ThinkFoodLab is Jose Andres’ ever-changing food laboratory, where he and his talented team can bring to life whatever culinary theme they have been dreaming about. The pop-up location began as Pepe, a brick-and-mortar version of his popular food truck. Now, it has been transformed to Butterfly Tacos Y Tortas, drawing from the monarch butterfly theme of Oyamel. (Oyamel is the name of the trees that serve as the habitat for monarch butterflies).
The Tacos
Essentially, the small venue at ThinkFoodLab has been transformed into a mini-Oyamel, with bold colors and whimsical artwork. The menu at Butterfly is a slice off of Oyamel’s extensive Mexican street snack offerings: papas al mole, tacos, and tortas. The king trumpet mushroom taco was my favorite dish; king trumpet mushrooms are grilled and then doused in maggi sauce, generously smothered in guacamole, and crowned with fresh cilantro. On the side, enjoy crispy fries blanketed by mole sauce, salad, or chips and guacamole. The guacamole has a slightly more citrusy, acidic flavor profile than the one at Oyamel that I loved. For dessert, try a Mexican popsicle, called paletas, available in strawberry-lime-chile, Mexican cinnamon, and Mexican chocolate flavors.
The Vibe
The vibe at ThinkFoodLab Butterfly Tortas y Tacos is fast casual: you order at the counter and then grab a seat. It’s a fun way to get your Oyamel taco fix without going to a sit-down restaurant.
ThinkFoodLab Butterfly Tortas y Tacos: The Verdict
Is there anything missing at ThinkFoodLab Butterfly Tortas y Tacos? Oyamel’s salt air margaritas! Other than that, this is a great pit stop by a taco, torta, or both. Pretty much anything that has Think Food Group and Jose Andres’ name attached to it, you know it’s going to be good!
