#36. Flan at Taleo Mexican Grill


Because ustedes gentle readers love lists, behold the latest entry in
our Top 100 dishes list that
continues until Best Of–at which point, we'll give you MORE lists!
Now, on with the show…

Years ago, I deemed the flan as Taleo “the best in the universe,” a line that the restaurant includes in its dessert menu. I still stand by my hyperbole.

IFlan is usually a worthless dessert, a clammy clump of custard with a caramel topping crisped, but to the point where the only flavor you find is akin to eating charred tortilla flakes. Taleo, on the other hand, creates a miracle.

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It's really as big as the picture suggests, and even better: creamy, yet with substance. Caramel top that tastes like pinche caramel. Did I mention it was huge? Most flans are puny things, but the flan at Taleo can easily feed two.

Taleo in general is a good place–pricey sometimes, but worth for a date. And definitely worth, if for one thing, for the flan. If Fate ever took me away from my beloved, godforsaken OC, I'd pack 30 of these in a freezer.

Taleo Mexican Grill, 3309 Michelson Dr., Irvine, (949) 553-9002; www.taleomexicangrill.com.

The rest of the list!

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#99.
Nem Nuong Cuon at Brodard

#98.
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#97.
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#96.
Frozen Custard at Marc Burger's in Macy's Signature Kitchen

#95.
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Beans on Toast at The Olde Ship

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Nem Nuong Cuon at Au Lac Restaurant

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Blackened Mushroom & Tofu Burger at Taco Loco

#78.
Fried Veggie Fish Fillet at Dong Phuong Tofu

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Tofu Vegetable Salad at BCD Tofu House

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Whole Lamb with Kabsa at Olive Tree

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#72.
Spinach Empanadas at El Gaucho #2

#71.
Croissants at Molinos Bakery

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Fatteh at Kareem's

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#66.
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#64.
Baby Back Ribs at Blake's Place

#63.
Fish and Chips at The Chippy

#62.
Roasted Beef Marrow Bones at Brasserie Pascal

#61.
The Lunch Buffet at Tandoor Cuisine of India

#60.
Eggs, Charcuterie and Bread at Uyen Thy Bistro

#59.
Wang Mandoo at Myung In

#58.
Gobi Paratha at Traditions

#57.
Kibbeh at Zait & Zaatar

#56.
Chicago Dog at Portillo's

#55.
Persian Buffet at Irvine's Wholesome Choice

#54.
Anything at night at Joe's Italian Ice

#53.
Salteñas at Rollie's Bakery

#52.
Iskender Kabob at Doner G

#51.
Secret Beer-Battered Fish Burrito at the OG Taco Adobe

#50.
Bun Rieu at Kim Huong

#49.
Truffle Fries at Andrei's

#48.
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#47.
Corn Dog at Disneyland's The Little Red Wagon

#46.
Linguini with Clams at Franco's Pasta Cucina

#45.
Chamoyada at Natural

#44.
Meatloaf at Memphis

#43.
Paletas at Delicias de México

#42.
Omakase at Sushi Shibucho

#41.
Odessa Sandwich at Moscow Deli

#40.
Tacos de Rajas con Queso at Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen

#39.
Crepes con Caramel at Anepalco's Cafe

#38.
“Cobra” Chicken Sandwich at Memphis at the Santora.

#37. Beef Shawerma Plate at Sahara Falafel

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