Taco Asylum at The CAMP: A Haven of Gourmet Tacos

The creative minds behind Haven Gastropub have just introduced taco asylum, a hard edge, 50-seat industrial looking gourmet taco joint -- A fast-casual concept different than any other at The CAMP. The taco asylum menu will take you around the world through flavor, as it specializes in non-traditional gourmet tacos from a wide array of global cuisines.

 

Lamb Tacos

Le Cordon Bleu trained Executive Chef Greg Daniels carefully created tacos with distinct flavor profiles and accompaniments that shock and delight, from the Grilled Octopus Taco with kalamata olives, oregano, feta and tomatoes, working on down the menu to the Ghost Chili Pork Taco with chili threads and pork cracklins. All tacos are assembled on tortillas that are handmade in-house from scratch, along with all the marinades, sauces and sides.

 

Short Rib Tacos

Interesting ingredients are showcased on each taco asylum taco and best appreciated in a Flight of Eight, whereas the first eight tacos listed on the menu are offered together on 3-inch tortillas, instead of the usual six – It’s a fun, filling way to compare and contrast several gourmet tacos at the same time, which is what we did, or attempted to do. Regretfully we couldn’t finish ‘em all and had to run. We plan to return better prepared for what’s in store, like the Corazon Taco made of confit beef heart, pickled turnips, peppers and harissa, and the Duck Taco with camembert and a dijon crème fraîche.

 

Wild Mushroom Taco

During this tasting, the Short Rib Taco made with pickled red onion, salsa verde, cotija cheese and cilantro became a favorite, and the Wild Mushroom Taco with a garbanzo puree, parsley salad and fried chickpeas was a front runner too. As you can see, taco asylum doesn’t prepare the average taco.

 

Curried Paneer Tacos

To compliment all, they serve an impressive selection of craft, canned and tap beers, and all-natural bottled sodas that are handcrafted in small batches. Thankfully the prices aren’t bad either -- Each taco is $5 - $6 and a Flight of Eight takes off $18. All are available commencing today at its official grand opening at The CAMP. You’ll find taco asylum in a haven towards the back, near a pond and outdoor fireplace. It fits right into a hip little spot.

 

Corazon Tacos

 

In-House Chips

 

Outside taco asylum

 

Menu (varies on freshness)

 

Inside taco asylum

 

Bar Area

 

Chefs in the Kitchen

 

Patio at taco asylum

 

Tip: It’s sometimes best to valet park at The CAMP to avoid the congested parking situation there -- It's only $3.

Views: 157

Tags: Costa, Mesa, asylum, gastropub, gourmet, haven, restaurant, review, taco, tacos

Comment by QS on January 19, 2011 at 11:59am
I love the wild mushroom tacos ... but the lamb tacos weren't ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-ad either.

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