Across from Cantina Los Caballitos on Passyunk Avenue is El Zarape, a recent addition to Philadelphia�s taqueria scene. And even if it doesn�t re-invent that taqueria scene, four varieties of pork tacos are worth a look.

The simple carnitas taco is topped with onions and cilantro and pulls together nicely with a lime garnish. The chuleta ahumada has a salty flavor befitting smoked meat, and is bound to please anyone with a soft spot for Canadian bacon, which it resembles in flavor. Best, though, is the pastor con pina, marinated in deep crimson achiote spices and seeded with slices of fresh pineapple. Pork and pineapple are a classic combination in almost any form, but especially in the presence of warming spices like clove, allspice and cinnamon.

El Zarape [City Paper]

Drew Lazor adds to the fall food bonanza noting that a couple of new South Philadelphia restaurants are now serving.

El Zarape, 1548 E. Passyunk Ave.,has opened across from Los Caballitos Cantina. This much more basic taqueria “dirt-cheap grub.”

Molcajete Mixto is opened at 746 Christian St.. This Bella Vista BYO will be opened for brunch, lunch and dinner. Look for regional foods and some notraditional dishes like Valencian paella.

Feeding Frenzy [City Paper]