Three Mexiquense taquerías land in France

Three taquerías from the State of Mexico are in Paris this week as part of “El Mejor Taco Mexiquense,” a campaign described by Directo al Paladar as a joint initiative of the state government and Casa México en Francia. The outlet reported on May 19 that the three businesses were chosen after an evaluation process and are serving as representatives of Mexiquense taco culture abroad. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) The Paris appearance runs from May 19 through May 25 at “La Fête de la Cité,” according to the report. The campaign is also tied to the commemoration of 200 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and France, the article said. ### Which taquerías made the trip to France? Directo al Paladar named two taquerías from Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl and one from Tlalnepantla. The selected businesses are Tacos de Cochinita La Texcoco, run by Oswaldo Gutiérrez; Parrilla de Oro “El Jabalí Negro,” run by Edgar Oropeza; and Tacos “La Güera,” run by Diego Romero. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) The outlet said the three were chosen after a review of multiple proposals. During the final phase, participants presented their concepts before a specialized jury and were assessed on technique, hygiene and command of the preparation process, from cooking to presentation. ### Where in France are they appearing, and for how long? (directoalpaladar.com.mx) Paris is the site of the campaign’s France stop. Directo al Paladar said the taquerías traveled more than 9,000 kilometers and began participating on May 19, with appearances scheduled through May 25 at “La Fête de la Cité.” Casa México en Francia is part of the effort, according to the report. The article said the taquerías are acting as ambassadors for Mexican gastronomy during the event. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) ### Who judged the competition behind the campaign? The final judging panel included chef Ileana Gómez, identified by Directo al Paladar as director of Le Cordon Bleu México, and Axel García, identified as a representative of Casa México en Francia. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) The same report said the winners will receive official recognition, institutional and cultural media exposure, and opportunities for promotion at gastronomic festivals. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) ### What does each taquería serve back home in Mexico State? Tacos de Cochinita La Texcoco specializes in cochinita pibil tacos, according to Directo al Paladar. The article said customers can order by the piece, in batches of up to 50, or by the kilogram, though it added that Google Maps did not show updated prices. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) It listed the address as Roma 20, Metropolitana 3ra Secc, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl. Directo al Paladar also identified Parrilla de Oro “El Jabalí Negro” as one of the Nezahualcóyotl participants and Tacos “La Güera” as the Tlalnepantla entrant. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) In the portion of the article available through search results, the outlet clearly names those businesses and their owners, but the visible excerpt does not fully reproduce the menu and pricing details for those two shops. ### Why was the campaign name adjusted? The article said the initiative’s name was modified because of the diversity of taco styles and the broad participation in the call for entries. It linked the campaign to the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Mexico and France and said the State of Mexico government wants to use the effort to promote local economic activity and project Mexiquense cuisine internationally. (directoalpaladar.com.mx) May 25 is the next fixed date in the campaign calendar. That is when the Paris run at “La Fête de la Cité” is scheduled to end, with Tacos de Cochinita La Texcoco, Parrilla de Oro “El Jabalí Negro” and Tacos “La Güera” listed as the participating taquerías. (directoalpaladar.com.mx)