Ep 8. Portland, Maine

In Taco Trip season 2 episode 8, Chef Aarón Sánchez heads to Portland, Maine to discover the unique flavors of the city's taco scene. Portland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tacos, but its location on the coast and proximity to Mexico inspire some innovative and delicious creations.

The episode begins with Chef Sánchez visiting a local fish market to pick up some fresh seafood for his first taco stop: El Corazón. El Corazón is a food truck that has been serving up Mexican street tacos in Portland for over a decade. Chef Sánchez meets with the owner, Carlos Pascual, and tries his famous lobster taco. The taco features chunks of fresh lobster meat dressed in a tangy cilantro-lime sauce and topped with crunchy jicama slaw. Chef Sánchez also samples El Corazón's al pastor taco, made with marinated pork and pineapple.

Next, Chef Sánchez heads to Chaval, a traditional French restaurant that has added a Mexican twist to its menu. He meets with co-owner Ilma Lopez, who shows him how to make their signature short rib taco. The taco is stuffed with tender braised beef and topped with a spicy tomatillo salsa and tangy pickled onions. Chef Sánchez is impressed with the combination of French and Mexican flavors in the dish.

Chef Sánchez's next stop is at the Portland Hunt + Alpine Club, a bar that serves up creative cocktails and small plates. He meets with bartender Briana Volk, who shows him how to make a refreshing margarita using local blueberries. Chef Sánchez also tries Portland Hunt + Alpine Club's fried avocado taco, which features a crispy battered avocado half topped with pickled red onion and a spicy mayo.

For his final stop in Portland, Chef Sánchez visits Taco Escobarr, a lively Mexican restaurant and bar. He meets with owner Casey Prentice, who shows him how to make the restaurant's signature fish taco. The taco features lightly battered and fried fish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, topped with a tangy slaw and creamy guacamole. Chef Sánchez also tries Taco Escobarr's braised pork belly taco, which is served with sweet plantains and a smoky chipotle sauce.

Throughout the episode, Chef Sánchez emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and incorporating them into traditional Mexican flavors. His trip to Portland proves that tacos can be inspired by any cuisine and that there is no limit to the creative combinations that can be used.

Overall, Taco Trip season 2 episode 8 is a fun and informative journey through Portland's taco scene. Chef Aarón Sánchez brings his expertise and enthusiasm to each stop, and viewers are sure to come away with some new ideas for their own taco creations. Whether you're a die-hard taco fan or just looking for some culinary inspiration, this episode is a must-watch.