Day 1 - Ash Wednesday

I made a decision to switch it up this year for Lent. I was raised Catholic, and each year the decision to give something up for Lent was a tough negotiation with my faith. I would try and pick something significant, a worthy sacrifice, and yet obtainable as a 40-day goal. Quitting smoking, not cursing, abstaining from sugary treats, I never made it 40 days. Some years I would choose to give up something that I shouldn't do in the first place, like driving the wrong way down a one-way. This was a cop out, and would probably anger the gods with my attempts of circumventing the rules.

So it's time to change the rules. Instead of "giving up something," I will make a "commitment to something." A commitment to something bigger than me, tacos. For the 40 days of Lent I will commit myself to tacos like I've never done before. Each day I will eat only tacos. If it fits in a tortilla, I'll eat it. The only rule I've made is a limit of four tacos per day. Each regular sized taco(hard or soft) will count as one, an order of 5 mini tacos will count as 2 regular tacos, and because I will be working at The Liberty during SXSW I have worked in a way to allow for Pork Buns from East Side Kings. Each pork bun will count as a taco, just an Asian fusion version.

Day 1: BREAKFAST - I started the day with a taco from Live Oak Market on Manchaca. I grabbed a large coffee and a sausage egg and cheese taco. I neglected to snap a photo because I was running late to take a friend to lay some eggs at the fertility clinic, she was on a fast and I didn't want to eat in front of her. The tacos at Live Oak Market are made en mass each morning in various flavors: bacon, egg and cheese; sausage, egg and cheese; bean,egg and cheese; and cactus, egg and cheese. The delightful part of the sausage egg and cheese is the summer sausage they use, that I always forget about.  There is just something magical about the eggs they use for these tacos. They are fluffy, buttery, and have a sweet finish. Topped with their house made green salsa this taco is a true champion of breakfast tacos, even if pre-made. (Look for future posts for a picture)

LUNCH - I knew my friend would be hungry after her appointment so I waited until I scooped her to grab a lunch taco. We visited a favorite spot of mine on S. Lamar, Papalote. We called in an order to-go and picked up our order on our way back to my friends house. I decided to go with a reliable choice, the Alambres taco. Grilled steak, bacon, poblano peppers, onions and avocado make this a home-run choice for a satisfying lunch break. Paired with a Topo Chico agua mineral and the orange house-made salsa I was in heaven.  I also failed to take a picture, I remembered as I was chewing the last bite, please forgive me.

DINNER - I linked up with a buddy for a sit down dinner at La Mexicana Bakery on S. 1st Street. I had the opportunity to order my final two tacos of the day, and it was hard to resist ordering a piece of tres leches cake tambien. I ordered two chicken fajita tacos, my buddy ordered two breakfast tacos and a quesadilla. My tacos arrived and I was very proud of my choice. The chicken was flavorful, and the poblano peppers and onions were crisp and fresh. I pilled on two of the hotter salsas and liberaly applied some squeezes of lime. Once again, I failed to snap a picture, but a return trip is bound to happen soon. I must admit that I may have broken the rules on day one, but nobody can resist a freshly made churro. As we were leaving they were pulling these strange looking sticks of fried heaven out of the fryer, and we placed an order for two churros to-go. They didn't make it to the car. Again, no picture, but I promise to return again soon.