Taco Blog

EL Guero Sexi De Tacos

2007-08-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Not of Oh. At the moment even where you thought that the tacos were
not "sexi" enough.This made me the pin out of my water by involving a
reduction Whittier Blvd. It was one day hot and we were on the route
for shaven ice raspados(mexican régénérateuse) and it was not a day
of taco but which can indicate to me not to the sexi?So guero of EL
and my friend of injury went to the truck and disfigured inside.
Inside the truck were two Mexican types, one with the grill and the
other taking with the orders."Where' S the guero" it it said"shh which
is coarse" I said the her"I do not see that a guero in there."I
ordered two tacos, a asada, Al Pasteur. With motionless any guero in
sight my tacos came by the small one take the window. I equipped them
with the roja with salsa, of onions and the cilantro of the bar
dispatch interior salsa tacos truck compartments.The were devoured in
time runs and were really a sample much better than they looked at.
The roja of salsa particularly left me with a feeling cuisante for the
20 following minutes making the raspado all the more refreshing.When
that I have more time I think than I will have to test a part of this
birria of chivo and to discover more about this sexi of guero of EL.
In fact, I will stick to the EL Guero Sexi4617 Whittier Blvd, LAtacos
is $1 of birria.Tacos
Cake of Daikon/navet
the difference

Great hunting with taco turns 2

2007-08-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

It is been two years? Time flies when you eat the tacos. This kind of
day of snuck upwards on me and me was not likely to leave so that the
tacos celebrates thus I thought to identify the two years birthday of
my voyage of taco which I would enumerate best the tacos I had the 2
last years. Meilleur Carne Asada- must be EL Parian. Although it is
been during some time since I took a step in the taqueria more hidden
but the memories of are motionless Al Pasteur of there.Best - this one
is little a crafty one. I would say the table of taco to the corner of
measurement and of Cesar Chavez with the pin of Al Pasteur but I
was tell to it that there is not more. Thus when it comes to Pasteur
from Al you cannot turn badly with the EL Taurino.Best Carnitas - it
is narrow also. Carnitas is usually a sure bet with the majority of
the taquerias but there are some which really excels in the pig. The
stand of taco of Antojitos the Denise in the east makes fry their pig
in senior grease of pig. Mmm the pig fat.Best Cabeza- the cabeza with
the tacos Chatos was a stage especially the cabeza which I had. A
small gem on the westside. Taco de Cabeza with the salsa of guacamole,
lime, and a Mexican coke. The best twisted - this one is.....Los easy
Cinco Puntos! Best the tacos in Los Angeles...... drum rolls of the
tacos of the please!!..............Sergio' S! - no I was suborned, and
yes I am frightened the dictator himself King Taco will have stopped
me for the sedition. Just of Sergio overpowered me on my visit.
The tacos are the traditional tacos of, packed with meats tasty and
supplemented with a projectile of the salsa spiced roja.So here place
at another year of healthy has and the sure taco eating for all.Reply
with your favourites for each category and me will arrive to them in
year 3onward!
Travel of road: San Diego last brews
Orange cake (no mixer)

Taqueria San Jose

2007-08-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

The air of obstruction of the summer struck me as soon as I opened my
door of car. The air conditioned the turn of Westside to the valley of
San Fernando that I not prepared for heat assault.I needed on the left
a cold drink and a dish of hut of taco of tacos.The was not my
destination, just a stop on my way to return visit to friends in Van
Nuys. By certain sides I think that I thus return friends with people
in various parts of right I can eat the tacos in their city when I
visit them. Before this blog I make excuses for reasons not to trail
with people. Now I them taquerias mapquesting of the lucky find myself
in their need for neighborhoods(I really a friend in mountain
Park).Taqueria San Jose is a small hut of taco that a block in the
east of Hayvenhurst on Vanowen in Van Nuys.They announce the Al vapor
of tacos which are typically tacos of lengua or cabeza which is cooked
pressure but I was in mood for the trifecta of taco thus I went with
Al Pasteur, carnitas and the tacos of asada.The came supplemented to
onions, the cilantro and a salsa of Chile. The carnitas, crunching at
the edges had this porkyness salted perfect which is so much well
matched with a lime injection of lemon(or) and a spiced salsa of
Chile. Pasteur and the asada had this taste of grill and went well
with a frozen Mexican coke. I could have gone another round but the Al
vapor of tacos will have to wait until the nearest time. I was not in
mood for the street of tongue.Taqueria San Jose 16435 Vanowen, Van
Nuys, CA 91406-4730 telephone (close to the corner of the avenue of
Hayvenhurst and the street of Vanowen): 818.782.9741 Tacos $1.25
Soft Manis of Martabak/Martabak
Cooling with Ellroy with the Peaceful car dinante

