Type: Classic Mexican
Price: $3.50-$4
While there is an ongoing debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza, La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant owner Brian Adkins says there is nothing like the sweet, roasted flavor of fresh pineapple on its popular al pastor and pineapple queso tacos.
To make the al pastor, about 100 pounds of pork gets marinated with spices, then is cut into thin slices. The pork is then placed on a trompo, a rotating skewer, which spins in front of an open fire.
To create the taco, the pork is shaved off and paired with a melody of flavors between the sweet pineapple and creamy, gooey queso, utilizing a family recipe that’s been in rotation for more than half a century. The finely chopped cilantro, onions and roasted, caramelized al pastor add heat to the taco, but the grilled pineapple acts as a way to balance and brighten the flavor and create a savory, authentic Mexican street food dish.
“I am infatuated with Mexican street food,” Adkins says. “It’s the best food on the planet.” 783A Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, 440-683-1014, lafiestacleveland.com
