Have you ever seen the movie Swingers with (a very young) Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau? There’s a part in the movie where characters Rob and Mike are looking for a hidden night club in LA. Finding the club offers a certain amount of status because only the “cool kids” know where it is. That’s how I felt the first time I drove up to White Duck Taco Shop. I had heard of the elusive little taco joint from a friend who always knows what’s new in Asheville’s ever-growing food scene. The lure of finding it on a side-street in Asheville’s River Arts District was the initial draw, but the tacos I experienced were “money.” wink
Ben and Laura Mixson came to Asheville with one goal in mind, a taco shop. After years of living as fine-dining restauranteurs/ski bums in Park City, Utah, they moved east to be closer to family. The Mixson’s wanted to open a casual restaurant offering local and seasonal foods–reminiscent of taco shops they frequented back west.
Along with serious culinary clout, Ben and Laura have a skillet full of fun stories to share of their experience opening the taco shop. For instance, our local paper announced what was to be their “soft opening” three months ago. The response was overwhelming with new customers lined up out the door. The Mixsons had to close the doors for a day to revamp their game-plan. Not a bad problem to have for a brand-new restaurant. The name White Duck Taco Shop comes from Laura’s past restaurant days. She chuckled as she admitted, her staff in Utah named her “La Pato Blanca,” the white duck, because her hair was very white (blonde) and they claimed she called out orders like she was quacking at them.
The art featured in the restaurant also comes with a bit of amusing history. Back in college, Ben bought a good friend his first surf board. Over the years this friend has become the renowned graffiti artist that goes by the name Ishmael. To repay Ben for his kindness, Ishmael painted the official white duck displayed on the wall. It just goes to show, you never know what a little generosity will get you. In this case, famous graffiti. White Duck Taco Shop offers a global array of tacos inspired by dishes Laura and Ben love. They are masters at the art of balancing comfort food and culinary adventure. The “chalkboard menu” changes not only with the seasons, but as they experiment with new flavor concepts.The Mixson’s have made their mark on Ashveille’s unique food culture bringing us tacos with personality.
White Duck’s BBQ Carnitas Taco is a nod to the south, with pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and bbq sauce. It takes a chef many early morning hours to prepare all the elements that go into your “quick” lunch. Here, the official White Duck BBQ Carnitas Tacos recipe has been slightly altered to make it home-cook friendly… just for you!
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pulled pork from your weekend barbecue. It also gives your favorite BBQ joint take-out an exciting makeover.
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