Fast Foodies

STOCKTON-BASED CHEF AND RESTAURANT OWNER REIMAGINES TACO BELL FAVORITES

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

We all have the occasional craving for the delicious and dangerous Taco Bell menu, and there’s no shame in that game. But what if you could get those favorites without sacrificing taste or quality? While fast food sometimes satisfies our worst cravings, we’ve learned it’s possible to get similar menu items without the guilt, with fresher ingredients, and with a little more innovation.

Cuahtemoc (Cuate), chef and owner of Don Luis Mexican Restaurant and El Chilango Chido (both in Stockton), has concocted two of his own renditions of popular TB menu items. If you’re jonesing for a Crunchwrap Supreme or Cheesy Gordita Crunch, step into one of Don’s establishments and order a dupe from the secret menu (available upon request). The tasty treats use the same base ingredients as Taco Bell with a little flair and a lot more authentic Mexican flavor. For the Crunchwrap Supreme, choose between fajita-style chicken or beef—no ground beef here—seasoned and wrapped in a flour tortilla, loaded with cheese, and perfectly melted on the grill. A sour cream and chipotle aioli dressing gives it a little spice before it's finished with lettuce, just like the original. Perhaps the best feature is the extra crunch, created by adding chips (the same used in the restaurants chips and salsa appetizer) inside. With the Cheesy Gordita Crunch-esque item, a larger flour tortilla is used. Loaded with melty American and Jack cheese, Chile Colorado beef makes all the difference in taste. The dish is finished with lettuce, pico de gallo, and jalapenos, all wrapped up in an oversized grilled tortilla that is much larger than the original, before it’s finished with a sour cream and chipotle dressing for added flavor and a bit of a kick. You can also forgo the beef and opt for chicken instead, marinated in a mole sauce.

The flavor profiles of the dishes are unique while the presentation stays close to the original. The end product is an elevated reimagining of favorite fast-food items cooked by a professional chef in a gourmet kitchen.

Celebrating their 14th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced countless satisfied customers, with their wonderfully inventive dishes. The chef makes classics dishes like ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Tom Kar Gai’ that leave the diner feeling that they have been transported to a street in Thailand. Many of the dishes such as Eggplant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a homestyle feel. The Menu is a delight and there are always Lunch and Dinner Specials. The wood panels and decors at Tracy Thai will bring you to a classic home style in Thailand. With a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious food, you would enjoy your meal at Tracy Thai.

Tracy Thai

1035 Central Ave., Tracy, 209) 833-9703

Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop. Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill! Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll pictured)

MIKASA JAPANESE BISTRO

2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, 209) 830-8288

15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, 209) 858-1818

Hailed as one of the most authentic powerhouses of Japanese cuisine in the San Joaquin valley, Komachi offers a diverse array of exquisite dishes, ranging from the freshest sashimi to mouth-watering sushi rolls. “Come as a customer, leave as our family.” Hours: MonThur 11AM to 9PM, Fri - Sat 11AM to 9:30PM, Sun closed

Komachi Sushi

307 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, 209) 334-3131 SushiKomachi.com

Nestled on the Brickwalk in Lincoln Center Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an extensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cocktails, fine wines and spirits. We have several dining options including our extensive patio, dining room with floor to ceiling open windows, and a large bar area. We offer several dining options for large parties and do catering of all sizes, including our own food truck, Midgley's Public Truck, that can be rented for private and public events.

MIDGLEY’S PUBLIC HOUSE

296 Lincoln Center Stockton, 209) 474-7700 midgleyspublichouse.com