Step Inside the Life of One of Los Angeles’s Busiest Taco Vendors

What it takes to make it

There’s a common misconception that working a taco stand is easy work, that the men and women who run the trompo of al pastor, slinging $1.50 bites night after night, somehow have it relatively easy, all things considered. Don’t worry: KCET is here to disabuse any doubters of that notion.

In a new written piece as part of the ongoing Migrant Kitchen series, KCET takes a look at the tough life of a true taquero, from starting out on the streets of Mexico City to working at Tacos Los Guichos, one of the busiest al pastor taco stands anywhere in Los Angeles County. All that work, for just $1.50.

A new lead

Church & State is still up and running in the Arts District, and they’ve even hired on new help by way of incoming chef de cuisine Sam Jung. From time spent in French kitchens to studying with Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas to his run at Fig & Olive, Jung seems a great fit for the new role.

Shibumi tonight

Turns out Shibumi is going to be on Iron Chef Showdown tonight on the Food Network, as chef David Schlosser just sent out a promo shot of the kitchen stadium on Monday via Instagram.

Kali collabs again

Another round of Kali Kollaborations is coming to chef Kevin Meehan’s Melrose restaurant on December 5. This one will run five courses for $85 ($125 with wine), and a portion of proceeds will go to the American Lung Association in memory of chef Tui from Jitlada. What’s more, this round will feature all chefs de cuisine from some of the city’s best restaurants, including 71Above, MB Post, Sotto, Providence, and more.

Portola’s pastry re-up

Orange County coffee kingmaker Portola is getting in bed with the folks from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, signing them on as the official pastry-makers for most of the group’s run of coffee bars across the county.

A legend returns

Good news for fans of Persian cuisine in the Valley: Kashcool Kitchen is back. The restaurant earned a stellar reputation in Woodland Hills over the years (after first debuting in Iran in the ‘60s), but was forced out earlier this year. Now they’re back, running the show from a space in Van Nuys, says Our Ventura Blvd.

Cal Mare comes close

It’s almost time for the opening of seafood-focused Cal Mare at the Beverly Center. The space is still being finalized in hopes of opening in a matter of weeks, but in the meantime here’s a rendering of what the property should end up looking like. Interested in a job? They’re hiring for back of house, too.

Cal Mare