This unassuming market got my attention with it's trailer grill with whole chickens and pork ribs on it in the parking lot. Under the grill was real hard wood, not briquettes or even lump charcoal. That was the first clue that this place has a different set of standards. About a third of the market is a restaurant, a third is a grocery store, and a third is for food processing. I saw the pride and attention they put into their food. Before I had a chance to order, the cook offered me a rib to taste. Great. I ordered my 4 tacos, all great and generous with grilled serranos and onions and lime added. From my table, I saw the cook bring in the stack of grilled chickens and ribs, and when I looked behind the counter, someone was putting meat into a sausage stuffer- they make their own chorizo, and it is GOOD. The cook clearly loves what he does and cares a lot about customers. He got one of my taco orders wrong, but I couldn't care because it was so good. This is the greatness that happens when immigrants combine pride and real food traditions.
This place is not known for its menudo. They grill meat, make sausage, salsas, and make true carnitas in a huge vat with all the parts that make true carnitas. They've also added some tamales varying between good and excellent.
It's just off Boronda exit on 101. You must stop here for lunch. Grilling is done by about 2pm. read more