TOLEDO, Ohio — In the Old South End of Toledo sits a food truck many would consider a hidden gem.
In an empty lot behind the Broadway Food Center, Tacos El Junior is in its second year of serving authentic Mexican food.
"Last year went well for our opening as well as the whole year," owner Jose Merino said. "I expected it to do well but not as well as it did, and this year has been even better than last year."
Merino moved to the Old South End with his family when he was 13 years old, and they've stayed in the area ever since.
"I was born in Florida, but my parents were born in Hidalgo and Michoacán, [Mexico], so two different places," he said. "Everything we use here is usually the recipe from Hidalgo, which is my mom's. I've been eating this food my whole life."
And it's their food that's bringing you authenticity in a matter of minutes.
"We have tacos, we have queso birrias, tortas, burritos, we even have hotdogs, carne asada hotdogs. Those are one of my favorites, but the people's favorite is the tacos and the queso birrias," Merino said.
If you're looking for somewhere to sit down and eat, maybe your next place is Chosica Peruvian Restaurant.
It's located on Bancroft, right down the street from the University of Toledo.
Chosica's owner, William Del Rio moved here from Peru seven years ago with his family.
The idea to open a restaurant came from the need to have something that reminded them of home.
"When we were looking for Peruvian food, we needed to drive 2 hours just to get food for my family. My wife had the idea to open a restaurant," Del Rio said.
Chosica, named after the town he and his wife were born, takes him back to his roots.
Del Rio says it's the first Peruvian restaurant in the area, bringing flavors from around the world under one roof.
"The Lomo Saltado is very popular, but Peruvian food is a fusion with Chinese food, Italian food, and African food. For that, we have different ingredients and different preparation," Del Rio said.
Sharing food from their home countries is something both owners say connects them to their Hispanic heritage.
EARLIER COVERAGE: Toledo's first Peruvian restaurant gets second chance thanks to small business grant
"We feel proud because we know that it's important to explain to everybody about Peruvian food," Del Rio said.
"I don't get to go there, so bringing it here and sharing it with everybody gives us happiness," Merino said.
And in a world where language can be a barrier, food is common ground.
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