| Pages:
1
2 |
DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
|
|
I Created A Torta-Eating Monster
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]
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
|
|
|
woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
|
|
you're a good dad! and a monster is born....
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
The cemitas I've tried appeared to be more healthful than tortas. No lard; not fried.
|
|
|
Timo1
Senior Nomad
Posts: 757
Registered: 11-2-2007
Location: Homeless
Member Is Offline
Mood: Lovin every minute of it
|
|
I'll bite
What the heck is a cemita
|
|
|
desertcpl
Super Nomad
Posts: 2405
Registered: 10-26-2008
Location: yuma,az
Member Is Offline
|
|
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
them
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
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
Senior Nomad
Posts: 757
Registered: 11-2-2007
Location: Homeless
Member Is Offline
Mood: Lovin every minute of it
|
|
uh oh
Now I gotta try a cemita
I'm a torta lovin fool
|
|
|
DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
|
|
| 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]
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
|
|
|
fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
|
|
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.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
|
|
|
fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
|
|
Found this http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/texas/entry/semita_cemit...
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
|
|
|
Paulina
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3812
Registered: 8-31-2002
Location: BCN
Member Is Offline
|
|
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<*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
|
|
|
Pato
Junior Nomad
Posts: 34
Registered: 12-9-2008
Member Is Offline
|
|
Wish I new about tortas when I was younger. 
Now I seach for cabbage recipes.
|
|
|
fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
|
|
The best Carne Asada tortas in the planet
http://www.ericrench.com/MEXICO/TIJUANA/FOOD/WASH/index.htm
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
|
|
|
Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
|
|
My first thoughts, "Like father like son".
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
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
|
|
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.
 
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
|
|
|
elgatoloco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4346
Registered: 11-19-2002
Location: Yes
Member Is Offline
|
|
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.
MAGA
marooons Are Governing America
|
|
|
DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
|
|
El Recreo it shall be.
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
La Casita- that's the place adjacent to the Pemex, right?
|
|
|
Kell-Baja
Nomad
Posts: 360
Registered: 1-18-2003
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
|
|
I've never tried Tortas either. Now, I'm hungry!!! Thanks alot!!! Guess I may head to the Taco shop for lunch today.
|
|
|
BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
|
|
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!
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
