GO WEST MY FRIENDS PART 2

Continuing our Theme of Going West of the Federal Highway for food adventures, lets head to the Area around Avenida 28 De Julio.  As you head north from Playa and descend from El Puente, the landmark bridge that traverses Playa north to south the first major intersection is Avenida 28 De Julio.  Familiar landmarks on the left side of the Highway are Steren Plaza where you can find the largest sucursal (branch) of Steren for all your electronics needs and Exteria a popular store for outdoor furniture in the same Plaza.  La Fonda Argentina sits on the corner.  As you make a left at the intersection and continue west, the Fracionimiento of Mundo Habitat will be on your left side.  Directly in front of the entrance is Don Chava.  Don Chava may seem unimposing as your first view is that it is merely a Taco Cart.  But that cart is where all the Food Magic begins for the restaurant directly behind it. 

Don Chava became known to me through my good friend Lyle and his wife Jennifer.  A couple who really loves living here in Playa and love to experience food off the beaten path.  Mil Gracias for the introduction to my second favorite Taquería on the west side. 

Don Chava is a mix of the old and the new, the fare is traditional Mexican, but the ordering system is New Age with Ipads and IPhones handled without flaw by the Wait Staff.  The Clientele is more Mexican than Expat, with a very good walk-up takeout business.  I do see more and more Expats visiting here compared to Tacos Diáz.  When the tables are all occupied, your name goes up on a small whiteboard for the next available.  That should tell you something right there.  At times there is a short wait to get a table.  In my mind, that tells me the food is good and worth a short wait.

The menu is short, but contains all the local favorites with many options such as  Bistec, Arrachera, Longaniza, Rib-Eye, Cecina, Pastor, etc.  What sets Don Chava apart from other Taqueria’s apart from the good food, is the Tortilla making process.  Which is done right in front of the restaurant.  Tortillas de Maiz both Amarillo (yellow) and Maiz Azul (blue corn) for the Huaraches cooked on a real Comal before heading to the Cart to become part of your meal.  Although more commercialized than Tacos Diáz, it is still a great place to eat and share great conversation with your amigos.

Each table has a selection of handmade salsas ranging from pure jitomate (tomato) up to la salsa habanera.  For a little added flavor, most plates are prepared with a hint of fresh Epazote. 

Don Chava is open daily from 5 pm until midnight, closed Sundays.