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Happy Cinco de Mayo!! I couldn’t think of a more American way to celebrate the holiday. Wait, let me rephrase that. I couldn’t think of a more “sober” way to celebrate the 1862 Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla than by eating tacos and guac. Am I right?
So, this year I decided to “support local” and checked out the North Jersey chain Tito’s Burritos and Wings! Not only does this casual Jers-Mex chain boast a menu full of pop culture infused names, like The Spicoli, a smoky (get it) shredded chicken burrito and the Tony Hawk Taco, but it’s also home to the Fat Amy and Fat Bastard tacos. (see this beast right there 👉)
This Ain’t Body Shaming
It's obvious to me that these monster tacos are an homage to the Central Jersey foodigenous Fat Sandwiches made famous by the Grease Trucks lining College Avenue at Rutgers University in the 1980's. For decades tipsy college kids would feast on late night sandwiches jammed with everything from hamburger, eggs, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and a kitchen sink with names like the Fat Cat and Fat Darrell. Sadly, the Grease trucks moved on and only a few vestiges remain of this local delicacy.
Much like their gringo cousins, Tito's Fat Tacos are stuffed with a crazy combination of foods you wouldn't expect to be found in a typical taco. The Fat Amy is a 12-inch fried flour tortilla overflowing with juicy fried chicken tenders, French fries and cheese. It's topped with lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo. Substitute the chicken with well-seasoned ground beef, freshly cut peppers and onions and you got yourself one Fat Bastard. Everything a growing boy needs! The Fat Bastard tastes like a lot like a taco salad on steroids. The tortilla puffs to an airy crunch and it is really meant to be devoured with a fork.
If you are looking for an authentic taco like you'd find on the streets of Juarez Mexico, message me and I'll tell you some of my favorite spots. This wouldn't be for you. BUT if you are looking for something fun and tasty that's made with fresh ingredients, then give Tito's a try. It might look like a festive fast-food joint on the inside, but all the burritos and tacos are cooked to order, so grab yourself a Jarrito and chillax to the sounds of Kokomo jammin' over the sound system while your food is being prepared.
A Jersey Mexican Restaurant with a Hawaiian Vibe
As it suggests on their website, the restaurant's mascot Tito is a fun-loving apron wearing hedonist from parts unknown. Imagine a little Mathew McConaughey from
Dazed and Confused mixed with that skater kid who would bring his skateboard into every classroom. All five locations have the same laid back "it's all good" feeling with da beach theme. Surf boards and references to Hawaii and the swells off the coast of Baja California are a plenty. There are many vegetarian and gluten free options as well. Oh, and did I forget to mention the and Wings. Grab a Flock to-go, that's a 60 pack of super crispy drums and flats mixed in one of their 12 house made tossing sauces like the Aloha, a sweet a tangy teriyaki and their spicy super Gnarly Sauce. I feel like it's just a matter of time until this chain hangs ten in your neighborhood.