Making Some Changes

Hello, Taco Likers!  As Tacopocalypse finishes up its fourth year in the East Village we are making some adjustments to better serve you, and keep things smooth running on our side.  We appreciate all of the love and admiration you’ve thrown our way, all of the support you have shown, and we have some new and potentially exciting food coming your way in return.  Here’s what’s going down:

  • Please welcome the Burrito Of The Week. The BOD (Burrito Of The Day) is now the BOW (Burrito Of The Week).  Over the last 5 years of coming up with a different burrito 6 days a week I have received a lot of feedback from you all.  The overwhelming response is “We just come in and order the BOD, it’s always good and different.” Awesome, that’s what I was shooting for back in the day.  The Other Overwhelming response was that a lot of people, and I mean A LOT, were a little sad to miss out on certain burritos after learning about them too late.  The BOW solves this FOMO issue for many, as you can obviously get the burrito you saw on Wednesday night for Lunch on Thursday.  No Mo FOMO.
  • Tacopocalypse East Village will be closed on Mondays until summer. I never wanted to join the ranks of No Monday Restaurants, but it’s time for us to pull the plug on Monday until it’s nice and sunny out again.  We will be using Monday as a prep and delivery day, and be back open bright and shiny at 11am on Tuesday.  My apologies to the Monday crowd. Monday Lunch will be back, it’s just a small break.
  • Tacopocalypse is getting a new Vegan Menu.  I have been personally developing new Vegan recipes for our upcoming Sibling Restaurant, Vegetaire, and have also gone back to my former Vegan lifestyle.  This gave me some insight into the need to shake the cobwebs out of the Tacopocalypse Vegan offerings.  Soy free and gluten free Vegan/Vegetarian options are at the top of the list, with a focus on fresh veggies, Jackfruit, and introducing our new Vegan Cheese for Quesadillas/Nachos. Yeah, Real Vegan Nachos. I’m stoked. The new menu will drop in May.
  • The Cumming Tap Tacopocalypse Tuesdays are back.  We have returned to the place where it all began. This is the ORIGINAL Des Moines taco ride that has helped launch a restaurant, a few careers, and some Food Network appearances.  Tacos are being served from 5pm to 9pm, or until we run out.  Get on your bike, ride south on the Great Western Trail, and be a part of making this year the greatest year we have seen.

Again, thank you for all of the love both locally and nationwide.  It’s been a thrilling ride to get here, and we are looking forward to providing you all some more thrills this year, and in the years that come.  Thank you for your support.

Sam Auen, Creator

Tacopocalypse

Giving Thanks To Des Moines

Giving Thanks To Des Moines

I am pretty blown away by the generosity of our community. We have received an amazing outpouring of donations from the Des Moines area for Young Professionals Connection‘s Tacopocalypse Central Iowa Shelter & Services Thanksgiving Dinner. We can’t wait to turn all of these ingredients into an unforgettable holiday meal for those in need. Thank you to all who have donated food, money, and time to help us make this even better than we had hoped for. We are still taking donations at the restaurant, and those who want to volunteer contact us at [email protected]. Thank you thank you!

Here is a link to the KCCI news piece on what we have going on.

 

It’s Time To Order Jerseys!!!!!

MOM, THROW DOWN SOME MONEY, IT’S JERSEY TIME!!!!

You can submit your pre-orders for the new Tacopocalypse cycling jersey, from Primal Wear (See below picture for final design), between 8/23/13 and 9/3/13. Send an email to [email protected] with “Jersey Order” in the subject line. Within the email, please let us know what quantity and size(s) you will need. You will then receive a return email for pre-payment information with balance due.  Also you can give us this information in person if you would like!  

Jerseys are $65 each and are available in Women’s Sport Cut and Men’s Sport Cut from XS to 5XL.  

Tank tops are an option, but only if we hit the minimum order number of 12. 

We look forward to getting a giant team of Taco Likers together in their jerseys for a fun ride!!!

132287_MU_080613_V1

Press Release: Tacopocalypse Opening In East Village

Local Mobile Food Favorite Tacopocalypse Brings “Devastatingly Good” Cuisine To The East Village

August 5, 2013

Des Moines, Iowa

Former Downtown Farmers Market favorite and champion of local mobile food, Tacopocalypse, will be bringing their famous atypical hand crafted tacos to Des Moines’s East Village late August. The highly anticipated new venture, the first official store front for Tacopocalypse, will occupy the building at 621 Des Moines Street, which formerly housed the restaurant Luna.

“I’m very excited to finally be downtown and to be a part of the East Village neighborhood. I have watched this area grow and flourish for the last ten years,” said Chef/Owner Sam Auen, “it is home to some of my favorite businesses and restaurants in the metro, and I can’t wait for Tacopocalypse to be a part of the family!”

The menu will include all of the classic hand pressed corn tortilla tacos such as Bacon Chorizo, Bulgogi, Vegan Chorizo, Korean Chicken, along with new flavors being developed for the new location. Vietnamese sandwiches, Banh Mi, will be added to the offerings as well as new appetizers. The vegan/vegetarian options will be expanded, and the favorites from the “Burrito Of The Day” will be on an always-available burrito menu. A selection of local beers and specialty soft drinks will be offered.

