Worthy Fish Tacos: Part One

Tacos who does not love them? Well Jessica and I like them a lot; in fact, we have them more now since we moved to Texas. I suppose it’s the abundance of fresh tortillas at the grocery stores not to mention the vast numbers of tex-mex restaurants. I grew up with the taco kit by El Paso and recently was excited about the kit expanding into a stand up version. I squealed in glee knowing that I could fill the shell without it falling to shards. Moving to Fort Worth we have been sniffing out fish taco places, we have been following recommendations from friends but I think things are going to be much happier once we go through the vetting process and settle into a few taco joints.

Our first stop is a place called La Familia; we were told they make vegetarian fare so we were excited to visit. Mr. La Familia visited our table; he was warm and generous with his time. I especially enjoyed the gigantic photographs of his family on the walls truly a place built of love and pride. The family photos are large and striking. The atmosphere is wrapped in warm yellow lighting with sepia colored walls. The center tables are packed with families while couples are seated in the perimeter, the look of plenty is crucial at this restaurant. Jessica and I scanned the menu while the staff busied themselves putting glasses of water and chips with salsa on our table. Our waiter stood on the balls of his feet rocking from side to side while he announced the specials and fired drink suggestions. He reminded me of my junior high basketball coach screaming at five girls to stand on the balls of our feet. But this waiter had tables to tend to and we waivered over the extensive menu so off he went. We ordered the fish tacos along with a vegetarian enchilada and two beers. The fish filet was literally sandwiched between a tortilla, nothing else. No batter to be speak of. The fish was an overcooked rigid filet with burnt seasonings. The fish tacos are not the main attraction. But we managed to enjoy the space which if the food is bad the environment can be a consolation and it was. We sat next to a birthday party for a large family so the choreographed dishes were a sight.