We live in the heartland of carne asada: right next door to the cattle ranches of Northern Mexico and in the middle of the Sonoran desert, which provides a steady supply of mesquite wood for grilling.Β
But even here, the real deal can be hard to find. If you're really serious about your grilled steak, you need to get down to ElΒ Taco Rustico in the Tohono O'Odham Swapmeet. Unlike other restaurants that cook their steaks on a flattop or with charcoal, Rustico uses a real mesquite grill that spews a heavy cloud of meaty smoke into the morning air.Β
Owner Juan Almanza has been doing barbecue for 25 years, and perfected his mesquite-cooking technique on the Terraza patio at Hacienda del Sol resort. The vibe down here is a little more "rustic" β it's not much more than a tarp and some chairs β but the grill is a site to behold. If you're there early, Almanza piles on everything from racks of rib to tripas and buche, sliced pig stomach that was actually pretty nice and crunchy.Β
The carne asada here doesn't come heavily spiced or adorned with cheese or accoutrements. It's basically just fat chunks of Angus chuck steak β much thicker than other places around townβ plump and juicy with some smokiness and a hint of mesquite flavor. Very simple, but as Almanza says, "You can taste the difference."Β
Stay tuned for more tacos from foodie paradise, the Tohono O'Odham Swapmeet ...
Insider's tip: While you're there, you've gotta try the sandia agua fresca, with big chunks of watermelon. They serve it in a Burger King cup, but it's totally homemade.Β Β Β
Location: Tohono O'Odham Swapmeet, 5721 S. Westover Ave.
Phone: 520-891-7346
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Payment:Β cash only
