Building a 200lb Meat Trompo for Tacos - Open Fire

Welcome to Open Fire, where we explore the various ways different cultures cook over live fire. Our host Cara Nicoletti, a fourth-generation butcher, chef and author, learns the craft, practice, and philosophy of each dish and the stories of the people cooking them.
In this episode, we learn how Los Tacos No. 1 in New York City builds its famous trompo with layers of adobo-marinated pork shoulder that’s then shaved off and stacked high on homemade tortillas for one of the city’s best tacos.
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[@natenomm]

"Are you ready to get your hands dirty?" "Yes" "There's the gloves over there."

[@takeaseat6969]

It's all muscle memory

[@user-zd1km8lt3z]

Lol

[@songwhizz9434]

American health requirements in a nutshell haha

[@PR4470]

It's a figure of speech........DUH!!!!!

[@fmilton20]

It means "to work". Not literally get your hands dirty.

[@kranthibathula8968]

You can tell that Ernesto is the soul of this operation

[@eronan03]

Es una machina.

[@malcolmbenjamin28]

💯💯 the whole operation would crumble if he quit.

[@biohoof537]

that look of determination

[@adrianguev1294]

@@malcolmbenjamin28 tbh I think it would😂

[@aviatorix8805]

It's cool that he's a big part of the video. It's easy to find videos where he wouldn't get any praise or even a mention.

[@MickyAvStickyHands]

You can see his smirk when he says the "best tacos come from the north" b/c he knows he's pissing off A LOT of people when he says that.

[@Alexis_-fs7jw]

MickyAvStickyHands faxxxxx

[@evagarcia258]

Tijuana tacos are in NO WAY the best, go to Jalisco if you want the real deal best Mexican tacos or anywhere in the heart of Mexico. Not some bordertown bs tacos like Tijuana.

[@wthbeahandle]

@@evagarcia258 it's getting heated in the taco fandom

[@heasm3x251]

Eva Garcia he clearly has never tried tacos from arandas; i bet he has never been south of Baja California

[@timothyhays1817]

So he's from Texas?

[@brendancarlo9099]

I think its muscle memory for her to say it muscle memory

[@jujuanimal1995]

😂

[@john2605]

That and dropping f bombs

[@TJ-nk4de]

i am a living legend who owns well over 250 dvds

[@jojostorm]

I'm fucking dead 😂

[@kingroy3501]

Did anyone else see how she took that first bite 🙊

[@mogarcia9755]

No pigs were harmed in the making of this video, but they were marinated....

[@klownvandamn7946]

massaged

[@oceandweller6646]

Taken care of

[@davidbustamante3816]

You made me laugh today!

[@mogarcia9755]

@@davidbustamante3816 🖐 a good laugh does the body and spirit good, from Texas

[@davidbustamante3816]

Mo Garcia I’m in Plano Texas! Where u be at?

[@11venomer]

Ernesto in his head was like "GOD THIS IS SLOW PLEASE BE DONE"

[@Lex60]

Is the kind of cook that do not want anybody near his five star dish.

[@PenDanger2]

"It's hard." and "Muscle memory." And there it is folks.

[@josiahcruz9678]

PenDanger2 that's what she said? Cuz I think it is.

[@jchavez4084]

Yeah Yeah yeah

[@drewdrew8752]

This was beautiful to see. Ernesto is an amazing taquero.

[@PGMP2007]

Thank you for explaining to everyone out there what actually PASTOR meat is actually made off.

[@SR-rc4on]

pgmp you mean thanks for explaining it to WHITE folks. Us Mexicans been knowing what pastor is...👍🇲🇽🌮

[@seropserop]

Made of*

[@jmannUSMC]

​@Cliff P I mean us Mexicans do like our cuss words, but what ethnicity doesn't? When I was in the marine corps we were all equal opportunity cussers. When I was working kitchens we were equal opportunity cussers. In engineering school we are most definitely equal opportunity cussers. Guess what I'm getting at is that people are going to cuss, and unless that "fuck" is followed by a "you", there really isn't a reason to get worked up over it (or write a 5 sentence comment ).

