Nestled behind a busy Japanese restaurant, and just outside of the bustling scenes of Rio's shopping district, is a very plain looking gas station, easily missed by traffic. Like most gas stations, this one has a convenience store, but that's not all - it also houses a little gem of a Mexican eatery. I loved it the moment I saw it.

When I walked inside, I was slightly perplexed. I was quite certain there was a poster of tacos and burritos pasted on the entrance door... but, wait, am I in fact standing inside a liquor store? I looked around me, and indeed found myself standing inside such an establishment. Stored in their coolers, where you might expect to find chilling juices and soda, this one was filled with alcohol and beer. In the center of the store were shelves lined with bottled wine.

Behind the counter sat a man who didn't stand up to greet us as we entered; instead, he seemed content to just watch us (Andrew and me) and wait for our order. I took a look at the menu, delighted; most items were under $5.00. I beamed at the sight of Tacos De Lengua De Res (beef tongue) on the menu board. My first encounter with beef tongue was at a Mexican eatery similar to this one in Utah, and I remembered how much I enjoyed it. And this one didn't disappoint. I also loved their Suadero (grilled rib meat). It was quite delicious, the taco came with a little pile of genuine rib meat without the fillers.

But I must spend a little bit of effort to say a word or two about their $3.99 Nachos. Friends, if you like Nachos, you've gotta get yourself over there Right Now! I don't even like Nachos, but I LOVE their Nachos! Be forewarned: it is not an impressive looking dish. But if you're willing to give it a try, you will find yourself picking up one cheese-smothered tortilla chip after another and stuffing them into your mouth with abandon - and your mouth happily obliging. This is what I love most - the crunch!!! It's when you bite into it, the loud crunchy sound it makes... pure joy!! The tortilla chips are hand cut, freshly fried as you order. I know that might not sound so original if you think you have eaten a lot of good Nachos. But, friends, trust me, you have not had Nachos until you have had THOSE Nachos. Just think of kettle-cooked potato chips, have you had those? They are much crunchier than your regular potato chips. OK, with that in mind, imagine these Nacho chips being much, much crunchier AND thicker!! Could such a thing really exist? YES, it does, at Taco Bar in Rio.

Theirs was simply, simple food made right.

Here is their address if you ever want to check them out.

10003 Fields Rd, Gaithersburg. (301)987-0376. www.tacobarwashingtonian.com

When you are there, don't forget to head to their salsa bar, and if you like heat, be sure to pile your plate with the pickled jalapeño peppers.

Just be aware, it is a tiny little place with not enough tables, and they are busy.

Another caution: Leave your kids at home, too many breakables.