard of hearing. If there's no time to take my order, maybe there shouldn't be delivery. The only person we've still had positive interactions with has been the man who delivers. He's awesome. My many years of experience in a restaurant tell me that when staff start making lazy errors and stop caring about even pretending to be friendly, there's something wrong at the top. Perhaps the working conditions have changed dramatically? Perhaps some changes in management?

Three chances is all I'll give a place. Despite the past successes we've shared with Maria's, I think that will be it for their delivery.

Besides, the tacos and burritos are cheaper and just as tasty at Matamoros...and the Mole at Nuevo is really good.

Tiny, Tasty Tostadas at Matamoros

Tostadas de ceviche at Tacos Matamoros, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, originally uploaded by Eating In Translation.

Thanks to Dave Cook from the blog Eating in Translation for this photo of tostadas de ceviche at Tatos Matamoros on 5th Avenue and 45th Street.

You don't get these kind of tostadas from the vendors in Sunset Park. Usually, Tacos Matamoros is lauded for its Tacos, but these are probably a popular dish as well.

Taco Highlight on 5th Avenue

Lost Taco has a lovely entry about Tacos Xochimilco on 5th Avenue and 45th Street. The blog entry is also very complimentary to Sunset Park.

from the blog:

Sunset Park is charming. The park itself goes uphill to the East, and to the West you can see down the side streets all the way to river. It had just rained, or was just about to rain, so it was clear and bright and muggy.

He even makes mugginess sound "charming." Impressive. He is even more pleased with the food at Tacos Xochimilco:

With bravery and trepidation, I picked up the Carne Asada and bit in. The flavor was surprisingly good and the meat was actually juicy(!). Was that juicy beef and char I just tasted? I think it was. I took another bite. Each little meaty morsel actually had flavor and the protein was balanced perfectly with the generous cilantro, onion, and salsa mix. They even served their tacos on the tiny 3 inch tortillas that I like. (Although you have to ask for pequeno.)

It's almost enough to make a vegetarian try one of these tacos. Almost.

The more recent entry on the blog is for Tacos Matamoros, located almost directly across from Xochimilco. Matamoros used to be on the opposite side and down a block, but they moved to this more spacious location. They are still almost always full. It gets more attention than Xochimilco, so I'll leave you to discover the description for yourself.