It’s their claim to be “the only AUTHENTIC taqueria” in the country which intrigued me. What are authentic Mexican tacos anyway? I wouldn’t know — I’ve never been to Mexico. So I checked out the tiny hole-in-the-wall spot to learn more and judge for myself.
Lo de Alberto serves traditional and authentic Mexican street food, as presented by Mexico-born Chef Balam Nazar. Except for the tortilla chips, EVERYTHING is made fresh and from scratch! The menu choices are not limited to just tacos. You can have huge, well-stuffed burritos, flavorful flautas, generously loaded quesadillas, and even hearty soups. (I liked the Sopa Azteca). Salsas of varying degrees of hotness usually come with every order. There is, of course, Corona, the classic Mexican lager, to help wash down your meal. But you may opt for refreshing, non-alcoholic beverages like the classic Mexican Horchata (made of rice, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk), the Tamarindo (sweet-sour-tart cooler made with sampaloc or tamarind), Sandía (made of watermelon), various Aguas Frescas, and Sangría. Anything and everything goes perfectly well with their delicious tacos and other amazingly yummy fare.
Alberto, in case you were wondering, is a cactus that the chef has had since they started developing the eatery. Lo is a pan that he purchased during that same period.
Whether or not that the food here as authentic as they claim — and my friends, who would know, say that it is! — it is definitely good, delicious, and most satisfying. Worth coming back to again and again.
Lo de Alberto in Makati is on Gallardo St., at the side of Tropical Palms Condominium, just off De La Rose St. in Legaspi Village. Its main branch is at the City Golf Plaza, Dona Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City.
A Bouche Amused 