Techmunch Tampa. From the metaphorical perspective of a combination taco plate.
When you order a two taco combo plate it’s because you’re hungry. Hungrier for more than just a single taco.
You could just get two tacos. But, if you’re getting two tacos… why not just get the plate?
Because sometimes the rice and beans aren’t that great.
Or you end up eating too much.
But the rice and beans that come with a two taco plate are a bargain so you order the plate.
Even though you just came for the tacos.
You came for the tacos because you’ve heard they are good. You’ve never heard anything about the rice and beans.
And it’s not really about the rice and beans anyway. You just came for the tacos. But it wouldn’t hurt if the beans and rice just happened to be as good as the tacos.
There are more decisions to make.
Do you get the same kind of tacos or do you get one of each?
Spicy or mild?
Onions or no?
They’re your tacos.
These tacos had better be good.
Because you came for the tacos.
There are no choices for the rice and beans. Just whether you want them or not. Yet it’s the rice and beans that make a taco plate, a plate. Not just the two tacos.
Then there’s the wait. It’s not long. But it can be.
When will they call your number? Did they get your order right?
This bus is cute, and these girls are friendly, but you just want your tacos.
You came for the tacos.
If the rice and beans are good and the salsa is spicy, total bonus.
Wait. What?
You can have this crispy tostada smothered in guacamole while you wait for your taco plate?
Um. Thanks. You weren’t expecting–
Wow! This is really good!
You begin to wonder if this guacamole is any indication what the rice and beans will be like.
But you just came for the tacos. You didn’t come for the tostada or the guacamole. You didn’t come for the rice and beans. You came for the tacos because you’ve heard the tacos are good.
And the tacos are good. The tortillas are fresh. The two kinds of meat, well-seasoned. The salsa has a mild kick and there’s a fresh wedge of lime on top.
The rice and beans? They are good too.
Pretty awesome, considering you just came for the tacos.
On the two taco plate: Cochinita Pibil; Shredded Pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker. (Based on a 5,000 year old Mayan recipe.) Pollo Verde Desebrado; Shredded Chicken in a Green Tomatillo Sauce. Refried Beans, Mexican Rice.
BIG PROPS to Babette of Bakespace.com, Jeff Houck of The Tampa Tribune, The Roosevelt 2.0, Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Taco Bus driver, Rene Valenzuela (above) for making TECHmunch Tampa a complete meal.
Special thanks to Idaho Potato Commission for sponsoring my appearance at TECHmunch.
