It's the most wonderful time of the year, a time when people can come together in celebration of what's really important, a time for joy, laughing and feasting. Of course, we're talking about Orlando Taco Week.
The annual, weeks-long tortilla triathlon is cosmically aligned this year, starting on a Taco Tuesday that also happens to be 4/20 and running through May 4, right up to the doorstep of Cinco De Mayo. It's the taco lover's equivalent of a supermoon on the equinox.
“We had always flirted with the idea of Taco Week coinciding with Cinco, but for logistic reasons, we never made that happen. Due to cancelled events, we were finally able to schedule it leading into Cinco de Mayo!” said Graham Jarrett, creator of Orlando Taco Week and publisher of Orlando Weekly, which produces the promotion. “In addition to the Cinco tie-in, those who find cult-like significance in April 4th or ‘420’ and ‘May the 4th’ can kick off and end their two-week taco binge on those dates respectively. Oh, and did we mention they’re both Tuesdays, every week’s official taco day?”
The promotion asks Orlando's many taco purveyors to put together a $5 special for two weeks, giving corn tortilla purists and flour lovers the ability to come together over one thing: knowing a great deal when they see it. The event has only been running for three years, but it's already become cemented in the minds of those who celebrate. Taking part for a second year during the coronavirus pandemic allows it to act as a necessary boost for local restaurants.
“Orlando Taco Week was so successful for us in 2020, we’re definitely back in,” said Ashley Germano of American Social, a beautifully appointed new restaurant and bar on Sand Lake Road. “We had only been open for a year, much of which was spent doing takeout only, due to COVID. This drove new customers in to try us, and we’ve seen many of them come back.”
Orlando Taco Week also gives those dining a chance to participate, filling out taco passports as they eat their way around the city.
“We connect locals with the food being produced here and shine a light on all types of quality, creative, local cuisine. We understand and really like to show people that it doesn’t always have to be high-end to be high-quality," remarked Faiyaz Kara, Orlando Weekly’s longtime restaurant critic. “Our coverage, our events and our promotions showcase it all, from all across the board.”
Of course, you can't plot a course if you don't know where you're stopping. With that in mind, we've put together this handy guide of all the restaurants participating in Orlando Taco Week. Happy eating!
