A Taco Week of possibilities.
Who among us hasn’t held a corn tortilla between our fingertips and dreamed? And what fillings, what toppings may come?
For 10 days, NCJ Taco Week provides the stage for experiments, explorations and celebrations of the foldable Mexican art form that is the taco. Around the county, 11 businesses will be pushing the taco envelope with special limited-time offerings. Scan the menu of options and put some pins in the map of NCJ Taco Week locations. Savory? Sweet? Flaming hot? Upscale or downhome? Once these flights of taco fancy have flown, you’ll have to wait until next year. So clear your calendar, grab some extra napkins and follow your taco dreams, Humboldt.
NCJ Taco Week Pro Tips
SOMETIMES RESTAURANTS RUN OUT OF TACOS.
Because kitchens aren’t staffed with genies and supplies are not infinite, a given restaurant could run out of its #NCJTacoWeek tacos toward the end of a shift. If that happens, know that we feel your pain and it’s going to be OK. There’s always a tomorrow when you can come back and order the taco we all want you to have. Don’t let your hangry self get the better of you and remember that making and serving your food is a noble calling. Be kind to those doing this important work.
YES, YOU MAY HAVE TO WAIT.
As mentioned above, folks are excited for #NCJTacoWeek.
As during NCJ Burger Week, your favorite participating spot may go from sleepy to packed. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a little. Treat yourself to a beverage. Revel in the anticipation. And when your food shows up in all its delicious glory, post about it on social media using #NCJTacoWeek. There could be prizes.
NOT TIPPING MAKES YOU THAT CUSTOMER. DON’T BE THAT CUSTOMER.
We all get caught up in the excitement of a deal. But don’t lose your manners and remember the folks cooking and serving are handling more orders and delivering tacos during the frenzy that is #NCJTacoWeek. Tip at least
20% and walk out with your head held high, making your parents and the NCJ team proud. Your taco purveyors will remember it when you come back.
YOU SHOULD GET A SIDE AND A DRINK, TOO. You’re not required to buy anything else but can you really say you’ve had the full experience without a beverage or a dessert? This is the perfect time to try out the other goodies our restaurant pals are cooking up while showing a little love to local businesses. Is there craft beer on the menu? Horchata? Live a little.
KEEP UP WITH THE MADNESS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM #NCJTacoWeek is on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us and get up-to-date info on everything #NCJTacoWeek while you peruse the foodporn. And don’t be shy — join the fun and share your own taco photos using #NCJTacoWeek
BIRRIA TACOS
Topped with pickled onions, carrots, cilantro and roasted jalapeño crema on corn tortillas.
Alice’s Restaurant
777 Casino Way, Blue Lake bluelakecasino.com/dine /alices-restaurant (707) 668-9770
Dine-in, call-in, takeout welcome. Available Thurs.-Tues., 3-9 p.m. Not available Wed. 4/15.
LOADED BREAKFAST TACO
Sofrito beans, eggs and chorizo, queso fresco, homemade pico de gallo salsa, hot sauce, avocado and pickled onions on a homemade tortilla with blue corn masa from Aquilli Metzli Cooperative.
Familia
Coffee
525 Second St., Eureka familiacoffees.com (707) 509-4699
Dine-in, takeout welcome. Available daily, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FISHING FORE BIRDIES STREET TACO
Fish taco topped with a sweet and spicy habanero sauce, mango pico de gallo, cabbage and a zesty sour cream drizzle. Served with lime.
Beau Pre Golf Club 1777 Norton Road, McKinleyville (707) 839-2342 beaupre.golf
Available Sat.-Thu., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Dine-in, call-in, takeout welcome. No substitutions. $12 3 for
KING SIZED TACOS
King size tacos, with beer battered cod or grilled shrimp over a bed of slaw, topped with our mango salsa, fresh avocado, and your choice of cilantro serrano, chipotle lime or sweet chili sauce. Rice pilaf on the side. RestaurantGallagher's and Pub
139 Second St., Eureka (707) 442-1177 gallaghersirishpub.com Tues.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Call-in, takeout welcome. $15 $18 2 for 3 for or
CARNIVAL-ASADA TACO
Marinated and flame-grilled carne asada, cilantro lime crema, shredded cabbage, red onion and cilantro mix, sliced red chili peppers, a drizzle of house-made “Jade Gator” hot sauce all on a flour tortilla.
