The Great Taco Hunt's 10 Best Taco Trucks of 2006

()

He goes by the moniker "Bandini" and his mission is to find the city's best tacos. Sound like an ill-conceived Food Network show (maybe not, come to think of it--who do we talk to about a pitch meeting?) or what? Actually, it's the premise of a local foodblog called--what else?--The Great Taco Hunt. And here are his picks for the 10 Best Taco Trucks he frequented in 2006.

1.Tacos El Korita -East Olympic Blvd and Herbert Ave, East LA
Olympic blvd off the 710 is a taco mecca. In the evenings taco trucks line the blvd and on the weekends the taco tables come out with the fire roasting spits of al pastor. But it is El Korita that keeps me coming back to this stretch of taco bliss. It's the delicious salsa roja and verde and the tender and spiced meats but the kicker is the tortillas hechas a mano(homemade) that are formed and pressed right inside the truck.

2. El Pique -York and Ave 53, Highland Park
The taquero at El Pique is a taco master. From the perfectly oiled corn tortillas to the finely chopped meats to the spicy salsa roja. It is all part of his master plan to get you addicted to his tacos and turn you into a Chivas football supporter.

3. Tacos la Fonda -Vineland and Vanowen, San Fernando Valley
Tortillas hechas a mano, lean and tender meat and the smokiest salsa roja north of mulholland. They get so busy on the weekends they take your order with a pad and pen in the parking lot.

4. La Golondrina-4910 Huntington Dr, El Sereno
The ladies at La Golondrina recognize the finer points of a taco. The corn tortillas are toasted and oiled perfectly, the meat is delicate and tender and the salsa is complex and spicy. They show off their culinary skills by offering enchiladas. Enchiladas out of a taco truck. Very Nice.

5. El Chato- La Brea and Olympic
What was formally El Pecas #2 is now El Chato but don't let the name change fool ya. They still have the same great tacos. The generator roars well into the night as this taco
wagon is quickly becoming the destination for the late night drunkard crowd (guilty as charged). Ordering al pastor from the rotating spit is a must but don't sleep on the asada. The secret at el chato is the hint of fresh chile in every bite. Sabroso!

6. Tacos Jeesy's -Cesar E Chavez Blvd and S Carmelita Ave, East LA
The suadero is so soft it melts on your tongue . The al pastor, cut from the spit is charred at the tips and moist in the middle and is excellent . Both topped with a brick red salsa roja that brings the heat.

7.Betos -Jefferson Blvd 2 Blocks west of La Brea
Beto parks along an industrial strip of Jefferson Blvd between La Brea and Redondo Ave . Rotating al pastor spit? Check. Spicy salsa roja that will make you reach for your cold beverage? Check. Local thugs that bump ridicously loud music while waiting for their tacos? Check.

8. La Paisa- Huntington Dr and Poplar Blvd, Alhambra
Two tacos for $1.50 and they come loaded with salsa and guacamole. Close your eyes and you're in Tijuana without having to worry about any mischievous niños trying to pick your pocket and sell you chiclets.

9.Rudy's -Venice Blvd and Melvil, Culver City
Eastside tacos on the Westside . The tacos can get a bit sloppy depending on how liberal the taquero gets with the bottles of salsa and depending on what mood he is in you'll get the roja or verde. Both are excellent.

10.Garcia Bros- Venice and La Cienega
I'm throwing a bone to my local taco truck. The house salsa here is a salsa verde that brings insane amounts of heat. Try the carnitas and carne asada but don't ask for extra salsa, the taquero will go taco nazi on you and take your tacos.