BLOCHO'S TACOS

Part Two. Otto’s Tacos As we entered Otto’s Tacos, I quickly realized that our extremely scientific taco taste test methodology was flawed. We did not agree on a standardized taco flavor to try at every spot therefore committing to comparing apples to oranges to chorizo to pollo. Also, the type of taco (sit down restaurant vs fast casual) was also mis-matched. However, I bit my tongue and pushed onwards still excited for the plethora of tacos I had in my future. At Otto’s we were greeted by Maggie, the cheerful woman behind the counter, who was busy entering take out and delivery orders, much to her chagrin, and by the time she was ready for our order was flustered but appeasing. We wanted to take advantage of the taco + a beer deal, but rather than order a beer, I wanted a horchata. She said she couldn’t do the official swap, but could throw in the Horchata if we tipped her. So #winning. Maggie! We ordered the special of the day - a crispy short rib taco and th...

Upon hearing that I have a blog devoted to tasting tacos from around the country (and globe), people ask me where to find the best tacos -- what is my favorite?  I tend to give a complicated answer.   "It depends what you're looking for." In New York, if you want upscale Mexican with delicious tacos and kick-ass margaritas: Empellon Taqueria in the West Village. If you're looking for super standard street-style no-frills tacos,  Tehuitzingo Deli. The spot for delicious tacos but where the all-star menu item is   not  tacos: El Centro . The list and descriptors goes on. Well, when venturing to Los Angeles, it seems that everyone agrees upon one favorite: Guisado's .  Guisado's on Sunset (original is in Boyle Heights) Now I understand why.  These tacos are easily in the top 5 of all tacos I've tasted.  They win big with the tortillas.  Stone ground corn masa is turned into delectable, hearty, fresh-made torti...

For West Coast/Bay Area aficionados, the place to get delicious (and inexpensive) Mexican food is The Mission. When I said I wanted tacos (and a burrito for my non-gluten free companions), everyone suggested El Farolito.  Arriving to a line that snaked out of the small NY pizza-joint styled eatery confirmed that this was the place to eat. Standing outside in the unseasonably cold San Francisco winter weather (low 40s!), we deliberated the offerings and drooled over the menu.  Watching the guys expertly craft the steak quesadillas on the griddle was almost enough to sway my from my true calling. I opted for an al pastor and carne asada tacos.  Expertly places on double corn tortillas with onions and cilantro, these tacos were good.  Really good.  The meat was juicy and plentiful and although I went a bit overboard on the super spicy salsa (red pico de gallo looking salsa), I balance the intensity with the cooling green tomatillo/avocado (??) option....