Lone Star Taqueria in Salt Lake City is a vibrant, eclectic eatery that’s got both the culinary chops and the visual flair to catch Guy Fieri’s eye. From the funky car parked outside to the bustling fiesta-like atmosphere inside, this joint serves up some of the most authentic and mouthwatering Mexican dishes you’ll find in the area. In this episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” Guy takes us through a savory journey featuring iconic dishes like Carne Adovada Tacos and Shrimp Burritos, prepared with love and tradition by the talented team at Lone Star Taqueria.
Lone Star Taqueria: A Slice of Mexico in Salt Lake City
The Lone Star Taqueria is the brainchild of Susan Harry, who has been in the restaurant business since she was 13 years old. Wanting to bring authentic Mexican flavors to Salt Lake City, she teamed up with her old friend Manuel Valdez and his brother to deliver food that not only tastes incredible but also stays true to their roots. “It’s like a family here; it’s awesome,” says Susan, reflecting the warm and welcoming atmosphere that permeates the place.
Carne Adovada Tacos: A Flavor Bomb
One of the highlights of Lone Star Taqueria is their Carne Adovada Tacos. Guy Fieri gets a front-row seat to watch Manuel prepare this dish, starting with pork shoulder, which he expertly trims and slices. The pork is then marinated in a flavorful mix of cayenne, garlic, California chili, mexico/" class="ddd-auto-link">New Mexico chili, whole clove, bay leaf, salt, and oil. This mixture is left to soak overnight, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
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As the marinated pork cooks to tender perfection, Manuel explains that the key is to get it “really nice and soft.” Guy can’t help but exclaim, “Why even have the tortilla? Just serve it in my hand, or in my shoe, or my pocket!” The tacos are then assembled with two tortillas, a sprinkle of cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. “Wow, that’s great! The flavor is amazing,” Guy raves as he takes a bite.
The Versatile Shrimp Burrito
If the Carne Adovada Tacos are the star, the Shrimp Burrito is the hearty co-star that no one should overlook. This daily special starts with sautéed bell peppers and shrimp, seasoned with garlic, cayenne, black pepper, California chili, New Mexico chili, and a bit of soybean oil. As the flavors meld together in the pan, you can see the dish taking on a beautiful, vibrant color.
Guy is clearly excited about this one. “Wow, look how much that cooked down. That’s great flavor!” he says, delighted by the combination of spices and fresh ingredients. The shrimp and vegetables are then wrapped in a large tortilla alongside rice, beans, cheese, cilantro, fresh onions, tomatoes, and a generous dollop of sour cream. “That’s killer! Nice and tender, you definitely get the distinct flavor of the peppers. I got nothing but happy on that.”
