Holy Tacos!

Have you tried a Holy Taco yet? Good Mexican food can be a religious experience if done right, and the folks at the new East Atlanta Village are hoping you'll drop in and see what the fuss is about. Opened in February by Robert McDonald and Chef Robert Phalen, Holy Taco is serving authentic Latin American cuisine made from only fresh, natural ingredients.

The restaurant originated with MacDonald’s research travels to places like California and New York and the realization that Atlanta did not have enough taquerias. “The food is simple and fun, and everybody loves tacos,” says MacDonald. Phalen, who had traveled throughout South America, has incorporated traditional items from places like Peru and Columbia into the heavily Mexican-influenced menu. Making dishes like shrimp cocktail, arepas (cornmeal cakes), tortas (Mexican sandwiches served on ciabatta), elote asado (whole roasted corn) and of course tacos, Phalen uses only hormone and antibiotic-free meats, the freshest vegetables and all-natural ingredients. In fact, the only ingredient that comes from a can would be the pickled jalapenos.

Boasting a 20-ft. stainless steel bar, Holy Taco offers more than 30 high-end tequilas and a unique sangria with plums, oranges and peaches. In keeping with the all-natural theme, the bar also serves organic margaritas. For the younger set, organic apple juice and milk are found on the drink menu.

Holy Taco, 1314 Glenwood Ave., is open Sunday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call (404) 230-6177 or visit www.holy-taco.com.