Izzy’s Taqueria | Brooklyn, NY

by Farm2Me NY Team

What is BBQ? Kosher food? Texano food?  We’re always trying to answer these questions when we address BBQ concepts.

I would say Izzy and his chef partner are introducing the discussion to NYC with their 2nd restaurant, Izzy’s Taqueria.  Not to be confused with their original Izzy’s BBQ, next door, because it is certainly not just that.

2018 was the year of Izzy’s!  It was the 2nd official year of NYC BBQ, after Wandering Que opened the gateway for real BBQ in this city. It was the year of Kosher BBQ, dominating NYC in Best Brisket (and best BBQ), and not Izzy’s is back to finish the deal.  Best BBQ Tacos, texano style, Texas style, in NYC?  I think so.  I know so.

I met Chef Soto first.  Izzy wanted me to understand this is a Soto-first establishment – and I appreciated this at the end.  Soto, who comes from Savoy, Marlow & Sons, Maison Premiere…. Yada yada yada, I mean, if you’ve been around NYC 10 years ago you know what I’m getting at…. Has created Izzy Smoked Brisket Tacos and assorted entrees and appetizers, but he has also created a pairing of 15 house made sauces (salsas) for each of the dishes. Yes.  Finally.  And when I say made, I mean he has traveled the world, absorbing traditional regional recipes and applied his culinary palate to fine tune things a ‘little’ bit.

Shortly after I met Izzy and his team, I realized this isn’t just another Izzy’s trademark concept – this is the beginning of what could be the best Tacos concept in the north east.

Anyway, we tried a ton of their food.  Created in the vision of some of the most traditional regional recipes from Mexico, city by city, region by region – from Puebla, to Oaxaca, to Mexico City, to Texas, and even the mountains of Xuautla.  A grandmother came in, never having had Mexican food before, picking up food for her son – both Kosher.  She was welcomed, walked through the menu, and walked away with a Mexican salad , Brisket, and salsa for 2. I wish I was there when she came back for more!

As I said to Izzy and Chef, they are changing the game of Kosher, but they are just as much changing the game of BBQ and Tacos in this city!  Congrats on the launch.

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