| Taqueria El Porton spices up Bloomington |
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| Written by Kristi Kawanna, Daily Vidette Features Editor |
| Tuesday, 21 April 2009 18:00 |
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I love Mexican food. I often wake up craving the delicious style of food and I can't even count the number of late nights in Chicago that have been spent searching for the perfect late night snack that is a steak taco. Because of this love, my eyes are always open for a great Mexican restaurant. When I came to ISU my freshman year, I immediately began this search for my crave spot. That's when I found Taqueria El Porton. Conveniently located at 901 N. Main Street in Bloomington, Taqueria El Porton is a favorite of locals and college students alike. The quaint establishment seems to blend into its surroundings, with the exception of its colorful sign. However, the restaurant is anything but boring. "I love that place. The food is so delicious and they are quick. I also like that I can walk there," Jessi Waynard, an Illinois Wesleyan student, said. Taqueria El Porton features a wide range of items on their menu from classic favorites like enchiladas or tacos to a more traditional meal such as menudo. American style meals, such as a hamburger, are also available. Upon walking into the establishment, I am greeted with a wide range of decorations. Colorful paintings, elaborate sombreros and various posters grace the walls creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. A pleasant dining experience is something we all look for when going out to eat, and Taqueria El Porton features just that. "The staff is exceptionally friendly and quick. They listen very well and always get my order right when I go there," Brittney Brice, junior environmental health major, said. A few moments after entering Taqueria El Porton, a friendly hostess quickly sat my friend and myself at a quaint table near the front of the restaurant. In what seemed like a flash, our waitress had returned with complimentary chips and two types of salsa. The verde (green) salsa was very good, with just the right amount of flavor and heat. Since we went during lunch time, I decided to order one of the lunch specials. Because of this deal, my meal cost me well under $10, which is something any college student can appreciate. Our meals, cheese enchiladas and chili rellenos, were also out to our table in less than 10 minutes. The cheese enchiladas I ordered were just what my taste buds craved. The verde sauce gave each bite an extra kick and the cheese oozed out of each tortilla. A Mexican meal is not complete to me without some rice and beans, and these side items complimented the enchiladas nicely. Amy Shisterman and Dan Black are Bloomington residents who frequently visit Taqueria El Porton. "The whole atmosphere of the place is nice. The food is always good and it's just a comfortable place dine in. I like to take food to go sometimes as well," Shisterman said. Black usually gets chicken tacos and is always satisfied with his choice. "Once I find something I like to eat, I get it over and over again. It's all about the food for me," Black said. |