[@davetaylor264]

@@SR-rc4on racist undertones in the second comment fuck sake

[@edhern619]

Joseph D "Don't get upset when I say Fuck unless it's followed by You" its actually a good phrase. You could put that on a shirt.

[@DatBoiJrSan408]

I miss Mexican food so bad. Once I save enough money hopefully I'll open up a taco shop here In Japan lol

[@DatBoiJrSan408]

@Kuchi Kopi I hope so! I've been cooking for some of my friends and they like my tacos over Japanese tacos lol Japanese tacos are just glorified taco bell tacos. Its horrendous..

[@jpeezy3m6]

Genaro Quezada bruhh lmfaooo😂😂ur business will boom just dont forget the kimchi garnish for tacos not only korean like that shit

[@jakekgfn]

Make Pulpo Adobada lol

[@RareCandeh]

PLEASEEEEE! Japan needs more exposure to other parts of the world! If it's booming here in SoCal, I'm sure they'll love it too!

[@dizzyfizzy4203]

Good luck!

[@edr.2642]

This girl would be one of those employees that always says "yeah I know" when you train or teach them lol...she was like, "yeah , yeah, yeah"

[@alexboy2111]

Lmao that's what I'm thinking as I watch the vid

[@Sometimes_Always]

Annoying AF.. Says, "yea yea yea" but fks it up as soon as you turn away...

[@mariomartinez6523]

I used to seeing more reddish colored trompo here in Northern Mexico. But the preparation is no less authentic than anything you'll find in Mexico. Great job guys!

[@casperunnerup]

I really shouldn't have watched this after dinner. Now I'm hungry again. It looks amazing!

[@wilfredlawson97]

Damn right you do

[@MsArana]

Same, I just ate a filling meal but holy hell can I go for some legit al pastor tacos right not

[@role1634]

🤣🤣🤣

[@shisul5813]

this dude is actually chill

[@yos5177]

secure the bag alert

[@Abraham_R_]

Este video merece mas vistas! Donde esta toda la Raza Mexicana!! Que delicia de comida,,,Saludos desde Houston, Texas

[@1kk3rv]

Aquí ando prro! Aprendiendo inglés :v

[@Abraham_R_]

24 Live eso es todo wey, nunca es tarde para aprender! Saludos

[@withcheesepls]

The way he cuts it into shape seems so artsy! With love and care!

[@Piedmont57]

I bet she could have forced a couple more inauthentic F words in if she tried.

[@bigtravis6159]

She wants to fuck and won’t straight up say it

[@TheLoloDiaz]

That's what happens when you watch liberal channels. You go to someone's business and using foul language = no respect.

[@lionentertainment7240]

I agree too many words in the English language to choose unintelligent words to make you look dumb.

[@scooty77punx]

@thomas samson Do you know why they say New York will never fall in the ocean like California??

[@ezakustam]

@@TheLoloDiaz Which is why you also loathe our foul-mouthed, disrespectful, Hispanic-hating president. ...Right?

[@victorchristi]

The journalist got really annoying, always cutting off the guest and finishing his sentences. A good journalist doesn't have to prove how much they know when they're interviewing someone else.

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

@Daria Morgendorffer Ok, lol..........

[@Popcornbeetle]

F bombs sure sounded dumb

[@landopolaroid9157]

Lmao I mean if she knows so much already then why are we even here?

[@will2-b150]

She also states that her religious relatives are rolling in their graves due to her consumption of pork, all while dropping F-Bombs, but it's just muscle memory.

[@gravyvcolouredhair1731]

She didn't even know how to hold that knife properly....some butcher she must be...

[@WillG007]

Tried the tacos from here when I visited NYC and was blown away by how good everything was! Definitely worth a visit!

