Best Cow Intestines: Critics' Pick – Taqueria Monterrey, University Area
Although many food cultures follow the “snout to tail” theory when cooking dead animals, eating the digestive tracts of livestock hasn’t caught on in the U.S. Maybe more people would give it a try if they sampled the tripe tacos at Taqueria Monterrey. The finely chopped bits of cow stomach are luscious and tender, sweet and meaty, and given a quick fry on the griddle to add bits of caramelized crunch. Tucked into a fresh tortilla with bright red onions and heady cilantro, it’s offal-ly good. 2320 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 813-977-6808, taqueriamonterrey.com
Best Vegan Hot Dog: Critics' Pick – Vegan Beagle, West Tampa
Do you love hot dogs? Are you vegan? When you’re eating a Vegan Beagle dog, does it even make a difference? Whether you’re keeping Supreme Master Ching happy, or just hungry at a show, this is one late-night snack you won’t forget. The cart changes location frequently, but you can most often find it at Crowbar in Ybor City or Cafe Hey in downtown Tampa. No set hours. If you’re lucky enough to catch them somewhere, get a dog. Better yet — get the brat. With onions. 1542 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-221-0895, veganbeagle.com
This article appears in Sep 16-22, 2010.