Better know Taquero: Taqueria Los Barrigones

2007-08-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

In the second installment of better know a taquero (yes, I stole this concept from the Colbert Report's better know a district) I sat down(virtually) with taquero Jorge Campos, owner of Taqueria Los Barrigones in South Gate.Mr Campos started Taqueria Los Barrigones 5 months ago after moving from Texas to Los Angeles.

So you come from Texas. Is there a difference between a Texas taco and an LA taco? I hear breakfast tacos are big in texas.

Honestly I don't think there's such a thing. Texas doesn't have authentic food. I kept it very traditional, just what you would find if you were walking the streets of Mexico.

How long have you been in business? Was there a moment when you thought "yes we've made it"?

I've been in the taco business for about 4 years now. When I opened the 1st place in Texas, it was tough people were hesitant to try them. I remember the 1st 2 weeks we sold like an average of 50 tacos a night. Pretty tough. Then one night it jumped to like 150, and from that point on there was no stopping us. So in that sense yes I felt like I made it in Texas. I've been here in California for about 5 months now and at times we get these spurts of people but I think I can do alot better. It's just tough, people are hesitant to try the tacos since theres so many mediocre places out here.

What made you decide to get into the taco business?

I've been around the food industry all my life. I knew I was going to open up some type of restaurant. Being that Tacos are a mexican tradition I wanted to have something that keeps my nationality going. So tacos it is. Now I have one of the best tacos people can eat.

To me lettuce on a soft taco is sacrilegious. how do you feel about lettuce on a taco?

Lettuce on a soft taco. you go to taco bell, el pollo loco. These aren't authentic mexican tacos.

You're open real late on the weekends(3am) have you been able to pull in the late night party crowds?

We're starting to draw some people in at night. It's pretty tough here, theres so many officers on the streets here at night that people avoid this area. Back in the day this Tweedy mile was a cruising spot, well they've gone away from that. So people are just finding out about us.

what is the taco scene like in South Gate? Any plans for expansion?

Honestly we're the best South Gate has to offer. Will be expanding in the near future. We have a location in LA by USC, and another in Paramount. Hopefully those will open this year. its tough. im a sole prop. and dont get any loans so it takes me a while.

What do you think of some of the big names in the taco business, chains like King Taco and Don Chente?

Well interesting. The honest truth King Taco used to be good, about 15 years ago. Now its just a name people recognize. They have a hot sauce thats it. I must say their pastor is pretty tasty at times, or should I say depending on the location. But obviously King Taco has done something right they've been able to establish one of they hardest businesses there is. Don Chente I can honestly say I know very little of. I know its the fastest growing chain there is today. I guess its good to use a Mexican Icon's name for your business. Vicente Fernandez is a big big Mexican name known all over the world. Why not use his name and an image that almost resembles him. Tasted their food once not too impressed.
On that note I would love to have a taco cookout where the best of the best go up against each other. I'm willing to put my tacos up for a taste test against anyone. They are that good.

That's a great idea. I could be the MC

What region of Mexico do your flavors come from?

It's a lil mixture of Mexico. Yellow corn tortillas, nice juicy meets, grilled onion and lemon. its just a Mexican Taco. But i followed the traditions from Chihuahua, where I'm from.

Thanks for the interview. I look forward to tasteing your tacos and I'm sure my readers do as well.

I hope I was able to give you a little info to help you out. Like I said my tacos are different, from style, texture ,and taste. I use only the best and freshest ingredients, all my meats are fresh and cooked on a daily basis, nothing is frozen.

Check out Taqueria Los Barrigones and tell them the great taco hunt sent you!