$8each or 2 for$15
Cap’s Food Shack
2500 Broadway, Eureka 2901 Hubbard Lane, Eureka 440 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna 1750 Central Ave., McKinleyville (707) 798-7147, capsfoodshack.online
Available 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sun., April 10-12, and Wed.-Sat., April 15-18
Call-in, takeout welcome.
NOT A CHOCO TACO
Freshly made waffle taco, stuffed with ice cream and dipped in classic chocolate coating, topped with nuts.
Living the Dream Ice Cream
1 F St. C1, Eureka livingthedreamicecream.com (707) 407-3508
Available only Thurs.-Sun., April 16-19.
Dine-in, call-in, takeout welcome.
Open Tues.-Thurs., noon-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat., noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-9 p.m., closed Mon.
$8 each
TRINIDAD
Murphy’s Market & Deli, pg. 7
Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery, pg. 7
ARCATA
Murphy’s Market & Deli, pg. 7
Pupuseria San Miguel, pg. 7
Beau Pre Golf Course, pg. 4
Cap’s Food Shack, pg. 5
Murphy’s Market & Deli, pg. 7
Pupuseria San Miguel, pg. 7
Six Rivers Brewery, pg. 7
BLUE LAKE
Alice’s Restaurant, pg. 4
Pupuseria San Miguel, pg. 7
FORTUNA
Cap’s Food Shack, pg. 5
EUREKA
Cap’s Food Shack, pg. 5
Familia Cafe, pg. 4
Gallagher's Restaurant and Pub pg. 4
Living the Dream Ice Cream, pg. 5
Lost Coast Brewery pg. 6
Murphy’s Market & Deli, pg. 7
BANH MI TACO
Candied pork belly on thinly sliced cucumber, topped with pickled carrots and daikon radish, Sriracha aioli and fresh cilantro. Wrapped in warm naan bread.
$5each
Murphy’s Markets
785 Bayside Road, Arcata, 4020 Walnut Drive, Eureka, 1451 Glendale Drive, McKinleyville, Main & View streets, Trinidad, 100 Westwood Court, Arcata murphysmarkets.net (707) 822-7665
Call-in, takeout welcome. Available 7a.m.-7p.m.
ISLAND VIBES
Grilled jerk-seasoned shrimp topped with three cheese blend, pineapple salsa, local micro greens and a mango habanero crema on rustic tortillas.
Six Rivers Brewery
1300 Central Ave., McKinleyville (707) 839-7588 sixriversbrewery.com
Open for Taco Week Tues.-Sat., noon-8 p.m. No substitutions please. Dine-in only, no takeout. $1999 2 for
PU-TA-CO (PUPUSA TACO)
Any pupusa topped with carne asada, onion and cilantro with a side of salsa and curtido.
Pupuseria San Miguel (707) 616-8216
pupuseriasm.com
Multiple food truck locations, see website for current schedule.
Available Wed.-Thurs., noon-6 p.m., and Sat. 5-10 p.m
Takeout and call-in orders welcome.
$1350
EATERY FISH TACO
Grilled corn tortilla with chipotle aioli, house slaw, spiced dredged and fried cod, avocado crema, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro and thinly sliced jalapeños. Served with a fried, seasoned whole jalapeño.
Trinidad Bay Eatery
607 Parker St., Trinidad (707) 677-3777 trinidadbayeatery
Available 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Sat., and 1-8 p.m. Sun. Dine-in, call-in orders welcome. Takeout welcome, but we recommend dining in for the freshest experience.
$8
