At this point, La Divina Mexican Grocery and Taqueria is hardly a well kept secret. Just about every publication, blog and facebook food critic in the greater Buffalo area has weighed in on the hot, new Mexican food spot in the heart of Kenmore Village.
A simple little grocery spot, with an understated food counter tucked to one side of the storefront window, La Divina has set a new high water mark for Mexican cuisine in this city. It’s hardly any wonder to discover that it is the brainchild of the man behind two (soon to be 3-4) other restaurants raising the standards for Mexican dining. Sergio Mucino, the man behind Don Tequila and Agave has set up shop in Kenmore with a grand design for expansion. Word is that the grocery store component will grow and eventually include a Mexican specialty butchery and panaderia (bakery). The grocery store has been fleshing out slowly but surely, but the real gem of this particular establishment is the taco counter. Therefore the focus of this article will be the taqueria, although the grocery is certainly worth your attention, as well.
The best decisions any food venue can make is to know its strengths and to play to them. By creating a simple menu (really only three discrete items with various protein options) with high customizability, the possibilities are seemingly endless while still being manageable, allowing the cook staff to maintain both quality and speed. Choose from tacos, quesadillas and tortas (Mexican sandwiches). The standard meat options are offered: ground beef, pulled pork and steak; and for the more adventurous among us, there are more exotic options like tongue and tripe. The carne asada is tender, the chorizo is just the right kind of spicy, the barbacoa is incredibly juicy and tender, and there is absolutely not a bad choice on the menu.
Here are a few tips that will improve your experience and that of your fellow gourmands.
First, there is almost always a line at the ordering counter (usually four to ten people deep), but do not be deterred - it moves very quickly. But that's only IF you consider your order before arriving at the cash register. It’s not Soup Nazi level serious, but come on now, this doesn’t involve solving the deficit. Get it together and keep the line moving, please.
Second, when you order a taco ($2.50-$4.00 depending on your choice of protein), if you don't specify otherwise, what you will get is your chosen meat on a soft tortilla shell and whatever toppings you add at the toppings bar near the pick-up area. If you want sour cream or cheese on your tacos, you'll need to cough up an additional fifty cents each, so include these with your taco order.
Third, the toppings bar is what sets the whole experience apart. You'll find pico de gallo, cilantro, sliced radishes, limes, and four types of hot sauce/salsa of varying degrees of heat.
Fourth, grab a drink from the cooler case on the way to place your order. There are some great Mexican beers available by the bottle in the coolers.
Fifth, sample the hot sauces carefully. I prefer the second hottest one, but I have friends who can’t venture past the mildest, which is essentially just a guacamole.
Finally, this place succeeds like no other in providing simple, delicious, inexpensive and casual food. So relax and enjoy a fun meal, maybe catch some Spanish language television while you eat (telenovelas and soccer games..Woo woo!).
At the end of the day, La Divina is a perfect spot for a quick, delicious lunch or an inexpensive dinner on-the-go that you won’t regret. Another added bonus of eating fresh like this is that you can identify all of the ingredients on your plate, a sure sign of a healthy meal. For those of you who count calories, I estimate the ribeye taco with queso and toppings clocks in at about 250 calories, not bad at all for such a satisfying meal.
If you're not calorie conscious, consider walking a couple of storefronts down to the new Watkins Chocolatiers. I like to pick up two (just two) pieces of milk chocolate sponge candy after my tacos; they seem to balance out the spiciness.
If you’ve ever been to La Divina you know how brilliant it is. If you haven’t yet been, then climb out from under that rock and get on it! Ample parking in the back.
Who: La Divina Mexican Grocery and Taqueria
What: Authentic Mexican
Cost: $
Where: 2896 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217
Phone: 716.447.8989
https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Divina-Mexican-Store/501097383374186
