Central Taco co-owner Jose Gonzalez opened the restaurant in the Portofino Shopping Center in September.[/caption]

When Jose Gonzalez decided to bring authentic Mexican food to The Woodlands area, he did so in the form of Central Taco, located in the Portofino Shopping Center.

Central Taco, which opened in September, mirrors a popular Mexican taqueria, El Farolito. Gonzalez said El Farolito is popular in Mexico with numerous locations.

"We serve real Mexican food," he said. "There is no Tex in the Mex."

Gonzalez said a key difference in what Central Taco offers is tacos with primarily just meat, salsa and a few vegetables.

For example, the restaurant's signature dish is its Pastor taco, which features marinated pork, cilantro, onion and pineapple.

"We want the flavors of the meat to come out," Gonzalez said.

The restaurant uses charcoal to grill its meat to bring out the flavor, he said. They also feature fresh toppings and a variety of salsas and sides, such as beans, flour and corn chips and rice.

Central Taco offers a variety of options on its menu, including pitas, soups and salads, burritos, tortas, tostadas and bowls. Gonzalez said the restaurant's popularity is gaining, primarily by word of mouth through friends and family. Plans are in place to open more locations in Houston, Sugar Land and Katy in the next year.