Our Favourite Meal in LA

[@vickdizang]

Al Pastor is typically pork, it was invented by Lebanese immigrants who came to Mexico and wanted to make lamb schwarma but pork was a much more readily available meat in Mexico so they pivoted. This is also why it is cooked on a vertical spit, much like lamb schwarma in Lebanon and it's surrounding neighbors.

[@jerrylewis4724]

came here to post this

[@borisstanislav4560]

I doubt the Lebanese invented it, they definitely inspired it, but pork in an adobo marinade is 100% Mexican (cochinita pibil). The trompo (schwarma) is a Middle Eastern cooking method tho.

[@erocksproduct]

Go to know, make sense.

[@jpallen719]

Wasn’t it typically pork that was sandwich between slices pineapple and put on an upright rotisserie?

[@jaygilbert4546]

I think when Andy said the Pastor was beef or lamb, he was ACTUALLY thinking of Barbacoa or Birria.

[@sabrinasmith813]

Hoping one day Andy will be interviewed on Hot ones with Sean Evans🤞🏻

[@tony2shanks]

Ohhh that would be sick

[@drindy5166]

It sooo would just for the actual interview... but my bet is Andy will not choose to go down that spicey gauntlet. I really hope I am wrong and Sean reaches out to him 👊🧡👍

[@bullit4x]

OMG!!!! That’s Los Viejones!! Best lengua (tongue) in southern Cali. Pastor is pork 99% of the time.

[@navy_flyer2331]

No, if it's in front of the Ralph's in venice, with the canopy like he shows, that's bootleg tacos. And based on the rating, I'm guessing that IS the place.

[@kris_kreations]

Awesome video, even without editing, lighting, multiple camera angles, etc. Just chill. When I was young and traveled to other countries with my Mom, she taught us to find a driver that was trust worthy and have him take us to places that the locals would go. In the US, we get in the car and just drive to all the places we don’t have here on Guam. It’s an experience.

[@sing2me]

Cool story. I love travel. And used Triptiks from AAA insurance. We just used the reviews and locations... got very good at selecting 😁

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Great tip, always a good idea to ask a local where they eat!

[@philharnett2884]

Watching you guys scoff great food and chat, makes me wanna sit down and share a meal with you. Would be great to share your love of good food. From an old retried chef. 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@TheAkANIMAL907]

I lived in LA for a while and awfully miss the street stands out there. Never had a bad experience, the street food in LA is on another level

[@mdharrisuiuc]

My partner and I also go to the grocery stores or farmers markets in a new place. When we first arrived in Perth we literally spent 3 hours wandering through woolies. A couple things: Al Pastor is typically pork, the paler green salsa is most likely avocado salsa, and tongue is called lengua, pronounced like len-gwa. That was 3 things, sorry! To make up for it, I'll ask a question: did you manage to find any foods that were unlike anything you've had before, or that which have given you some inspiration for a new dish?

[@tony2shanks]

I second this, great question 👍

[@TylerWilhelm-tj8tw]

The pale green salsa is typically just blended jalapeño, oil and salt

[@rayperez5918]

Also they were talking about ceviche and it’s definitely not Tuna that’s used. It’s usually with a white fish or shrimp.

[@dijanadundovic4323]

Thanks

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Thank you for watching!

[@Denise_Thompson]

Love listening to you two talk food, knives, utensils, cookware, but would love to see you two menu plan and grocery shop together.

[@JasonSchmidt]

Absolutely love you guys!! So relaxed and chill....outstanding!

[@mariesalway91]

watching you eat, i was so full, so much food . PS qld has been rather warm this week as well lol

[@ZackWalters]

Al pastor is usually pork. It's an adaptation from Lebanese immigrants to Mexico who did use lamb. Pork is a lot cheaper in the area, though, so the standing rotisserie method was changed to use pork. The big spit of meat is called a "trompo," which means "top."

[@borisstanislav4560]

The only middle Eastern thing is the schwarma or trompo (spinning top) the meat and marinade are basically cochinita pibil, cooked by the Maya of Yucatan for centuries.

[@Kitkatrey]

OMG, just stopped there on my own visit out in LA ! Enjoy!

[@WhiteMisty]

This is why I always carry unscented baby wipes. Eating this meal in a car baby wipes are a must. I'm a professional. Taco's were mini so not too off the charts to eat. Years ago i would never thought I'd enjoy content of people eating in a car while chatting. But it really works. Hope the jet lag isn't too bad

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Glad you enjoyed the car meal! Jet lag hasn't hit us too bad this time.

[@jpallen719]

I have to say something ….being around the horn a few times as they say….I really appreciate you both, your energy, the love for your work, and quality with which you excel in…..stay together always, take care of each other and have fun. Love you both. Jp

[@MandyGrobler]

That looks awesome! You guys make my week. I’m making spring rolls while watching you.

