Simply said, I just had the best al pastor torta I've ever had.
Up until this point my favorite place for a totra was a spot called Tacos Manuel. A little taco stand on the side of the road leading into Rosarito in Baja Mexico.
Tacos Manuel has just been overtaken.
Available from 6:00PM to 2:00AM El Abuelo Nacho serves up delicious authentic Mexican food at fantastic prices.
Another late night of studies brings midnight hunger. Usually at that time your options are limited to chain fast-food drive-thrus. NOT GOOD! Thank God that about a year ago a little taco stand started popping up in the parking lot of a junkyard and recycling plant a couple of blocks away from my house in Chatsworth. At first it was curious how a little portable taco stand was going to make it in an industrial area away from bars, restaurants, or people. But soon after the crowds started gathering and I had to know what the buzz was all about.
So this past evening I took a break from the books, called up a couple of food loving friends, and headed down to El Abuelo Nacho.
As you drive up to this place some of you might begin to second guess yourself. Don't! I know it's in a parking lot of a junkyard, but after you've had a taste of chef Pablo's food you'll realize the atmosphere is just a part of this place's charm.
The first thing you notice upon walking up are the three vibrantly colored fresh salsas, spicy marinated jalapenos and carrots, and the sliced lemons sitting in immaculately clean containers. The menu is simple and your options are listed on the windows looking into the tiny kitchen when chef Pablo performs his magic with the help of his lovely girlfriend Ceci.
I convinced my friends to allow me to do the ordering in exchange for paying for the food; this way I could be experimental and try a little of everything. I ordered one taco from each type of meat they served: Buche, tripas, carne asada, al pastor, lengua, cabesa, pollo, and chorizo. As a suggestion from the chef I also ordered the mix burrito, along with a chicken quesadilla, and an al pastor torta. A couple of extra asada tacos and a bean and cheese burrito topped off our order. Four people had more food then they knew what to do with and all for 29 bucks!
The one item that blew my mind was the al pastor torta. Perfectly seasoned and marinated pork, crisp lettuce, sprinkle of cotija cheese, artfully crafted salsa, soft and tasty beans, all on fresh baked bread. The pork is crispy on the outside and tender inside. The juices from the pork get soaked up by the bread and create alchemical wonders that delight your taste buds. You've got to try this!
The ingredients are fresh, the meat is perfectly seasoned and prepared, the salsas are delicious, and this place is open late. It's a must try if you're in the neighborhood and a life saver for those trapped in the far corners of the Valley.
El Abuelo Nacho is located on 21250 Nordhoff in Chatsworth. They usually set up around 6PM and breakdown around 2AM. They do catering so every now and then they might not be there, which makes the adventure a little more exciting. The taco truck is clean inside and out, the food is fresh, and there is always plenty of parking. If you're up late for any reason and in the Chatsworth area I don't think there is a better place to grab a bite.
Enjoy!!!
Ali Alavi
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| This is what you see as you drive by. Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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| Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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| Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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| Mixto burrito. Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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| The one and only al pastor torta. Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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| The lounge area. Photo by Ryan Melideo. |
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