After watching Machete (2010) as a ween, few acting cameos make me punch the air with joy like an appearance from Mr. Danny Trejo. Get you someone who can jump from Heat (1995) to Spy Kids (2001) to Anchorman (2004) to The Devil’s Rejects (2005)… you can’t, I’m afraid.
And, to add to that quadruple threat, the man also serves up a mean taco – tacos that have seen his restaurant become an Anthony-Bourdain-approved institution in LA. Now, he’s made the leap from the city of angels to the big smoke, as he (finally) opens ‘Trejo’s Tacos’ on London’s Portobello Road in Notting Hill.
Now, tourists who flock over to get a feel of a certain movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts will have another Hollywood actor to bow down to, while filling their stomachs with delicious grub. Machete and Notting Hill – that’s a double feature I can get behind!
What can you expect (aside from tacos, duh)
Trejo’s Tacos has opened as a two-storey, 3,000-square-foot space with space for 70 diners inside and another 30 on their covered outdoor terrace. There’s also a snazzy cocktail bar to showcase its mean mezcals and margaritas to give visitors the full Mexican dining experience. Head downstairs and you’ll even find an underground speakeasy where, instead of wielding machetes, guests can show off their moves to live DJs.
Once you’ve looked around and sipped your frozen OG Margarita or Lavender Paloma, you’ll be hankering for some tacos. As we’ve alluded to, you’ll be able to try out the late, great Anthony Bourdain’s favourite – the steak asada taco with pepicta pesto. You can also choose from the Baja-style beer battered fish, beef brisket, jackfruit, and the LA Times “recipe of the year” acclaimed roasted cauliflower, among many more.
Speaking about the opening, Danny Trejo said:
“When we launched Trejo’s Tacos in LA, our aim was to serve a better version of Mexican food that won’t clog your arteries. In Mexican cooking, recipes are handed down through generations, and that’s what inspired this whole concept: generations of my family’s recipes. We’ve taken out the stuff that isn’t healthy, without losing the great taste and flavour.
“When it comes to restaurants, everyone asks me: what’s my secret? Restaurants usually die within their first year. We’ve opened seven in four years. People come for the food, good service, and a feeling of community. People come back for the good food…and because they feel at home when they step back inside a Trejo’s Tacos. That’s all.”
The future of Trejo’s Tacos
Trejo’s Tacos looks set to become a staple across the continent, with more sites planned in Europe. But, for now, their attention is on the brand-new Portobello site.
After opening their first LA restaurant in 2016, Trejo’s Tacos now boasts seven restaurants (including Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts), so who knows? We could be seeing more of the Machete star’s creations around London before long. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to try those donuts doughnuts soon!