A Field of Dreams, a Plate of Tacos

Good Bite

The Spot Tacos and More, 2303 1st Street, Bradenton, 941-999-3140

As the mysterious off-camera (and presumably off-world) voice whispers in Field of Dreams: “if you build it, he will come.” And the protagonist, a poor but hardworking farmer and family man played by Kevin Costner, proceeds to build a baseball field in the middle of his Iowa cornfield, convinced by the voice that something magical will happen in the middle of nowhere if he just believes in some vague, unformed notion. This is all a long-winded way of establishing a parallel with The Spot Tacos and More.

Located down the road from Red Barn in what used to be the lobby for a motel, the proprietors of The Spot, like Costner’s character, took a chance on the belief that something special would happen in the middle of nowhere, situated in an unorthodox space a stone’s throw away from an overpass. But they built it, and he (me) came. He had the Saturday special of three birria tacos and a cup of consommé.

Birria, similar in ingredients and flavor profile to the more recognizable barbacoa beef, is a meat stew made traditionally for special occasions across Mexico, most notably in the state of Jalisco. When the meat from the stew is used in tacos, the tortillas are dipped in the broth to soak up some of the fat and flavor, then seared on a flat top until crispy. The result is a taco halfway between soft and hard shell, with crispy burnt parts here and there that add a hint of the Maillard reaction that makes toasted bread so delicious. Of course, the beef inside the taco, marinated and cooked in the tangy, slightly spicy broth, is tender and juicy. Topped with diced onions, cilantro, cheese and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are the reason The Spot took their chance on an odd location. These tacos will also ensure they thrive.

The Spot is open Thursdays from 11am to 7pm, Fridays to 8pm, Saturdays to 7pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.

The Spot Tacos and More, 2303 1st Street, Bradenton, 941-999-3140

Click here for more information.

« View The Tuesday Sep 15, 2020 SRQ Daily Edition
« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

Read More

Set the Bar to Shake up April

Set the Bar to Shake up April

Laura Paquette | Mar 28, 2024

Calling All Cookie Monsters

Calling All Cookie Monsters

Laura Paquette | Mar 26, 2024

 Daiquiri Deck Unveils Refreshed Menu with Burger Challenge and Over 15 New Items

Daiquiri Deck Unveils Refreshed Menu with Burger Challenge and Over 15 New Items

Mar 19, 2024

 Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar serves up the Freshest Seafood and Crab Legs for Easter

Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar serves up the Freshest Seafood and Crab Legs for Easter

Mar 19, 2024