My favorite “startup” for the year 2009 is a small restaurant in Franklin, Tennessee called Oscar’s Taco Shop.
Why is it my favorite startup of the year? Easy. The best Mexican food in the Nashville area plain and simple. The owner, Oscar and his family, are originally from Southern California where they had several small taco shops. My good friend, Ron Diaz, turned me on to the place early in the year after he discovered the place. He also moved from Southern California and had eaten at one of Oscar’s places in the past. Ron and his wife recognized the layout and design of the taco shop flyer they got in their mail (they live in Franklin) and thought that the similarities were too great. And, sure enough, it was the same place!
What makes Oscar’s special? First of all, they prepare their food with an authentic style. Typically, I’ve found that Mexican restaurants outside of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas tend to be very “Americanized” and thus, it’s usually frustrating to find good authentic Mexican food in any other states. It’s certainly not impossible, but the likelihood is that the food won’t be anything to write home about. Oscar’s is NOT one of these.
Another great thing about Oscar’s is the price. He somehow manages to keep prices low and yet maintain the flavor and texture and variety that just isn’t matched by any of the other Mexican restaurants anywhere in middle Tennessee that I’ve found.
Oscar’s rocks my world for bringing a little piece of Southern California to Nashville!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:54 am
We do Mexican food well in California, I will agree to that – especially in the Mom-and-Pop style stores. Some of the Mom-and-Pop places here in Bakersfield are adding some Central American favorites like MY new favorite, the Pupusa (I think that is how you spell it.)
Thanks for reminding me of a blessing to living here. Nashville seems like such a cool place to live. *Smile*
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Oh, you are making me soooo hungry! Wish Oscar’s was up the street!
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Julie,
Actually, I used to live in Southern California too, so I know all about how good the Mexican food is there. And, I’ve been here in TN for seven years and I can say that I do enjoy living here. We have seasons, not just “colder” sunny weather in winter. And, the people here are sooo nice. But, I will be heading back to CA in 2 days to be with my family for Christmas. So, I’ll get my fill of In-N-Out burger, which I miss constantly.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Karen,
Hehe, sorry to make you hungary. Yes, Oscar’s is a guilty pleasure but I try to be good and only go once in a while. Take care!!