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#TacoTuesday Done Right at Plaza Azteca

Mass Foodies' Worcester Foodies group enjoying Taco Tuesday at Plaza Azteca on Lincoln Street in Worcester, MA

Mass Foodies recently celebrated #TacoTuesday the right way – with large (because why would you ever order the small?) margaritas and tons of delicious Mexican food – at Plaza Azteca on Lincoln Street in Worcester.

This small New England-local chain dishes up fresh Mexican food with all your favorite staples and margaritas so big you could swim in them. After the foodies took over a whole section of the restaurant, they were greeted with a drink menu featuring brightly-colored pictures showing all the varieties of fruity, frozen or otherwise and massive margaritas. If you’re looking for a suggestion, Robyn loved the “amazingly large” strawberry pineapple frozen margarita, though a simple “skinny” margarita pleased many diners just as much.

Writers for Mass Live and Mass Foodies enjoy the table-side guacamole station at Plaza Azteca on Lincoln Street in Worcester, MA.
Writers for Mass Live and Mass Foodies enjoy the table-side guacamole station at Plaza Azteca on Lincoln Street in Worcester, MA.

Patrick said it best: “Always a must try at any Mexican restaurant, the guacamole was a great way to kick off the night.” Plaza Azteca offers tableside-made guacamole that delighted the foodies. Not only was it delicious, but it was fun to watch. Giselle said, as always, it was “fascinating” to watch someone create a dish. The tableside option also pleased those who would prefer guacamole without cilantro, onion or tomato. Some foodies also tried other appetizers including a cheese dip and chicken wings – both a big hit.

The wait staff serving Mexican to the Worcester Foodies group at Plaza Azteca in Worcester, MA.
The wait staff serving Mexican to the Worcester Foodies group at Plaza Azteca in Worcester, MA.

Plaza Azteca’s menu offered plenty of variety and the foodies found huge plates full of favorites. Foodies tried a range of the usual Mexican offerings, including tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and more.

“My go-to Mexican dish is Pork Carnitas and since I do have a favorite in the city, I was a little worried the Carnitas at Plaza Azteca might not meet my expectations. Not only did they meet my expectations, they might actually rival my current favorite. The Carnitas were tender and packed with authentic flavors – a little smoky with a nice char on the ends,” Amy said.

In the kitchen at Plaza Azteca Worcester, preparing the Pina Loca (Grilled Pineapple stuffed with Chicken, Steak, Peppers and Onions in a "al pastor sauce" topped with melted Cheese with a side of white Rice) being cooked.
In the kitchen at Plaza Azteca Worcester, preparing the Pina Loca (Grilled Pineapple stuffed with Chicken, Steak, Peppers and Onions in a “al pastor sauce” topped with melted Cheese with a side of white Rice) being cooked.

Giselle went traditional on #TacoTuesday and ordered the Camarone Tacos. She said they were great and “with a small serving of rice, it was a filling dish.”

Patrick went with the Super Mix Enchilada plate and got to try five different kinds of enchiladas covered in lettuce tomato and cream fresco. “The shredded beef took the cake, but the beans and cheese enchiladas, along with the veggies, were delicious too,” Patrick said.

Dana loved the large portions and said his fajitas were excellent.

Most were too stuffed to try for dessert, but Giselle took one for the team and ordered the Fried Ice Cream for her table.

“The fried ice cream was like biting into a cold bowl of frozen Frosted Flakes. Yummy and completely unexpected,” Giselle said.

All in all, Plaza Azteca is a perfect destination for the next #TacoTuesday!

 

Part two of #TacoTuesday at Plaza Azteca in Worcester: Join us for a dinner conversation with Mass Foodies’ Luke Vaillancourt!

Posted by MassLive.com Worcester on Tuesday, February 21, 2017

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Shredded BBQ Duck Confit Chimichanga from Mezcal Tequila Cantina

Shredded BBQ Duck Confit Chimichanga from Mezcal Tequila Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard in Worcester, MA

Shredded BBQ Duck Confit Chimichanga from Mezcal Tequila Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard in Worcester, MAWhen entering Mezcal’s new location on Major Taylor Blvd. one would be amazed at just how expansive the new location is. With wide open areas for tables, a partition that separates the regular diners from the bar-goers and ample space to intermingle between the two, it is head and shoulders above the previous location. After not going to Mezcal for a couple of years, I was excited to become reacquainted with their menu. It ranged from their signature guacamole to basic Mexican classics like burritos and fish tacos…but I wanted something different; something I hadn’t tried at any other Mexican restaurant I had ever been to. I decided to get the shredded BBQ duck confit chimichanga. As the description on the menu read, it was rolled and deep-fried flour tortillas filled with mushrooms, onions, jalapeños and jack cheese, topped with salsa verde, chipotle aioli and crema, served with Mexican rice. It was one of the more moderately priced items on the menu but I was willing to splurge on something decadent. As the meal came out, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. The chimichanga came out fried to golden brown perfection, covered in the bright and vibrant salsa verde, chipotle aioli and crema covering the top of the crispy tortilla. The duck filling was rich and succulent…everything you would want from a game bird. The dark, rich meat was able to cut through the tanginess of the sauces and the texture of the fried tortilla for a taste that is unique to this dish in particular. As big at the chimichanga was, I had no problem polishing it off because of how delicious it truly was. The side of rice, despite being very flavorful could have been slightly bigger, as I was looking for a palate cleanser in between bites of rich duck. I am excited to go back to try Mezcal again after such a good meal. I am very happy with their new location. Given their new size, more eclectic menu and quality of food, I am wishing them great success.