Mitch-
I am not sure, but I found this in the City Pages.
http://www.citypages.com/databank/25/1247/article12599.asp

The review of La Mexicana says that they have a small cafeteria counter in the back that serves Oaxacan tamales ("in which sections of pork rib are wrapped with masa and a spicy chile sauce inside giant banana leaves and steamed until they're as tender as jelly").

That would be my best guess.

Carson,

Thanks. My mission is clear.

No offense to Minnesta intended, but, I have yet to find any "kick ass" ethnic food since I moved here 4 1/2 years ago. Now, San Diego. San Diego had some great food. The best Mexican and Thai food I've seen ANYWHERE, including Mexico and Thailand.

Dago is great, I know.

But the West Side of Stpaul is good for mexican stuff (as is, it seems, Lake Street, although I haven't hung out there in a few years), there's some really good middle eastern (Holy Land, Emily's, Port of Beirut) and Med (Black Sea, Greek to Me, Christos), and especially Asian.

Mmmmm. Banh Me Dac Biet!

I'd also like to find some kick ass Oaxacan tacos. I miss the proverbial Cal-Mex taqueria on every corner since moving here from the Bay Area.

El Burrito Mercado is decent, but not excellent.

I've had friends from the Bay Area who really dug Burrito Mercado, but I'm willing to be convinced.

I wasn't impressed with the West Side Mex food but you got me on the Middle Eastern and Med food as I don't ever remember eating any.

I did forget however, my new favorite resurant, Mowcow on the Hill near the Cathedral. Excellent food and chilled vodka shots as appetizers. Brilliant!

Ummm... When you say the West Side of St. Paul, on Lake St., don't you mean Minneapolis? Anyway... I know what you mean. There are some good restaurants over there.

I really dig Pepito's. Then again... I enjoy any restaurant that requires me to walk less than a block from my home.

Friends tell me that Manny's Tortas on Lake St. is pretty good. 1st Wok in St. Louis Park is some of the best Chinese I have ever had (if you don't include Taste of Saigon in Duluth).

I don't know if I consider this ethnic or not. Technically it is a Colombian and American fusion according to their website... but Maria's Cafe on Franklin in Mpls. is amazing. Try their Cachapas Venezolanas (aka corn pancakes). They are seriously to die for.

I forgot about El Meson as well. It is a small Spanish restaurant at 35th and Lyndale. I went their a while back and had never heard of it at the time. It was really excellent. In the last year or so it has started to get a lot more recognition. If anyone has a chance... go check it out. Nice, small,and works well for a romantic dinner.

Here is a link to info about it on Citysearch.com
http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/5583948/minneapolis_mn/el_meson.html?cslink=search_name_noncust&ulink=search_2_searchslot4_520__0_profile_2_1

We've been to Pancho Villa's in the Eat Street area and found them to be one of the best Mexican food restaurants in Mpls. Only Mexicans work there and mostly Mexicans eat there with a handful of us Caucasians frequent it. Great fish dishes. Having grown up in the West, I highly recommend it.