Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
A Temple to the Liberated Taco
Velvet Taco is a welcome addition to the burgeoning food scene in The Woodlands. Since it opened in early February, taco lovers have been flooding in. Conveniently located at 9120 Gosling Road across from the Kroger Shopping Center on Research Forest Drive, this modern chain brings a new generation of tacos to the area.
Velvet Taco likes to say they are “a temple to the liberated taco.” Forget the old traditional concept of what a taco can be. Velvet Taco has elevated and elongated our preconceptions of the taco. Using only the freshest of ingredients, anything goes. Chicken in a waffle tortilla? Korean pork and fried rice? Or how about shrimp and grits?
Tons of Choices at Velvet Taco
These are just a few of the 20 unique combinations you can find at Velvet Taco. Main categories include Chicken, Vegetarian, Pork, Beef, and Fish, with several variations under each one. If you like spicy, try the #1 Buffalo Chicken or the #4 Hot Nashville Tofu.
Of the ones I tried, the Chicken Waffle was one of my favorites. The flavors of the fried chicken, bacon, slaw, spices, and just a touch of maple syrup all in a waffle tortilla really hit the spot. Other favorites in my group included the Nashville Hot Chicken (one of the specials of the day), the Picnic Chicken, the Mexi-Cali Shrimp, and the Beer Battered Cauliflower.
How About the Sides at Velvet Taco?
In addition to the flavorful variety of tacos, diners can choose from several tasty sides. You can’t go wrong with the Queso Blanco served with crispy Blue Tortilla Chips. For something a little different, try the Red Curry Coconut Queso, also gluten free, made with onion, queso fresco, and Thai basil. Another favorite is the Crisp Tots & Local Egg, with herb goat cheese, smoked cheddar, avocado crema, chile butter, peppered bacon, and micro greens.
Libations at Velvet Taco
Thirsty? In addition to many options at the soda fountain, Velvet Taco offers Kick Ass Margaritas, Ranch Water with Tequila, Palomas, and several choices of beer. The Margaritas are made with Lunazul premium blanco tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar, and can be order On the Rocks or Frozen. And Velvet Taco does not skimp on the alcohol. Ranch Water starts with your flavor choice of Topo Chico: regular, lime or grapefruit. Then add Lunazul premium blanco tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and lime for a refreshing drink.
To top things off, Velvet offers – what else? – Red Velvet Cake. This sweet confection comes with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a tasty caramel sauce. Portions are large, and half a piece was more than enough for me.
Velvet Taco is Home to the Liberated Taco
So check out the new Velvet Taco on Gosling in The Woodlands. You may want to peruse the menu before you go – it can be overwhelming trying to decide on the spot which of the many varieties you want to order.
Thanks to Velvet Taco for hosting the author for dinner. All opinions are my own.
