Over the last couple of years, the city of Duluth has gone through a resurgence.  On the corner near where the train depot used to stand is what appears to be a refurbished gas station – roll up bay doors and all.

Now most all of this was built in the last two years, but it is designed to recall a revamped gas station.  The original Pure Taqueria (in Alpharetta) was built on the site of an abandoned 1920s Pure gas station, opened in 2005 and they have now spread to six locations (five in the metro area). 

I was meeting someone for a business lunch and we were looking for something nearby and different.   I remembered having seen Pure the last time I was in down-town Duluth and suggested that we give it a try.

The place is the owners’ take on a hip, authentic taqueria.  We started with the queso fundido with chorizo, made with chihuahua, oaxaca and jack cheeses, poblano peppers and chorizo.

The chorizo was slightly spicy and this was a good start as we devoured it and the accompanying chips while we chatted.

My cohort chose the chicken tacos.  He said that they were excellent.  I chose the torta Cubano, which was made from black forest ham, braised pork, pepperjack, lettuce, tomato, pickle (none for me, thanks), guacamole, refried beans, and chipotle mayo, on chiabatta bread.

Look at that sandwich!  Refried beans and guacamole?  On a sandwich?  Oh, yeah.  This was one GIANT sandwich.   I did my best and almost finished it, but I didn’t make much of a dent in the rice and beans.  

Overall, the meal was excellent and we decided that we no longer needed to look for a new place to eat when the two of us met, we’d just plan to meet at Pure.  I look forward to sampling more of the menu.