Mexico on the Square

Tim had invited me to check out the University of the Arts Senior Illustration Show, which made me feel awkward, but was also inspiring. It also made me feel old because no one puts up originals anymore, its all computer compiled and printed out.

Tim told me we should get tacos around the corner on 15th and Pine. Hawk had tipped Tim off about this new taco place from the same people who owned the Savoy Flower shop ( Hawk you can correct me if I'm wrong)

The tacos were delicious, so were the sopes. My favorite the Al Pastor was spicy and the hidden pineapples were cooked down so they were extra sweet. The potato flautas were good, but I like my potato in the flautas to be more mashed inside, this was kind of like a potato wedge wrapped and fried. The kicker that made this place super awesome, was the green salsa. It was really thick and creamy. The cook asked us how our food was and we said it was awesome, and I inquired about the creamy green salsa.

He said "When I blend the salsa, not all Mexican people do it, but I add avocado so its more like guacamole."

Confirmed. Awesome.

Mexico on the Square
1511 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-1907

Savoy Flower Shop - Torta Milanesa

I wrote about Savoy Flower shop's surprisingly good tacos a while back, and realized that I never posted the incredible sandwich I grabbed from there in December while walking home from Rittenhouse with 45 bags of Christmas presents. Breaded chicken on a mexican roll. Lettuce, tomato, refried beans, roasted hot peppers, avocado, cheese, maybe some mayo in there too.

Savoy looks like every other slightly dilapidated flower shop slash grocery in center city, except for the hand lettered signs for tacos and tortas. It's a one man kitchen in the back, and honestly I always expect my food to be sketchy because it doesn't seem like anyone else ever goes in there for anything. But it's always fresh and delicious and I'm blown away. According to the sign they also do hot dogs and cheesesteaks. Don't know if they are doing tijuana / sonarans but I'm sure I could just say "give me a hot dog with all the stuff on it". The lone cook is very friendly and happy to oblige your requests. Apparently they also have Tamales on the weekends.

I've actually noticed a lot of the south philly taquerias doing cheesesteaks / burgers / etc.. wondering if they are just american style or ?? My imagination sees steak sandwiches overflowing with pico de gallo, roasted jalepenos, queso fresco and sriracha...

Savoy Flower Shop
262 S 18th st

tacos at savoy flower shop

I've been noticing for at least 6 months the Savoy Deli & Produce Market on 18th st. below Rittenhouse square has had a board out advertising "mexican tacos, tortas, burritos, hoagies".

Now I stopped there once and uh.. it was sort of scary. The produce was in pretty bad shape and the place is always sort of dark and empty. Their main business seems to be selling flowers which look better than the brown rotting lettuce. And there's really no reason to go there as Sue's produce (one of the best in the city, love it) is 5 minutes away.

But I just couldn't ignore that sign. And good thing I didn't. My fear was at first reaffirmed as I walked in around lunchtime and it was empty again. The meats in the deli case looked kind of sketchy. I was presented with a crumpled menu and ordered 1 carnitas and 1 chorizo taco. The mexican gentleman who had been trimming flowers and unpacking carrots smiled and hurried to the back to whip up my tacos.

And wow, the food was much better than I expected.. all of the ingredients were fresh, the tacos were packed with meat, nice fresh tomatillo salsa- why aren't people lined up around the corner? I mean they weren't mind blowing, but as good as your average south philly taqueria, and it seems to be just the one guy that makes the food so it's probably consistent.

Don't be scared. Take out is the way to go.. rittenhouse square is right there so there's your dining room.

Savoy
262 S 18th st
Philadelphia