No, it's not a cheesy 50's horror flick. I took my kids out for lunch the other day to one of our favorite Mexican joints here in Santa Monica, and
the 11-year old, scrolling down the menu, asked what a torta was. I explained the concept -- big roll sliced in half, insides fried in fat on the
griddle, slathered with mayo, and piled high with meat, lettuce, tomato, avocado, onions and salsa. Basically a gut bomb sandwich version of a taco.
"Hmmm . . .," he said, contemplatively. "What's better, carnitas or carne asada?"
"Tough choice," I replied. "I'd go with the carne asada for your first one." He did.
The huge sandwich arrived and was placed in front of him, three-quarters of it wrapped in wax paper already spotting with the various greases and
liquids oozing from the beast.
He stared at it, stunned by the size. "Whoa! How do you eat this thing?!"
I briefed him on the basic technique. "Use both hands and wrap them around it to keep it somewhat intact. Keep the paper on but move it down to
limit your losses as you work your way through it. Whatever drops on the plate, pick up with your fingers and eat. Here's a stack of napkins. Go
for it."
First massive bite. "Ohmanthasawesome!" he mumbled in mid-chew.
"Don't talk with your mouth full. Something might fall out," I warned.
He worked quietly and deliberately on the slippery mass of bread, meat and oozing vegetables. A bit past a third of the way through, he came up for
air, placing the torta delicately on his plate and cleaned the goo from his fingers with four or five napkins. He regarded the torta reverentially
for a few seconds, then looked up at me, a fleck of avocado stuck to his chin and a smear of mayo trailing away from one corner of his mouth, lips
greasy from the meat.
"Wow. How come we've been going down to Mexico all this time and you've never ordered one of these for me?" He was clearly vexed that I had deprived
him for years of this glorious culinary experience. (Keep in mind this is a kid who goes completely off the deep end if we don't stop at Tacos Los
Poblanos every single time we drive by it.)
I responded, sounding somewhat apologetic. "Well, uh, your mom and I used to eat them all the time when you were real little. There was a place in
Maneadero called Bronco's that had great tortas, and El Trailero in Ensenada was also excellent. But we had to start eating healthier to keep our
cholesterol and weight down, and the torta ain't exactly what you'd call health food. Right up there with the quesotaco and chili cheese stuffed
baked potato on the saturated fat and carbohyrdrate scales. You know, we don't get burgers at Mickey D's or those other fast food joints, either."
He reflected on this for a moment. "But is it okay if I have one, like not every time but every once in a while?"
I thought about it. "Well, I guess at your age and metabolic rate you can probably burn off a thousand calorie meal in a matter of minutes. We'll
get you one next time down."
He looked visibly relieved. "Thanks, Dad." He picked up the torta and tucked back in, humming to himself as he ate.
Which brings me, in a very long-winded fashion, to the question behind this post: Bronco's is long gone. El Trailero is still there but I prefer
stopping to eat in Maneadero. We'll try Los Poblanos' tortas next time down, but I'm curious what the Nomads' recommendations are for tortas
elsewhere in Maneadero. Anyone? I have a ravenous 11-year old who now craves them (I'm hiding the cemita from him, but it's only a matter of time
until he discovers those too).
[Edited on 2-6-2009 by DanO]woody with a view - 2-5-2009 at 05:03 PM
you're a good dad! and a monster is born....Bajahowodd - 2-5-2009 at 05:13 PM
The cemitas I've tried appeared to be more healthful than tortas. No lard; not fried.Timo1 - 2-5-2009 at 05:17 PM
I'll bite
What the heck is a cemitadesertcpl - 2-5-2009 at 05:20 PM
I created a Torta monster also with my wife,,, just last year,, we live in yuma,, stopped at a little stand , that had tortas,, it was her first
time,, wow,, she also asked me why I hadnt introduced them to her before,, she loves them,, we also brought some for her daughter,, every one loves
themBajahowodd - 2-5-2009 at 05:34 PM
Cemita. Slightly different depending upon the Latin American country of origin. But basically, think torta with a different bread, and not larded-up
and put on the grill. In parts of LA, Cemita trucks can be found instead of taco trucks.Timo1 - 2-5-2009 at 05:37 PM
uh oh
Now I gotta try a cemita
I'm a torta lovin foolDanO - 2-5-2009 at 05:42 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Timo1
I'll bite
What the heck is a cemita
A cemita (link to pic here http://gallery.cafeollin.com/displayimage.php?pid=2&full...) is a sandwich served on a large sesame egg roll. A layer of beans on the bottom
half of the bun (in the version I had) is topped with a beef steak that has been pounded thin, breaded and deep fried, and then with lettuce, tomato,
avocado, onion, red sauce, and about half a pound of cheese. Awesome, but boy, eating a whole one at 11:30 at night was not a good idea. Had a
little trouble sleeping. They originated in Puebla and are available here in southern California at a few restaurants and more widely from roach
coaches (our nickname for catering trucks).
[Edited on 2-6-2009 by DanO]fdt - 2-5-2009 at 07:11 PM
A semita not cemita is a bun, plain and simple. most popular in mainland México and usualy has sesame seeds on it. Just slice it in half and spead
whatever inside. Now it's not the same flavor as a regular store bought or burger joint bun, these will have a slightly sweet taste and are usualy
dryer as they are heavier.
