The New Jersey Foodhound™

Have you ever tried a Mexican Torta? I'm ashamed to say that before my trip to Cafe Con Pan I had not, but doing so inspired me to try them everywhere I could. After sampling the offering's of many Mexican restaurants around Staten Island I can say confidently that the sandwiches at Cafe are head and shoulders above the rest. The Grub: Cafe Con Pan has a number of excellent Mexican classics on their menu, among which are the Tacos, pastries, breakfast, fresh made juices and smoothies. What makes a trip here worth it though are their huge tortas, or Mexican sandwiches for the uninitiated. They come with your choice of various meats: roasted pork (cecina), bistec (steak), al pastor (spicy pineapple pork), and are then piled high  fresh veggies and a heaping handful of amazing, stringy cheese or Mexican queso Qaxaca. All between their own home-made bread no less. Try one of their tortas especiales if you find a "regular torta" boring. Nothing quite fills you up l...

I love tacos. There, I said it. Not to an irrational degree, no obsession - just a healthy love for meat and diced veggies on a corn tortilla. The taco its worth noting, can take many forms - traditional street, California style, breakfast, Korean, Choco, all have their own time, place and merit. I however would like to focus your attention on the first variety - the traditional Mexican street taco. So simple, so satisfying, so easy and cheap - its the perfect lunch, dinner or while were at it, breakfast too! (No judgement here!) With that in mind, I'll clue you in on one of my favorite local spots: Los Compadres in Fort Lee, NJ. The Grub: Los Compadres has a lengthy menu of Mexican classics - tortas, burritos, bowls, nachos and soups and everything I've tried I have truly loved. That said, I highly suggest trying the tacos on your first stop as they reflect the very best they have to offer. You honestly can't go wrong with anything you choose, but I would definitel...