Directory Shoutout: Mexican Restaurants

Check out the ethnic dishes at these Norcross-area eateries.

Ethnic Eats

New Mexican Joint Offers Authentic Fare—On the Cheap

A family run taco shop specializes in goat dishes that are popular in the area of Mexico where they lived. Yes, goat tacos.

Don Chava is hidden is plain sight. The Mexican joint has been open for six months at 5316 Buford Highway, near the CVS, but most of my fellow Norcross residents said the same thing I did: “Really? I didn’t see it there."   The new-ish strip center where it is located doesn’t have any other current tenants and was not fully lit until recently, so it seems even the most ravenous of taco-eaters could overlook it. But a recent trip yielded yummy, authentic eats and friendly service in a kitschy environment. And for next to nothing. The interior of the shop is sparse, but on the walls hang framed pictures of all sorts of interesting people who may or may not be Mexican Revolutionaries. The specialty in this family run joint is goat. The “…

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Cooking with Pam

Chicken Chiaquiles Colorado

The assortment of dried chiles at Brito Supermarket is impressive!

Facing the wall of dried chiles at Brito Supermarket at 5735 Buford Hwy was awe inspiring. So many choices! I had to stand there for a while trying to grasp the culinary sophistication of the making of a red chile sauce... Now I know why everyone has their own secret recipe. After a little research and the making of this sauce a couple of times, I decided this one was the best for my family. Not too spicy and not too bitter. I used this sauce for a chiaquiles dish that my family just loved! Chicken Chiaquiles Colorado 4 8” flour tortillas, cut into 1” strips and fried in oil until golden, salted and drain on paper towels 4 cup of pulled chicken warm 2 to 3 cups of Colorado Sauce (recipe follows) 2 cups of Oxaca Cheese, shredded Chopped …

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Zapata: A Mexican Revolution for Your Mouth

It's a refreshingly different dining experience that showcases traditional Mexican flavors.

Zapata in Historic Norcross offers many departures from the chips-and-salsa norm. The menu is more than just a list of numbered combos: It has traditional Mayan and Aztec flourishes that make the mouth turn up into a smile. Named after Emiliano Zapata, the mustached Mexican revolutionary, the restaurant recently moved to its 15 Jones St. address after a post on Peachtree Parkway. The Sopa Azteca soup makes many appearances on the lunch menu, which is very reasonably priced. The rich tomato and Guijillo pepper puree is reminiscent of a sweet red pepper soup. Fried tortilla strips are best eaten first, before they get soaked in the broth. A slice of ripe avocado and crumbled fresh cheese lend a creamy hint.  Get the Aztec soup with the Maya …

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Aaron Rolka

3:49 pm on Monday, March 14, 2011

I can definitely vouch for this place's uniqueness. It is unlike any other Mexican place I've been to. The Molcajetes in the volcano pot is fantastic!   more ›

A Tour of International Markets in Norcross

You can eat your way around the world in a few-mile radius. Here's the plan for a tour of local flavor.

If you live in Norcross, you have the blessing of the world's foods at your fingertips. Here are the best places to find new flavors. Best for Vietnamese Food: Hong Kong Supermarket Though the name suggests you might just find Chinese specialities, Vietnamese is also a main cuisine of influence at this mammoth market. The packed bulletin boards at the entrance are a testament to how this markets serves as a cultural meeting place for the local Asian community. In addition to household goods, like ornate ceramic teapots at the bargain-basement price of $4.59 and traditional conical hats, you'll find a busy fish market with fresh, well-priced options and an incredible array of fruits and vegetables. Spiny green jackfruits, plump Asian pears …

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Ethnic Eats

Locals-Only Mexican Joint Serves Up Flavor, Fast

Lupita's: “It’s kind of like Cheers.” But with strong margaritas.

You'll find standard but flavorful Tex-Mex at Lupita's on Beaver Ruin. What stands out here the friendly, lightning-fast service and neighborhood vibe. Oh, and the margaritas. Carlos Castrejon and two partners bought Lupita's two years ago, though it has been in the space for the past 20 years. The former owner, Maria, was married to a wrestler, who went by the nickname "Mongol," and Castrejon says customers still come in looking for the shrine in his honor. There are two things you might miss unless somebody told you: The fish tacos have become a house favorite. Instead of the usual tartar sauce, you'll find a smoky chipotle mayo slathered on them. Also, check out the Texas margaritas. They are hand-shaken at the table with the inevitable…

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