Taco House Co: Where Every Bite Tells a Story

If you've ever sat down at Taco House Co. in St. Thomas and taken that first bite of a soft corn tortilla, warm and fragrant, you've tasted more than food—you've tasted memory.

For owner Aurora Alcocer, food has always been more than a meal. It's a link to home. A rhythm. A ritual.

She grew up in Mexico eating tortillas with every meal, sometimes freshly made, sometimes wrapped around slow-cooked meats like barbacoa. Her dad would wake up before sunrise on Sundays, head out to a local street stand, and return with bags of barbacoa and warm tortillas. That smell would pull everyone from their bed to the kitchen table. It's those kinds of memories that shaped her menu—and her mission

There's something comforting about the smell of garlic, spice, and warmth drifting through the air as you walk down a quieter stretch of downtown St. Thomas. It's a scent that feels like home, even if you're not quite sure why. And if you follow it, chances are you'll find yourself at the doorstep of The Clay Oven—a restaurant that, while still relatively new to the local food scene, feels like it's always been here.

​The humble baked potato has been a comfort food staple for centuries. Simple, filling, and endlessly adaptable, it's the kind of meal that shows up across cultures in one form or another. For many of us, it is often loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream and served as a side at a backyard BBQ or steakhouse dinner. But these versatile, nutritious powerhouse plants take on an entirely different personality depending on where you enjoy them.

Try delicious foods from around the world this February. The community is invited to take part in “Global Flavours”, a joint initiative with the local tourism boards and the St. Thomas-Elgin Immigration Partnership. Visit participating cultural and/or immigrant-owned restaurants and check in using an app or a paper “passport”. If you visit at least two restaurants (or the same one twice), you’ll be eligible for the prize draw. When you can enjoy great food, support local restaurants, and win prizes, it's a win-win-win!

Global Flavours is celebrating its 5th year. It began as an initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic, when restaurants were hit particularly hard by the pandemic restrictions. February is a notably slow month for restaurants as it is, and with Covid-19, many were struggling even more. Simultaneously, we were seeing an increase in diversity in our region and wanted to celebrate the richness and vibrancy that a diversity of people (and foods) brings to our area. Thus, Global Flavours was born.

In the heart of downtown St. Thomas, nestled among the charming historic buildings of Talbot St., a new bakery has risen to the challenge of brick-and-mortar small business ownership--Honey Cake Pastry Shop. At first glance, it's a delightful haven of artful cakes and sweet aromas, but behind the counter is a story that's even more profound than its pastries.

​Pretzels have a long and storied history with legends dating back to the Middle Ages, but thanks to Opa's Pretzels arrival in St. Thomas, we no longer have to experience the Dark Ages as the traditional German style soft pretzel is experiencing a bit of a Renaissance.

One pretzel tale claims in 1614 Switzerland, royal couples used pretzels in wedding ceremonies as a similar practice to wishbones. In fact, many believe this may have led to the phrase "tying the knot."

Regardless of its origins, the pretzel quickly became a staple across Europe, beloved by peasants and nobility. It wasn't just a tasty snack but a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In some regions, it was customary for children to wear pretzel necklaces on New Year's Day for good fortune.

Two passionate individuals have carved their niche in the culinary world in the heart of St. Thomas, where the sense of community is as rich as the fertile soil beneath the local farms. Rob, a chef with a lifelong dream, and Terrie, a seasoned entrepreneur, are the driving forces behind Two Forks, Port Stanley and the newly launched Grassroots in St. Thomas. These two restaurants have quickly become local gems.

If you've been in St. Thomas for any length of time - you've likely heard of Legends. If you've been a part of the community for a while, you have probably made some of your own #LegendaryMemories at the landmark restaurant in the heart of Downtown.

The Legends Tavern family just marked its 25th Anniversary. I sat down with owner Andy Lerikos just ahead of the celebration, and he was all smiles with anticipation for the day - an opportunity to welcome regulars and friends old and new through the doors. What's clear in speaking with Andy is that his passion for the restaurant business is built around the people as much as it's about the food.