Watch as city lights transform us – AFI
Tonight, the city lights of my beloved Los Angeles took me back to Baja. All of my senses were enlightened with the sounds, taste, smell, sight, and feeling of being in Mexico eating tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas under the stars. There was so much nostalgia as two of my worlds collided tonight. My two identities, together. As a Baja Californian at heart…tonight was an experience that I long to repeat…
It all started when my paisano Ricky (of fish taco fame) told RE that there was a taco stand in DTLA that sold authentic baja style tacos. The only catch was that tonight would be their last night at the parking lot where they usually set up. Since Ricky said they were good…we decided to check them out tonight. RE says she had heard of this stand before, but never knew the address.
Now that I’ve had these tacos, I’m totally kicking myself for not finding them sooner! How is it that there isn’t more talk about these guys! Sure you can find good tacos around LA, but these guys take it to the next level in regards to authenticity! Tonight I became their number one fangirl. This is why:
Thin plastic plates – Check.
Coca Cola tables/chairs – Check.
Plastic Salt Shaker – Check.
Plastic bag over plastic plate -Check.
Baja accent – Check.
Taco guy wearing a Bimbo jersey – Check.
Tree trunk chopping block – Check.
Use of the word ‘Orale’ – Check.
Canel’s – Check. Check.
Baja Hospitality – Check. Check. Check.
Tortillas that are actually bought in Mexicali – JACKPOT
I had a quesadilla, a cachetada and a vampiro. Everything I ate was instant magic. I could have stayed there all night just eating and taking it all in. This wave of nostalgia was very healthy for my soul. It goes to show street food is alive and well in my beloved City of Angels.
I want to thank these three guys right here for allowing me to escape the thought of lesson planning, work, meetings, and other stressful things. For an hour or so, I was among friends in Baja…I was in a state of bliss. Gracias a mis paisanos…
Watch as city lights dance for us…
As we were paying, we were handed some Canel’s. Instant. Flashback. Wow.
Sometimes the littlest details can mean so much.
*EDITED*
So apparently these guys can keep their location for a little bit longer! Catch them while you can!
1st & Beaudry, DTLA
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
8pm-12am
This Baja experience is something I would like to repeat over and over and it is something that I can’t wait to introduce my friends to.
It will change your life. Trust.
Feel free to give them a call: (323) 274-8907
Love this article–feel like I was almost there!
This is your BEST post! Nicely written. Like it.
Loved it, I will go to Baja one of this days for sure, Im dying for some real Baja tacos ;D
I found your blog through a RT that Ricky did. Great find! I’ve been looking for this “authenticity” you describe for years. I will definitely be on the look out for these guys, and look forward to you updating us when they are back!
I am impressed with the very descriptive words. Just by reading this took me back when my father took us on vacation to Mexico by land. We always stopped and had Mexicali style tacos on our way to Jalisco. Thanks and I will look for them keep me posted.
Mil gracias.
So I was cruising DTLA (not for hookers, I swear mom), and saw this stand. But I was so freakin’ full, and wussed out. Curious location, but there was a heavy duty line despite the industrial area. I think the plastic bag over plastic plate runs ALL The way down to say, Puerto Vallarta, and isn’t exclusive to Baja? Can someone verify?
Cachanillas unite! I will be trying your tacos this weekend.
Updated the blog post!
Apparently these guys can hang out on 1st/Baudry in DTLA a little bit longer!
They will be there Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat from 8pm-Midnight!
Seriously! You should all try to make it out because who knows when they will secure their new location!
I’ll be there for sure!
This totally brings back childhood memories. LOVE this post, def. my favorite.
[...] like Bill Esparza of StreetGourmetLA (I credit Bill to my discovery of Mexicali Taco) and LadyDucayne as having the best carne asada in town. Just this April, it won LATaco.com’s Taco Madness [...]