Restaurant Review | The Original Taco House

Do you have that restaurant that reminds you of everything good in the world? The restaurant that was your reward after a big win, or your destination for a special birthday party. A place where you can go and see a familiar face each and every time you visit? For me, that restaurant in Portland is The Original Taco House. Authentic Mexican flare, comfortable neighborhood vibe, great eats without getting away with the "hole in the wall" ambiance and mostly importantly: no shortage on tortilla chips... ever!

Original Taco House has been a family staple for years and it was one of the first places that I showed Dan when he first started to court me. We have continued to return and enjoy it more and more each time we go back. I always dream that OTH is a well kept secret close to my heart and my family, but when I see how packed it was last Friday night I know that it's no fluke they've comfortably thrived for 53 years in PDX.

What We Drank:


2 El Bravo's ($9.50 each)

A wonderful mix of six liquors and juices garnished with fresh orange wedges, lime wedges and maraschino cherries. Served in a big bowl with even bigger straws. Dan and I choose the evenings carefully when we think we can handle one two of these.



What We Ate:

Tostada Regulario ($7.45)

Lettuce, grilled chicken, black beans (substituted), tomatoes, cheddar cheese - all piled atop a yellow corn tortilla flat. Add the house dressing and you're set for an amazing meal.

I don't even look at the menu anymore. I know that I can never finish this salad on my own and I'm happy that it's become one of Dan's favorites as well.



Chips + Salsa (free and unlimited)

One minute you see them, the next you don't. Good news is a refill is on it's way in minutes!







Know Before You Go:

• They cater and their fresh salsas can be found in a grocery near you


• Happy Hour Daily; 3-6pm and 9-close.


• I've heard rumors of some excellent lunch specials.


• If the restaurant is busy and you're 21+, head to the Cantina.


• Save room for their mouthwatering (AND FREE) cinnamon cookies at the end of your meal.


• Locations: 3550 SE Powell Blvd Portland, OR // 3255 NE 82nd Ave Portland, OR


• Hours: All days 11am-10pm
  


• If you know anyone in Southeast, expect to see them there.

I'll see you there!

<3 JE

Super Weekend

Boy am I stuffed from the Super Bowl and a super weekend. I mean look at this breakfast!

Dan and I invited a few friends over to watch the big game and show them what we'd done with the place. We were quite happy with an intimate group of only four so that we could make sure everyone was comfortable, had enough food and that there were plenty of Otto's leftovers wouldn't overwhelm Tiger in his first week home with us.

Brooke was solo for the weekend with Brad on special assignment in New Orleans, so we were happy to adopt her. We were also thrilled that she brought the most wonderful fresh veggie salsa to share with us. I must have that recipe and I'd recommend you follow her now because I assume she will be sharing it soon. Corn, avocado, black beans, peppers, tomatoes...drool. The perfect mix that you can make in big batches and keep fresh for an entire week and never get sick of it.

We wanted SF to win, but overall we were happy about the mid-game comeback that had us on the edge of our seats for the second half. The puppy bowl was, however, just how I was hoping it would be.

Dan and I did a thorough clean-up of the house and I'm thrilled with the results. We have committed to doing it more than just when company will be coming over and I think it will be a big step in getting us feeling more relaxed when we get home from a long day of work. We also printed out the sold out game "Cards Against Humanity" and brought it to an all-genders welcome baby shower for a friend of ours who is due at the end of the month. Tears, laughs and jaw dropping is inevitable and we can't wait to see how mom and dad react when we pull the game out with Matt home in March. 

This weekend was also an excellent opportunity for bonding time with Tiger. Dan and I proved how much we want the best for our boy and spent an hour in a PetSmart Saturday evening before they closed selecting the perfect accents for his home. He's over the moon about his heater, a sweet skull and an upcycled bowl that was previously used for popcorn, chips and fruit salads.

We realized this past week who he resembled... #GetItFromMyMama:

#RunChat: I'm happy to have 10 miles already under my belt for the month and plan to rack up some more this evening. Tomorrow will be a hectic day at work as most Mondays are, and I'll be happy to decompress and prepare for the next. I made sure to pack a great lunch, had an extra cup of coffee and hugged my sweetheart first thing when the alarm went off.

Happy Monday, all!

<3 JE

February's Eight Great Goals

Welcome, February! Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable - I've been waiting for you.

January has always been one of my least favorite months as far as months go and I've heard others say that too. It's a rude awakening from the holidays, the days are short, the nights are cold and my heat, energy and water bills are off the charts in comparison. I'd like to shine some positive light on January as a time to restart, to renew and for new beginnings - but truly every month should be approached this way. Just like everyday should be like Valentine's Day and you should call your mother more than only on her birthday, Christmas or Mother's Day. Little things.

This month is sure to present some challenges, like more dreary & cold weather,  three less days to complete 100 miles or that our workforce of three will drop down to two (ahh!). With all of the madness presented in those challenges there's still so much more to look forward to. Loving and nurturing Tiger, a no-frills baby shower invite, Super Bowl shenanigans, another 90 minute massage, return of AMC's The Walking Dead, Bailey's 1 and a half year birthday(!!!), girls night birthday fun, seeing Amanda (hopefully) when she makes her first visit to Portland after her big career move, continuing to live with my wonderful boyfriend ...and so much more I don't even know about!

Let's get down to it, my mission for the month!

February's Eight Great Goals:

1. Follow Amanda from RunToTheFinish in her #BestFoot challenge to Eat a Clean Breakfast every day in February

2. Read a book, cover to cover, for the pure pleasure of reading. Any suggestions are welcome - what have you read lately?

3. Practice my pool game before brother comes home in March.

4. Spend some serious time at mom and dad's house to go through 'the archives' that they've been holding onto my entire life since I moved out 7 years ago.

5. Encourage Dan to play golf and never ask that he does otherwise.

6. Pre-write 3 posts per week to eliminate some time constraints and pressures when it comes to delivering content by 8am.

7. Comment on other blogger's posts and participate in this worldwide community.

8. Log four 10-mile runs in preparation for my second #ToughMudder (first mudder here).

That seems like more than enough to keep me busy in the short 28 days. I am excited to share more with you as you share more with me!

<3 JE