MAN CAN LIVE ON TACOS ALONE

I love tacos. I eat so much of it (rice is its only rival). Thankfully, living in the New York area means there's always a taco source nearby. And really, I've never met a taco I didn't like; surely they do their part in keeping me just a little bit fat.

There's a small restaurant here in Jersey City called Taqueria (left) that serves delicious Mexican fare. The menu isn't very expansive, and the owners vow never to wow you with table side guac demonstrations. This is all for the best, because I go there for the amazing fish ($3) and pork tacos ($2.50) -- with a side of rice and beans. A perfect little meal (for very little money).  If you ever find yourself in Jersey, go to the corner of Grand and Grove and indulge.

This might be an embarrassing revelation for some, but I also really, really love the wonton tacos (right) from Applebee's. It's not a traditional taco by any stretch, but it's quite tasty. It comes with either chicken or pork, and I've never had the chicken, because the pork is so good. The wonton shells add a wonderful twist.

But of course the search is not nearly over (I suspect it'll never end). I want to discover more of the best tacos out there. When I was in Berlin in August, I read about this great new Mexican restaurant in Mitte called Maria Bonita.

Berlin isn't known for its selection of Mex cuisine (though delish Turkish street food is everywhere) so when all the blogs are raving, I had to try it out. Opened by a group Australians, it's apparently a big post-work hangout for expats looking to fill their Mexican cravings. I trekked from my hostel for lunch and, thankfully, it wasn't very busy. It's small, and like Taqueria, it's fare is limited to a few staples. Sadly, I didn't have the tacos (I like to mix it up), but I did have some bangin' enchiladas. It's unfortunate I couldn't go a second time (I was very busy stuffing my face with doner kebabs), but as a self-proclaimed Mex connoisseur, I'd say it was well worth a visit. And if you do, try out the tacos and let me know how they are. I'm so in love with Berlin that going back for tacos can hardly be a bad thing.