New Mexican fusion restaurant comes to north Raleigh

Chef David Peraza’s 13 Tacos & Taps will open to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Peraza has been a part of some of the areas most popular Mexican restaurants in the past, which include places such as Gonza Tacos y Tequila, Mez and Jibarra, to name a few. Now with his first brick and mortar with his family, Peraza plans to bring Mexican fusion to the location that use to be Chubby's Tacos inside the Falls River Town Center.

We had an opportunity to talk to Peraza this Friday and sample some of the upcoming tacos he'll be offering to patrons. Take a look below at some photos and descriptions of what's to come.

Shrimp & Grits Taco – Using his craft of fusion this taco is shrimp, seared and infused with chorizo and chile pepper sauce, fresh stone ground NC grits, Oaxaca cheese and green onions on a corn tortilla. A most excellent taco that will satisfy the taco traditionalist as well as the ones who love Southern cuisine. 

Chicken & Waffles – Another great fusion item. Here you get the best of both worlds. Take a double dipped breaded chicken strip with maple syrup, pico de gallo, queso fresco and put that on top of a waffles … and then put that all on top of a flour tortilla! Wow! 

El Chapo Rib – Fill a corn tortilla with a heaping serving of braised short rib meat, and top that off with guacamole mousse and a couple thin slices of radishes – and that’s all you need for a perfect lunch or dinner taco.

Yellow Fin Tuna – Talk about something you can eat just about every day. This chile rubbed Ahi Tuna on sweet and spicy aioli, Asian slaw, Wasabi Rouille, Avocado pearls on a fresh corn tostadas that just melt in your mouth. By far one of our favorites! 

All the tacos looked good as we glanced over our shoulders to check out other plates coming out to guests. That included a seared Filet Mignon taco (Moo Moo Tres), a smoked pork belly taco with apple relish (Porky Asia) and a meatball taco that takes beef and chorizo meatballs and braises them in a sweet and spicy red gravy.

Unlike its predecessor, Chubby’s Tacos, you’ll now find a bar where you can order local craft beers, wine and mixed cocktails to enjoy with your food.