Taqueria Los Barrigones 4070 tweedy blvd. 323-569-8200
Mon-Thurs 9am - 11pm
Fri-Sat 9am - 3am
Sun 10am - 11pm.
Madeleines
Soft Manis of Martabak/Martabak

Tacos Raza

2007-07-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Thus I see this taqueria all the hour but it is right around the
corner of the taurino of EL and of the taco of king and when I am fact
the sector it is or EL parian, the bull or the king.But I am a
journalist of taco for chrissakes and as much as I wanted this roja
salsa of taco of king I was curious about the tacos raza.Tacos Raza is
interior very small. There are tables of a couple and a meter with 3
stools, a refrigerator with the Mexican cokes and the horchata in the
corner and the containers of rest of salsa beside the counter.Tacos
Raza translated with the tacos of the people (I think). Ironic which
it is right a few blocks of the dictator of taco itself, King Taco.
You see that the tacos Raza is the taco of the man of the people, the
daily man. Yes the king drew aside his néo -- taco-colonialism
through the city and the influence of the king is so large it could
could probably have the stop of Raza of tacos more quickly than you
could say todo.In completely misleading a city large projectiles I
always as for you enraciner for the small type. Thus I sat down there
with the thinking"Cmon Raza of bar of taco does not leave me asada and
carnitasAnd down."carne only they not. These tacos was excellent.
Twisted very hot oil on the grill, the good quantity of cracking and
of tender meat with the abundance of the juice and a roja of salsa
which competes the king for heat.If that you are close to the union of
pico and does not want to treat the lines with the king or the taurino
of EL then does not hesitate to check the raza tacos. The tacos are
$1.25. Mexican coke and horchata available.Tacos Razaolympic/alvarado
Jitlada in the news; good day at that time
Cake of Daikon/navet

Régal De Fiesta

2007-07-21T07:37:00.001-07:00

Treat De Fiesta

2007-07-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

I - what comes on tomato from tacos?them -, lettuce, the cheese,
cilantro.me - aucuns cheese and rotflmao of omg of the lettuce
please.them- (after leave)me of I - (when I become at the house and
opens the container) WTF??Fiesta Feast12231 Santa Monica Blvd
... back de.I' m! Not much of news of food to the report/ratio of
T...
Cake of marriage and bunch of flowers (cakes of cup) for my friend

desired author of receipt of taco

2007-07-20T14:13:00.001-07:00

The books of Sasquatch seeks an author of receipt of taco for a
cookbook about tacos."We' Re seeking an author who has a variety of
receipts, and can make the tacos" authenticates ", and which could
provide a great voice in all the receipts and the not-receipt text."I
their indicated that I would help to obtain the word outside there. If
you are interested email Terence Maikels in the sasquatch reserve

the author of receipt of taco wanted

2007-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Del Taco discontinue de petits burritos rouges et verts

2007-07-16T16:23:00.001-07:00

It is not exactly taco not connected but it carries out my taco life
significantly.Del stopped small the burritos red and green. They
always have burrito bean and of cheese of book the 1/2 on the menu but
it is just not the same.A that little part of me died. Thank you Del
Taco

Del Taco discontinuous small burritos red and green

2007-07-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Estrella

2007-07-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

There are tacos and then there are tacos for which you will violate
all the social label by the excavation to the top of the meat
droppings soaked by salsa and of onion with your fingers to go down
from each last piece of savour of your dish. Is this what pleasant
with the tacos you will find in Estrella in addition to motorway 60 on
the street of Soto. The name of Estrella of goes a long way when it
comes to the scene from taco from. Estrella established a reputation
of Pasadena to the park of mountain for small the delicious tacos
which packs a punch. This is why when my dish of tacos were ready and
I saw the minis-burrito tacos of model that I realized that this
Estrella can not form part of the chain of Estrella of the These tacos
are larger, the salsa is little more subtle(not the projectile of the
spice which you will find with the other Estrellas) and the price is a
small pocket satisfying $1.25 by asadaOn pastorcarne of taco.al this
day twisted them roasted corn were not enough to hold all the large
pieces of tender Pasteur of Al and the carbonized little of the asada
of edge which fell above to my dish but to the top of something I
missed. And with a cold Mexican coke bottle to drive out each last
bite it was the perfect manner to begin the weekend.
Pudding of fruit coctail
Rice and aubergine of chicken Biryani with Tahineh

Eat this! 1.001 things to eat before you the mode

2007-07-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Okay Taco Nation I should have another review either today or tomorrow but until then here is an excerpt from Eat this! 1001 things to eat before you diet by Ian Jackman.

