If there’s one thing California transplants revel in doing, it’s sharing their judgment of authentic ethnic cuisine. Intentionally or not, online reviews sometimes come across like, “I’m from California, so I definitely know quality food. This Boise restaurant ain’t it!”
They might have a point — sometimes. When it comes to Mexican food, California has more restaurants than any other state — 22% of them, according to Pew Research.
So when you read flattering words about El Semáforo, a birria-slinging Nampa brand that recently opened a second brick-and-mortar, it’s hard to dismiss the Cali thumbs-up factor. In at least two recent reviews, the small El Semáforo chain gets the California stamp of approval. It’s enough to make you want to drive from Boise to Nampa for lunch at the new restaurant: Taqueria & Birrieria El Semáforo, 9805 W. Sand Hill Drive…