Get to Know El Taco's Edna
How did El Taco get started?
El Taco started in 2018 with my husband and our best friend. We came together trying to, you know, solidate my idea to bring together my family recipes. They loved my food, so we kind of agreed together, like, okay, let's start something unique in Latin flavors, but at the same time, you know, combine it with the Mexican styles.
Where did your love of cooking come from?
My love for cooking started since I was a little girl. My mom loved to cook and she especially involved us to help in the kitchen. And I think that's what invited me to bring this to people. It’s like comfort food - I have everything from scratch. You know, the taste of freshness and all the ingredients that come you know, like, almost like a family meal. I love to cook. I love being around people, eating, and that's what I love.
Are there any dishes on the menu that you have a personal connection to?
My salsas have the connection because I put in those salsas, my ideas and my mom’s ideas. So that's what I think - the salsas. It comes like a unique touch in the tacos and burritos. So I think the salsas are my touch - that's my touch and my love.
What’s a challenging aspect of running El Taco?
Trying to get more recipes and trying to innovate. Trying to bring new flavors, but at the same time, keeping the freshness, keeping the quality of food. I think that's just being unique. That's my challenge - keeping my path.
How would people in your life describe you?
I think I'm silly, funny, and very friendly. Like I said, I like that people that come to El Taco and feel the welcome, you know, like, “hi, how are you?” And I love to talk with the customers. So many customers, I know their names, and every time they come, we always say like, “hey, how are you?” Or sometimes I come up with a new idea and I say, “do you guys want to try this new idea?” So I think I'm very friendly. That’s how I’d describe it.
What are your favorite things about University City and Philadelphia?
I love the neighborhoods, it’s so friendly - especially the students. They are so friendly and so much fun. And like I said, they always come in and say “Hey Edna! How are you?” So I love the connection with the customers. Like, no more like a customer but more like friends, you know, that's what I love about the community in this area.