On Why L.A. Tacos Are So Much Better Than S.F. Taquerias

Let me preface this post by saying I spent three long shivery cold years in San Francisco, and five warm sunny funny years in Los Angeles before that. Let me also offer that I am a Mexican food fanatic. Nothing makes me happier than a crispy meat filled taco (carne asada, carnitas, ground beef or shredded chicken, give me them all) smothered in aged white cheddar and the hottest freshest salsa you can find, a sauce slathered tamale stuffed with slow cooked shredded pork, a tangy spicy dripping enchilada and salted glass of refreshing tart lime juiced margarita.

During those three cold lonely taco craving years in the beautiful strange chilly city of San Francisco, I attempted to find my long lost flavors of the Southland in each taqueria I passed. All I found were burrito hashing holes in the wall with less flavor than a McDonald's snack wrap. Sure meat was plentiful as was copious helpings of rice and beans however, it seems the concept of spice and marinated slow cooked citrus were left behind somewhere on the trek north. Who knows maybe flavor ends in Fresno?

Whatever the cause, the blander pallets of S.F. Mission hipsters and yuppy city dwelling breeders or a break in hispanic culture between Mexico and points North, no satisfaction could be found for a young girl who's soul yearned for those familiar flavors. What I still cannot understand is why. Your run of the mill grilled carne asada taco can be found on any corner in Los Angeles, cheap to make and simple to prepare. Why couldn't the foodie fad mecca of San Francisco figure it out?

Perhaps those with lists of foodie credits and claimed gourmet expertise can enlighten me. I'm all ears dear readers. Until then, all you snobby pretentious norcal yelpers keep right on complaining about your Michael Minna prix fix and personal affront of being served French cheese instead of local. Just don't come any further South than San Jose. K, thanx, bai.

On Overpriced Foodie Frauds

Its too early for them to know it, but most foodies, especially Los Angeles ones, are their own worst enemy. In the longstanding Hollywood tradition of stars in your eyes dreams of making it big in the big city, or at least the internet, many have fallen victim to the proverbial ride of over overpriced tasteless concoctions of unappetizing foodie fads.

Its really disappointing because many of these foodie folks are intelligent, well educated youngsters with too much time on their hands who you'd think could tell the difference between a delicious delicacy and lard spread on toast but, alas, in their misguided efforts to make it big and finally be one of the popular kids, they fallen victim to fad after fad.

Los Angeles, is no doubt, ground zero for creating substance-less one hit wonders to garner a quick buck, but really L.A. Foodies, you're giving our beautiful City of Angeles a bad name. From food trucks serving bad Indian Food and bacon flavored everything to bacon-wrapped matzo balls and soggy fried chicken covered in mole sauce, its one stomach turning mistake to the next.

Far be it for me to rain on anyone's parade but I too buy into the concept of Los Angeles being one of the greatest cultural centers in the country, even the world, and you folks are making a mockery of the great food culture that has formed and continues to spring to life here on our little pueblo.

A simple request. Please stop pretending strange combinations of flavors that have no business being called cuisine are worth their hefty prices and sold out reservations just because you want to be the first to get invited to the soft opening. If you want a little respect and following on your snarky little blog, stop complaining who's fois gras is better and stick to food with a little more honesty. Not only will it improve your cholesterol count but it might actually taste good too.