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Nice!

[@squishygothdude]

Adalberto's Mexican Food in San Diego is also amazing!!!

[@821Farm]

As a market farmer… thanks for sharing your love of farmer’s markets.

[@rwfoxtrot]

Sounds like a great trip! I think the cactus might be prickly pear which I’m sure you know has edible fruit. I only recently discovered that the “leaves” are also cooked on a griddle and seasoned.

[@gerryrojas4394]

Yeah you're completely right. When you're eating spicy tacos horchata is a must.

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

The best chaser

[@jennifertoliver9546]

We took our kids (and my daughters Bf of 10 years) to P.V. Mexico for 8 days so, while their Dad and I have health issues, I wanted them to know where we scattered their beloved Nana and her husbands ashes in case they wanted to visit them! The taco's were astounding, as was the food at the all inclusive resort, It was a bit annoying knowing they went out for lunch daily but they took drinks, fruit, and baked goods, then met us for dinner! and cards every evening! We are blessed with several Chef friends and the joy they derive from cooking for each other, is lovely, and we love shareing experiences with them

[@sspacegghost]

brought and bought - its a tasmania UK thing. and kiwi apparently. you can always tell where someone is from if they use those interchangeably

[@nathanielpemberton9303]

love the supplementary content folks. particularly when travelling in the US, and meeting celebs. Know how tough that can be when travelling when and with sober(s). Also, FYI, when next at Sth Melb Market, best new rec's since you guys were locals: recommend Gem Pier Seafood (local, sustainable primarily Port Phillip seafood) and K-Sein Fromagerie (amazing Frenchie, Victor, with his) imported, specialty cheeses.

[@toddash42]

Would love to watch you break down a beast into all the different cuts

[@nathanleicht2649]

I just got back to Aus from LA and San Diego, had some great carne asada tacos and an awesome california burrito

[@malice41414]

Cactus or Nopales are a super food. Many vitamins and minerals. It's delicious cooked with different things.

[@kelvinkwa9051]

There's a Thai Chicken Rice specialty place on one end of Hardware Lane in Melbourne.

[@Andy_M986]

There was a really authentic one in East LA,near the Dragnet building, stand alone adobe style shack,killer Mexican food.

[@TheRenaissWmn]

Those tacos look amazing!!! I always look forward to your content and I hope y’all are back in Australia safely! Just a quick clarification, I believe Andy has mentioned this before and just got very excited over the tacos or I heard incorrectly. El pastor is typically pork with pineapple cooked on a vertical rotating rotisserie stake. The beef and lamb mixture Andy mentioned is the Mediterranean and Lebanese version. Lastly, tongue in Spanish is Lengua! Which is usually made with cow tongue! Very tasty if you find a place that cooks down the tongue a long time to tenderize and soften the muscle. It takes like pulled pork or beef!

[@rossxjohnson]

Loved this car vlog / mukbang. Also loved that you got the thumbnail but it's the Horchata that made it.

[@Dexterity_Jones]

the cactus is nopales. Definitely authentic and fun to try.

[@candygram4435]

Some AI video the other day pronounced nopales as no pails. I lolololed for hours

[@chuckd7697]

Pastor would traditionally be pork shoulder. Welcome to Los Angeles. :) love your channel and have cooked loads of your recipes!!!!! Much love.

[@junlee7301]

welcome to LA. Loved your byriany video. It is authentic way to prepare. Currently enjoying very nice chiken byriany. 😋

[@swisski]

Mexican Tongue tacos are called Tacos de Lengua

[@ThisTravellingKiwi_]

Kia Ora! 🇳🇿 Love these chill vlog videos! 😊 I’m Cabin Crew so when I’m in a new destination I always go to a supermarkets too. I love looking at all the snacks and what other stuff they have that we don’t here in the UK!

[@blahblahblahblech]

You are correct, the food culture in California is epic. You guys should check out the central coast and the Bay area. The wine and food up there is on another level

[@CesarSandoval024]

Have you ever gone to El Torro in Santa Maria? Their carne asada is Fire!

[@kirbyesque]

I sometimes think of leaving Los Angeles because it, well, kind of awful. And then I have a liter size strawberry cucumber lemonade and five street tacos Al pastor tacos and a see the world with clear eyes. ❤ 🌮

[@bigstuff17]

in Austin, try Iron Works Barbecue off Red River St. Their 12+ hour smoked brisket is amazing, and their ribs are amazing!

[@barbaracholak5204]

Greetings from California Question :: What do you do with your dog on your travels ? Take care

[@nick_mills]

Laughed at the boning room comment

[@frondulant]

Proper laughed at that 😂 "The big boning room" 🤣 One day I will grow up. But that day is not today

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

😆

[@veronicamozee]

Flat track coffee is my favorite! And soup pedler has yummy food that's inexpensive kinda like health food.

