Knoxville’s Newest Gem: Embrace Authentic Mexican Cuisine at El Tarasco Taqueria

Knoxville Welcomes New Authentic Mexican Taqueria: El Tarasco

Knoxville has a new taqueria in town, and it’s located at 145 South Gay Street. El Tarasco opened its doors last month, bringing a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to the area. This establishment promises to offer a different kind of Mexican food than what is commonly found in many U.S. restaurants, which often Americanize traditional dishes.

Meet the Owners

Co-owned by Araseli Tehandon Herera and her aunt Margarita Herera Acuata, El Tarasco is deeply rooted in its family heritage. The restaurant’s name, “El Tarasco,” refers to a charming old dancing man from the Michoacán region of Mexico, where the family originates. This area is celebrated for its vibrant culture and culinary delights, which the owners are eager to share with their community.

A Unique Dining Experience

During a recent chat with Araseli, she expressed how special this new venture is for them. “Our region is known for its rich culinary traditions, including dishes like pozole, a flavorful hominy soup, and menudo, which is a hearty beef belly soup. Both are available on our menu, although menudo is a weekend special,” she noted.

The journey to opening El Tarasco started when Margarita ran a food stall at the Green Acres Flea Market. Her stall was quite popular among patrons who craved authentic Mexican flavors. After a fire burned down the market, the family decided to look for a permanent location where they could serve their food regularly. With help from family connections, they found the perfect spot on Gay Street and opened their restaurant in early July.

A Blend of Cultures

Araseli shared her story of returning to her roots by spending time in Mexico during her childhood. Sent back at age ten, she gained a deeper connection to her culture and language, which she now incorporates into their food offerings. Her family has been a part of the Knoxville community for nearly two decades, and she hopes El Tarasco can become a familiar place for everyone.

A Warm Welcome

The response from the neighborhood has been positive. Araseli mentions that they have had a mix of old customers from Green Acres and many first-time visitors who stumble upon the restaurant. “People are surprised to find out we’re open, and they are happy to discover authentic food they remember from visiting our region,” she said. The business may have had its ups and downs since opening, but overall, the support from local residents has been encouraging.

Authenticity in Every Bite

One of the highlights of the menu is the hand-made tortillas and gorditas, which contribute to the authentic dining experience. They prepare their meat with the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, including using Mexican sausage mixed with potatoes. Araseli describes their marinated chicken as particularly special: “It’s shredded and comes in a red sauce. It’s not spicy but very flavorful,” she said.

Looking ahead, the owners plan to expand their offerings once they install cooking equipment that enables them to prepare a wider range of dishes on-site. They are also considering the addition of a food truck.

Visiting El Tarasco

If you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican food without the American twist, El Tarasco might be your new favorite spot. The restaurant opens at 10:00 am daily, closing at 6:00 pm on Sundays and Mondays, and staying open until 9:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday. The menu features a variety of authentic dishes, and you can keep up with their latest offerings on social media.

This new taqueria is not just about the food—it’s about sharing a piece of the family’s heritage with the people of Knoxville. So, if you’re looking for a wholesome meal served with love, El Tarasco on South Gay Street is the place to be.