[@JustinReid1188]

I Gotta stop watching this stuff when I'm hungry

[@CxClips]

I respect the girl for trying, but damn she couldnt do anything right

[@toyajackson556]

But she bit into that taco like a pro.

[@CxClips]

@@toyajackson556 true 😂

[@the1.e522]

They're showing her what to do but seems like she doesn't like the criticism

[@i3lazz]

If you try anything new wouldn't it be hard to get things right?

[@CxClips]

@@i3lazz she said at least 4 times, "I used to work in a butcher shop." Either she is lying or forgot a skill, like riding a bike... I respect you trying to stand up for her though!

[@bradcoram509]

She learned a new term right before filming started - muscle memory!

[@jge9985]

We all know that real tacos don’t get the pineapple thrown from a side plate. Real tacos have the pineapple at the top and the taquero slices it and catches it with the taco.

[@bigtravis6159]

Gustavo Alonzo I’ve seen it done that way It’s the master technique

[@donguello2281]

Gustavo Alonzo facts!

[@hrhcollection7981]

This had the 🍍 on top

[@mundopixel23]

only a taco masters can perform that

[@FordyHunt]

I like the way she completely ignored everything he said, then did it completely wrong.

[@elizabethdorchester5307]

KingOfHammer lol

[@FordyHunt]

@@elizabethdorchester5307 hi kugan

[@elizabethdorchester5307]

KingOfHammer lol wow . It really is a small world . Cant tell you how much you just cheered me up for the day . Fooking brilliant bro

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

Lol..........!

[@chad_garrison1991]

But she worked in a butcher shop before she said😂😂 your knife skills are garbage. I’ll call her bluff on that

[@turbulents]

Anyone know if there's any muscle memory involved in this?

[@murielrodriguez8047]

turbulents lmao

[@albertledesma5173]

I think so, otherwise “it’s really hard.”

[@ohnonotjo]

I was working out today and I pulled my memory muscle. Should have remembered to stretch. It should be muscle memory

[@jellosapiens7261]

"The best tacos in Mexico come from the north." Them's fighting words

[@dantes1444]

he's right, can confirm it

[@jaimep3432]

Theres better produce in central and southern mexico. So that cant be true.

[@drewdrew8752]

“My Jewish relatives are rolling in their graves right now, but this pork and cheese is worth it” Sometimes in life you must break the rules to enjoy the beautiful things.

[@Ram-hc2uv]

thought it was pretty disrespectful to be throwing the F word in his kitchen ,but clearly this man takes pride and shows professionalism great job brother 🌮👌🏼

[@Ram-hc2uv]

lil Clock i am mexican as it gets but that don't meen we go into other peoples places and talk how we want . i can tell your those people with no respect

[@senpaisanchoyt5225]

@lil Clock Mexicans are all about respect. You clearly know nothing about being Mexicans.

[@Justin-ev8nn]

But Gordon Ramsey curses all the time D:

[@elyetidegeorgia8344]

SenpaiSancho YT Bruh my mom is the least respectful person you will ever fucking meet! And she from Michoacán !

[@piercejohnson4426]

calm down ma'am

[@notnickcage]

I bet that pineapple is ridiculous.

[@AlleyCatGhost]

Ridiculously delicious ye boi

[@goldcd]

I'd glad I wasn't alone in thinking "Who do I have to know, to get that bottom pineapple slice?"

[@acidfruitloops]

@@goldcd I got what you need bra. 2 for 20.

[@stephenhill1716]

Phil M - lemme get 4 for 32 my man.

[@acidfruitloops]

@@stephenhill1716 I'll do you 4 for 33, I'm on that illuminati hustle.

[@danielmitchell7919]

Her knife skills are appalling for a "Butcher"

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

Lol...................!

[@KA-om9oz]

She is no butcher..

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

@@KA-om9oz Bootcher? Bewtcher?

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

@SlowBrony Lol............

