Best Mexican restaurant and Best Carry-Out (Oakland County)
Zumba Mexican Grille
I’m from Southern California, where there’s a taquería (taco stand) on every corner and bright yellow, prefabricated taco shells are a sacrilege. When I first visited Zumba last fall, I could smell the freshly steamed tortillas from across Main Street, and instantly knew my life in Michigan was about to take a turn for the better.
Zumba’s tacos are prepared with juicy grilled meats on hot, soft corn tortillas (flour tortillas and crispy fast-food shells are also available for ignorant infidels). The rice is peppery and fluffy, with bits of sautéed onion and tomato; the beans are thick and garlicky. Baja-style battered fish tacos are almost perfectly authentic (they need shredded cabbage to achieve full honors). Fresh cilantro, tomatillo salsa, guacamole with real chunks of avocado — if it weren’t 20 degrees outside, it would almost feel like San Diego. ¡Verdad, Zumba es el mejor!
