New Taco Trail tour a hit with diners

It took only two words and Karen Pittman was hooked. Sporting a bubble gum pink top and a mod, short haircut, the winter visitor pumped her fist in the air in celebration.

“Mango margaritas,” said Pittman, her mahjong-tile bracelet clacking together. “Yes!”

Pittman and about 25 winter visitors and locals were heading to dinner. But don't be fooled, this was no ordinary dinner. It was an avant-garde progressive dinner designed to give folks a smattering of the authentic dishes available in Yuma — all wrapped up into one evening.

“Let's hit the road,” shouted Carla Swanson, Yuma's Taco Trail hostess and Yuma Visitors Bureau employee. She ushered the crowd — a mix of winter visitors, couples and tourists — onto a massive luxury bus (yes, there's a bathroom but no, you can't bring drinks on the road) that sped off into the sunset — literally.

The cheerful Swanson welcomed the bunch and rattled off the evening's stops, which are kept somewhat of a secret until the night begins. First up: St. Paul's Cultural Center, then Julieanna's and finally Las Palapas. But first: Old St. Paul's.

“Welcome,” said a beaming Tina Clark, the proprietor of the ornate downtown building that dates back to 1909. “Who is ready for a mango margarita?”

While the guests took seats around large, round tables — the cavernous room decked out cantina-style — Clark's staff carried out trays of the evening's signature dish: Clark's very own south-of-the border spin on chili. Black beans, cheese, carne and a dose of cilantro arrived in a flaky, tortilla bowl along with chips and hair-raising homemade salsa.

Pittman dug in along with her tablemates. “Whew, that's got some kick to it,” said Pittman of the flavorful salsa.

Meanwhile, Clark recounted a few anecdotes about the historic church, its previous owners and a last-second decision to take church funds out of a local bank.

“That was just days before the crash of 1929,” said a smiling Clark.

After about an hour, Swanson and her taco trailers loaded back on the bus.

“The last time I rode a bus down 4th Avenue was about 40 years ago,” said Yuma native John Sternitzke as the bus sped down Yuma's main thoroughfare toward stop No. 2 — Julieanna's — for a crusty shrimp with a hint of coconut and a mildly exotic quail bite served up on a circular mini-potato slice.

The taco trail was born from its leafy green cousin, the Field to Feast tours. The wildly popular outdoor gastronomic adventure introduces city slickers to the agrarian existence — picking veggies and produce from a local field and later dining on the fruits of their labor.

The Field to Feast tours sold out last year and the 2012 schedule is nearly filled to capacity. That's when the YVB decided to branch out and further capitalize on the obvious interest in agritourism experiences.

“They are blown away,” said Swanson of the Taco Trail patrons who, at the onset of the tour, immediately introduce themselves to their fellow diners. “Besides the delicious food, it's something completely different and unique.”

The final stop: Las Palapas, a local haunt that draws a cross-section of folks who gorge on the freshly grilled tacos al pastor (pork), the shrimp tacos and the mysterious but savory white sauce.

“Welcome,” said Bill Castorena, owner of the Baja-infused eatery. He listed the evening's culinary options while servers doled out margaritas and cervezas. Soon the guests were eating yet again — tacos, beans, rice and more.

“I'm full,” said Pittman to a chorus of “Me, too.”

A sign of a successful night.

More Taco Trail tours are scheduled for Feb. 17 and March 2 and 16. The cost of $50 a person includes two drinks, transportation and unique local dishes.