The Best Torta in Mexico City | Pruébalo with Rick Martinez

On this episode of Pruébalo, Rick tries the insane tortataco that combines the two already-delicious Mexican dishes of tortas and tacos. Thanks to Carlos and El Trompo Imperial in Mexico City for having us.
Host: Rick Martínez
Co-Directors: Gabriella Mangino & Sebastian Ortega
Producer: Gabriella Mangino
Director of Photography (Mexico City & Mazatlán): Sebastian Ortega
DP & Audio (Mexico City): Malik El Hadouchi
Second camera (Mazatlán): Juan Chavez
Local Producer (Mexico City): Gerry Cruz
Production assistant (Mazatlán): Emileano Brambila
Editor: Josh Dion
Motion Design: Joe Rufa
BCU Producers: Rick Martinez, Brad Cash, Andrew Rea, Sawyer Jacobs, Emilija Saxe
Rick's Instagram: / rick_andrew_martinez
BCU TikTok: bit.ly/2PLtohe
Binging With Babish Website: bit.ly/BingingBabishWebsite
Basics With Babish Website: bit.ly/BasicsWithBabishWebsite
BCU Discord: bit.ly/3ALFRnY
Patreon: bit.ly/BingingPatreon
Instagram: bit.ly/BabishInstagram
Subreddit: bit.ly/3mkNpp6
Facebook: bit.ly/BabishFacebook
Twitter: bit.ly/BabishTwitter

[@eflarsen]

Pruébalo shows up every once in a while like the cool uncle who travels the world and only shows up to big family events so he can gift everyone with the coolest and most badass gifts before he vanishes for however long it takes to keep up this mysterious aura. and i love it.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Rick is, like, THE cool uncle.

[@R2debo_]

I love two things about this series: 1. I learn about new food to crave 2. I get to see Mexico in all its colors, rather than Hollywood brown. It's so beautiful. It's so bright. I love it.

[@wile123456]

Fr colour correctors in Hollywood are all racist with how they have to always apply filters for foreign countries

[@theslenderchick1797]

What a great way to word it

[@justanotheryoutubeaccount0]

I love learning new things about mexico

[@1roxyfan491]

You mean to see it without the Mexican filter.

[@RandyFortier]

I can't argue with you there, but I'd also like to add that Rick is a treasure too.

[@sdnegus]

PLEASE collab with Rick more! He is a GODSEND and breath of fresh air. 🙏

[@ladydeetz]

Ricks videos are my favorite in this channel. His passion for Mexican cuisine and seeing Mexico in all its glory is endearing and makes me so eager for my next trip ❤

[@Omegapocs]

Rick really fell off my radar after the BA drama and I missed his insight into a cuisine that wasn’t really appreciated in the collective. I’m glad to see him back and see what he gets up to.

[@NeiradTheGoat]

Who's Rick?

[@cbwavy]

BA Drama??

[@mioipiou5697]

@@cbwavy bon appetit

[@joshp8535]

​​@@cbwavyHe used to work at Bon Appétit (as did Sohla, who has also appeared here on Babish since) until it came out that they were being racist a while back. Not paying their people of color as much or at all for appearing on camera. A lot of people left/stopped appearing on camera because they were either affected by it directly, or in support of the restructuring. BA seems to have done a better job these days, in my opinion, though they had to replace their personalities en masse so some of their new ones are hit or miss. Lots of representation though, which is great.

[@TheSparkyman215]

​@@NeiradTheGoathuh

[@fusedsins]

A wonderful man showing off and creating even more wonderful dishes. So glad Rick has found a place in the BCU.

[@redrum7418]

Carlos at El Trompo was so laid back and inviting to Rick it felt nice just to see. Him giving Rick the hat was funny and sweet😄. I also love seeing the brightness of Mexico wherever Rick goes on his latest visit, makes me miss it.

[@Cori2996]

I have a very weird love/hate relationship with this show. Love because everything that Rick shows off genuinly looks amazing and it leaves me with a watering mouth every time. Hate because none of the ingredients used are available to buy in even the biggest supermarkets here in germany, so if i wanted to replicate any of this, I would have to order a LOT of things online, which would end up insanely expensive. By watching this I'm essentially just torturing myself seeing great food that I'll never be able to taste.

[@TheMany42]

As I haven't had them personally, but I understand you might be able to use Schweinekrusten to replace the fried chicharrons, then he even mentioned you could use bacon for the nortenes and princada. France has a dominant position in Europe for importing of non-EU peppers, so higher supply thus better market availability without being *too* far away so buying in bulk from French sellers would last you some time. I'd even suggest canning or pickling a bunch of peppers if you do that to make them last long-term. Though depending on space you have and how much you use them, most pepper varieties only require 45-60cm of spacing between plants for circulation and do decently well in pots I've noticed. And it's only like 3 months to go from germination to harvesting them when growing indoors, (plus they self-pollinate) so if you can give them a reasonable amount of space and conditions you could have a small private supply of peppers that as long as you keep harvesting the peppers promptly when they become ripe it will continue to encourage them to continue producing. That should cover the two most difficult to source ingredients, Carlos even said he uses a French mini-baguette which shouldn't be hard to find after all. The meats would be simple to get from a local butcher then it's just a matter of stewing them correctly. Chorizo shouldn't be hard to get if you can find a Spanish or Portuguese specialty store for the original smoked and dried version. Elsewise it's basically ground pork with chili powder, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cumin, salt, garlic, and white vinegar to make a basic Mexican style. In itself it's quite similar to Mett with more spices.