The new family friendly location will be serving lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and their fan favorite Brunchpocalypse every Saturday and Sunday. They will also be offering bike delivery to the East Village and late night dining on Friday and Saturday.

Direct all press inquiries to [email protected]

Friday Lunch Party NOW WITH SALAD THINGS

Taco Lovers. Lunch begins again at 11 am tomorrow (Friday) and features our usual taco numbers, fresh Thai shrimp ceviche, our signature Market Gaspacho made from fresh farmers market produce, and our recently added Tacopocalypse Taco Salad of Utter Enjoyment.

WHAT? TACO SALAD?!?!?!?

Yes, we serve a bomb taco salad during Friday Lunch…some would say it is a lunch special.

We start with a fresh fried tortilla shell, our spicy refried pintos (beans, not the car), then we add fresh field greens lightly tossed in a blackberry-balsamic vinaigrette, and top it with fresh grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cotija cheese, and your choice of Chicken, Braised Pork, or Carne Asada. Is good.

So there is that, bring your crew in for lunch tomorrow and show them how much taco cred you have. 8410 Hickman inside Bombay Bicycle Club.

Taco Pastorius

Super Patriotic July 3rd Tacopocalypse Tuesday Insanity

Tomorrow night is July Fourth Eve, which will most likely go down in history as one of 2012’s most exciting and completely awesomest/rad to the extreme holiday for partaking in Tacos and Refreshments and a bike ride to the Cumming Tap.  Okay, here’s the situation:

It’s a Tuesday night, you don’t have to work on Wednesday.  Why?  Because it’s the celebration of the birth of our nation, and nothing says America like sitting around eating a bunch of food and sharing libations with your fellow inhabitants of this country while recovering from a crazy Tuesday night of bike riding, tacos, and whatever else you can gather into your corner during your stay at the Cumming Tap and the ride on the Great Western Trail (you know, they don’t call it great for nothing).

What will you be eating?  Let us reveal the super not secret menu….

  • Braised Pork
  • Vegan Chorizo
  • Korean Chicken
  • Bacon Chorizo
  • Potato Poblano
  • Beef Cheek

There may be some other surprises, not quite sure yet.  We are fairly ahead of the game today and may have some extra time to pack some fun stuff along tomorrow.  We ARE bringing enough taco supplies for over 1,000 tacos.  If we sell out of all of this stuff… I think the taco staff will need a raise.

We all look forward to seeing you tomorrow night, come celebrate our Nation’s Birthday, and if you stay late enough I will be riding back to town by bicycle…come ride with me…

Taco Pastorius

Project Bullhorn Announced, Doesn’t Make Tacopocalypse.com?

Oh Shiznitz. During all of the excitement of yesterday’s big announcement and getting ready for/going to/serving at the Flat Tire Lounge, SOMEBODY FORGOT TO POST THE PRESS RELEASE FOR OUR BIG F+%KING NEWS THING! That was me. Sorry, so here is the news that you couldn’t get here yesterday, although the rest of the world saw it on tens of other internnnnnat outlets.

AND HERE’S OUR HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!! The following is the press release we just dropped. Sam Auen from TACOPOCALYPSE has joined forces with BBC. Read on…

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB TO BLOW YOUR MIND WITH TACOPOCALYPSEBombay Bicycle Club, a live music bar in Clive, is proud to announce a holy alliance with Sam Auen, the Chef and CEO of Tacopocalypse. BBC will be the new permanent home for Tacopocalypse. Chef Sam will offer his famous farmer’s market grade tacos at Bombay Bicycle Club starting Monday, June 4th. Tacos will be available from 4pm-11pm, Monday through Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with TACOPOCALPYSE,” said Bombay Bicycle Club co-owner Jeremy Mahler. “Sam has a great cult following and it’s going to be fun to have his skills in our kitchen.”TACOPOCALYPSE features gourmet tacos which include Thai Cviche, vegan chorizo, Korean chicken, wasabi brisket, braised pork and seared ahi tuni tacos. Auen sources the vast majority of his ingredients from local farms including Mingo’s Cleverley Farms and meat from local, sustainable farmers. In addition to regular menu items, Chef Auen says he will offer weekly specials that will range from tomales to unique nachos to Asian/Mexican fusion dishes. All the Tacopocalypse shells are freshly made organic corn pressed tortillas.

TACOPOCALYPSE fans also reacted to the news.“I eat Sam’s tacos to gain the strength of 100 unicorns,” said Chuck Norris.

“HULK SMASH TACO,” added Dr. Bruce Banner.Founded in 2010, Bombay Bicycle Club is located at 8410 Hickman Road in Clive. BBC has hosted hundreds of bands on its stage and continues to host some of the Metro area’s best live music from rock to hip hop to reggae to bluegrass. They have over 30 beers on tap.

this is it.

