Honest Tom's REDUX

Aviator Park, across from the Franklin Institute
20th St and The Parkway

It's been over a year since I've visited Honest Tom's taco truck for some fresh lunch-time tacos, admittedly I've had the breakfast numbers a few times since then. Today's menu consisted of "pork, chicken, or sweet potato" tacos on your choice of corn or flour tortillas.

One of each, please! 3 for $8 makes for a filling and deliciously fresh meal on a warm summer day and though I experienced most of the same sentiments I wrote about here concerning Tom's fish tacos, I thought it made sense to follow with some words about his new (to me) variety of offerings.

Each taco is packed with the protein and smothered with a heap each of guacamole and pico de gallo with a sprinkle of shredded jack cheese. Needing a little kick, I was sure to take advantage of the Valentina and doused each taco with the glorious hot sauce.

I opted for corn tortillas on all 3, and looking back, I should have went flour on the chicken. Honestly, I'd skip the chicken. It was tender and juicy, but it was also bland. The pork was char-grilled and had great texture with a blackened flavor that contrasted nicely to the fresh lime in the guacamole.

And mmmmm, those sweet potatoes. Full of chunks that are heated up on the flat top, every once in a while you get a crispy bite of caramelized edge that adds a nice surprise to the soft-mashed interior. The flavors of all of these simple ingredients work so well together and make for a delectable *gasp* vegetarian taco.

 

-Posted by gabulous

Honest Tom's Taco Truck

18th and Vine
Wednesday and Friday

Well, I have been hearing all of the hype surrounding Honest Tom's, but I have not been able to drag myself all the way to West Philly (Clark Park) on Saturday mornings to get to taste them for myself. Last week, after my disappointing 500º burger, I happened to drive past the truck, and momentarily considered expelling my expensive burger in order to eat some of these much needed additions to the Philly food cart scene. However, I instead resolved to just go next week (today).



If you look in the distance, there is a colorful truck beckoning.


Upon closer inspection, it is not a mobile hippy commune, but instead, the infamous Honest Tom's taco truck.


They had fish tacos and only fish tacos today. I also had the lemonade. They use tilapia most of the time, as it holds up well on the flat-top. Sometimes they substitute basa or flounder, as they have similar consistencies.


Tom was cooking, while his brother was taking orders. I decided I needed three tacos. And I was glad I ordered three, because the first one was gone in 10 seconds, and while I loved it, I couldn't taste its subtleties. So when the next two came out, I moved from in front of the truck and went to the park.





These tacos are seriously good. The tilapia is grilled just a bit crispy, and the flesh is very tender. The pineapple salsa lends some fresh juicy sweetness, and the creamy guac rounds it out with some savory fat. I loved these tacos. I can't wait to try the breakfast tacos. Tom said that he will be at the 18th and Vine location on Wednesday's and Fridays, and he will try to start serving breakfast tacos all day coming soon.


Tom said he was inspired by the time he spent in Texas eating at the plethora of Mexican food carts, and wanted to bring some of that flair to Philly. Well he succeded, and I can't wait to sample some of his other delectable tacos. Tacos are a very under represented food in the cart scene, and I am so glad someone like Tom, with his commitment to quality was able to fill that niche.


Tom's brother.