Reader: Snout to lunch? Try El Taco Veloz

Mark Antonation has been eating his way up Federal Boulevard, and this week reached El Taco Velez, where he spotted an offering rarely found at Denver's many and varied taquerias: pork tongue. "The tender and mild lengua -- rich with fat and hit with a quick caramelization on the grill...

By Patricia Calhoun

November 15, 2013

We’re $400 away from our summer campaign goal,
with just 1 day left!

We’re ready to deliver—but we need the resources to do it right. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$16,600

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Mark Antonation has been eating his way up Federal Boulevard, and this week reached El Taco Velez, where he spotted an offering rarely found at Denver's many and varied taquerias: pork tongue. "The tender and mild lengua -- rich with fat and hit with a quick caramelization on the grill -- proved to be some of the best and most lovingly prepared pork I've had anywhere along Federal Boulevard," he reports. See also: Pay attention to the signs at El Taco Veloz

And that's just one of the unusual meats on the menu. Says TheFabulousMarkT:

One of my favorite meat items at ETV is "trompas." This literally means "snout" or "trunk," but you will occasionally see other facial-related cuts included in this category.

("Trompas" is also shorthand for a longer term meaning "Fallopian Tube," but you're rather less likely to find those at a Denver-area taqueria) :)

Have you been following A Federal Case (you can access the archives here.) What are your favorite spots to eat on Federal Boulevard? What's the oddest food you've encountered there?

Follow @CafeWestword

Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

A message from Patricia Calhoun: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today