There’s a buzz on our salty streets 'bout a new taco game in town, kids. SLC has its share of amazing, Mexican-inspired eateries, no doubt--but there's always room for more, if you ask us. Enter Taqueria 27, a spot with some guacamole set to blow your mind and taco combos that will Change. Yo. Life.
And Taqueria 27 was born.
Todd and Kristin Gardiner hit the scene about 3 1/2 years ago. The couple has spent a substantial portion of their lives in the restaurant industry, with Kristin at the front of the house and Todd holding it down chef-style in the kitchen. He's worked in myriad fine-dining spots in our city, including The New Yorker and Log Haven [where the two met…oooh, restaurant love], and he's served as executive chef at Aerie and--more recently-- Z'Tejas. When word started to spread about the incoming City Creek Center, Todd considered how that might affect Gateway business, and decided it was high time to create something of his own. And Taqueria 27 was born.
"We see the tortilla as a vehicle that allows us to be really creative."
Their first location on Foothill was, to be brief, a smash. Says Todd, "We don’t claim to be an authentic Mexican restaurant. We see the tortilla as a vehicle that allows us to be really creative." True that. Their tacos have been known to deliciously include mashed potates, capers with fresh buffalo mozzarella [from Caputos], duck confit with chipotle crema, and this author's personal fave, roasted mushrooms, gorgonzola and crispy leeks [it's insane, and its secret ingredient is something called Mexican truffles…Google it]. Taqueria 27 also has a stellar Saturday brunch from 1:00 to 3:00pm…think, incredible margaritas with over 50 different tequila options. The best part: these goodly folks are using as much local, organic produce as they possibly can, many of their veggies being soured from Bell Organic Gardens in Draper, as well as their own 1/3 acre garden here in town. This marks their third location [and the closest one to our office], perched just west of Bar X, and thereby easily reachable by anyone with a thing for delicious tacos. So, everyone.
Taqueria 27 | 149 E 200 S | 385.259.0940
