Salvatore's Tomato Pies... Tacos

I love Patrick DePaula, chef/owner of Salvatore's Tomato Pies. He makes some of the best pizza in Madison, hands down. Also, little known fact, he makes some of the best Korean food in Madison as well! Though you'll rarely find it in his flagship chain Salvatore's

But we're not here for the pizza... Though I wish we were.

Carne Asada Taco $8 for 2

The carne asada tacos stole the show. The meat was well flavored from a long marination process, it was tender, but still had the right bite. The flavor wasn't extreme, but carne asada shouldn't be! This was perfect lots of flavor, traditionally dressed. Exactly what I want from a carne asada Taco.

Roasted Vegetable Taco $7 for 2

Lets start off with their vegetarian option. This is a great corn tortilla well heated in a proper double layer. The fillings were broccoli cauliflower and some bell peppers. The accouterments were a standard cilantro and onion with a very tasty dark blended salsa. 

The fillings were, well they were broccoli, cauliflower and bell peppers sauteed with some salt. No discernible spices or flavoring was used. Unfortunately I think this is the fate of many vegetarians. Their options are flavorless roasted vegetables or... flavorless roasted vegetables. Punch it up with some Za'atar, or some Herbes de Provence. 

Carnitas Taco $8 for 2

The Carnitas tacos were... not amazing. The cold pineapple didn't add as much to the Carnitas as I hoped they would. The meat was very simply braised with few added flavors and a dryness which makes me think the hurried the cooking process too much. Cool your oven down, add more flavor to the braising liquid and after you shred your pork, add back the reduced braising liquid to punch up the meat some more. Remember authentic Carnitas are basically cooked confit (slowly poached submerged in it's own fat.)

I would also highly suggest searing off the pineapple before adding it to the taco for a caramelized treat!

Overall, I love Sal's. The carne asada tacos are pretty solid, but if I'm coming back it's going to be for their ridiculously amazing pizza. It seems they are jumping on the taco bandwagon, and it's great to offer the option, but I think it's best if they stick to pizza.

Carne Asada

Shell 3 Filling 4 Accouterments 4 Appearance 4 Total - 15/20

Roasted Vegetable

Shell 3 Filling 2 Accouterments 3 Appearance 3 Total -11/20

Carnitas 

Shell 3 Filling 2 Accouterments 3 Appearance 3 Total - 11/20

Salvatore's Tomato Pies

503 W. Main St. Sun Prairie, WI 53595 And

912 E. Johnson St Madison, WI 53703 

TACOTALK!