Nonpareil Mission Tacos
People in San Francisco swear by their taquerias, getting fiercely loyal when conversation turns to the best. If you plan on getting into one of these arguments (prepare to spend some time), you have to have been to La Taqueria in the Mission. When you've had any of the others, El Farolito (what's the fuss?), La Corneta, Papalote Mexican Grill, or Taqueria Los Coyotes (great fixings bar), tell them what they should already know, that the no-rice burritos and tacos at La Taqueria rule. The tortillas are warm, the meat packed in — no skimping. It's soft and melts away. Minced onion and small chopped tomato, cilantro, salsa. A large soda cup filled with fresa, orchata, or pia to wash it down. Contentment. And for all these reasons, this dish made my list of most memorable meals of 2011.