More Taco Memories of Jack in the Box

When I was a kid, I rode horses almost every day. I actually took a bus from the Westside all the way to friggin' Northridge! I'm guessing it was about 30 miles. It took over an hour but I was able to do some of my homework on the ride.

My mom worked for Paramount Studios at the time, for an up-and coming whippersnapper of a young executive (Jeffrey Katzenberg). She worked from 8am to 8pm everyday and would come from Hollywood to pick me up in Northridge so I wouldn't have to take the bus both ways. We were both very dedicated to our passions.

This happened about 2x per week and dinner was the same everytime... Jack in the Box. Way back when they had something called the "Super Taco." Not the 'Monster' taco, but the SUPER taco. It was a few inches bigger than the Monster and had this pretty amazing salsa that was chunky and kind of like Ortega bottled salsa or Herdez Salsa Casera.

Man I loved those tacos. I remember one occasion where I ordered and ate five of them. The oily crunchy shell, the mystery filling, the melted rubbery "American" cheese slice and that salsa. I always asked for extra salsa and they were always piping hot.

This was in the 80's. I guess at some point in the 90's, the Super Taco morphed into something else. That fancy salsa was probably too expensive. How I miss that taco and of course that time when I was much younger, thinner, and weekly horseback riding was part of my life!

Riding in Baja, 2009

How to Make Sangria That Won't Give you a Headache!

What better drink for a Taco Party than Sangria. Especially if it's on a weeknight and your friends aren't tequila hounds or beer buds.

Here is a decent recipe from HOW TO. There videos are FUN. But here's how to adjust this so your head won't hurt. First, FORGET THE SUGAR. You don't need it.

Second, Triple Sec is CRAP. Use Grand Marinier or Cointreau. Trust the French on this one even though it's a Spanish drink you are making! Use less than the recommend - only 2 oz.

Add more fruit! Lemon is not good in Sangria. Skip the limes and the lemon juice as well. In addition to the oranges, add some apples and pears. YUM.

A lot of people want bubbles in their Sangria so they add Sprite or 7-UP. I say NO. If you're really dying to, go ahead and add a splash of club soda but no more sugar here, please.

I recently did have a Vodka Sangria and I couldn't believe it. I couldn't taste the Vodka and it gave the Sangria more of a kick. If you go for the Brandy - go high quality. Not crap. Crap will give you a headache. Also on the Vodka, no Svedka! Tito's or Smirnoff.

Some crazy people put cinnamon in their Sangria. Ok. Sure. Maybe...

If you want it to be sweeter because you are having, say, an ALL GIRLS party. Use sliced strawberries, and maybe 4 oz of Pineapple juice.

Que rico!

Plancha Tacos! Hollywood

I love this place. They are so AWESOME. Here are the reasons for their AWESOMENESS... (not necessarily in order!)

1. They serve breakfast all day (until Midnight in fact)
2. They are good at Tweeting!
3. They have lettuce wrap tacos that are done with Boston lettuce and not Iceberg!
4. Their shrimp tacos with cheese sauce are SUICIDALLY HEAVENLY!
5. The people who work there are BEYOND nice.
6. They have FREE WIFI
7. It's very clean inside.
8  They have excellent vegetarian options
9. Their beans are a creamy mix of black and pinto
10. They make TOGO ordering E-Z.

veggie menu

Several people told me about this place but none of them could remember the name! Uh... it's on 3rd street kind of on a side street but it's really good.... I think of 3rd St. and all I can think of is Joan's and I start to salivate.

shrimp and fish tacos

Plancha is located next to a little mini mall at the corner of Sweetzer & 3rd St. There is decent parking in the hood and they have a few outside tables too if you want to bring your Chihuahua.

8250 W. 3rd St.
http://www.planchatacos.com/

Happy National Taco Day in LA!

I personally do not NEED an excuse to eat tacos, but if you do... here it is! I'm thinking maybe Doritos or Taco Bell is behind this, but either way, it's a great excuse to celebrate tacos.

Here are 3 places I find particularly reliable and satisfying with regards to their tacos selection ::

MY TACO - Located in Highland Park on the ever hipper York Blvd, My Taco has the most awesome crispy potato tacos. Pretty sure you can get beer here and on weekends, one of the best Barbacoa de Borrego around. Friendly and affordable I always love my taco at MY TACO.

LOTERIA GRILL STUDIO CITY - I love this location of Jimmy Shaw's consistently appetizing Mexican food. Their Taco Sampler is amazing as is their Grilled Skirt Steak and Tamarindo Margarita. Clean, friendly, and very creative. They also do lettuce tacos which I love to eat when I'm dieting. Loteria Grill Studio City

MARISCOS JALISCO BOYLE HEIGHTS - They are only open 10-5 so it's not too late to go for lunch or an early dinner. The owner Raul is the best. His taco is a magical combination of delicious shrimp, silky avocado and a crunchy crispy shell. Everything is fresh daily and Raul's daughters serve you tacos with a smile. What more can you ask for under $2? NOTHING. Except you will have to eat at least two because they are ADDICTIVE.  KCRW Food Event w/ Mariscos Jalisco

Go forth and taco my children and let us know how it goes.

ox the Taco Maven

Ana's Food Taquizas & Taco Catering

I went to a party catered by two lovely ladies, one of them named Ana.

Their food was really delicious. They had the usual grilled suspects.... asada, pollo, carnitas and they were also making crispy chicken/potato tacos. I really liked their salsas and they were truly happy to make any combo you requested.

This is Ana!

They had both flour and corn tortillas and were making quesadillas as well. Everyone kept going back for more. An excellent sign! You can contact them by email :: anaolvera37@yahoo.com

Recently, while at a party to celebrate the new ownership at the Hermosa Saloon down in the Southbay, I came across another great caterer: Chihuahua's. 

By the time I got there, most of the free food was gone, but there was just enough left that I could sample the bits and I was impressed with those bits. The asada was nice and caramelized but not dry, the chicken was juicy and the salsas were super tasty. 

I would definitely hire them as well. They also have a taco place down in Norwalk. http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-chihuahua-norwalk)