Tacos are essential in any person’s diet, but in this particular installment of Tale of Two, we weren’t content with just highlighting the taco in a general way. We thought, instead, that we’d check out how these local chefs put a local spin on a seafood version of the timeless classic. We’re talking shrimp tacos. So with tacos on the brain, we made on our way to Anastasia Boulevard to meet some resident taco experts at Osprey Tacos and Mojo’s Tacos, and get their take on shrimp.
SAINT AUGUSTINE
Osprey Tacos
Tacos are a dish that encourages creativity. A simple tortilla can be a vehicle for all sorts of delicious and unusual ingredients, and the preparation can be tailored to any palate and any location. For the St. Augustinian palate in general, we have the aptly-named Saint Augustine taco. Found at Osprey Tacos (the new kid on the Boulevard), the Saint Augustine starts with the local seafood favorite – fried shrimp. The shrimp is then topped with cabbage and pickled onion and drizzled with a housemade datil & pink sauce. All ingredients work in seamless harmony for a delicious crunch and an unbeatable burst of flavor. There’s savory sweetness from the shrimp, heat from the datil pepper, and a vinegary tang from the pickled onion. It’s the perfect blend of fresh seafood and the spice that locals love so much. So pull up a chair (or a picnic table bench) and chow down.
300 Anastasia Boulevard
(904) 679-4191
SHRIMP TACO
Mojo’s Tacos
For nine years, Mojo’s Tacos has been the taco go-to for all manner of people – inside you’ll find patrons in bathing suits and suits, scrubs and jeans. It’s a meeting place for those that just love a good taco. And good tacos are something they have in abundance. As for us, we’re partial to the classic Shrimp Taco. Ask anyone there and they’ll encourage you to get it just as the menu suggests. The dish starts with local Mayport shrimp and is served “double decker,” which means a soft shell tortilla and a hard shell stuck together with cheddar cheese (can I get an Amen?). It’s topped with leaf lettuce and some housemade fresh salsa, then just a drizzle of the signature Mojo sauce – a delectable and tangy hot sauce. There’s so much flavor wrapped in this tortilla. Join the throng of people feeling the amazing coastal vibe and tasting the delectable local food. Your search for taco heaven is officially over.
551 Anastasia Boulevard
(904) 829-1665
Photography by Brian Miller