Rewind 10 months ago: it was our first Friday night in Medina, and we were determined to go make a celebratory evening of it. At about 5:45, we stopped by a local winery looking for a glass of wine to sip and enjoy (as we typically would on a Friday night in DC) and perhaps kick our feet up on a back patio and toast to a brand new life. 

Doors closed at 6:00. 

Dejected, we drove around trying to figure out what to do, where to go, what to eat. After deliberating, sulking, and feeling like we definitely weren’t in Kansas DC anymore, we decided to stop by Mariachi de Oro in Medina. Upon entering, an enthusiastic, friendly face took immediate notice – Edgar spotted us, swiftly took us to our seats, and proceeded to turn our horrible first night out in Medina into one we will fondly remember for years to come.

So. Much. Gratitude. 

Though we frequent Mariachi more than any other place in WNY, we discovered that summer means Edgar moves over to the Monte Alban Taco Truck on East Center in Medina. And almost 10 months to the day after he made our first Friday night, he made last Friday night another one for the books. 

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With our love of Mexico and Mexican cuisine (um, hello, guacamole fetish!) it’s hard to believe we hadn’t stopped by this truck before. Though it’s permanently situated on the property, it has all the charm of a wandering food truck, and our hope is that someday we have a few more of those around town. 

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The thing about living in a small town with food-loving friends is that they go out of their way to make your day. Though guacamole isn’t on the menu, Edgar made one of the best bowls of guac I have ever had. Truly. And then he gifted me the molcajete. That gift is now displayed on my kitchen counter, and I’m just as proud of it as I would be with an Oscar. 

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If I told you $5 would change your life, would you believe me? Taco Truck aside, consider this a very genuine public service announcement: If you have not had the tortas, you have not lived. I’m not dramatizing the sentiment, I am simply pleading with you to get yourself to the truck this weekend and order this sandwich. Chorizo, refried beans, jalapeño, avocado, and cheese. GUYS. Just…..ohhhh. Trust me. 

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And then came the tacos. Ohhh, the tacos. Steak, chorizo – the works. So simple, so full of flavor, and I have no idea what I’m doing wrong when I make tacos at home. Drizzle a little bit of sauce on the top and your meal is complete. 

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Two hours and two full bellies later, we left more that satiated. We left with ample gratitude for the people who come into your life and leave such a lasting impression, you’re not sure how you didn’t know them all your life. In this small, historic village, we are realizing that the culture and the friendships we have gained since moving home have stopped surprising us – because this? This is Medina. 

Thank you Edgar,  profoundly, for making us feel “back at home.”

 Monte Alban Taco Truck ||  507 E Center St, Medina, NY 14103 ||  Hours: Fri-Sun, 11am-8pm