[@deejay7339]

She probably butchered her butcher gig, thus they named her "the butcher"

[@0westdude]

Thanks munchies now when i visit NYC from New Zealand ima have to spend more then I wanted to visit all these food places you keep showing us

[@stevencasarez8443]

Love that place!! Will there be more videos featuring Los Taco's No 1?

[@cushshonvlogs420]

I used to work at a deli, and seeing her use a slicer like that triggered tf outa me 😂😂😂

[@shanghaitriad99]

As Anthony Bourdain said all the best cooking in any restaurant is done by Mexicans!

[@heavenstomurgatroyd7033]

I doubt that. I've never seen a Michelin star Mexican restaurant, have you?

[@jacko8030]

Bilingual illiterate I’ve been to Jose Andreas restaurants for years. Dudes an amazing chef and an amazing person

[@jaimep3432]

@@heavenstomurgatroyd7033 michelin star resturants are for snobs not everyday people.

[@madamewho]

Heavens to Murgatroyd Michelin starts defining everything right? 🤣🤣😂😂

[@madamewho]

Jacko Jose Andreas would tell you the same. He supports the rights of undocumented migrants because he's seen in the kitchens how hard they work. And Anthony bourdain said so pertaining to US kitchens 🙄🙄🙄

[@Magische84]

Awesome vid, awesome tacos. Brings back good memories.

[@theuniquebean]

This was so interesting and I love how she dug in. No tiny tastes of food. Get in there and enjoy. I actually learned a lot about this process.

[@decuador]

This place has the best tacos in New York City I go there every weekend

[@SubieDiecastCustoms]

If i go to ny someday ill definitely visit there

[@jorgeuchiha634]

decuador try Tacos El gordo in Las Vegas

[@decuador]

Jorge Uchiha If I ever go to Vegas I’ll try it thanks

[@kadoku]

@@jorgeuchiha634 My guy knows! Also, San Diego Tacos are the best in CALIFORNIA.

[@xavier4857]

It’s good, but not the best. Best authentic tacos you will have to travel to queens Jackson Heights

[@01lucerog]

I do not care about the host’s knowledge, technique, or lack there of. I want to hear more from the chef. She needs to pipe down and just interview the guy.

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

Maybe she is someone's daughter, niece, cousin, buddy and that is how she got to do an episode....?!?

[@Justin-ev8nn]

I cared about her life story.

[@maleman6029]

She is probably trying to be a "strong, independent, vocal" female...

[@chrisjones2569]

That looks so good my mouth was literally watering just watching this

[@JoeBlow_4]

Wow, those look amazing. Just great.

[@FoodandFootprints]

*Love al pastor - so cool to watch it being sliced and stacked*

[@awdawdawdawdad7110]

U think ur cool cus u know what it’s called in Spanish? Take your fancy so pastor ass the fuck home u show off

[@saulf9096]

awdawd awdawdad dude wtf, go fuck your self.

[@teripacheco4086]

@@awdawdawdawdad7110 jealous much??

[@KillerAJ]

I read somewhere that the origin of this comes from Lebanese immigrants to Mexico.

[@Drv625]

Yeah Lebanese immigrants brought it to Mexico originally it was lamb since muslims dont eat pork, it was in Mexico that pork was adapted to the spit roast.

[@javierdiaz9901]

@Ali Jaffery Yeah it originates from Lebanese immigrants who immigrated to Mexico after WWI, after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.

[@RubyJamez]

Yea makes total sense, shawarma is cooked that way across all middle east

[@lukyluk13]

Yes, you are right.

[@jonathanappleseed69]

That’s correct, crazy to think about huh

[@spenney007]

Thank god I just finished eating. Looks awesome! !!

[@smallla1514]

"The best Tacos come from the north" bruh you're making tacos al pastor.... 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@madamewho]

Alberto S. AMENNNN

[@corrosyon]

Adobada, not al pastor.

[@fedeskitchen7034]

Adobada in the north, Al pastor in the south minor differences not the same thing

[@araucariapasquale1]

Have been to their Times Square location back in 2017. Was delicious.

