Guisdos Tacos

About a year ago, my dad sent me this article by Jonathon Gold: http://www.laweekly.com/2011-09-22/eat-drink/jonathan-gold-reviews-guisados/.  Since coming to school, I've been a little hesitant to make my way to East LA.  But I decided to undertake Cesear Chavez Ave. for an authentic taco experience.

My mini sampler of tacos!

After rounding up a few friends, I was able to try the taqueria ranked second in LA's Ultimate Guide to Tacos.  The family run business offers a variety of braises and stews atop their freshly handmade corn tortillas.  For my first trip, I ordered the  taco sampler, a choice of 6 mini tacos from the non-traditional menu. Each mini medallion packed its own unique full bodied flavor.  Bites ranged from the deep rich mole, to the edgy hot tinga de pollo and smooth hongos con cilantro.  I never knew what to expect next.  I ranted and raved about my first experience to my parents up in seattle, far far away up north from the affluent mexican culture in Los Angeles.

After my first taste bud tour of the menu, I was able to hone in on my favorite fusion items from the menu.  I visited the destination a few more times and always made sure to brag about my mouth watering meal to my parents.

This weekend my Dad was able to make a trip down to visit Zoe and me.  Knowing that lunch would be the first thing on his mind aftering departing his midday plane ride, I should
have seen it coming.  First stop: Guisados for some tacos.

The small restaurant is on the corner of Chavez and St. Louis Street in Boyle Heights.  Surrounded by a variety of small tiendas, you would expect to find a good taqueria in the this neighborhood.  The sign is a little surprising at first, as the only somewhat modern billboard on the street. Inside is a simple chalkboard menu with an open kitchen for all eyes to gaze into.

Pescado and Bistek en Salsa Roja

After exploring a good portion of the menu, I was able to make a couple of recommendations to my Dad.  He opted out of the taco sampler, stating that he would be confident with his big taco decision.  I ordered my favorite two (real sized) tacos, the Bistek en Salsa Roja, and of course the Pescado. The Bistek is a nice braise infused with chili's.  It takes just like a saucier and spicier version of my moms shredded steak rancheros.  The Pescado of course is an easy choice for me, as Fish tacos are the meal I will eat before I die.  A light nice piece of white fish is grilled and topped with a tangy cream sauce.  The cabbage slaw adds the perfect amount of icy crunch to the overall texture of the taco.  There are definitely some small hidden chili's mixed in the fresh tomato salsa.

My dad opted for the chicken mole, hongos con cilantro, and the Bistek (I told him it was the best).  Personally I didn't really like the hongos when I tried them in the sampler.  I found then to be a little bland.  But my Dad said they were delicious and were quite spicy.  He devoured the chicken mole and agreed with me that the Bistek was certainly the best.

Each taco is supported by a homemade corn tortilla.  Still warm, the small medallions encompass the true masa flavor.  There's nothing like a fresh pressed tortilla, and Guisado's compliment each of their taco's perfectly.

Guisados is the place to go for authentic tacos.  The vast array of options on the menu will leave anyone satisfied, no matter what you're in the mood for.  I love taking all of my friends here.  Really give them a true taste of what LA is all about, taking a cuisine and putting a authentic twist on it.  

Apparently there is another location in Echo Park on Sunset Blvd., and one coming to DTLA soon!  Can't wait!