I had an event in Santa Monica last night and on my way home, I decided to visit Tacos 5 Y 10 (aka Cinco y Diez) again (I previously visited in the spring).
I did try their titular, ginormous taco/burrito hybrid again but this time, instead of chicken, I asked for half cabeza, half carne asada (split into halves, not mixed). I also asked for a street taco with with pork costillas.
- Pork costillas taco: This was nice. Sure, one of the pieces of rib was still on the bone but I don't have a problem with that. The exterior char on these was lovely and while the pork wasn't BBQ tender, it wasn't chewy either. I could have added some salsa but I just let things ride with the guac and that was solid. Would absolutely order this again. 8.5/10
- Tacos Cinco Y Diez con cabeza y carne asada: One thing I can confirm from last time. By itself, without any salsa and regardless of the proten, what's at the base is both the texture from that big ol corn tortilla (handmade, natch) and the flavor of the black beans. Both are good but in a more subtle way so what you add to it really does reshape the eating experience. The cabeza, by itself, was good: very tender as you'd want and the flavor was decent but overall, I found it a touch underseasoned and hitting it with salsa really helped boost things. The carne asada side though was excellent: as with the costillas, the char and smoky flavor really shines on their asada so you'd getting extra flavor from that. Add on some of the chipotle salsa and that half was especially delicious. This all said: on second try, I do find these awkward to eat because even though they are rolled up, it's not like a burrito where everything gets tucked in. As a result, these things begin to fall apart really quickly in your hand. 8/10
Overall: I'd come again but probably stick to either street tacos or maybe try their tlayuda.
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Meanwhile, a few weeks back, I went to Casa Del Tarasco, a backyard, Michoacan-style carnitas stand in South Central. I brought a friend back this past weekend to try again and for real? This is definitely in my top tier for carnitas. It's not just the pork — it's great here — but I just love how cozy and friendly the vibe is. It's like your neighbors invited you over (assuming your neighbors have cazos filled with delicious pieces of pork roasting in lard). My friend and I got four tacos total, plus a pound of boronas o chales plus a pound of carnitas to go plus a bottle of Mexican coke and the whole thing was less than $40. An astounding value in my opinion. And again: it's just awesome that these backyard stands exist. Just remember: this place is only open on weekend mornings through mid-afternoon but as they have a big sign in front, on the street, you can't miss it.
by soulsides
Dining and Cooking