[@tacychristensen4846]

Mashed peas and Irish stew. Martabak manis

[@Feebeeee]

Love a farmers market or finding the freshest best seafood on offer particularly if they sell straight off a trawler. Night food markets with live music are fun to find too

[@squishygothdude]

Santana's Mexican Food in San Diego, CA is the best!!!

[@blackcatz1364]

Thanks for knives video last week. Bought a Wolstead wooden handled set straight after I watched it - my teenage son likes to cook and is forever complaining about how blunt our knives are. Both ended up with a band aid first night we cooked together - they are indeed sharp ! Tiny nicks - nothing serious. lol - thanks again

[@Lmaoh5150]

LA Taco stands that you name by the street and grocery stores they’re outside of are the best

[@BLU_meaway]

Enjoying yall from Zambia. Shout out.

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Thanks for being here!

[@sing2me]

The best places are the family run remote or hole-in-the-wall places 😘😋 Mexican food is totally wonderful. What is your favorite heat level? Highest you tolerate? I love ancho-orange pork carnitas! My favorite homemade Mexican dish ever. And then doing nachos or breakfast with leftovers.

[@tornixdm2431]

if we start talking pots and pans does andy have any recommendations for non stick pans/ brands?

[@JimmyR2023]

We always check out supermarkets and farmer markets and often ask the cashier or stall holder where is the one place we can go just to people watch and embed ourselves in the city.

[@jaya9950]

I love all the videos, but honestly, I really like the unedited, live feel videos. Feels very real Good stuff, hope you enjoyed your trip.

[@seanmoffitt1190]

god. I love... the best tacos i've ever had are from a place like that. the best margaritas too.

[@sgdfly8715]

In Austin, check out Leroy and Lewis bbq next time you’re there. If you go to Long Beach you need to check out Gusto Bread. Both are out of this world.

[@cosm1c-ir4el]

Glad you guys visited Austin its one of my favorite cities in the US, great food and people and its a good size of a city too. Nice to go around the downtown and south congress area I love it. come back to Texas anytime 💯

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

We love it so will hopefully be back again soon!

[@akik8253]

OMG😍Best video eva😋Sat with my 'just made' Gemista🇬🇷stuffed toms&capsicum🤤while watching you eat😋was like I was there😍most excellent!🤗Looking forward to all the others🥂LoveU💕

[@llemon9341]

Katelyn - put me out of my misery pleaaase where are your wine glasses from?! Great video guys x

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Oh sorry, they are from a brand called Krosno

[@llemon9341]

@@andycooksbackofhouse thank you 💕💕💕💕💕

[@CesarSandoval024]

Andy, where is this spot at! Must go today!

[@calfee62]

Splendid! OZ mukbang!

[@wolfganghumboldt4830]

Gualaguetza in LA is a must try. Authentic Oaxaca spot known for it's mole. Leaving LA without trying it is a big mistake. I have traveled America a lot, and I think Gualaguetza is the best restaurant in the entire country.

[@CesarSandoval024]

The mole my front neighbor makes is fire

[@capitatv]

Ok those are legit street tacos. good find!

[@junlee7301]

Pastor is pork and glad you like it. For quesadilla made with flour tortilla 😉

[@MbisonBalrog]

How did you find this place? I thought you from Australia. Do you go to LA a lot?

[@andrewsowter7953]

Would love to hit up Franklins if I ever make it over to the US, my wife and I have a list of iconic food destinations we want to go to in the US

[@cassiewang4907]

Hi Andy , please try some Chinese restaurants other than cantonese food in LA !!!!

[@wegwejj]

If you ever visit San Diego, I highly recommend visiting Oscar’s Mexican Seafood and trying their smoked fish tacos. The best fish taco I have ever had!

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Love a fish taco! If we head there, we'll check it out. thank you!

[@MoonstoneSummer]

My mind totally went to a naughty place when you first said the “boning room” before I remembered last week’s video 😂😂 Yep, I’m a middle schooler at heart!

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

😆

[@johnsperka2253]

Best Mexican food to ever pass my lips was in Tacoma Park MD- a food truck parked by a gas station. I had my usual 6 taco- lingua and r were El pastor - it was heaven- each bite pulling you to next- the only sad part was when you eat it all!

[@mrm6837]

Whenever in a new city I checkout the local food market and their China town

[@chichibangbang3667]

Hey, you didn't ask, "What did you learn this week?" Have you tried Din Tai Fung's soup dumpling?

[@lachlankay6439]

next time, try the Red Barn liquor store in Ojai, Ca

[@drk321]

Al Pastor is usually pork with pineapple juice.

