The Jewellery Quarter has got itself a diamond on the block in the form of tacos – and we’re not mad about it. Frankly, we’re pretty chuffed. Taking the humble Mexican street food dish to new and exciting heights, Tierra Tacos has arrived and boy are the tacos good.
From the makers of Tiger Bites Pig bao bar on Stephenson Street, comes this taco restaurant in the JQ. Tierra Tacos specialises in “fresh hand-pressed corn tortillas topped with vibrant and tasty toppings with a selection of traditional sides and less-traditional small plates”, which are accompanied by local and Mexican beers, natural wine, mezcal and agave cocktails.
The menu is a case of small yet mighty and offers a delicious selection of tacos to choose from. From baja fish tacos that include beer-battered pollock on charred corn succotash with a zingy tomatillo salsa verde and pea shoots served on blue corn tortillas; to mouthwatering pork carnitas with caramelised mezcal pineapple, red cabbage, pink pickled onions, pumpkin seeds and cilantro, decision time is hard. Get both.
But holy mole there’s more! Other tacos include the likes of barbacoa beef with mole sauce, crumbly Lancashire cheese, pomegranate and cilantro and chicken tinga with smoked crema, peach salsa, white cabbage and chive. The menu does change from time to time but the exciting part is each visit is unique, some of the restaurant specials have included hush puppies (a small deep-fried round ball made from a cornmeal-based batter), which they flavour with truffle and topped with generous shavings of parmesan.
Tierra Tacos also serve up a colourful array of vegan options such as spicy jackfruit tinga tacos served with smoked crema, peach salsa, white cabbage and chive. Plus, plant-based alternatives to their baja fish and pork carnitas taco dishes. The menu also features small plates and sides such as incredible elotes (corn on the cob smothered in chipotle butter and finished with parmesan), frijoles (black beans with smoked crema, crumbly Lancashire cheese and cilantro), slaw and fries all of which can be made vegan.
And of course, you need something to wash all those tacos down with. Tierra Tacos have created the ultimate summer drinks with their frozen margaritas, with their fruit salad and blood orange flavours served in a beer stein glass being both real and refreshing winners. In true Mexican spirit, the restaurant also offers the traditional Mexican drink, Michelada, a Mexican twist on a Bloody Mary made with your choice of Mexican beer, tomato juice, lime juice, chilli, Worcestershire sauce and finished with a Tajin rim.
To learn more about Tierra Tacos head here.