As for the monster you created, if you let him really learn the culture, he will probably find out that toratas from a taco stand like trailero or
poblano are at the bottom of the pole. For a torta experience, you have to go to a torteria (not taqueria), then the fun begins. There exists a whole
world of tortas just waiting to be eaten, from cubanas to ahogadas, a vapor or al carbon.
And always remember, a great torta is made with telera, not bolillo and it will be from a bakery, not Soriana.
For a great torta eating experience just let me know next time your'e down here, then you'll have a real monster on your hands.fdt - 2-5-2009 at 07:18 PM
In Maneadero we get our Tortas as El Recreo. They're good, but not as good as the ones at La Casita in Jesus Maria. Your monster would be well fed
there!
Check this one out. You might not want your son to see it or he'll want you to start packing.
The last few tortas we've gotten at El Trailero in El Sauzal have been full of fatty and grisle-y meat. They aren't as good as they once were, but
that could be just us now that we're partial to La Casita.
P<*)))>{Pato - 2-5-2009 at 10:51 PM
Wish I new about tortas when I was younger.
Now I seach for cabbage recipes.fdt - 2-5-2009 at 10:54 PM
And then I grew to admire your ability to restrain yourself as your 11 year old wolfed down his tortas. That must have been difficulty.
I've always liked your writing style in it's attention to details and this post is no exception. I wish you would post more often.
I'm sorry I can't answer your questions. I'm a culinary boor. My lunches are typically salami and cheese sandwiches. I also must confess: I really
don't like the way Mexicans blend all parts of a meal into one single mixture - I like my lettuce and tomatoes separated from the carne and the same
goes for the rice.DanO - 2-6-2009 at 11:14 AM
Ferna, thanks for the tip -- that place looks great. We'll hit that one next time we have a chance, but I'll still be on the lookout for a torteria
in the Ensenada/Maneadero area.
Skip, I have to confess, I did sneak a bite of the kid's torta. Not half bad.
elgatoloco - 2-6-2009 at 11:36 AM
We second Pauilina's endorsement of El Recreo in Maneadero for all carne based menu items including the taco,huarache and torta. Easy in easy out
southbound!
Ferna , thanks for the tip for TJ tortas.DanO - 2-6-2009 at 11:45 AM
El Recreo it shall be.Bajahowodd - 2-6-2009 at 11:47 AM
La Casita- that's the place adjacent to the Pemex, right?Kell-Baja - 2-6-2009 at 12:40 PM
I've never tried Tortas either. Now, I'm hungry!!! Thanks alot!!! Guess I may head to the Taco shop for lunch today.BajaGeoff - 2-6-2009 at 01:04 PM
I have a weakness for a good torta. This is the most mouth-watering thread I have ever seen on Nomad! Ferna.....your torta photo is amazing!Paulina - 2-6-2009 at 01:08 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
La Casita- that's the place adjacent to the Pemex, right?
Si, right next to the Pemex. You can see the sign in the background of this photo:
DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 01:24 PM
What is that next to the Pemex sign? A suicide in progress?elgatoloco - 2-6-2009 at 01:28 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Kell-Baja
I've never tried Tortas either. Now, I'm hungry!!! Thanks alot!!! Guess I may head to the Taco shop for lunch today.
fyi - the PB location is closed for renovation. KurtG - 2-6-2009 at 01:57 PM
If you find yourself here on the Central Coast go to La Tapatia Market on Hwy 1 in Oceano and try the Torta Al Pastor. Good as I have had anywhere.
Between 11am and 2pm on Wed. they are the lunch special for all of $2.33. You'll probably see me there----
Torta rolls
sourdough - 2-7-2009 at 09:49 AM
I recommend the Torta rolls as a substitute for the traditional hamburger bun when you barbecue. They make an outstanding burger!desertcpl - 2-8-2009 at 02:27 PM
we just had a torta a few mins, ago here in yuma
torta
desertcpl - 2-8-2009 at 02:31 PM
Ford - 2-8-2009 at 03:43 PM
Those photos are off the hook!!! You could sell dog turd tortas if they looked like that!
I never heard of the Cemita before but i will have my eye out for one....anyone know where to get one in SF Bay Area? How about San Jose Del Cabo?
Tortas in SJDC?nancyinpdx - 2-9-2009 at 03:02 PM
I saved that web page in my favorites. My fave tacos are on a lil mobile cart on Coahuila. They are succulent too! I hope I remember to check this
place out when I go to TJ. You made me hungry! I already had plans to make carne asada style steak tonight for dinner- wish I had bolillos! Oh
well, I'll stick to my original plan and serve it with steamed rice and asparagus as originally planned. Thanks for the pic and the link.
El Recreo endorsement
thebajarunner - 2-12-2009 at 04:52 PM
Baja Vida and I stopped there a couple years ago.
A long-haul trucker was standing in line, and he told BV that "This is the best food from Ensenada to Cabo"
and, he lives in Ensenada, and only makes it to Maneadero for his first meal stop.
We have eaten there numberous times since,
recently we sent our gang ahead to the campground in Santo Tomas and BV orderd "36 to go"
No problemo....
guess a takeout order of 36 is no big deal.
