Ditroit Taqueria - Los Angeles - Taco Tour #11

Enrique Olvera's food is a big deal, but it's not always accessible and it sure isn't cheap. But for those who can't fly to Pujol or find a sitter for a night at Damian, Ditroit is the game-changer you've been waiting for. This modest little walk-up window dominates the back of the Damian building and offers a far more affordable taste of what god's gift to mole has to offer. 

The menu is a short list flaunting some staples, some with a twist. 

There's a flamboyantly fried Fish Flauta, full of crunchy filet topped with queso and cream. I do wish the fish had been less fishy, but there's so much crunch and crackle, it's an undeniably charismatic dish. 

The Tamal del Dia is a solid serving, though it's my least favorite by far. The masa is moist but tastes a little bit wet, filled with sweating poblano, tomato, and cheese. There's a little kick from the peppers, but they're doing some swimming so it's all a little watered down and bland. 

Stick to what you know. Their tacos are flawless, the Suadero and Carnitas both. Juicy meat, impossibly tender, a firm and chewy corn tortilla for texture, and some pretty sweet salsas to work up a slather. 

But even better than the tacos is this Quesadilla, a half-fold with the juiciest mushrooms, a chewy cheese, and a seductive herb called epazote. I cannot describe this flavor. Wikipedia calls it a "medicinal pungency similar to oregano, anise, fennel, or tarragon", but there are no accurate words for the lofty, lifting, addicting aroma that transforms something so simple into something so much more. 

If you're looking for LA street tacos, Ditroit is not the place. Their menu has great tacos, but the focus is on a more luxurious medley. You get what you pay for, and money does buy quality - there's an obvious and not insignificant amount of work going into each component here. So for a good bit more, you do get a good bit more, and I do think this place is worth every penny.

Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant - Inglewood

It's not so easy to pop over to Little Ethiopia when the injera craving hits, but from Inglewood's Queen of Sheba, Doordash will deliver. 

The injera is airy and sour-fresh, and the presentation is neat and clean, even in a styrofoam take-out box. 

Longtime staple Doro Wot hit the spot, and what's not to like about a buttery, sweet and stewy chicken leg with a spice-soaked egg? 

Doro wot was what I wanted, but what I needed was the Lamb Awaze Tibs. The pepper sauce is sweet and red-hot, and there's a buttery fragrance to finish with a flavor that lingers long after you've swallowed. And something about that buttery pepper sauce with the rich gameyness of the lamb makes you want more and all you can do is eat until you can't. 

The Vegetarian Combo is great for a variety of solid sides so you're not just eating meat. Red lentils are rich, and a yellow split pea is hearty and sweet. Collard greens are a much-needed leafy break between meaty bites, and a stewed cabbage and carrot are a comfort. 

Good food overall, great tibs that are actually better than Messob. I love the location as it's closer to the South Bay, but I do think they could hold their own in Little Ethiopia as well.

Mama Lu's Dumpling House - Monterey Park

The original location! Complete with staff that won't smile or seat you until your entire party arrives, even if their dining room is half empty. Don't be discouraged - they're not mean or rude, just concise. You'll get your food fast and your food will be good. 

The (1) XLB put them on the map, and the soup inside is porky bliss. 

(2) Juicy Pork and Crab Dumplings have a much sweeter filling, and I'm not sure they're made in-house. 

We got some regular Dumplings as well, pork filling but I can't remember exactly what. They're a bit bland, and I wished we'd gotten more XLB instead. 

(4) Green Onion Pancake is a crispy delight. 

(7) Beef Wrap is the same crispy pancake rolled around tender slices of soy sauce beef. Delicious but dense and very filling. Ideal for sharing with friends.

We took a gamble on the (97) Chile Sea Bass with Brown Sauce, but I think it paid off well. The fish is fairly fresh, and the batter gave it a nice crispy texture. Not a knock-out dish, but very pleasing all the same. 

(131) Sauteed String Beans are the vegetable between the meat and carbs. These are made very well, and even our friend who doesn't like string beans was eating them by the forkful. 

Great Chinese food, perfect XLB. Authentic experience, everything I want when I'm craving a taste of home. 

Waka Sakura - Gardena

Hottest new sushi place in the South Bay, described as an "upscale conveyor belt". 

I just had to see what the fuss was about, and there's no time better than lunchtime on a Monday. You get a table right away when there's no line, and the interior is beautiful, full of wood paneling and mood lighting so you forget you're a supermarket's second floor. 

You choose up to four items at a time on a touch screen, and the food is whisked your way as soon as it's made to order.

Fried Calamari comes crackling hot, a few heads with a side of mayo. 

Nigiri comes two by two, all on very pretty plates. 

Red Shrimp, Eel, something seared that I can't recall (yellowtail?), and Seared Scallop with spicy mayo are all quite fresh. 

Other can't-go-wrong choices include Yellowtail Belly, Sweet Shrimp, Octopus, and Tsubagai.

Rolls are solid are well, including a crunchy Salmon Skin 

and a Dragon Roll with avocado and eel. 

