Very Important Taco: Karina’s Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Taco

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It may have locations all over the county now, but the Karina’s restaurant empire had humble beginnings. Arnulfo Contreras and his wife, Maria Ines Curiel, opened the first location in Spring Valley in 1981 to provide for their six children (the restaurant is named after their eldest daughter). Since then, the brand has expanded to five locations, including Karina’s Mexican Seafood and two fast-casual eateries, Karina’s Taco Shop and the recently opened Karina’s Ceviches & More, which took over Saffron Thai’s takeout space in Mission Hills.

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Their menu may tout oysters, seafood cocktails, and surf ’n’ turf, but it’s the bacon-wrapped shrimp taco at the newest outpost that caught our taste buds. Bacon-wrapped grilled shrimp is stuffed with cream cheese and serrano peppers before it hits the fryer for a crunch. It’s then tucked into a flour tortilla and topped with cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, and a spicy mango sauce. Taco ’bout delicious!

Very Important Taco: Karina’s Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Taco