Update 3: Checked out a few more taquerias this past week.
Mexicali Taco & Co.
Mexicali Tacos shot up in recognition a few years ago, from its humble beginnings as a late night taco stand on 1st Street, to its current incarnation as a full brick-and-mortar store.
They specialize in Baja-style tacos, and make their salsas from scratch.
Al Pastor Taco:
They cook their pork on a trompo and even slice some pineapple just like Leo’s and many other traditional places do, but the pork was a bit dry and one note.
Chorizo Taco:
Their Chorizo was better, but compared to flavors of the Tire Shop Taqueria, it was lacking.
Carne Asada Taco:
Was really looking forward to their Carne Asada, because that was one of their standouts when they first started out as a little stand. The Beef was juicy, but the flavors were kinda one-note. It wasn’t bad, but not great either. Maybe I’m spoiled by the recent Tire Shop Taqueria’s fresh grilled smokiness, or Revolutionario’s ridiculous deep, beefy Barbacoa Beef Brisket Tacos, but these were just not that enjoyable.
Mexicali Taco & Co.
702 N. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: (213) 613-0416
Tacos Punta Cabras
One of Santa Monica’s few legit Taquerias, Tacos Punta Cabras specializing in a modern take on Baja-style tacos.
They seem to be chef-driven, making all their salsas and sauces from scratch, and they have Vegan and Gluten-Free Options as well.
Fish Taco:
Their Fish Tacos are pretty light, Tempura batter-fried Fish, with a house-made Wasabi-Lime Crema. Fish was juicy, and I dug the mounds of fresh veggies on top keeping it all very light and refreshing. The batter isn’t as crackling and crunchy as Ricky’s Fish Tacos, but it’s a nice take on the Fish Taco.
Scallop Taco:
Their Scallop Taco is also served with their Wasabi-Lime Crema. The Scallops are tender and juicy, and not overcooked.
Cauliflower Tostada:
Just fantastic! They shave farmer’s market fresh Cauliflower with a Pico de Gallo, fresh Avocado, and a house-made Almond Crema. This Tostada tastes meaty! I coulda sworn there was some meat in there, LOL. Probably one of the best Vegetarian dishes I’ve had recently.
Tacos Punta Cabras
2311 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Tel: 310-917-2244
http://tacospuntacabras.com/
Guerilla Tacos (2nd Report)
We went back to Guerilla Tacos again, but that speaks volumes to Chef Wes Avila’s cooking. Every day is literally a new menu, depending on what Chef Avila sources from the farmer’s market.
Chorizo, Squash and Egg Flautas (with Market Greens, Fresno Chile, Oaxacan Cheese, Chile de Arbol, Chives):
This is exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that makes Guerilla Tacos so endearing. Their “Flautas” is this awesome mixture of Chorizo sausage, lightly, naturally sweet Squash and Eggs. It’s delicious, savory and spicy.
Wild Boar Pocho Taco (with Pinto Beans, Aged Red Fox Cheddar, Cherry Tomatoes, Cilantro, Burnt Tomato Chile):
The Wild Boar is only slightly gamy, but tender and juicy. The Aged Red Fox Cheddar is gorgeous visually and balances out the flavors. Fantastic!
Foie Gras Scramble on Toast:
And then things get absurd: Foie Gras Egg Scramble on a freshly toasted Brioche Bun?! Seriously, Chef Avila shows off his refined cooking roots with this Daily Special.
Imagine perfectly seared Foie Gras (generous portion), sweet, silky buttery, sexy, on top of PERFECTLY COOKED Farmer’s Market Fresh Eggs. The pictures don’t do it justice, but these are the BEST Scrambled Eggs I’ve had in recent memory! They are just cooked through, still silky, moist, fluffy, AWESOME!
And together? They are the best thing I ate this weekend.
Seriously amazing stuff that Chef Avila is doing at Guerilla Tacos. Can’t wait to see what he has in store this week.
Guerilla Tacos
Wednesday 10am - 2pm at:
Cognoscenti Coffee
6114 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA
Thursday & Friday 10am - 2pm at:
Blacktop Coffee
826 E 3rd St. (Arts District DTLA)
Los Angeles, CA
Thursday 5 - 9pm at:
Silverlake Wine
2395 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Saturday & Sunday 10am - 2pm at:
Blue Bottle Coffee
582 Mateo St. (Arts District DTLA)
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.guerrillatacos.com/
FB Page with Daily Menu updates: