Tacoma resident Dawn Markley just happened to drive by Tortas Locas on South Tacoma Way. For her it was like stumbling on heaven. "I think I'm in love with the simple carne asada sandwich with cheese," she says. "The bread was perfect. The avocado made it so rich and tasty."

Large enough for leftovers, tortas at Tortas Locas come on a huge, oval-shaped specialty bun (not round like other places). Markley is more than sold on the casual Mexican restaurant that opened in late June.

"I only ate half (of the torta), just so I can prolong the experience," she says. "I never want it to end."

A fan of south-of-the-border sandwiches myself, I share Markley's newest food fixation. Pork leg, chorizo, slow cooked beef, hot dog sausage, ham, fried egg, breaded and fried seasoned pork and steak are complimented by fresh, fragrant cilantro and spicy jalapenos along with potent chopped onion. A smear of mayonnaise, creamy avocado and beans add some moisture to help counter the mammoth bun; shredded iceberg lettuce and tomatoes lend textural diversity.

The menu at Tortas Locas is in both English and Spanish.

Two squeeze bottles of mild green and slightly hotter red chipotle sauce sit on ever table.

[Tortas Locas, 5420 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.473.9069]