No one can deny that there is a difference between Westside and eastside tacos. The eastside has always been the major leagues. There was even a time when if on the Westside and looking for a decent taco you had to jump on the 10 freeway and head east until the downtown skyline came into clear view.
That's not so much the case now. The Westside has it's share of good tacos but they aren't eastside tacos. . East side tacos have bite to them, they are oiled just right, the meat prepared to more uniform artisan standards, the skill of the taquero more on display.
But there is at least one taquero on the Westside with the eastside skill. That taquero is Don Jorge. Don Jorge operated a taco truck at the corner of Cattaraugus and Venice blvd for 25+years serving up classic street tacos topped with onions, cilantro and a homemade red chile salsa. |
| Back during the taco truck days you would pay after you finished your tacos. Maybe it's because Don Jorge knew that after you tried his tacos you would ask for more. You would make eye contact and hold up two fingers, or shout dos mas and specify which meats. You'd settle your bill in the end and walk away satisfied.
A couple years ago Don Jorge moved into a brick and mortar at the same corner serving up the same street tacos at $1.25 each. The menu also consists of tortas, burritos, sopes and quesadillas(Asada, Al Pastor, Lengua, Cabeza, Carnitas, Pollo, Buche). I've never ordered anything but the tacos. I'm a creature of habit. With a great salsa roja the taco is the perfect vehicle for the taste explosion.
It was asada and al pastor on this day. The citrus marinade at Don Jorges always on point paired with the spice of the salsa roja. The al pastor, a saucy blend of marinated pork and carmelized onions topped with the chile salsa. These tacos, like most eastside tacos are made to be eaten on the spot. If you take them to go you risk the tortillas falling apart under weight of the salsa and juice from the meat.
When I'm on a serious taco run I usually start with two tacos. After the first bite I always know if I'm going back for more. Even the best taco establishments have their off days and when that happens I just tip my hat to the taquero and move on to the next taco truck or stand. But on this day Tacos don Jorge were on their game. I knew after the first bite that two wouldn't be enough.
Dos mas, dos mas.
4/5
8693 Venice Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90034. We are open
7 days a week from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
http://www.tacosdonjorge.com |
