Thanks for bringing some good healthy discussion to SLC Tacos. The question you ask at the very end is a good one. Why make the comparison to Red Iguana. My answer is quite simply this : As a taco journalist it is my duty to let the public know about delicious restaurants that may be less known in the general public. I love Red Iguana, but people ask me all the time for alternatives. Some say this because of the wait. Others want more adventure.

Thus the comparison. I would say it’s just presenting an alternative.

Also, I repeat that I love Red Iguana to death but I still stand by each of those statements about Chunga’s as truth. A taco lover will eat well at both but I do feel more at home at Chunga’s and I love dodging any kind of wait.

So tell me, Scott, how did you like Chunga’s? Have you had a better al pastor in Salt Lake?

I interpreted this paragraph to be critical of the Red Iguana:

“It’s only a few blocks away from Red Iguana. You’ll feel a lot more at home, you’ll eat well and you won’t have to wait in the cold for your table.”

To me at least, you seem to be strongly implying that Chunga’s is a better alternative to Red Iguana because (to use your exact words):

(1) “You’ll feel more at home”
(2) “you’ll eat well”
(3) “you won’t have to wait in the cold for your table”

Now you don’t say anything specifically critical about the food at the Red Iguana, which is not a “taco restaurant” per se, and therefore a rather odd comparison to an al pastor specialty place (kind of like comparing a place that serves only pho to a Vietnamese restaurant with a full menu) so I’ll give you that, however you invite the comparison and imply it, at least to me. If I interpreted you incorrectly forgive me, but I don’t think it’s a crazy reading of your text.

Regarding (my reading of) your criticism of the Red Iguana, I can only say I’ve found the opposite to be true. I feel very at home there, at both locations, and even know some of the long-time waiters by name. I also am rarely cold when I wait outside because they have generously provided many gas heaters. Few restaurants in the city have been as gracious.

Regarding the food. I lived in Mexico City and have travelled around Mexico as well. And I’ve honestly never found a restaurant replicate the quality and variety of a certain dish than the Red Iguana replicates authentic Mexican mole. Many of my friends from Mexico agree.

I’m sure you do too, and it’s a misunderstanding. But I was just going by what I thought was a reasonable inference from what you wrote.

My question is, why invite the comparison at all? Chunga’s can be it’s own thing.

Thanks for reading. I am confused about your comment. How exactly did I disparage The Red Iguana? I don’t know how I could have because I love that restaurant. Still, as a taco journalist with several honorary degrees in taco academia, it is my duty to report about tacos wherever we may find them.

If I somehow communicated that I do not love Red Iguana, you need to tell me how.

Thanks!