Not all tacos are created equal

Coming from an individual who grew up in Los Angeles, not only spent time but use to live in Mexico City and is now residing in San Diego with a frequent visit to Tijuana, the idea of the Taco is nothing new to me. From the very common Carne Asada to the very elusive al Pastor it is easy for me to say that not all Tacos are created equal.

Last night i traveled to Tijuana for a social function and craved some off the street culinary fast creations known as the Taco. Oh how i crave the Taco. Now the true Taco is not what has been handed to the American consciousness, the hard shelled Taco bell Taco is a fragmentation and abomination. The true Taco is served on a small corn tortilla with the prepared meat (their are some Tacos served with veges "Rajas") and a variety of condiments: salsa, onions, cilantro, guacamole, etc. but salsa is a must. A great Taco is nothing short of art when properly prepared. The concept of the Taco, thou simple, is a very complex balance of ingredients to produce the right mix of flavor in a small package.

Like stated earlier, i was in Tijuana and had to get my taste buds pleased with the flavor of the Taco. However, the Taco i had of Carne Asada despite being good was not great compared to some of the many other spots through out the city of Tijuana. The result of the tang dismay created a comparison in my mind although this Taco was not as good was still far superior to many i have had in the United States. Now i know i'm speaking of a subjective topic of taste when it comes to cuisine but my last comment doesn't state that their are no good Tacos in the States.

In my home ghetto of Wilmas there are some really good Tacos that come from a lunch truck off of Wilmington Blvd. And i have had other good Tacos of al Pastor from the same area as well but some of the famous establishments known in LA, for example King Taco or el Gallo Giro, i find no where close to some i have had in Tijuana (i know that last judgment is going to bother a few). I am not saying that Tijuana gets full marks, i still haven't found a decent Taco al Pastor that will fulfill the savor memory of my days in Mexico City. It is definitely safe to say that not all Tacos are created equal and a personal Taco taste challenge should be conducted.