Bea Taco Town and Subba, a Taste of Pittsburgh’s Ethnic Diversity (Mon., 7/24/17)

1) In the South Hills, great Mexican food can be found in neighborhoods beginning with the letter “B.” Beechview and Brookline have each had a Las Palmas Carniceria y Supermercados for a few years now. Now Banksville has its own spot for authentic, reasonably priced Mexican food: the recently opened Bea Taco Town. And whereas Las Palmas is a grocery store and outdoor taco stand, Taco Town offers a sit-down restaurant, where patrons can leisurely munch on chips and salsa while sipping Jarritos (Mexican pop) before ordering their entreés. Customers can order traditional tacos or Americano tacos, the latter of which come with one’s choice of meat plus lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and cheese. Burritos and enchiladas grace the menu, and there are plenty of meat and vegetarian options. Taco Town additionally has two downtown locations, both on Smithfield Street. The menus between the downtown and Banksville locations differ slightly, so be sure to check their website. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 2957 Banksville Rd., Banksville. (CM)

2) As a sign of Pittsburgh’s growing cultural diversification, Nepali cuisine has been cropping up around the Steel City, with the North Side’s Subba generating some serious buzz among foodies. Quick geography primer: Nepal, home of Mt. Everest, is a country bordering India to the northeast. Unsurprisingly, then, Nepali food is reminiscent of Indian food. But, if you’re a Pittsburgher looking for something more familiar, something, say, pierogi-like, try momo—Nepalese dumplings filled with chicken and spices. Get them pan-fried or steamed. Other popular favorites include mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink) and a variety of meat and vegetarian dinner plates. Subba also serves Indian and Chinese dishes. Although the restaurant’s inside decor may be bare, it’s the food that’s bursting with color. 700 Cedar Ave., North Side. (CM)

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