Although of non Mexican heritage I have a strong affection for the food and the lifestyle and I can say that because I lived in Mexico (Rosarita) in about 1995. Back then you could walk across the border to Tijuana and party of Revolution St and come back that night after an abundance of $2.00 drinks and $6.00 lobsters. One time I decided to stay longer than an evening out and met a wonderful woman with whom I am still friends with to this day.
She invited me to stay with her at her parents house which I gladly accepted and was taught how to cook with the local ingredients and the service, it was wonderful to be a part of, to be so immediately included and treated like a member of the family.
After I placed my order at Taqueria El Palmar, I noticed someone coming toward the truck from my left and it was Mamma, the daughter of the taco truck counter woman. In my best efforts I greeted her and she replied warmly and the granddaughter was handing me coins from the tip jar and little sea shells she had. We sacked them in different patterns and combinations all the whole this little angel was smiling and laughing, we had so much fun.
On to the food which is the point of the reviews but when there is historical significance that was so memorable to me, I just feel the need to share it.
I noticed that there was a freshly prepared Mexican sandwich and the daughter said it was for her brother, so without hesitation I exclaimed "I would like to order the exact same thing -- and two tacos". It was a carne asada torta with avocado and guacamole with fresh onions and tomatoes too. Lengua and Pastor tacos aren't always readily available at all taco trucks but El Palmar had it all, well seasoned thicker cuts but not overly chunky.
Normally I can chow down on this quantity of food and more however in this roadside taco stop, I was quite full given the significant step up in quantity and quality, not to mention this wonderful family that I got to spend time with, just like before but far far away. read more