La Gloria Market

La Gloria Market 4140 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98226-5576, United States.

We have been coming to this place for about 2 to 3 years now. Every time we go to Bellingham we have to stop here for their fantastic Mexican food. This market is attached to a small restaurant. The food is made fresh to order. Located in a strip mall beside a gas station, this place is unassuming from a distance.


The open kitchen is clean and inviting. The restaurant has 3 large tables and 5 small tables as well as a small patio area outside the market.


Fresh nachos. Not like the prepackaged stuff, these chips are freshly made. The side of salsa is refreshing, with a blend of chillies, onions, parsley and tomatoes. Delicious


Daily Special: Fish Tachos with a side of refried beans and rice. The fish tacos is made with a breaded and fried fish that is sliced and combined with tomatoes and onions.



Chicken Sope : I like this better when then put less cheese. The English muffin like base is layered with chicken and lettuce then topped with sour cream and cheese.


Beef Tongue (Lengue) Tacos : This is a must have! The beef tongue is tender and juicy. Served with chopped onions and a generous serving of parsley. Best with a slice of radish, a squeeze of lime and squeeze of their house red and green chill sauce.

Our meal including 2 drinks cost us around US$20. After coming here, you can forget going to the westernized Mexican restaurants. This food is light and flavorful, not like the heavy and over cheesy versions we were accustomed to seeing at other restaurants.

Our Verdict:

• Location: Not very easy to find. Located in a strip mall.
  
• Price: Bargain! For the same price you get more food and better quality.
  
• Large portions, excellent home made food. Judging by the Mexican regulars that come here, you know you are getting authentic fare!
  

Tai Sun Vienamese Noodle

Thai Sun Vietnameese : 373 E. Broadway

A long standing Vietnamese restaurant that has several locations. We come here occasionally for the pho noodles. Apart from the normal pho options at lunch, our favorites are actually their dinner choices.


Fish Hot Pot: This is only available after 5pm. The hotpot is a combination of sweet and sour flavors (sugar cane, pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprout, lots of vegetables, and 4 to 5 slices of fish). In addition to the hotpot, this dish is served with another serving of fish in small pot flavored with fish sauce, giving a deep and salty flavor. The fish complements the sweet and sour soup from the hotpot. A side of rice is all you need to gobble down this dish.


Seafood Omelet : This thin and crisp omelet of shrimp, squid and shredded coconut is served with a healthy side of lettuce, jalapeno, and pickled carrots and radish. The best way to eat this is to wrap the omelet with the lettuce. Dipped in the sweet and sour sauce this wrap is crunchy and feels refreshingly light.

Our Verdict:

• Location: It has been here for a while. Easy to find, but decor is dated and dingy.
  
• Price: Standard. Pho at this location is standard fare. The hotpot is expensive by Vietnamese food standards at about $12 per person.
  
• Large portions, good food. Strong contrasting flavors that work well together. Its always a good sign when we see Vietnamese eating the same dishes as what we ordered.