Jackman hit up the Roast to Go stand at Grand Central Market in his whirlwind tour of the best eats in the US of A. If you eat all 1001 of these things I reckon you're gonna need more than a diet.

Anyways, I have 5 copies of Eat this! to give away. First 5 people to email me with the answer to this taco trivia get a copy.

What is my favorite beverage to go with tacos?

update: the answer is lime jarritos. congrats to the first 5 that answered correctly

From EAT THIS!: 1,001 Things to Eat Before You Diet by Ian Jackman (Harper, July 2007)

The Grand Central Market is housed in the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building, an L.A. antique that’s ancient by local standards. (It was built in 1897.) Across from one entrance is the site of the Angels Flight funicular railway which is currently idle. Angels Flight is the scene of a memorably undignified murder in Michael Connelly’s novel of the same name. If you take a stroll, like Rick and I did, you can also check out the curves on the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, and swing back down to the market.

The Grand Central Market is noisy, busy, and full of life. It’s packed tight with food stands like El Gaucho, home to Argentine food and ninety-nine-cent empanadas and Sarita’s Pupuseria, specializing in the stuffed tortilla dish, the pupusa, from El Salvador. There are Chinese and Japanese places, a Hawaiian and a Mongolian barbecue stand, Mexican food at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, Thai food, pizza, kebabs and so on.

Roast to Go has been operating in the market since 1952. The front of the stand is packed with steaming trays of meats for your taco or burrito, many of them tubular and smooth, indicating an intestinal origin. Other specialties are listed as gorditas, tortas, sopes, flautas and tostadas. I had to have a taco—it was on my list—but it hadn’t been even an hour since my massive breakfast at the Original Pantry. There was so much to choose from: roasted pork or beef, chicken, brains, beef cheek, lamb and buche, described as “hog maw,” which is pig’s belly. Meekly, I went for some fried fish.

My Roast to Go fish taco plate was heavily laden, with a substantial slab of battered fried fish and piles of lettuce, onions, tomatoes, hot sauce, cilantro, and queso cotija (salty cheese) resting on top of two corn tacos. I couldn’t eat the whole thing, but it was fresh and good with sharp flavors, and it cost only two dollars. The market seemed full of good deals, like the cheap bananas and other fruit, and more than one stand for dried goods, all manner of chiles, dried shrimp and dried whitebait, and the like. The shopping and the window shopping are good here and the eating is great. At the end of your visit, if you feel like you’ve overdone it with another stop at the taco stand, someone at Jones Grain Mill will check your blood pressure for $1.50.
Pudding of fruit coctail
... back de.I' m! Not much of news of food to the report/ratio of
T...

Al Pasteur of tacos in Peijing, China

2007-07-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

York rocks the park of mountain
we all are insane...

