Since opening on Cinqo de Mayo in 2011, New Westminster’s Taqueria Playa Tropical has attracted a loyal local following thanks to itsauthentic Mexican cuisine. Originally from El Salvador, owner Jose Escobar spent a number of years in Houston, where the large Mexican population first exposed him to Mexican cuisine. Today, he serves up authentic, affordable Mexican food alongside his daughter Anna, who splits the restaurant duties with him: he runs the kitchen and she takes care of front-of-house.
“Playa Tropical” translates to “Tropical Beach,” and Jose felt that rainy Vancouver could use a tropical touch year-round. And since tacos feature prominently on the menu, adding “Taqueria,” (taco hut) to the name made perfect sense.
