la educación de Señorita Pim

by Pim under Uncategorized with 11 Comments

Monday, September 13, 2004

Geyservilletacotruck

My friends have been rather worried about the gaping hole in my culinary education. “To hell with L’Arpège”, Malik said, “we are taking you Taco Truck crawling!”

So, the first time was a few weeks ago when my friend David from London was in town. After dropping off yet another friend who had been visiting at Oakland airport, Malik, David and I were on our way to meet the Melkors for a nice day in the wine country, when Malik decided to take a mini detour to give me my very first lesson in the Arts and Sciences of Taco Truck Appreciation.

FruitvaletacotruckFor those of you who don’t live around here, in California, Taco Trucks are something of an institution, particularly around the area where there are a lot of migrant workers. These trucks are a cheap and authentic way to get seriously good tacos and other Mexican food items for the adventurous souls.

Fruitvaletacos
My very first experience was at Rico’s Tacos “Al Vapor” on International Blvd. in Fruitvale. I went for the Carnitas that was bubbling away in a large pot of boiling oil inside the truck, and also some Pastor (peasant style) that was on a shwarma-like vertical rotating spit. For a buck a taco, they were just delicious, though I would have preferred to pay a little more and get a bit more meat.

GeyservilletacosThe second time, just yesterday, was also an impromptu visit. Dave, Ally, Malik and I were driving up to visit some wineries in the Russian River/Dry Creek Valley area. On the way, Malik spotted a Taco Truck in Geyserville. We stopped for a taste of pretty much everything they had, carnitas, pastor, pollo, carbeza, and carne asada. This truck was even better than the first one, especially after I asked for some extra hot sauce to pour all over the delicious meats. We washed down the yummy tacos with some sweet and tangy Mexican tamarind soda. All four of us were happily fed for just about $10!!. Life really is good.

GeyservilletacomenuI am sure my education will continue, but for now, for more info on Taco Trucks, check out the serious Taco Truck Connoisseur Ruth Lafler on Chowhound. Or for those in the wine country, 707 area code, take a look at Ms.Melkor and Rancho Gordo’s Taco Truck finds on eG.

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  • mademoiselle a.

    Reminds me of the Chinese taco truck dude who toured our office block in Palo Alto! Oh my….*sigh*

  • lizziee

    I am going to be ornery. These taco trucks dot every LA neighborhood, particularly at homes under construction. There can be a line of 10 cars/trucks/vans in a small residential area. No parking signs are ignored and I really hate having 5 restaurants all of a sudden pop up. I am not sure we are talking about the same thing, but mobile restaurants are not exactly my favorite.

  • http://seattlebonvivant.typepad.com Seattle Bon Vivant

    Some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had was at one of these outfits off Route #29 in Calistoga. ¡Muy bueno! :-D

  • adrian

    Wish Paris had a couple. One parked right in front of the George V….

  • EmilyB

    The next time you’re in Oakland and in the mood for tacos, try Tacos Sinaloa, at International Blvd. (aka E. 14th St.) and 22nd Ave. If I remember correctly, they started out with one truck at that location, then expanded to a second truck across the parking lot (this one specializing in seafood – cocktel al camarones, ceviche de piscado tostadas, etc.), then wound up actually building a sit-down restaurant. Both trucks are still there, though. :-)

  • johnboy

    Next time I’m coming with David as well, can’t believe all the fun I missed by passing up on this trip :(

  • sher

    I love those taco trucks. I’ve had wonderful food from them, very authentic—and so cheap. Amazing. One family that operates them, makes some of the best tamales I’ve ever eaten.
    Sher

  • Cata

    A bit of help perhaps?
    While at the Geisha exhibit at the Asian Art Museum, we enjoyed a pot of Surabaya Red Tea with our curries but until I happened upon your site, I was unable to find out much about it. Now I know it is from Mariage Freres but still find nowhere to acquire it short of a flight to Paris–can you tell me somewhere a little closer to SF or does it go under any other name?
    I have never been much of a ‘surfer’ but very recently discovered chez pim and find myself guiltily sneaking time to enjoy your blogs.

  • Jeff

    I am interested to hear if you found more about Taco Trucks in CA. A coworker of mine threw a party recently and she rented a taco truck for about 70+ people costing only $300 for the bunch. Whether everyone ate or not I dunno, but it was unlimited tacos and food apparently. I must find a local taco truck person, time for a fiesta! Btw, I stumbled upon this blog searching for palo alto taco trucks, and I realize this post is over a month old, but just wanted to say something.

  • http://profile.typekey.com/nevia987/ nevia987

    Through chef classes including theoretical and hands-on training, students get quality culinary education. These classes are flexible in their schedule and allow students to choose from morning, evening, and weekend classes.
    http://www.culinaryschoolsprograms.com/

  • http://www.squidoo.com/muddingtrucks Mudding Trucks

    When I lived in tucson I would look forward to the taco truck (or roach coach as we called it)coming by every day. Good hot food delivered what more could you ask for.