http://losangeles.citysearch.com/roundup/42963 Taco trucks have become a staple of life in Los Angeles, at least for adventurous foodies who don't need a letter grade in the window, starving students who consider just about anything a feast, hipsters looking to temper late-night liquor binges and immigrant Latinos looking for a taste of home. Now that the L.A. City Council threatens their future with anti-vending ordinances, taco truck lovers are enjoying what could be their last dose of the ultimate Angeleno comfort food. Let's see how these four Eastside trucks stack up in increments of chihuahuas. en Copyright 2008 Sat, 03 May 2008 12:12:33 -0700 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/73/19/42963r1.jpg http://losangeles.citysearch.com/roundup/42963 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles I figured I'd start my taco taste-testing at Rambo's but it was M.I.A., so I went with this neighbor instead. I ordered one carne asada and one al pastor, each priced at $1. At first glance, it was hard to tell them apart, since they were both speckled with the same weird store-bought orange salsa. I liked that the tortillas weren't greasy, but the steak was really rubbery. The al pastor was just okay, no real nuances of marinated flavor or complex spices. Maybe it was all that Tapatio-style paste. Too bad, because the portions of onions and cilantro were good, and they didn't drench it. If you've never had taco truck tacos before, use this as baseline. It's a decent "Tacos 101" intro. Maybe next time I'll try the mariscos (seafood) instead. Chiuahuahua credits: 2 out of 5. Los Angeles, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46362665/los_angeles_ca/durango_s.html Sat, 03 May 2008 12:12:33 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Coming off my disappointing foray at Dorado's, I was a little skeptical seeing a taco truck up on wooden blocks next to a closed-down restaurant of the same name. I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. La Estrella turned my day around. Tacos are $1.25 each. Carnitas aren't usually my first choice, but it was recommended and I went for it. Amazing! Possibly the best carnitas I've ever had. Tender, succulent pork complimented by homemade just-spicy-enough red salsa. My other pick, the lengua (beef tongue) was cut into small pieces and bathed in a tangy tomatillo. As a note of warning, though, the sauce is a little too generous, so the fall-apart factor is high. There's also a little more onions and a little less cilantro than I like, but it's definitely not done to disguise overcooked flavorless meat. Next time, I'd ask them to go easy on the condiments. But there will definitely be a next time! Chiahuahua credits: 4 out of 5. Los Angeles, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46362664/los_angeles_ca/la_estrella.html Sat, 03 May 2008 12:12:33 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles I love the taco-truck-at the-car-wash concept. So smart. I was feeling flush and ordered three tacos here: Pollo, al pastor and birria. Each is only $1.10, except for specialty tacos like the birria and lengua. I'm normally not a chicken person at taco trucks because it just doesn't feel authentic enough, but it was recommended by a regular and I have to say it was my favorite of the bunch, moist and smoky, not at all dry. Not enough to convert me, but a tasty, relatively healthy treat. The al pastor was a big letdown. It was overly salty and lacked the smokiness of the chicken. The birria (goat) was just okay. It reminded me a little of machaca-style beef, which is sort of wet and stewy. I will give them points for a somewhat complex, lightly spread red salsa and the nice touch of serving cucumber slices. Chiuhuahua credits: 2.5 out of 5. Los Angeles, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46362667/los_angeles_ca/el_pique.html Sat, 03 May 2008 12:12:33 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles My last taco hunting stop was well worth the wait. I don't often order tongue tacos anymore--I love the tenderness, but not the fattiness--but if they could always be this perfect, I'd do it more. Soft cubes of mushy goodness paired with the buttery crisp taste of the tortillas and a savory salsa verde, made this taco heaven. For good measure, I also tried the al pastor, which had onions that were cooked in with the meat instead resting raw on top, and the reasonably tender asada, which I've come to realize just isn't for me because I like my steak medium rare and that will never happen at a taco truck. This, however, is about as close as it comes. The guy in line next to me, whose been living and working in the area for 10 years, tells me he used to be pretty loyal to La Estrella but is now a Rambo's regular. I agree except that nothing can touch those perfect carnitas at Estrella. Chihuahua credits: 4.5 out of 5. Los Angeles, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46362668/los_angeles_ca/rambo_s.html Sat, 03 May 2008 12:12:33 -0700