Exactly one week ago, I found myself flying to the Bay Area in order to enjoy the annual Chinese New Year potluck feast (more on that in a future post) with family and friends at Cheryl and Cam’s house . Now, let me ask you this. What is the best way to whet one’s appetite for the mountain of food that accompanies any Chinese New Year celebration? Why, tacos, of course! Fortunately it’s become somewhat of a tradition that whenever I fly into Oakland, if Matt or PK is picking me up, the first thing we do is head over to International Boulevard, home to numerous taco trucks, where we gorge ourselves on tacos. In this case, we headed to Tacos El Gordo #2 (don’t know where #1 is, but I’m glad to know there are two). According to Matt (and the picture on the side of their trailer) it’s known for it’s al pastor (marinated, slow spit-roasted pork) which because of it’s spicy seasoning and roasted crunchy bits has always been one of my favorite meats of tacos, burritos or tortas. But equally delicious at Tacos El Gordo are the suadero, cabeza and (Mexican) chorizo. But don’t just believe these written words. Watch the following video because seeing is believing.
Tag Archives: al pastor
Jacksion Heights, Queens: the anti “Chavellas”
So what exactly am I talking about? Well, go ahead and take a look a the Chavellas post for a little background info. Perhaps now you’ll understand what I mean when I say that this neighborhood in Queens, the second most populated borough in NYC kicks Chavellas’s – the tiny Mexican restaurant in Prospect Heights – ass. Of course it’s not a fair fight, but it’s true. Whereas Chavellas is close, convenient and serves up mediocre somewhat gringofied Mexican food, J-Heights, Queens is far away, totally a hassle to get to (from our pad in P-Heights, Bklyn), but it is the home to awesome and authentic Mexican food -most notably the tacos. Don’t believe me? You’re wrong. Need convincing? Read on.