Tacos El Gordo DE Tijuana B.C.

On a recent post "Dee" mentioned Tacos El Gordo, and damned if I didn't forget about the place. So on a recent trip to Hogetsu Bakery, I managed to talk the Missus, a recent taco convert into some tacos from Tacos El Gordo. I'll usually "hit" the H street location of 'TEG', since it's right off the I-5.

Little had changed at TEG over the last few years; I believe that prices had gone up a dime. But over the last two years, much has changed in the mmm-yoso household...with regards to tacos. Where before, I'd only order the Carne Asada...and if I were feeling really brave, perhaps the Adobada(Al Pastor), nowadays, it was a whole different story. We now order the stuff that's boiling away in the cauldrons behind the counter.

We didn't give the Asada a glance.....we had moved on...aaah, how fickle the mind of the Asian Taco lover is! And no Sesos(Beef Brain) today...bummer!

Though we did give in to the temptation of the Trompo.

The drill is simple you order your tacos, and take it over to the cashier stand along with any drinks, she checks out your tacos(keep it clean guys), and you pay. And enter taco nirvana. We ordered all of our tacos with "everything".

The Lengua(Beef Tongue - $2)  was nice and tender, though a bit smothered in Salsa Verde. It was a bit on the mild, rather than "wild" side as far as lengua was concerned. It was still quite good.

My usual favorite, Cabeza(Beef head/cheek - $1.75), was good, beefy in flavor, and very soft. Not the best I've had, but quite good.

I have not had Suadero before, when the Missus stepped up to the counter and asked the Gentleman what suadero was, he raised his bent arm perpendicular to his body, and moved it up and down. I told the Missus, "I know what it is...it's meat from the wings of a cow!" She was not amused, but brightened considerably when handed a generous sample. The suardero, in this case beef shoulder, had been cooked for a long time, it had a nice rich beef flavor, and I kinda thought of it as "beef carnitas".

The favorite of the day was the Adobada(Al Pastor). Cut fresh from the trompo(verticle spit), the pork had a mild spiciness, with a hint of sweetness. The meat was slightly chewy while still moist. The Missus is not a big fan of "white sauce" on Her tacos, but loved this version as it complemented, not overpowered the tacos, by slightly buffering the spice, and balancing out the flavor.

You may wonder "why only 4 tacos?" But this stuff is quite rich, and we felt satisfied sharing the four tacos. We saw two pretty hefty guys eating six tacos each.....I'm sure that they'd be ready for a nap soon after lunch.

So the next time you're in the mood for some Cabeza........

Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana
689 H St
Chula Vista, CA 91910

And other locations.....

Comments

[nhbilly]

Wow only 4 tacos? They sure look good. If I recall I think I can down close to 15 tacos but of course this is street tacos in Mexicao, which is way smaller and so much tastier,IMO.
Topped only with cilantro and onion, sauce is always on the side.

I think I am going for some tacos this weekend ;-)

[Liz]

Wow so cheap

[ed (from Yuma)]

Those look good. Yum.

[Cathy]

I passed this place at least six times in the last three months, Kirk. I figured it was YATS (yet another taco shop). I must listen to my inner voice even more often... :)

[Kirk]

Hi Billy - 15 tacos!!!! Yikes, you really can put it away. I'd still take the Missus in a Bun Cha Hanoi eating contest though. ;o)

Hi Liz - I dunno, we get taco truck tacos for $1.50, so I guess it's relatively inexpensive...unless you eat six of 'em!

Hi Ed - The Adobada is worthy of your presence, maybe the Suadero as well!

Hi Cathy - Always listen to that inner voice...though it depends on which shoulder it's standing....

[Bart]

When I used to work out in El Cajon, they had a TEG on Broadway for a short time. I loved the Suadero tacos. They described it to me as beef shoulder. I'd have no problem crushing 3 of those and 3 of the Adobada. But yes, the post TEG siesta was necessary. The one thing I always noted what that I wished their sauces were a bit spicier, but I'm a pepper head and always wish things were spicier.

[Kirk]

Hi Bart - Man, I'm really not sure if I could do 6 of those! I enjoyed the "balance" that the sauces brought to the tacos.

[Joseph E]

Yum! I may have to try this place out on the way to afternoon clinic. I need to explore the taquerias of Chula Vista and San Ysidro more often.

Speaking of Puerco Adobada, check your email, Kirk. I'm going to have way too much left over if I don't get some help.

[martha (yury)]

ando en busca de un gran amigo
que se llama. rene macias lic.urquiza si ves este mensaje
comunicate [email protected]

[RightCowLeftCoast]

Price update, the normal price for each taco is now $2 a taco, and the Lengua is up to $2.25. Still not bad compared to going south of the border and waiting the hours to get back into the States.

[Kirk]

Hey RCLC - You know, I almost stopped in the other weekend when I was in the area.....need to do a revisit, I have'nt been here in a whle.