You’d have to excuse the owners of Tres Carnales if they can’t immediately find space in their trophy cabinet for yet another award. Google “Edify” and “Tres Carnales” and you’ll get more than a few hits from Best Restaurants lists from years gone by, including the 2012 nod as the city’s Best New Restaurant, and 2013, ’14 and ’15 wins as the Best Latin eatery in town. During the pandemic, the family portioned take-home taco kits allowed us to continue to enjoy the fantastic slow-cooked fillings, from the al pastor (marinated pork) to carne con chile (braised short-rib with chocolate and chili peppers). Whenever my kids hit their birthdays, they can choose where they want to go for dinner; my son chooses Tres Carnales year after year. It’s like I don’t even have to ask, anymore.
10119 100A ST. NW, 780-429-0911, TresCarnales.com
Between the pandemic and the seemingly endless LRT construction projects and road work located outside of its front door, it might be fair to say that Maria underwent the most underappreciated grand opening any new Edmonton restaurant has had to endure over the past couple of years. But, it’s high time for those of us in the city to discover this northern Mexican restaurant — from the fantastic margarita menu to tacos served the way we’re used to, or maybe the doraditos. These doraditos are tacos that are rolled and deep fried, and you plunge them into a dipping sauce. It’s fun finger food for adults.
10220 103 ST. NW, 780-421-8100, Maria.Restaurant
Sure, you can order from the Calle Mexico food truck, or order using a delivery service. But, the best part of the Calle Mexico experience is visiting the mini fridges located in either of the two Edmonton locations, where you’ll find the house-made salsas and condiments. You really can’t go wrong with Calle Mexico’s tacos, as its growth from a food truck to a multiple-location Edmonton mini-chain proves. But, there’s some serious sorcery with the sauces; the roasted red pepper salsa is smoky, sweet and has a kick that builds with each bite. It’s liquid gold. Except, well, that it’s red.
7704 104 ST. NW, 825-512-5932
11127 107 AVE. NW, 780-705-0901
CalleMexico.ca
This article appears in the March 2022 issue of Edify
