Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
I never thought I would recommend a place in the underground food court at Grand Central Terminal. Unlike some of the city’s newer food halls, this one has not had too many food options to get excited about. It’s mostly populated by huge chains that started in NYC (like Shake Shack and Magnolia Bakery) that are about as interesting today as the newest Chick-Fil-a.
That’s why I’m a bit confused and blown away by the new vendor, Dirty Taco.
Inspired by LA street tacos, there are menu items here that I have not ever seen before and hint at a very exciting new Midtown Lunch option.
Sure, there is a location of the super popular (rightfully so) Los Tacos No. 1 nearby, but what’s happening here is a bit different.
Slightly inspired by the owners’ Korean and Armenian backgrounds, there is a wide range of mouthwatering meat taco options. I was tempted by the Korean Steak taco, the Lengua (tongue) taco, and even the Oreja (pig’s ear) taco.
But for my first sampling, the most unusual to me was the Duck Carnitas. In Mexico, carnitas are almost always made with pork shoulder – slowly braising the meat in fat until crispy.
Here, they do the same process but with, yes, duck.
The meat was plentiful and ultra rich reminding me of the best bits of duck confit. The fat was broken up a bit by potent onions, herbs, and a really tasty yellow salsa that added a fruity spiciness.
It was such an exciting taco in a very unlikely location. And maybe it will start a trend and we’ll soon all find ourselves dining regular at Grand Central. Price: $7
| DIRTY TACO |
| 89 East 42nd Street (between Vanderbilt and Lexington Avenues), Inside Grand Central Terminal Dining Concourse Midtown East (212) 972-03855 |
| dirtytaco.nyc |
