The Observation Deck

Coming in Early Summer, aka June/july...
While kicking it with one of my favorite people from one of my favorite Lakewood families
yesterday, she let slip, one of Kent's favorite restaurants was coming to Lakewood. Needless
to say, I love it when good people get hooked up in good projects I said tell me more, but she
had to run as did I.


Taco Tontos in Kent, right across from the historic Pufferbelly Restaurant.

So we stopped in to see, what's the big deal.


Nice clean place which did as much To Go as eat in while we were there. Had all the feel
and ambiance of a small restaurant in a college town.


Menu of the Kent Store.


The Combo Taco was huge, and filled with fresh ingredients.


The Regulato Combo Burrito left and the El Biggo Steak Burrito on the right. What makes
these different right out of the box, is the wrap is toasted perfectly, giving a little crispness.
The Steak Burrito was the winner of this taste test!


Leaving I took another photo as we headed up the alley to Woodsys Musical Instruments,
which has been a fixture in Kent for as long as I can remember.

Inside Steve was buying something for his banjo and asked Paul Bader (Ziggy), of Woodsys Musical Instruments,
we just ate at Taco Tontos and he replied, "Good food,
I love eating there." A pretty good endorsement.


Then I ran into local legend Rodger, who has been made famous in a Regina Brett piece
back in the 80s. We asked, "Where is a good place to eat?" and he answered without a
pause. "My favorite is Taco Tontos, I love the Steak Burrito, but the women love the cheese burrito."

So with that we headed off, thinking of days not to far off where we can stop in Taco
Tontos of Lakewood, and dine on those Steak El Biggos, while the wives enjoy the Chesse Burrito.

Where you ask?
13321 Madison Avenue

Sound familiar, you bet.



Currently the home of bela dubby. That's right Taco Tontos is the new venture for the
Crino Family. Jill and John have decided to partner, Taco Tontos in Kent and Lakewood
with another couple.

Jill Crino has been behind so many of the great fun things happening in and around Lakewood.
Since her and John moved here, their impact on this city has been most positive, especially
in the arts, where besides being accomplished artists themselves, they have an infamous
gallery, and was one of the founding two members of Lakewood Is Art.

This will be good for Lakewood, good for the Historic Birdtown area of Lakewood, it will
fit in great with Barrocco Grill, and really help to keep the renaissance continue.

Full story, when they are opened, and have a chance to breath, and get the wrinkles ironed out.

Good luck!

.

Nice, I like it when I hear of ventures coming out to the eastern and south eastern side of Lakewood. I hope this venture is successful.

Also, just had Barocco again recently, delicious.

This is exciting!!

I grew up in Kent. When I lived there, the Taco Tontos building was a Subway, so I didn't get to experience the great tacos until I went back to visit some years later.

Awesome edition to the Birdtown area!! I can't wait to visit and can definitely see this being a regular spot for my husband and I!

Tacos!!! I love me some Tacos!!!! (i make a killer home made taco sauce...) I am excited!!!

Ok, Jim. So you often bag on the abundance of available burgers throughout Lakewood, but nary a word about how many places you can get tacos and burritos? You're anti-burger or a taco-phile.

With that said, I heard that their sweet potato and black bean burritos are incredible. I am looking forward to trying it.

Valerie Molinski wrote:Ok, Jim. So you often bag on the abundance of available burgers throughout Lakewood, but nary a word about how many places you can get tacos and burritos? You're anti-burger or a taco-phile.

With that said, I heard that their sweet potato and black bean burritos are incredible. I am looking forward to trying it.

Valerie

While I did flinch at yet a "third" new place to buy our ground beef. The others two announced months ago. I
have to admit, I like where John and Jill are taking bela dubby, and think in that corner of Lakewood it could
be a big winner. Especially if they stay open late.

I was in negotiations to buy bela dubby last year. John and Jill desperately looking for a restaurant to own,
and had worked on a project out of Lakewood. When that did not come together, and I broke my neck, we
all happily agreed that bela would stay with the Crinos. This was a good thing.

Two weeks ago John called and mentioned they were going ahead with a couple of my ideas, and that they
were trying to bring in food. A couple days later, Jill mentioned Taco Tontos.

It is getting tough for restaurants in Lakewood, we have broken through the saturation point. But bela has
picked up a liquor license, and will be toning down the music at night, keeping the art. If you ask me, knowing
the Crinos, their history in Kent, and their love of Lakewood. I think this could be good.

All I know is my heart goes out to all entrepreneurs. I took no pleasure in announcing the closing of 2 Dads,
I know what it is like to put a ton of cash into something, blood sweat and tears, and have it close down.

This seems like a good fit for the neighborhood, and keeps good people in Lakewood doing good things.

What would be great, is if Lakewood allowed them to have the walk up window, like they do in Kent.

.