Current Mexican Fix: Taqueria Poblano

Taqueria Poblano Tres Enchiladas

I am a Mexican food junkie.  I love the confluence of spicy and sweet, the succulent meats, and the liberal use of cheese, beans, and avocado.  This past month, I have been repeatedly drawn back to Del Ray's Taqueria Poblano.  This haven of authentic, smokey Mexican food and potent margaritas has two locations: in Arlington off of Lee Highway, and along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. 

The small storefront cafe in Del Ray is always bustling at lunchtime on the weekends.  A brightly colored dining room is staffed by a surprisingly efficient skeleton crew of 3 to 4 men who navigate the impossibly small and packed dining room, shuttling drinks and steaming hot plates from the kitchen. 

B and I have both repeatedly ordered the "tres enchiladas."  The combination of stewed meats: chicken, beef, and pork is nestled between corn tortillas topped with melted cheese and a handful of pickled onions.  This tasty trio is then placed atop a red chili sauce.  The combination of the tender, spiced meats and the smokey, sweet (with a slightly bitter after-taste) sauce makes this dish click.  The guacamole and pico de gallo are always fresh and help to offset the deep, earthy flavors of this dish.  If I had one complaint, it would be the lack of flavor in the re-fried beans, which serve as a limp, sad side.  Though I have never left hungry -- those enchiladas pack a punch, both flavorful and filling   At $13.95 each, Taqueria Poblano is an affordable Mexican escape.