EL Vaquero De Tacos

2007-07-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

L'été dans LA.Tacos est bonne année ronde mais ils semblent avoir
une morsure supplémentaire dans eux quand il fait chaud dehors et
vous prenez une boisson glacée dans hand.I étiez sur mon chemin à
la maison de avez fait frire l'électronique en plage de Manhattan
quand mon estomac a démarré pour grogner. J'ai eu deux choix :
mangez chez Chipotle ou trouvez un stand de taco. Je ne prends aucun
boeuf avec Chipotle. Quand vous êtes dans l'humeur pour un burrito
avec une tortilla gommeuse et le riz basmati n'acceptent aucun
substitute.But quand j'ai besoin d'un vrai taco, j'ai besoin d'un vrai
taco et aucune volonté de corporation do.It de produit de
remplacement n'était longue jusqu'à ce que j'aie trouvé le EL
Vaquero de tacos, un stand de taco sur l'avenue d'Inglewood dans la
ville d'Inglewood. Quand j'ai vu le hecha de tortillas un signe de
mano que je ne pourrais pas resist.Once à l'intérieur du stand de
taco j'ai noté un plateau de vapeur qui a ressemblé à Al vapor."que
de tacos cocinar?" Je l'ai demandé au taquero"lengua" smiled."oh, mon
favori" que je me suis trouvé cependant. Lengua n'est pas mon favori.
J'essaye toujours d'acquérir un goût pour lui et une partie de moi
lengua d'ordres juste ainsi le taquero pensera que je suis cool."dame
un taco de lengua, asada d'un, taco de pastor"Each de y un suis venu
sur un hecha simple de tortilla de maïs un mano. Lengua était doux
et gras et était un petit slimey descendant. Le pasteur et l'asada
ont eu ce goût de char et n'étaient pas en ligne excellent.Points
pour la cuvette vide d'oignons et de cilantro à la barre de salsa
mais autre que celui c'étaient de grands tacos. Les tacos sont $1.25
pièce. Coke mexicain et jarritos disponibles aussi bien que des
frescas de horchata et d'aguas. L'allocation des places extérieure de
patio détend et des nuits de week-end ils vendent des tacos d'un
chariot de taco dans l'asada de carne de sort et de gril de
stationnement sur leur gril extérieur. EL De Tacos Vaquero10020 S
Inglewood AveInglewood, Ca 90304(310) 672-0226
perhaps
sometimes.....

The tacos puts Jorge coming at the westside

2007-07-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

The tacos puts Jorge, new a taqueria of westside in Venice Blvd and
Cattaraugus in tacos of aka of truck of taco of Culver CityRudy puts
Jorge passes to the top the world of taco to a taqueria of brick and
mortar. Because Peter Griffen would indicate - candy to Freakin '. My
preferred truck of taco of westside leaves the mobile world of taco
for a greener chance of pastures.Good to the tacos puts Jorge!Stay
granted for news on the large opening.
Madeleines
Orange cake (no mixer)

Tacos Of The Lion

2007-06-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

photo from leostacos.com

The hardest working taquero in the taco business can be found every weeknight on Eagle Rock blvd in Eagle Rock. His name is Leo and he has his wife Sonia run Leo's taco truck.

Leo's is a local institution in Eagle Rock and a favorite among local Oxy students. So much so that the Oxy students made a movie about Leo's. Watch it here.

Leo's is down with the digital age also. He has a website and myspace page.

So now that we have all of the PR out of the way how are the tacos?

Pretty darn good. The al pastor is special. The saucy juicy pork swims in flavor .It's the kind of taco you can easily get addicted to which explains the long lines and why I call Leo the hardest working taquero in the business. The man never stops working and his grill stays open from 8pm to 4am every night but Monday. Monday is Leo's day off.

Tacos come with guacamole and salsa verde on the side. You can choose from asada, al pastor, pollo or veggie.

On this night I went with asada, pastor and veggie because I know at least one vegetarian reads this blog.The veggie taco is sloppy but oh so tasty , especially with the salsa verde.

The allure of Leo's aside from the food is the prices. In an age when your average burrito stand wants $5 for a burrito Leo gives us the $3 regular burrito (meat, beans,jack cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo) and the $2.50 veggie burrito. If you're a serious carnivore you can get the $4 all meat burrito.

In eagle rock when it comes to late night street tacos it's either Leo's or Rambo's. If it's after the bars close there will be at least a 30 min wait at Leo's while the longest I've waited at Rambo's would be 10 minutes. Go at off peak hours (9ish) and try both.

Leo's Tacos is at Eagle Rock Blvd and Ave 43
8pm to 4am
tacos $1
http://www.leostacos.com
a good book
Agar-agar pudding

Le Tacos De Tanya

2007-06-18T20:09:00.001-07:00

I remember reading an article in one of the Los Angeles papers about a restaurateur that couldn't get people to come into his restaurant to try his food but every time he set up a taco stand in the parking lot the crowds would line up for his tasty tacos. The inside of his restaurant was usually empty and he was constantly trying to get his customers to come inside and try his other dishes to no avail.But sales tripled.

carniceria mural

So now everytime I see a taco truck parked in the lot of a carniceria or taqueria I think of that taquero and his unusual dilemma. I also think that the proprietor of the carniceria most likely understands a thing or two about human behavior. Although carnicerias commonly sell tacos behind the counter the allure of the taco wagon in the parking lot is too tempting. It becomes an impulse buy for motorists and passers buy, many of whom would not have bothered to go inside to order from the counter.

