"Authentic” Mexican spots recently began proliferating in northern Vermont, but when Frida’s Taqueria & Grill opened in 2009, fresh south-of-the-border fare was difficult to come by. Two years on, the Stowe restaurant has picked up its first Daysie, earned for its much-loved tacos, flan and smoked-duck mole.

SEVEN DAYS: How have you sold people on lengua (beef tongue) tacos?
JACK PICKETT, CO-OWNER: Sometimes you can tell people, “Hey, you’ve never had it, but you’re gonna pay $3.75. If you don’t like it, what’s the worst that can happen?” We also guarantee all our food — if you don’t like it, you don’t pay for it. The majority of people who order it have already been to a taqueria here or in Mexico that serves it. People who are in the know go for it.

— Alice Levitt