Friday's Report (from deep In the heart of Texas) #2

First I should give credit where credit is due and refer y'all to the Taco Journalism blog. It was they who first clued me in to the "Magic Taco Box" (their words not mine) that is Taqueria Alayna's on Manor Road in Austin.

I have since frequented Alayna's on numerous occasions since it is fortunately (or unfortunately) very close to my home. And I felt the need to share the joys of one of the finest taco stands around.

Alayna's is little more than a window in a wall of a strip mall. But what goes on behind that window can only be described as transcendent. The mysteries and witchcraft that take place can't possibly be fathomed by us mortal consumers. But one thing we can understand is that the resultant tacos that emerge from the window will delight and enchant us.

First off, every taco that comes out of the window is huge. Seriously, these are massive tacos. My favorite, bacon and egg, is so chock full of big chunks of glorious glorious bacon that I'd swear ther's no way they can make a profit off of the mere $1.75 they charge. But quantity without quality is no bargain. Luckily Alayna's packs all the flavor they can into the tacos too. Eggs and bacon may seem simple enough but through their wizardry they somehow make it extra palitable.

The clincher that really separates Alayna's from the multitiude of other taco vendors, however, is their amazing salsa. I honestly have no clue what's in it at all. I know that it's greenish in color and spicy as hell. And it's that great kind of spicy that makes you at first think, "Oh that's not too spicy" and then after a solid four count it hits you hard. But it's not just spicy. It has a great flavor that compliments the tacos without overpowering them.

There are literally at least four other taco places within easy walking distance from my home. And in my opinion, Alayna's beats them all. Beats them to a pulp.