So there you have it, this means you will be able to enjoy Tacopocalypse SIX DAYS A WEEK.  This will include Monday Thru Saturday dinner service from 4 to 11, a special weekly FRIDAY LUNCH (think Sunday funday on Friday) and other special events. WE WILL ALSO BE AT ALL OF OUR MOBILE EVENTS INCLUDING Tacopocalypse Tuesdays at Cumming Tap, Thursday Night Flat Tire Lounge Tacopocalypse, the AMAZING DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET on Saturdays, 80/35, Winefest, and Ankeny Unplugged among others.

I think that you will be very pleased with our new digs and our new food offerings.  It’s going to be a good time. We will see you there.

Taco Pastorius.

 

Tuesdaypocalypse Menupocalypse-alypse!

My Dearest Taco Lovers,

I am currently writing this from our new digs, which is quite enjoyable indeed.  I think you are going to really enjoy this new spot when we get it opened up to the taco loving public.  I am really excited to be able to offer you Tacopocalypse 7 days a week. BUT THAT IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT STORY, WE NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MENU FOR THE CUMMING TAP TOMORROW.

Now you are probably saying to yourself, “self, something something something taco taco taco NEW PLACE taco taco something something burp?”  I understand what you are going through.  My thought pattern is similar, but different.  This new place (aka “Project Bullhorn) thing will be resolved and announced soon. Don’t worry, be happy.

(if you are wondering what is up with this video, the fish’s name is Taco.)

Menu Menu Menu Menu Menu

  • Braised Pork

  • Vegan Chorizo

  • Korean Chicken

  • THE RETURN OF THE FISH TACO. Grilled seasoned Tilapia topped with our Adobo Crema (not “Chipotle Mayo” BEN. grrr.) and Spicy Slaw.  It went over so well last week that we are doing it again. Maybe I will even get one this time.

  • There may be another flavor or two depending on how hard I feel like working. I will say that we have about 20 lbs of beef cheeks in house, and potato poblano is always a possibility.  We will see.

We will also have our customary fresh cilantro, onion, and jalapeno peppers.  We will also have our Red and our Green salsas. (We have been labeling then as “hot” and “Medium” at the Farmers Market, but people are still asking which one is hot. It’s funny.)

Tomorrow, 3-10, Cumming Tap, Cumming Iowa. Be there or (insert random threat).

Taco Pastorius.

WE ARE OFFICIALLY IN THE FARMERS MARKET!

The Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market is one of the largest in the nation, and being included last year was quite a treat (among many other things) “it was the best of times, it was also the almost best of times.” The process of applying and waiting for approval for this year’s market is finally over and TACOPOCALYPSE will be back for another 26 weeks of Saturday Morning Funtimes starting May 5th!  Back with the Breakfast Things and all the tacos you have grown to expect along with some new additions like Poblano/Potato tacos and a few other more breakfast related ingredients.  It’s going to be a blast, and we are still on the same corner (although a few feet away from where we were last year).

It's time to get ready for this!

ARE YOU READY FOR THE MADNESS?  ARE YOU READY TO PUT DOWN THE BURRITOS AND PAPUSAS LONG ENOUGH TO GET WITH THE TACOPOCALYPSE PROGRAM?  BECAUSE IF YOU HAVEN’T THEN YOU ARE MISSING OUT/IN THE DARK/JUST PLAIN WRONG!  GET RIGHT WITH TACOS!

CAPS-LOCKEDLY YOURS,

TACO PASTORIUS!

Tacopocalypse Tuesday! (and Thursday)

Yes, the realization that it is only Monday has already swept over the Tacopocalypse camp.  BUT WE ARE TRYING TO THINK AHEAD THIS WEEK AS (excuse the caps) WE HAVE SO MANY EVENTS FOR YOU, THE TACO LOVING PUBLIC, TO ENJOY.  It’s also prime cycling weather, so it is better to just get this out of the way right now so the weather can be properly enjoyed.

This is the spot to be on Tuesday!

 

 

First up is TOMORROW, and the someday-to-be-legendary Cumming Tap Tacopocalypse Tuesday.  We will be serving up tacos starting at 3 pm and the flavors will be….A SURPRISE!  But will include Korean Chicken and Braised pork of course.  And probably Vegan Chorizo.  So…one other flavor to be unveiled at 3 pm tomorrow.  Bob will be slinging the world’s greatest Moscow Mules, and waiting to hear your really exciting stories about your Fantasy Baseball Draft experiences this past weekend.  (go team)

 

 

Thursday Tacopocalypse in Madrid!

On Thursday Tacopocalypse will be in Madrid, Iowa at the Flat Tire Lounge located right on the High Trestle Trail serving tacos from 3-???.  It’s going to be great weather for a ride to the High Trestle Bridge, and a stop for some tacos and maybe a $7 pitcher or two of New Belgium Fat Tire on the FTL patio. I know that’s our plan!

Why not get out and enjoy riding your bike in this spring weather, have some tacos at two of the premier bike-friendly bars in the state, and get down with some of the best tacos you will ever have?  Right, didn’t think you could come up with an excuse.  See you this week!

Taco Pastorius