READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Tania's, 614 N. Grande Ave.

A REAL SCREAM: The parchment-thin, hand-stretched flour tortillas at Anita Street Market and Tortilla Factory, 849 N. Anita St., are featured at some of the best restaurants in town, including Janos and El Charro. But you can order them by the dozen for your own kitchen, in medium or grande sizes. They also carry whole-wheat, flour gorditas, and classic corn tortillas, all lard-free. If you want 10 dozen or more--especially on Saturdays, when the line stretches out the door--we heartily recommend calling ahead. And while you're there, consider other take-out masterpieces on owners Grace and Mario Soto's menu. Among our favorites: the chile colorado with rice and beans.

A REAL SCREAM: Who says you have to drive to the south side for authentic Mexican fare? Proving there can be life after growth--even in those tacky shopping centers stapled onto every other corner of Ina Road--is Villa Mexican Food, 2840 W. Ina Road. This northside shop makes one helluva tortilla--thin, chewy, authentic. They offer two sizes: big and real big, at $2 and $2.50 per dozen. They open at 10:30 a.m. every day of the week except Sunday.

1998 Winner: Tie: St. Mary's Mexican Food + Anita Street Market and Tortilla Factory 1996 Winner: Grande Tortilla Factory 1995 Winner: Tania's

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