Georginas - Traverse City, MI

The first time I went to Georgina’s I felt that rare, amazed rush of a perfect meal, and have been anticipating my return for the entire time I was away from Traverse City. There are many taco joints, and a few great Latin joints around me- but Georgina’s was created to be unique and that shows in its “Latin/ Asian fusion” description and in the rave reviews it received on Yelp.  They have joined the fusion bandwagon and are putting their own twist on Latin-Asian Fusion and giving you that 'hook' that will bring you back.  It's clear by looking at their menu that they are working hard at providing you with a unique food experience that will tickle your palette and make you crave them weeks after.  

The moment of my return was both affirming of Georgina’s talent and also slightly disappointing- which I might have set myself up for due to high expectations from my first time. But like any other good restaurant, sometimes you have to fumble through a few orders to hit the jackpot. 
 
Let’s start with the amazing: The Puerto Rican Lasagna. Yup. You heard me. I feel like it needs a whole new name- lasagna doesn’t quite capture the amazingness of the dish that arrived on my table. I only ordered it because two waitresses hailed it as “amazing” and called it the most popular item on the menu. Allllright- I’m sold. This lasagna used fried plantains instead of pasta for a gluten free twist. The bolognaise meat layer was flavorful and delicious, and feta/ swiss added the perfect salty sprinkle and creaminess. A lasagna fan I am not- but this dish will stay at the forefront of my cravings for quite a while.  It is a dish that I would have never ordered, but I'm so glad that I did.  I mean... I only usually eat moms lasagna on special occasions. I'm not one to venture out into the world and find one to eat.  However, now that I have had Georgina's version of the lasagna, my whole perspective has changed and just maybe they hooked me into coming back for that delicious square of cheese, meat and plantains.

Now to my slight disappointment of the day: The Tacos Around the World. I know that pork is usually the better choice, but sometimes you just want a chicken taco.  I normally don't get chicken tacos (except Chipotle) because the chicken 9 times out of 10 is dry.  My inner voice said, "get the pork! Get the pork!", but my mouth said chicken...  The dark cloud of sadness loomed over me while I took the first bite and realized instantly that... the chicken... was ... *gasp... dry.  Argh!  A dish killer.  Every bite I just kept thinking, "why didn't you get the pork?!?!" 

I have had the tacos around the world before (various types of tacos made differently with one choice of meat).  The last time I got the pork and they were delicious so I will give them some grace, but I do hope they read this and make sure the Asian chicken they are cookin' up for the other dishes as well is nice and moist because it really does make or break a meal.

I very much enjoyed the Thai taco with its pickled red cabbage and honestly will probably only ever get those on my return (if I get tacos).  But I only remember a bunch of sour cream over cilantro, pico de gallo and cheeses for the other three tacos.  I must interject that the tacos around me in the restaurant looked divine- I’m especially excited to order the taquitos. However, now that I’m convinced that Roaming Harvest may have the best tacos in TC, I might venture into the Asian menu on my next visit.