That's how I ended up at Tanya's taco truck. Driving east on Cesar Chavez my impulses got the best of me and I pulled over.

When I first walked up to the truck they were loading supplies from the market into the back of the truck. It was just after noon and I could smell the grilled meats emanating out of the trucks windows. The scent of charred pork and beef and chile hit my nostrils and set off all the happy sensors in my brain.

asada

My tacos(asada y al pastor) came garnished with onions and cilantro.The al pastor was cut from the spit, the asada char-grilled and lime flavored. Both meats finely chopped and topped with a salsa roja and avocado salsa. The cold creamy avocado salsa in one bite, the chile salsa in the next add all the flavor you can ask for. If you want some extra heat ask for a jalapeño(which I did) and you'll be dancing.

al pastor

If I had room I would have gone back for more but the heavy lunch earlier in the day put an end to any gastrological excess. These were beauties though and I will be back to try the other meat offerings. If you plan on going on a taco crawl along Cesar E Chavez on a Saturday afternoon don't forget to add Tanya's to your list.

Tanya's Tacos
4300 Cesar E Chavez Ave
Tacos $1

Tacos De Tanya

2007-06-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

The saltworks, California proposes the prohibition of truck of taco

2007-06-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

(the photograph by the intermediary of the forces of Times of New
York try to prohibit trucks of taco in the saltworks, California. For
some communities the life style of taco is seen like threatens for the
statu quo. The war of culture enters the forces theantione and the
forces of pro-pro-taco reaches a launching of fever my friends. The
fever of taco is here to remain but nobody indicated that the road
with freedom would be paved with hechas of twisted a mano. Thus the
fight continues. In solidarity with my brothers of taco to the top of
north I will roast some asada edge and will eat a jalapeno. Otra
vez!Proposed the prohibition of the trucks of taco stirs up animosity
in a polemic of truck of California Town[NY Times raised with
forthcoming trucks of Herald]Taco of level[Monterey against. The trust
of restaurant in the saltworks, CA[Carpe Diem
Cake of marriage and bunch of flowers (cakes of cup) for my friend
Orange cake (no mixer)

Meillor connaissez un Taquero

2007-06-15T15:55:00.001-07:00

From time to time I obtain email of the operators of truck of taco in
other states. I also obtain email of in love with taco of other states
asking where to obtain best the taco in their respective city. Time
came to join together both. Thus I decided to tear in addition to
Stephen Colbert "better know a zone" and calls this segment of my blog
"better know a taquero". I will comprise operators of truck of taco
everywhere of the country. If you are an operator of truck of taco
anywhere in the country send to me your information and the
pictures!Carlos Sosa is the owner of Yucateca of tacos with Tampa Bay,
Florida. Mr. Sosa transformed a bottom of 8x10 page into carriage
adapted to the customer requirements of taco. Before beginning its Mr.
Sosa of businesses sought on the Internets and found these blog and
appropriations this blog to inspire it to begin its taco business.Mr
Sosa a native of Yucatan, Mexico brought savours of yucatan and
michoacan to the asada of the service 727"I, the model of carnitas,
the POC-CHUC (roasted pig) and the pollo, the tacos, the tortas, the
quesadillas and even to the breakfasts michoacan the morning (the
chorizo and the eggs are my higher salesman) I sell the pibil
cochinita like yuca of tacos Wednesday and fishes the tacos and of the
tostadas of ceviche on friday."If you live close to control Bay out of
Yucateca of tacos and tell them the bandini taco sent park of
NPinellas avenue of Yucateca5895 sixty-ten-eighth of you!Tacos,
Fl33781

Better know Taquero

2007-06-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Silicium Llena Of That

2007-06-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

If you thought your best chance of finding a great street taco was when the sun goes down , think again my friends. Many of LA's finest taco trucks operate both day and night. There is the two headed monster of La Estrella and El Pique that park side by each in Highland Park. There is the 50 cent taco special at El Capitan, the roasting al pastor spit at The Surfer Taco and lets not forget the senoras of La Golondrina that serve up enchiladas straight from the lonchera.

Now we can add another to the growing list of lunchtime taco truck eats (that's if you eat lunch at 2pm like your humble taco correspondent.)

Taqueria La Que Si Llena parks in front of the Superior Warehouse market at the corner of Cesar E. Chavez Ave. and Rowan Ave serving up solamente tacos,burritos y tortas.

It was about 1:30 in the afternoon when I strolled up to the window of the truck.

"un taco pastor, y un taco carnitas por favor"

"no carnitas hoy "

They were out of carnitas so I got adventurous.

"dame un taco de lengua por favor"

"un de lengua?"

I know she expected me to say asada. I expected me to say asada. But I said lengua. And I said it like I was a seasoned lengua eater.

The tacos came wrapped in thin paper. Two large fresh corn tortillas packed with meat, onions, cilantro and a light salsa de chile arbol.They were the size of small burritos and only $1.25 each.

I opened the lengua first. Thick cuts of beef tongue spilled out on to the plate, a beefy aroma filled my nostrils and after a heavy squirt of lime I dug in. The beefy strips of lengua dominate the subtle salsa and lime and it's a bit overwhelming but also very satisfying.

My taste buds had to adjust to the saucy al pastor and once they did I couldn't get enough. The fresh corn tortillas soaked up the achiote stain from the pork and the salsa and lime provided the perfect balance.

Cesar Chavez Ave is somewhat of a taco paradise . Whether you seek the fiery red salsa roja of King Taco, or the crisp battered fish tacos from El Siete Mares or the authentic dishes from La Parilla you will find it on this avenue where LA and Mexico collide.

Taqueria La Que Si Llena
3600 Cesar E. Chavez Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90063
Tacos $1.25
Something of different: Breakfast for the dinner
a good book

King Taco #15

2007-06-01T18:51:00.001-07:00

Before I started this blog I would eat at King Taco three or four times a week. I ate there so often the gentlemen that prepared the orders knew me. They knew me and acknowledged me. It's one thing if they know your face, it's another if they acknowledge you as a regular . That can go a long way to getting an extra salsa roja or cup of jalapeños or often times just the correct order. It always helps ordering the same thing every time. As they knew my face they also knew me by the name "2 carne asada , 2 al pastor guy".

One time one of the workers at the King Taco on San Pedro St said to me" Hey, you normally eat at the Pico and Alvarado king taco"

He was right, the Pico and Alvarado location was my King Taco.

After starting this blog I stopped going to King Taco. Not because I didn't love King Taco but because as a taco journalist I had to cover the overall taco beat and not the same beat everyday. There were other tacos to report on, the city was waiting.

So when I decided it was time to go back to King Taco I wanted to go to the King Taco I had never been to before. The King Taco stand in East LA on Olympic blvd, a region I refer to as the taco mecca.

To my knowledge this King Taco is the only King Taco that is a traditional taco stand(it has no indoor ordering) It is also one of the biggest taco stands in Los Angeles.

asada y al pastor

King Taco's carne asada is the popular choice . These are classic LA tacos. The perfect amount of oil is applied to each tortilla, and the way the onions and cilantro and meat combine with the hot salsa roja is just magical. Al pastor, suadero, carnitas are all excellent as well but it is the asada tacos that I fell for first.

But it is the salsa roja that sets firmly the crown atop the King's head. It is what you think of when you hear King Taco, and for heat lovers it is what you crave.

It is what makes King Taco the King.

King Taco #15
4300 E. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90023
http://www.kingtaco.com

PS : I'm looking for classic taco stands or taco huts. The kind that have an outdoor window ordering only and no indoor seating. The taco stand(as well as burger stand) is kind of a dieing art. The westside has only 1 taco stand, La Playita on Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica. So my friends, email Me the taco stands in your area. Even if they are not the greatest tacos I still want to check them out.

The King Taco #15

2007-06-01T18:51:00.000-07:00