EatBHM

Camp Taco

Camp Taco in Birmingham’s 5 Points area is a new contender for “go to” goodness. My life has been a little hectic lately and I have somehow missed the arrival of this place just a few blocks from where I live. At this point, it is all a little fuzzy as to how our relationship actually began…Let’s just say that SOMEBODY started following SOMEBODY on Twitter. I received a rather flirtatious challenge to try their tacos. Now here I sit, about to bare my soul to the world, and I’ve known them less than a week.

It was a pretty day. I arrived around 1:00, ordered, waited for my food and chose a table outside. Most of the tables were filled and as I looked around, the look of bliss was pretty consistent. The food that was being called up looked and smelled great. I couldn’t wait to try mine. The food prep area is open and the cook was definitely on the ball. I ordered from what seemed to be a special menu on the wall next to the standard menu that featured around 30 variations of tacos. I was compelled to order 2. I ordered the Flank-Steak taco with Amish Bleu Cheese and the Chicken BLT taco that was served with a white BBQ sauce. This is not fast food. The experience is about really good food, so plan accordingly. They accept call in orders.

Two Delicious Tacos

Let’s pause for a bit. I like food. As a former “husky” child, I speak with experience when I say that I believe in honest food and small portions as a method of weight control. I like to run and walk for exercise. A couple of years ago, I started Pilates and yoga on a regular basis. I lost 60 lbs and never set aside my love of food. It is quantity people, not taste! What you eat should nourish your mind, body and soul. At Camp Taco, I thought that perhaps I would leave a few bites behind. Unfortunately, that was not the case and clearly beyond my abilities.     

They announced the number on my receipt and I retrieved a little yellow basket with two yummy tacos and retreated to my table. I was dining alone. Me, my iPhone and my notebook. The aroma was delightful. A guy who works across the street at the music store walked into Camp Taco just as I was walking out the door. I think I accidently made googly eyes at him. He was cute, but I was actually just thinking about those two delicious little tacos.

Flank Steak with Amish Bleu Cheese

I began with the Flank Steak. It had a bit of a kick that got quickly cooled off by the tangy bleu cheese. It was a nice combination. I took a couple of pictures and made a few notes but mostly I ate it so quickly that I had to sit and ponder what had just happened.

On to the Chicken BLT, just when I thought that it couldn’t possibly get any better with a dish that cost less than $4.00, the next one took my breath away. I bit into it and said, “Wow!” I was sitting alone at a table in front of a restaurant and I was talking to my food.  The chicken was grilled and diced. There were thick slices of salty cured bacon that presented itself more like it’s Canadian cousin than traditional American bacon. Fresh cilantro felt lively and authentic. The meats, along with lettuce, tomato and white BBQ sauce, were held together by two tortillas. They had started with a soft flour tortilla and smoothed on a thin layer of refried black beans. The next tortilla was a soft corn tortilla and together, they provided the perfect canvas for this masterpiece. I am officially a fan.

Chicken BLT with White BBQ Sauce

Camp Taco is small. There are ten tables inside and 4 tables on the sidewalk outside. You may not want to go with a large group. If you feel the need to share this place with everyone you know, fear not, according to their website and signs inside, they cater. Parking is urban. Take that however you wish. You really should give this place a try.

What makes Camp Taco unique?

• The prices start at under $2.00
• The location is hip urban Southside.
• Creative versions of some of your favorites.
• Delicious simple really good food.

Gone