Friday, December 30, 2011

Recents

In the neighborhood...
1. Deleted

2. Tortas Ahogadas Las Originales (San Fernando)
Once we all get tired of searching out Dan Dan Mien in the SGV and regional Mexican seafood in South LA, I suspect we might move on to the Valley. If my last and most recent visits are any indication, there's a lot to be found. As evidence, we have the Drowned Torta at Torta Ahogadas Las Originales. Obviously, from the picture, the "Drowned" aspect refers to the fact that the torta, in itself a simple pulled pork sandwich, arrives on your table, drowned, or swimming to be optimistic, in a spicy, stomach stimulating, red sauce that most closely resembles something along the lines of Tapatio. Early on in the meal, immediately actually, you realize that eating the sandwich in a traditional manner would be futile, as it would simply fall apart. So you grab a fork and try to eat and simultaneously collect with your napkin, in as civilized a manner as possible, the drops that flow uncontrollably from your nose as you down the whole thing. Um...this place is actually not in my neighborhood.

3. La Esquina Carniceria (Mt. Washington)



The torta and the burrito are both fine, but the owner will gently steer you to the Salvadoran options, my choice of which are the pupusas. Not mind-altering in a Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii way, but completely comforting.

4. Mariscos Estilo D.F. (Highland Park)

I had really high hopes for this truck parked along Figueroa but, sadly, found the cocktail to be a bit too long on liquid and short on seafood. Disappointing.

5. El Taco Feliz (Glassell Park)Probably my favorite truck in the world right now. And you would never find it if you didn't just happen to stumble on to it driving through the side streets of Glassell Park. The sopes and huaraches lack the crisp refinement of those at Huarache Azteca or Antojitos Carmen, but are memorable nonetheless. Tacos-from buche, to chorizo to asada-are must haves, even with a slightly elevated price tag of $1.25. And you have to walk away with a huitlacoche quesadilla, especially if you never have. I've never seen another white person here which I think is a good sign.

Also in the neighborhood...
Seafood Restaurant Via Mar-I think La Cevicheria on Pico has ruined ceviche for me in the sense that, at this point, anything else in L.A. seems inferior. Haven't been to Mo Chica yet.

My Taco-Still one of the champs of Highland Park. Always good, though my stomach does not really ever agree with the barbacoa in any way.

Elsewhere...
Nha Trang (San Gabriel)


Still one of my favorite spots. Above is the Bun Rieu, rice vermicelli (spaghetti for all practical purposes) with crab and tomato. I wasn't crazy about the noodles (a bit too soft) but I suspect that's how it's supposed to taste. My quest to taste all items on the menu apparently got a little easier as they've reduced the menu to around 4-6 items.

Really far...
Archibald's BBQ (Northport, AL)
I suppose I could write something about this place, but I think I would just come off as some poser white BBQ expert who really doesn't know what he's talking about. The pictures say a lot I think.