Eat This Now: Carnitas de Cerdo

By Jackie Fender on May 6, 2013

Tacoma's Proctor District, though quaint in size, plays home to a plethora of dining options. Not one restaurant trumps the other; rather they are all different experiences. You have Thai, Italian, New American and Mexican cuisine all pocketed among the other destinations.

One of my favorite dishes is of the Mexican variety - the Carnitas de Cerdo ($13.95) served up at La Fondita.

La Fondita has a swank and funky Dia de los Muertos atmosphere about it with maroon walls, alternating between pops of color and macabre like shrines along the walls. Its menu is chock full of authentic Mexican dishes accompanied by a nice selection from their lounge. Rather than hide their lounge away in a nook the establishment is essentially sectioned into two halves with two separate doors residing next to each other.

The Carnitas de Cerdo's foundation is a healthy portion of marinated grilled pork paired with sweet peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes served up with a Spanish sauce and a side of corn or flour tortillas. One of the things I admire most about this dish is you can select the spiciness of the dish, based on a one to five star system. Like some heat in your life? Order the five! La Fondita's kitchen will not "gringo" you. The heat is the real deal and will have you chugging on a Negra Modelo like nobody's business. The heat is of the flavorful variety with hints of habanero and jalapeno peppers.

As if that wasn't enough you get the standard starter of chips and salsa as well as a side of Spanish rice and your choice of refried or black beans.

If you like Mexican food, a venture to La Fondita is a must.

CARNITAS DE CERDO, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, La Fondita, 2620 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.752.2878