October 22nd, 2009 by Elliot Nelson – Comments (13)
There are a few dishes in town that I always come back to – they’re the way markers of my dining life. Every once in a while, I need to return to them as a reset button for judging other meals. They are consistent, exceptional dishes that provide the benchmarks for everything else I eat.
One of these dishes, is the tacos al pastor at La Flama Taqueria. Traditionally, tacos al pastor are slowly marinated over a few days and roasted over a spit – much like a kebab (although in my experience, they are usually just marinated and left to cook in the Mexican heat). A quick internet search will tell you that they are a combination of Lebanese and Mexican cooking which originated in Mexico City
The version at La Flama – which Fermin, the owner, said was a recipe from his friend in Mexico City – is pork shoulder marinated with a blend of peppers, garlic, herbs and vinegar. From there, the meat is grilled on a flat top griddle and served with freshly diced cilantro, onions, and pineapple on a corn tortilla. The spice in the meat is subtle, and when eaten alone, has the flavor of a mild barbeque. But when combined with the sweetness of the cilantro, onions and pineapple, it creates a wonderful medley of flavors. Not to mention the great sensation of greasy pork being cut by fresh fruit, and the surprise crunch of onion and pineapple that awaits in every bite. It is, in short, my favorite taco, and in that, the measuring stick for all other tacos I eat.
La Flama is located at 1122 E. 61st St. – Just west of Peoria on the south side of the street. They are open 10-9 Sunday-Thursday, 10-10 Friday & Saturday. The décor is minimal and food arrives on Styrofoam plates, but it’s very clean and any shortfall in ambience is made up for by the Mexican soap operas that are always playing. They serve posole on the weekends and mole every Monday, both of which are highly recommended. Also, their alambres and chuletta (pork tenderloin) tacos are worth a try. They carry the requisite selection of Mexican Coke with pure cane sugar and various flavors of Jarritos, but as is usually the case with me, I’d like to see some more beer. If you’re getting the food to go, I recommend a Bohemian Bright Lager – Zatec, Pilsner Urquell, or Czechvar – which are like Mexican beer, just 100 times better.
1122 E 61st St
Tulsa, OK 74136-0523
(918) 743-8887
About Elliot Nelson:
Elliot Nelson is a Tulsa restaurateur responsible for bringing Tulsa four great establishments: McNellies, Dilly Deli, El Guapo and Yokozuna. Elliot has traveled the world to find the best food and cultures to create a unique experience for all of his guests. As a frequent contributor to Tulsa Food, Elliot will bring articles about food and culture from around the world, great beers and wines, and how to incorporate them into your lifestyle. All of Elliot’s Tulsa restaurants are located in the Blue Dome District in Downtown Tulsa, OK. He has also opened a McNellies location in Midtown Oklahoma City, OK and is planning to open a location in Norman, OK this year.
Stay tuned for more articles from Elliot Nelson…For more information or to visit one of Elliot’s restaurants visit the links below:
McNellies: http://www.mcnellies.com
Dilly Deli: http://www.dillydelitulsa.com
El Guapo: http://www.elguaposcantina.net
Yokozuna: http://www.yokozunatulsa.com
Tags: Beer · Mexican Food
13 responses so far ↓
mmhm, can’t wait to try La Flama Taquer… « Tulsa Food Talk Oct 22, 2009 at 10:49 am
[...] http://tulsafood.com/mexican-food/la-flama-tacos [...]
Brian Oct 22, 2009 at 11:01 am
I am hitting this place this afternoon for lunch. I grew up in Southern California so love a good taco! Gosh I miss Baja so much!
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Jim Jones Oct 22, 2009 at 11:08 am
This is my favorite Taco place in town! I was actually craving them this morning. What time are you going Brian?
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Shae Oct 22, 2009 at 11:09 am
Great Article! I had never heard of this place…Mmm…Looks tasty…and I love all the fresh ingredients!
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Art Oct 22, 2009 at 11:28 am
Great tip. These tacos look good. My favorite tacos al pastor are at Cancun at 7th & Lewis. They’re the spicy variety. I need to try La Flama for a change of pace!
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Matt Oct 22, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Pineapple in Tacos?? Interesting. I am very picky about my mexican food. It sounds like this place is authentic and worth a try. Pretty good portions it seems by your pics.
Thanks,Elliot, now there is a new place to try lunch in Tulsa.
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David Christopher Oct 22, 2009 at 1:01 pm
They look so full of wholesome real ingredients, and yet like a proper indulgence. And did you say real Mexican Coke? Can’t beat it.
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dannyb Oct 23, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Thanks for reviewing this place, it is kind of close to my house and I look forward to trying it! Another good pastor taco is at Tacos Don Francisco at 11th and Pittsburgh.
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Mark Oct 26, 2009 at 11:59 am
Great article, I can’t wait to check this place out. I’d never heard of it. Agree with DannyB about Tacos Don Francisco on 11th. That is a great taco place. I’ve also heard good things about a taco stand on 3rd and N. Lewis. Anyone visited that?
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Bob Oct 30, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Mr. Tacos (2nd and N. Lewis) has great carne asada tacos as does Costa Azul on 31st St.
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Donovan Feb 5, 2010 at 11:44 am
I have been eating here for a couple years and have to agree on the tacos al pastor. I believe I have tried all their tacos and these are still the finest. Good review and good to see La Flama get some exposure. They’re always very nice and friendly. Check out the bakery next door for some cheap tasty treats after tacos.
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RON Jul 13, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Been eating at La Flama for about 6 months and the food is amazing! Maybe everyone else already knows this but they are opening a new place at 71st and Memorial in former location of Cosmo. Looks to be a much bigger location and I sincerely hope they are able to maintain the taste/quality of those amazing little tacos they put out at 61st and Peoria!!
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The New La Flama Mexican Restaurant | The Tulsa Food Blog Nov 17, 2010 at 11:35 am
[...] around town than I can count, wrote that, out of all the tacos he’s eaten in his life, La Flama’s version of Taco el Pastor “is, in short, my favorite taco, and in that, the measuring stick for all other tacos I [...]
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