[@skunweed2961]

Lo mejor del mundo, saludos desde el grullo jalisco

[@paulettedelgadoflores2105]

3 things, Born in Tijuana/from California/ being to New York and I love this taqueria. The taste is so authentic! My mouth is watering right now as I remember the flavors. On my last trip to NY went there twice in a week. Therefore, I approve this video!!!

[@stuzaza]

Outstanding journalism and fantastic production, a pleasure to watch - a nest of passion uncovered by a beautiful soul in search of the most sizzling story.

[@guerrillaentrepreneur5999]

The chef, crew, yes...the girl, no....................

[@BadassArabianMofo]

Ernesto is my spirit animal.

[@jam9482]

"You'll lose pounds here" Oof

[@PinoyFoodLab]

What a masterpiece, love the food, definitely amazing recipe👍👌♥️

[@370TL]

So much for one of my favorite tacos. Made me appreciate the al pastor tacos even more ❤️. Extra pineapples and onions 👌🏽

[@MrWellyeah]

Mexican Food is hands down the best food in the world.

[@Justin-ev8nn]

As an Asian, Mexican food is definitely the best.

[@Ayayron_e3]

you've never had a McDonald's cheeseburger then!

[@trinohk9558]

Mexican and Italian

[@crocodiledundee8141]

You must never heard of Morrocan food.

[@Clausmiran1837]

@@crocodiledundee8141 that's right, never heard of it

[@derryXDINES]

Epic! I gotta check this place out on my next trip into the city.

[@LeoStnick127]

Yes u have to go! Is the best

[@EricMinimus]

Ernesto is a champion of meat! Wow! Looks so good.

[@Anonymous-nj2ow]

this is probably one of the best things i've seen on youtube

[@DosDonts101]

"you ready to get your hands dirty?" . . . "there's gloves over there", LOL

[@karbonfiba2044]

"I like that you keep feeding me napkins" love that comment

[@dianalee7746]

“ are you ready to get your hands dirty? ... ok gloves are over there” lol 😂

[@OnTheFritz602]

Looks awesome! Reminds me of Greek Town in Detroit the way they cook and cut off the seasoned lamb.

[@zZFuRiouSZz]

I don't know why but I'm not a big fan of the cursing lady interviewer

[@Nerflover10097]

That's like all of the reporters that Vice hires.

[@joedanero5360]

That's the snowflake in you.

[@justchuy]

MotoX Champ lol just say you hate women pussy

[@fungi4591]

She's trying to look hard like a man. Typical American woman

[@zZFuRiouSZz]

Joe danero maybe but I'd like to think it would be inappropriate for a reputable journalist working on an expensive set with restaurant staff to keep swearing when the people she's interviewing aren't being vulgar at all. Sort of takes away from the vibe of the family style restaurant with mellow mexican music in the background.

[@movileone7420]

I'm gonna go throw my stupid bowl of cereal away, gonna go get me some tacos

[@ThePrimo323]

All that hard work and the food still comes out bomb

[@juniorberns]

Great job all and all.

[@FoodandFootprints]

Best al pastor trompo in NYC comes from a late night spot on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights

[@zachdavid3017]

What's it called?

[@FoodandFootprints]

Zach Agosto It doesn’t have a name haha. But we did make a video on our channel about the cart and you’ll see exactly where it is

[@zachdavid3017]

@@FoodandFootprints fair enough. Check out El Don in Woodside too. They have fantastic tacos

[@FoodandFootprints]

Zach Agosto Have been meaning to try them. Lots of gems in and around Roosevelt

[@zachdavid3017]

@@FoodandFootprints absolutely worth it. Super cheap and super tasty.

[@snowdjagha]

That's what a good owner looks like. He also knows how to get his hands dirty!

[@leejones3115]

Definitely visiting for those tacos!

