Tacos On The Sound

For years … yes years, I have been driving up and down Rt 95 near New Haven feeling totally intrigued by all those food trucks parked along Long Wharf Drive overlooking Long Island Sound. My initial thought (oh! about 6-7 years ago) was, “How Bizarre! What a strange setting by the water and on the side of a major highway. Who eats there?!!!”

Over the years, I gradually started to realize that this stretch of Long Wharf Drive and all those food trucks are quite a hot-spot for passers-by. On any given day and at any given time, I could see plenty of cars parked by, lines formed around the food trucks and folks enjoying their savory treats. There must be something to it, I thought. Yet, I could never get myself to stop and give it a try. I have to admit that a part of me was concerned about food safety.

Now, in the last few years, as the gourmet food truck trend has gained popularity – I have been rather tempted to give some of these food trucks on Long Wharf a try. So, like a responsible foodie, I started to do some research on the internet as well as asked around. And one food truck came up over and over again with glowing reviews from folks all over Connecticut.

Nexcalli, the Mexican Food Truck. After reading and hearing awesome reviews, tons of recommendations and special instructions (to give both the red and green sauces a try) – off I went! I was in the mood for Tacos that day, and that is what I decided to have. After a brief conversation with the owner, I decided to try 4 different types of tacos: Carne Asada, Carnita, Enchilada and Pollo. And rather excitedly, I blurted out my request to try both the sauces.

The tacos did not take long to get made and I got to enjoy the L.I. Sound waterviews while I waited. When my order was up, I was handed a plate with these 4 small tacos (this ain’t Taco Bell people!). Handmade, fresh and really soft tacos….they tasted someone’s seasoned and experienced Mexican grandma had just made them. So authentic! Filled with four different meats that I had chosen and topped with fresh onions, cilantro and get this ….. grilled jalapeno peppers! Lemon wedges on the plate smelt so inviting that I could not resist picking them up immediately and squeezing them generously over my tacos.

What a dynamite blast of flavor in something so tiny! Tangy, spicy, salty and sweet flavors hit me all at once! Proportions of the onions is just right – to add the perfect sweet crunch but not overwhelm the rest of the flavor profile. The meats were well seasoned – although some were a bit on the dry side. Not sure if it was a one-time error (as I have only eaten there once). I liked the Enchilada (pork) the best. I found that meat to be the moistest. The Carne Asada (steak) seemed to have the most flavor.

Nexcalli’s quesadillas and burritos are just as popular as their tacos. Be prepared to be blown away by the price tags. 4 tacos for just $6. Quesadilla for $6 and Burritos for $7. What a steal!