[@ChaosInFlux]

While you are in LA, you should definitely try Birria San Marcos.

[@LordDonnington725]

Al Pastor is generally pork, not beef from what I have seen. If they are doing beef or lamb, definitely a twist on the common practice. Im sure its delicious either way

[@alexanderschmidt5805]

thx

[@pipertarin68]

Chef Andy, Tongue, in Spanish is called Lingua. I hope Babe, You & Anyone else Traveling with you? Made it Safely back to Oz❤ Blessings & Love to you all, Piper & Singer a.k.a. My Kitty.

[@rayperez5918]

You’re in LA and getting tacos in Venice!? Should’ve gone to East Los Angeles or even Compton if you wanted some good stuff!

[@CesarSandoval024]

Sometimes I feel like opening up a taco spot in Australia or New Zealand just to show the people whats up... I know a mexican restaurant in Japan is a win.. But like solid meat. Solid flavor.

[@RedswedeOutdoors]

To get a great lunch in an new town I "stalk" a blue collar worker to their lunch spot. Almost a guarantee to get good food for a decent price. Cheers!

[@jannettaktibbs7268]

El Pastor is always pork, that I have seen. Pork and pineapple.😊

[@CHOPSZOOKER]

Person who asked question about the dishwasher bluntening those knives. Yes our global knives get hammered by the dishwasher, I got my knives professionally sharpened and the first thing he said to me on picking them up was - Don't put your knives in the dishwasher! Have never done e it since and the edge on the knives are far better and less sharpening needed. Pretty sure I remember a dishwasher tablet packet said not to put your good chef knives in the dishwasher, but cutlery is fine.

[@othobel186]

Come to Portland for food!

[@alexanderkramer6622]

btw on Google Maps its called El Primo Taco :)

[@yvonneanderson8064]

She is so cool to travel with. She is a nice young lady.

[@adamryan5039]

can we have a kitchen tool video!!

[@thisisd2891]

Now I want Tacos.

[@macfanguy]

“Kitchen tools with Andy” 😂

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

😆

[@scouser97]

Did you guys check out the comedy mothership whilst in Austin?

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

We didn't this time, it was a very quick trip

[@peterbreis5407]

Don't think we had a bad meal in L.A. Rest of USA, not so much. Looks like you've gone native. Living in your car. 😍

[@arramon6096]

When you said you over ordered and it was only 4 tacos I felt attacked. XD

[@jannettaktibbs7268]

Tongue is called "Lingua" in Mexican cooking. Mom and grandma made tongue. I loved it. Makes great tacos and sandwiches. Enjoy your flight. Love you 2 gabbing and eating. You're good together. ❤😊

[@mrm6837]

Ohh Phew, I panicked and thought there would be no back of house, Sunday doesn't work without Back of House

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

We made it work... just! It was touch and go with the fail of the first filming.

[@rwfoxtrot]

“I’m a huge fan of Tongue” 😂😂 Should be the title of the thumbnail!! You’d probably pick up some extra subs from people who clicked for completely different reasons!!! Hope the flight home wasn’t too bad. That midnight flight from LA is bad enough going direct to Brisbane but even worse when you’ve gotta go via Sydney or Melbourne.

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

missed opportunity for sure 😆

[@MrBrentlilley]

Venice to Silverlake?? My nightmare.

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

😆

[@krisdevalle]

green salsa is always best salsa

[@archaic_huntsman]

On the boning video, I have a feeling it would be accepted on KZbin these days, I've seen several others e.g. the Bearded Butchers do tons of that content without getting slapped by the ban hammer. Would be interesting to see how you'd do it as I've come to understand breakdowns are done a bit differently in various regions depending on preferred cuts.

[@mezame1626]

Yeah i dont think Clancy will let you film the newish boning room but for people wondering its a chain line and it is massive! Mostly all Filipino workers with an Aussie or 2 here and there with 2 big observation rooms up above so the people that think they are very important can watch the green and goldfish working and a camera at every station, yey go Kilcoy abbs 🙄

[@melissaphillis7247]

I won't mind if you don't show the breaking down of a carcass. Great tacos.

[@tqesylverne9757]

American Pro tip: hit a dunkin' or a someplace and ask for extra napkins and throw them in the glove box (I dont know what Ausies call it)

[@theclimbingtree]

No name places are the best!

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

They really are!

[@markthespark6240]

I can't believe your eating this in the car!!!! My OCD for making a mess in the car would be off the radar. I would have been grazing out of the boot/ hatch with some baby wipes handy!!! Obviously a rental car! Loving what you both are doing, as always, & much love from Southern NSW, Australia. Thanks legends!!!

[@andycooksbackofhouse]

Surprisingly we managed to control the mess