Last Friday night I headed down to Port Adelaide to the VIP launch of La Popular Taqueria, a Mexican show case of wonderful food, and that it was! They had me at “hola”.

On entering I was surprised at just how busy it was, the place was buzzing with excitement. It was the perfect Friday night shin dig, myself and other guests including, bloggers, media and Adelaide’s A list enjoyed a night of fun and great hospitality, I loved how we could see the kitchen preparing the food, the staff were all super friendly, not to mention the tacos weren’t half bad either.

La Popular Taqueria is another amazing initiative by the team at Renew Adelaide, who have assisted owner; Mexican born Daniella Guevara to secure the St Vincent property, which was formerly a computer shop. Since taking over the shop, it has undergone a dramatic new refit. It’s now looking super cool, think a bold and bright colour scheme consisting of traditional Mexican red, turquoise, yellow, purple and pink.

For Guevara, previously a marine biologist who came to Australia eight years ago; La Popular Taqueria is the realisation of a dream finally come true. That of turning her love of cooking Mexican food into a business.
Taqueria isn’t just any ordinary Taco shop – Guevara explains they will be serving traditional Mexican variety made with soft tortillas, not crunchy shells, and the maize-flour tortillas will be made on site. “That is something that is very important to us – we want to show people how they are made”, Guevara says.

The menu will also include tacos with chicken mole (a rich dark sauce made with dried chillies, spices and chocolate), chicken tinga (cooked with tomatoes and chipotle chilli), and several vegetarian options filled with a combination of vegetables and black beans.

There will be a selection of salsa options, along with side dishes such as Mexican rice and black beans, and vegetable pickles.

Having moved to Port Adelaide only recently, Guevara says she is really excited about where the Port is heading, and loves the strong sense of community in the area. The locals are really getting behind the new restaurant which is great.

Located at 226 St Vincent Street, La Popular Taqueria is located just up the road from the historic Port Admiral Hotel, which has been restored and is set to re-open soon as well.

“It’s a good moment for us to open here because I think it [the Port] is getting busier… more people are seeing it as a destination to come and visit and eat”. Here at Adelaide Food Central we would have to agree, Port Adelaide is really starting to grow with new eateries and exciting business’s opening regularly.

Make sure you head on down to La Popular Taqueria, the trip down to the Port will be worth it.

Words by Kathryn Robertson

WHERE: 226 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide