Welcome back to the TacoWire, your weekly dispatch at L.A. Taco that keeps you up to date with L.A.’s Taco Life.
[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap]s the nation starts to see small glimmers of life returning back to a new sense of normality, L.A.’s taqueros start to let themselves and their invaluable services to hungry Angelenos be known again. Many never went away while some have found ways to adapt. Here is what’s going on in L.A.’s Taco Life this week.
Taco Madness is back so go vote now
We are day two of our annual online tournament. Our first round is Tacos 1986 vs. Chica’s Tacos and Chuy’s Tacos Dorados vs. Cielito Lindo. So far, Tacos 1986 and Cielito Lindo are on top! If you haven’t already please go and vote now! We gotta keep our Taco Life going...if even from the comfort of our own homes.
Sonoratown is back
After a brief hiatus amid the coronavirus lockdown, downtown L.A.’s flour tortilla OG is lighting their mesquite grill once more this Monday, April 20th. We’ve all been cooking a hell of a lot at home these days, so see you on the Chivi side. 208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014. (213) 628-3710.
Affordable BBQ for the entire family from an East L.A. OG
If you’ve been missing East LA BBQ’s and Co.’s locally renowned smoked meats from their residency at Xelas in Boyle Heights, you’re in luck. The husband and wife team are firing up their smokers to offer take-home family meals that may or may not include their juicy smoked cabeza, tender smoked lengua, and smoked wings. Slide into their DMs via Instagram to see what they’ll be cooking up every week. Their first service is next Friday.
A six-foot burrito...you’re not down
A torta shop in Paramount has started doing a six-foot burrito that is currently available through Uber Eats. Their followers have already started tagging their friends into eating it on the restaurant’s Instagram post, summoning the powerful words: “You’re not down…” Call Tortas Chingonas to order one now. 7015 Somerset Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723. (562) 408-2840.
“Smash it yourself” burgers from Tripp Burgers available this Sunday
Ever wanted to tap into your inner-smash burger master and create crispy, juicy, savory burgers at home? Well, now you can with Tripp’s signature Prime-grade beef and bacon blend this Sunday. That sounds like a damn good Sunday supper if you ask us. More details on their Instagram post.
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Ponchos Tlayudas is back...and he’s got tamales, too
L.A.’s resident Zapotecan chef has been quietly offering super-moist banana leaf-wrapped tamales using Kernel of Truth Organic’s masa. Pickups are Sunday and his current menu has something for everyone: Mole Negro with Pollo, Chicken in Salsa Verde, Pork in Mole Amarillo, and Black Beans. He’s also got a super-limited amount of tlayudas that he will be selling starting today and next Friday. Due to the scarce availability of Oaxacan-imported tlayudas, they are sold out today but keep an eye out next week. There are always tamales! Order them by the piece or dozen. Remember, they freeze very well and tamales are the original Mexican protein bars. For more information, slide into Poncho’s Tlayudas DMs to place an order.
Local hot sauce maker El Machete offering L.A. Taco’s signature taco sauce once again
El Machete is selling a small arsenal of his hot sauces, including a “taco sauce” he concocted in our honor. Having a steady supply of Oscar Ochoa’s handmade bottled salsas can be the difference between having a good meal and a great one. So give your Tapatio, Cholula, Valentina, or whatever bottle you are dependent on a break and support this L.A. hot sauce artisan. He is calling it 'Curbside Weekend' and only doing it Saturday through Monday. Read our past story to find out more about Oscar and his passion for salsas.
Evil Cooks’ Queretaro-style mole now available at Sara’s Market
We know you’ve all probably tried mole poblano and mole Oaxaqueño, but what about mole done in the style of Queretaro? Head over to Sara’s Market and ask for it by name. According to their head taquero and part-time mole maker, Alex Garcia, this mole is somewhere in between the two styles. It is the first mole done in this style we see in Los Angeles and it’s a labor of love since it takes 32 ingredients to make, so yes, it is worth every penny. Spoon over some poached chicken, scrambled eggs, or if you’re feeling crazy, some Evil Enmoladas. Available now at Sara’s Market. Follow Evil Cooks on Instagram for more information.
A’s BBQ giving away free meals to hospitality workers in need
The “Chicano BBQ” specialists A’s BBQ has announced that they will be giving away 20 free meals to their fellow restaurant workers who are in need of some tender BBQ love at their next Curbside pickup pop-up on April 24th. Go to their Instagram page to find out more.
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