Erich and Lily Vending Cart

Unlike the recent explosion of roving food carts across DC, Erich and Lily is the quintessential food truck mirage. Within fifteen to thirty minutes, the limited provisions sell out and all that remains is the telltale familiar waft of carne asada. Unless you have impeccable timing, Erich and Lily’s might remain an ethereal concept in your world.
You don’t need Twitter to find the daily coordinates of this Mexican taco truck. Erich and Lily’s predictably squats within one block of 1200 First Street NE on a daily basis. Where you will find variance is in the type of meats offered: pollo, carnitas, carne asada, and lengua appear to be the most common options. Each item sells quick so it’s best to try and find the truck right at the strike of noon (otherwise, chances are high you will be left with lengua tacos).
On my last visit, I was unimpressed with the use of gardenia style jalapenos and carrots to top the carne asada tacos. Other than being wholly unnecessary, it adds unscrupulous amounts of salt and vinegar to an already questionably healthy meal. Cilantro and radishes were proportionate, but I think the fresh factor is a little hit or miss. I’ve had tastier carne asada and the double wrapped corn tortillas do not appear to be homemade. On the bright side, i like the generous provisions and the luscious chunk of avocado on top of the overflowing tacos. Unlike Tacqueria Nacional, you aren’t going to worry about oil content at Erich and Lily’s. The price is fantastic as well. Each of these tacos runs only $ 2 in a city where a $ 3.50 food truck taco isn’t out of the ordinary.
Is Erich and Lily the best food option in this tiny province of Northeast Washington? Probably not with A Litteri and Pound Coffee both within reasonable walking distance. Still, it’s a nice cheap option that deserves at least some attention in this food barren section of the District.