Tag Archive for 'burritos'

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The Taco Maker

My first experience with The Taco Maker was a mixed one. My girlfriend and I ordered the Fiesta Feast, and an order of flan, to go. On the way home, my girlfriend happened to look at the flan, and noticed it was moldy. This did not make for a good first impression. I turned around, and went to exchange it/get a refund. Initially, the staff was very apologetic (as they should be when serving moldy food), and glad to give me a new one. I inspected the new one instantly, and found what I thought was another very tiny spec of mold. The staff argued with me about this one, but I was not about to take the chance. They brought me another new one, this time from the cooler in the back, instead of the mini fridge up front. This one looked fine, I took it, and left. Not once was I offered a refund, or a gift card/certificate as compensation for being served moldy food though. To be fair, the flan is not made in house, but it does not speak well for the quality of their food storage.

My girlfriend and I went home, uneasy about the meals we were about to eat due to the moldy flan, but we also did not want to just throw away almost $20 worth of food. The Fiesta Feast, which comes with a burrito, taco, tortilla chips, and re-fried beans, was surprisingly good. We were full for hours afterward, much longer than expected considering the amount of food in the meal. It has been a couple days since we’ve eaten the meals, and we have not fallen ill because of it.

The food at The Taco Maker is good. It is a little expensive for the type of restaurant (giving a fast food feel). Expect to spend close to $10 for a meal and a drink, but it should fill you up for quite a while. Unfortunately, the moldy flan completely ruined my experience. The rest of the food was fine, but I cannot get the flan out of my head. It put a premature end to what could have been a beautiful relationship.

Update: I was contacted by the owners of The Taco Maker, and given a tour of their facilities. Please read the follow up.

The Taco Maker on Urbanspoon

Tijuana Flats

Tijuana Flats is a Mexican restaurant chain started by a UCF graduate.  It is most famous for the psychedelic artwork that covers its interior, as well as its selection of hot sauces. The number of hot sauces available varies by location, but there are usually at least 10 to choose from, ranging from the mild and sweet, the the unbearably hot (at least for me). Their selection ranges from the usual tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, to flautas, enchiladas, tostadas, and more. They also have certain menu items for a limited time. You can view their entire menu on their website. Toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, fresh jalapeno peppers, sour cream, and black olives. You have the option grilled chicken, blackened chicken, re-fried beans, beef, or steak for most items on the menu as well.

It is primarily a self serve restaurant, but the staff is very helpful and will come around and refill drinks, or get you anything else you may need. I have been to at least 5 different Tijuana Flats in the area, and have received excellent service and food at all of them. I visit the one on Aloma in Winter Park most often, and I can say the staff there goes out of their way to make you happy. During my most recent visit, I accidentally dropped what was left of one of my tacos on the floor, and they offered me a new one without hesitation. That is exceptional service you don’t always see, but it is what keeps people coming back.

Tijuana Flats on Urbanspoon




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