Let’s meet Erick Arizmendi owner of Comalli Taqueria, after working in the industry for two decades, even from his early years as a dishwasher, he dreamt of owning his own restaurant – not until his later years did, he realize the passion he developed for Mexican cuisine.
During the early stages of concept, development, and research, he came across a clay griddle used to make tortillas and toasting nuts used for Mole. This equipment has since become antiquated with the advancements in culinary technology; however, it was a quintessential part of a traditional Mexican kitchen and he felt there was no better way to pay homage to the origins of Mexican cuisine than to adopt its name – Comalli.
In 2015, relying entirely on the philosophy of sourcing fresh and local ingredients, Comalli Taqueria found its beginnings under a canopy tent and an Al Pastor machine. The next chapter of Comalli found itself transitioning to a food truck in the Spring of 2019, which allowed the menu to flourish. With that came the creation of our signature taco, El Gallo. Growing up in a very traditional Mexican home, Chorizo and eggs was a common breakfast dish that he came to love. Breaking down his favorite dish into a taco, allowed him to showcase the wide array of flavors that it has to offer.
Within a short and fast seven months after opening the food truck, they found their storefront in West Reading. This was their biggest challenge yet and they faced many adversities: being “off-the-ave” and opening within months of the Covid-19 Global Pandemic to name a few. Those challenges pushed them to stay creative and never break away from their core philosophy. They have grown tremendously over the last three years, which has given them full creative freedom in the expansion of their menu. Their devotion to setting the new standard of consistency, creativity, and freshness is what sets them apart from other taquerias. Comalli is the product of his traditional Mexican upbringing as well as his passion for art, punk rock, skateboarding, and culinary ingenuity. Unifying all of this together is what allows Taqueria Comalli to provide a unique space for West Reading patrons to enjoy traditional cuisine.
Comalli serves specialty tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, great “Aguas Frescas”, taco bowls & much more. They also cater and even have a food truck for events. Be on the lookout for their sandwich called “La Conchita” only served at a specific time of the year. Did you know they make their own signature salsas by giving love to each tomatillo? Now that is what I call authentic Mexican food.
Congratulations to this new age taqueria with Mexican roots. A double congratulations for being brave enough to follow his dreams and also for sticking through a pandemic. “Remember that people who don’t like tacos are not to be trusted, just kidding, but seriously, I have to run, my tacos are here.”
Comalli Taqueria
701 Court Street
West Reading, Pa 19611
Phone:(484) 869-2824
@taqueriacomalli on Facebook messenger
send a message through the website
Photographer Credit: Jason Messersmith
Rosa J. Parra, Palo Magazine
