Taco del Family

Hola, mamas. Un taco por favor?

For most kids, tacos sit pretty high on the kid-friendly food chain (comfortably alongside hot dogs, pizza and chicken strips). We love them too, particularly when they are prepared with real food, by real chefs in a real restaurant (no boxes, paper wrappers or plastic included).

Of course, Mexican food is more than just tacos. Enchiladas, empanadas, quesadillas (fun to say and fun to eat) to name just a few, contain provisions from all four food groups and taste great.

Salt and Pepper Restaurante Mexicano is the real deal when it comes to Mexican food. The original location is housed on Bowness Road in historical Bowness. Clay tiles, terra cotta coloured walls create a warm welcome. You can find another location on MacLeod Trail South just north of Chinook Mall and in Cochrane.

The kids’ menu contains nachos, tacos and burritos with sides like rice, beans, guacamole or salsa. Kids will also love the Taco Platter from the main menu so they can make their own dish. It comes with enough taco fillers (including beef, chicken, chorizo sausage and beans, plus veggies) for ten or more tacos. At $15, it’s one huevo of a deal.

We also loved the chocolate milk that comes with a crown of whip for an extra-special treat. And, the fresh, homemade tortillas are not only gluten-free but delicious, as well.

The staff at all three locations are accommodating and welcome children with open arms (particularly babies). They go out of their way to ensure families are happy by instinctively bringing children’s meals first and giving tours of the kitchen to restless children (upon request).

Good to Know: Salt and Pepper does provide paper but no crayons. Bring your own.

If you’d prefer to be the cocinero in your own kitchen, visit Tres Marias Food Market in Marda Loop and neighbouring Calgary Farmer’s Market. This hidden gem sells Latin grocery items like hand-made tortillas, frozen to-go items such as bison burritos and hot items that rotate daily. We love the ready-to-eat tortilla soup (there are a few small tables in shop). There are many organic and gluten-free options in store, as well.

Say adios to taco-in-a-box and hello to fresh, fabulous food from Mexico. It’s the next best thing to actually visiting that sunny destination.

Comments