El Portalito

In Spanish, “portalito” can mean several things (a port, a Nativity scene, etc.), but here it means something akin to “entryway.” Entryway to what, you ask? Mexico, es posible. But certainly to a salmon-colored joint that’s roughly the size of a vestibule. It’s also a gateway to incredibly fresh Tex-Mex fare. Our machaca plate was a good balance of shredded beef, scrambled eggs, onions and peppers. It was lightly charred around the edges, adding a nice depth of flavor. (May 2012)