Taco Punk/ Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen

Hooray!  Back in Louisville for a second, when I say a second I mean I leave Saturday to head to Palm Springs for business for two and a half weeks.  You know I’m trying to soak as much of the Louisville food as I can in such a short time.  My father happened to be in town on Tuesday so he and I went to dinner and a bonus dessert!  In NuLu where Toast used to be is the new Taco Punk.

Being raised on tacos and Mexican food I am always down for a good taco and I was hoping this trip would be no different.  Both my dad and I decided to get the punk platters which come with two tacos, one side, chips and salsa.  What really clenched my decision to go that way was that they let me mix my two tacos.  I chose the Barbeercoa (beef braised in Goose Island beer with peppers and onions) and the Grilled Adobo Chicken with a side of queso.  My father went for the Chorizo and Potato taco, the Yucatecan Style Fish and a side of guacamole.  We of course tried bites of everything and decided that the fish taco was our favorite.  The guacamole and queso were both good; the later having three different types of cheeses and Goose Island Beer in it (I am seeing a trend here).  The salsa’s there to chose from were quite tasty.  I was really surprised by the Pineapple Habenero salsa.  When you first taste it all you get is the sweetness of the pineapple, then all of the sudden your taste buds are like “hold up a minute, something is about to get spicy” and the habenero kicks you in the mouth, but in the most brilliant way possible. I would like to note I wasn't a big fan of the house-made tortillas, weren't the greatest I've ever had.  But with specials like duck with pumpkin and corn salsa and 7 tacos always on the menu there is a something that I am sure you will find to fit your taste.  Just don’t go in expecting to find Toast, they’ve moved down a bit.

As for our bonus dessert we hit up Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen for some cupcakes.  I had the upside down yellow cupcake with maple frosting, dad got a Snickers cupcake.  Both were delicious, rich, and great to wash down with a glass of milk.

Petra Cafe- Memphis

My mother always warned me that going to the grocery store without a list and on an empty stomach will lead to a higher bill and stuff you really don’t need.  Because of this I recently ended up at Petra Café while out running errands.  I was starving and about to run into the grocery store, list in hand (well actually on my phone, but hey I’m a kid of that generation) and budget on my mind.  When faced with the decision of quick meal on-the-go, there are always a few choices, this case was no different.  In my vicinity were of course the normal giant corporate chains and then there was Petra Café.  If you have read any of my other posts you know I will, hands down, without a doubt choose the non-chain option every time.  Plus, I have been craving a gyro for weeks now.

So into Petra I stepped: small, clean, clothed tables with glass toppers and a friendly hello greeted me as I walked in; all good signs.  I came in after lunch time so there was no wait.  Quickly I walked up and placed my order: Classic Greek Gyro and a fountain Dr. Pepper to go.  I watched as the beef/lamb combo was carved off the vertical spit, topped with red onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce and rolled into my pita bread.  I’m going to be honest with you; I could not wait to bite into this.  The meat was tender, with a perfect amount of flavor and the sauce was just right hints of cucumber not overwhelming but not getting lost somewhere in translation.  The pita itself was soft and the ratio of filling to wrap could not have been better.  To say that I devoured the thing is an understatement, ate it like I hadn’t eaten in weeks is a more accurate description.  With options of pita sandwiches, deli sandwiches, Panini’s, salads and sides I was a bit disappointed I only got the gyro.  I will definitely be back to try something else.  When given the chance between the big name burger joint, and the smaller local restaurant, please please I beg you, go for the smaller place.  I don’t care if their marketing isn’t as good and your kid doesn’t get a toy with their meal, it will in most cases be ten times better.