[@RallyDNA]

I am planning to try this restaurant next month when I am in NYC :D

[@javig3692]

Take a shot every time she says muscle memory.

[@RegulareoldNorseBoy]

Yeah. wtf :-D

[@murielrodriguez8047]

Seriously 😂

[@tech1238]

Really good video. The chick was actually interested and went into detail. 👍🏻

[@petepete9831]

T3chm1cal it’s cause she’s a butcher

[@Ryang1074]

I went to LA last month for the first time and managed to find a little taco truck outside called El Flamin Taco... incredible to see the giant tower of meat out on a sidewalk and were easily the best tacos I’ve ever had

[@jetgold]

yes now that's some nice seasoned crispy pork taco very tasty for sure.

[@jdcooks5553]

Looks like someone at Munchies finally figured out a show that works for Cara.

[@augustobrk4528]

Maybe not. Pretentious Cara will rise again.

[@MyJacob88]

I like her filthy mouth

[@stackbundles8209]

@@MyJacob88 😂😂😂

[@stackbundles8209]

@@MyJacob88 fucking this fucking that lol

[@aragondf6655]

Indeed the best tacos al pastor are form La Numero 1 Chelsea Market...!!!! A must place to visit in NYC

[@LeoStnick127]

Yes!!

[@ryosap6397]

Excellent craftsmanship

[@madethehorsecry]

Awesomeness great video

[@jonniedarko9419]

Some of you food journalists would NEVER feel this comfortable dropping F bombs in a Japanese restaurant vid and yet, you would in this video for a Mexican one. And it shows.

[@CrustyOldDave]

I really like this. Cara Killed it!

[@MaxiiBoii23]

@Cliff P aww someone expected KZbin to be PG ☹🤣

[@gsaleen5644]

All of these beautiful cultures and different experiences. Yet there's still ppl and mainly a person in America that wants to build walls around these different types of cultures of life and lifestyles that brings us together.

[@NotPorn]

That looks AMAZING!!!!

[@guitarguy951]

u know la carne is good when it's not even in the same room as you, but you can smell it.

[@user-ul5gi9yw9t]

10:55pm and I haven’t ate dinner tonight

[@Sugarcrazy]

I was there today! The horchata was sooooo good!

[@asclepius3071]

I couldn't stop salivating

[@hunniddollasoda3269]

Cara has the ability to make anything look appealing.😎

[@murielrodriguez8047]

How? By saying muscle memory or by cursing?

[@tonygzz353]

She must not have been a very good butcher. Terrible knife handling skills.

[@Typistss]

My mouth is watering at 1:00am.. bad call on my part watching this 😂

[@adamconforti6171]

Get some sleep bro 😂

[@buckydragon]

Why am I watching this when I've missed dinner? FML

[@taeyang]

Now I have the Munchies!

[@rudysaldivar4228]

Van-pee-row. Cálmate buey y dilo bien! 😂

[@donguello2281]

Rudy Saldivar que*sa*dil* uh I was annoyed también lol

[@albertp.3893]

Trompo is absolutely delicious. Had it many times. In fact I've had it so much that I have now changed my middle name to "Trompo". True story.

[@SubieDiecastCustoms]

Just made my mouth watery🤤

[@HOOHKDGaming]

Nice and crispy...

[@cleanrip1834]

Dang I got the morning munchies now 😎

[@TheHannibalTV]

Looks really good

[@twes619]

Growing up in so cal, I've been spoiled. We used to go to tj for the tacos, and now they have plenty around to satisfy the craving

[@SoySauceBase]

Los taco is probably the best tacos i ever had in my life

[@feweqfwefwef9912]

Obviously you never been in Mexico and obviously you don’t have a favorite taquero

[@SoySauceBase]

@@feweqfwefwef9912 kool

[@Peter..Griffin]

Everytime i see a trompo, i have to order media hora de tacos

[@4seasonsTrucker]

Do you have a video on your marinade? Great video.

[@madchaos4912]

Beautiful people, outstanding food.