They also have fun combos like the Salmon Party where you get six forms of salmon. 

And I know it's sad to say this at a sushi place, but the Wagyu Beef Trio was my favorite. All slices are good, all sauces are great. 

I didn't love it. I left with mixed feelings, maybe because I bought into the hype. The fish is good, no doubt, and it's a solid deal at this price point, but I didn't love their rice. The texture was on the mushy side, and it just doesn't hold together well. I liked it overall and would absolutely go back, but I'm not sure it's as exceptional as it is Instagrammable, and I'm even less sure about what purpose the conveyor belt serves.

Duck House - Monterey Park

Alright, so going to Bistro Na first was a mistake. Duck House is a more traditional type of Peking duck provider, with its slightly greasy tables and short but spiffy service. 

We reserved just the Peking Duck, which requires a phone call at least an hour in advance. I thought that this was to give them time to cook the duck, but after watching my server take the plastic wrap off a plate of scallion, cucumber, and hoisin sauce, I wasn't so sure. The duck came skillfully sliced, but a bit on the lukewarm side rather than steaming hot. 

That said, the skin still had its crunch, and the meat was tender, and so it all rolled into some pretty tasty pancakes. It was good enough for us to eat the entire plate, and that's good enough for me. 

We opted to pay a little extra for the duck two ways, the second being this plate of stir fried Bean Sprouts. Plenty of flavor, nice and crisp, not at all overcooked. 

I can't help but compare it to Bistro Na but I don't think I should. This duck is very much what you'd expect from a normal restaurant, and it's a very satisfying meal. It’s a lot less greasy and it's easier to eat more, but it's only a bit more affordable - the price difference is less than $20. I'm happy to have tried this duck and I'd be happy to eat it again, but I think I'd rather pay a bit more for the better service and luxury of Bistro Na. 

Kee Wah - Monterey Park

Finally made it to the egg tart icon!

My little sampler has two of each. Original has that barely-sweet egg-pudding filling. Crispy is the same with a crunchier crust, but I think the original is fine. Portuguese is sweeter and has a more caramel texture. 

It's not mooncake season, but their bread is worth a bite. They also have your expected pastries like the beloved pineapple bun, and I think this one might have been red bean. 

It's all good here, and it's exactly what I wanted, but I can't say I found anything that blew my mind. It wasn't very memorable in either direction so though I enjoyed it overall, I'll be trying all the other SGV bakeries before coming back. 

Leo’s Tacos Truck - Los Angeles - Taco Tour #10

There's a truck in a parking lot off La Cienega flanked by folding tables and stools to sit on. The awning is festive and the picture-menu has plenty of picks with a long list of meats. 

My first taste of Suadero is here, and there's nothing not to like about the tender white cuts framed with a crispy sear. The flavor is more delicate and very simply seasoned.

Cabeza is all those soft, gooey cheek-bits. Impossibly tender, melts in your mouth. 

If you didn't get the Pastor, did you even come to Leo's? They're gorgeous and they're generous, a cross-section of layers stacked in every slice. The meat is smoky and spicy with a hint of sweet to finish, and the pineapple juices make the spice rub come alive. 

The red salsa is smoky, the green has a kick and a sweet but manageable burn. The avocado salsa has a creamier tang, and the combination of three is best. Be liberal with the lime and sprinkle some chopped onions and cilantro for sass. 

Forget the fine dining, LA's real food scene comes straight from the spit. Taco tycoons like Leo's are what gives us our claim to the best ethnic food in the country. After a taste of these tacos, your new hobby will be chasing trucks. 

Bafang Dumpling - Torrance

It's the same as Gardena, in the best way possible. An affordable, fast-casual spot to grab a food that is far too time-consuming to make at home, consistent quality, good dumplings cooked or pan-fried fresh. 

Signature potstickers are still good, Kimchee are as well, but only if you like kimchee.

New discovery: the Wonton Soup. Best thing they make here, savory broth and sweet little flavor-pockets of solid pork wontons. 

A good, reliable spot for quick, quality food. They have plenty of veggie and noodle options for those who prefer them, but don't miss out on the wonton soup. 

Misasa - Torrance

You're hungry and you don't want to cook. 

Misasa has you covered. 

They make a solid Cutlet Curry. Get chicken or pork per your preference. I find the pork more savory and satisfying, but that's just me. 

The curry is rich and just thick enough to blanket the cutlet and drip between the crevices of rice. The Beef Hamburg Curry is another lovely choice if you want less breading and more texture to your meat. 

You're hungry and you don't know what you want to eat.

Misasa has you covered.

Build your own Bento, 3 items are awesome, 2 items are also enough. The karaage is good, the chicken teriyaki is a generous portion, juicy and covered in sauce. Boiled beef is sweet and pretty tender. I love the Chikuzen-ni that comes with the box. The veggies are full of chicken broth, and it's as good as any entree. 

Sometimes your food just has to taste good, and Misasa will give you that. Comfort platters to please any palate, solid staples to rest and digest.