[@t4squared]

@@TheMany42it still won’t taste like this, so there’s no point

[@eflarsen]

@@t4squared nothing you make at home will taste exactly like the stuff you see in Rick's episodes because unless you live in Mazatlan you won't have the same produce. Doesn't mean you can't make the recipes with the ingredients you have on hand.

[@espenschjelderup426]

You could take inspiration from the videos and adapt it and make your own. I live in Norway and also don't have access to many of the ingredients Rick uses, but I have recreated a couple of the tacos from Ricks videos in the past, in my own way. The chilis, spices and herbs I ordered online. The tortillas I make myself. A tortillada is not very expensive. Meat cuts I change for what is available where I Iive. Will it taste the same as the food in the videos? Probably not, but it sure can be very tasty. Use it as a method and not a recipie.

[@NinthSettler]

you could also consider it an incentive for a mexico city vacation

[@caardappel]

Rick makes me wanna toss away the trappings of my life to go eat and get my nails done in Mexico! Great episode, beautiful!

[@michaeln9931]

This might be my favorite series of anything on KZbin. Rick’s insight, humor, and shirt/nail combos are incredible and the food is unlike anything I see on my other channels. Thank you for such wonderful content!

[@nsanev2]

This is legit the first time I’ve ever felt food envy. All of that food just looks so amazing Jesus

[@lyconxero457]

I felt so happy when I saw "chitlins" on the screen...not because I particularly like eating them but just because it took me back to a memory of discovering that they are actually called "chitterlings" in stores when you buy them but I had ever only heard them referred to as "chitlins." They are one of those foods that I had when I was young and I absolutely didn't enjoy but then I had them prepared differently once later in life and it absolutely opened up my mind to the fact that they can taste AMAZING!

[@igiveupfine]

i am surprised rick found a place/person even more colorful and alive than him. and none of that place/food seemed like a gimmick. and then the food prepared, seemed to match that level of style. just impressive.

[@matthewmortensen988]

I lived in CDMX for a few years in my early twenties. Rick’s videos take me back every single time. I love it!

[@blahblahblah1787]

This is one of those things where you skip breakfast, skip lunch, eat it at 3pm, and pass out.

[@psaripa]

This food is absolutely INSANE! I now need to visit Mexico just to eat at El Trompo Imperial!! 😅

[@kingoberon]

Loved the nails in this episode. Very Pretty.

[@atlasgabriel5461]

I love the Rick videos in the Babish culinary universe, they’re my favourite ❤️

[@johnb7046]

This is heaven. All of this is what I envision heaven to look, smell, taste and feel like. Salud!

[@lonelyfox7778]

This video is a textbook case of food envy.... man I'm hungry now.

[@joshp8535]

Ive never seen a blender as big as Rick's in my life. He poured straight off of the side of a full plate, and his hand barely covered the breadth of the lid.

[@XavierBakunawa]

So gonna make that three-cheese Twinkie™ ice cream sandwich. Looks absolutely lethal.

[@TheJesselopez1981]

Just seeing that made my chest hurt.

[@alyssaleedy]

More Pruébalo! Yes! I checked the playlist and theres only 8 there, this one is not in it. Love seeing all of this delicious food and Rick is absolutely amazing. I was drooling from start to finish with the showcasing of ingredients, cooking methods, and those amazing finished products! Even the twinkie! Now if only I could get a cheese wrapped deep fried ice cream! 😍

[@FrugalOverFifty]

I love this series so much 🥰 Thank you Rick and co. for sharing your love of Mexico and her cuisine. Mexico lindo y querido ❤🇲🇽

[@nicholas8476]

In college I used to go to a small section of town with a big Hispanic/Mexican population and there was a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a big old spinning wheel of pork with blocks of butter over top. They had the best Tortas outside Mexico. Ate there almost every lunch. These things are amazing. Encourage anyone who’s never had a torta to try one!

[@alimon89]

That is a restaurant that would make Epic Meal Time proud! I want to go there! Other comments- I love how much Rick was enjoying himself in this episode, and also the SHIRT AND NAILS COMBO are perfection! My gods!

[@sharonhuang4762]

Rick Martinez is so full of life. Glad to see him hopefully thriving. What a beautiful and bright cuisine.

[@ellieisanerd]

That restaurant looks so incredible. If I ever make it back to Mexico it is at the top of the restaurant must see list.

[@m0k0n4sama]

There is something so special of hearing the chef talking, so cool.

[@lanita_mcgray]

Every time I see Rick, I'm just enthralled with his nails, such vibrant beautiful colors. ❤😍

[@nawlsone586]

Rick has always been my go to for many recipes especially his chilli verde, mole and sopa seca.

[@elisejennings9816]

I love the expansion of the channel for include other chefs

[@torreykat]

Yay! More Pruebalo! I was just wondering if more was coming, sounds like yes!

[@billymeyer99]

Rick, I Just love your zest for life and your incredible food culture.

[@rayreineu]

Wonderful to see Rick!

[@DestructiveLioness]

I absolutely love this series!! I look forward to a new episodes so much which i watch with my partner whos Mexican. Gives us a bucket list on where to visit when we do go. And PS Rick's fashion and nails are amazing!!

[@arcanebitch]

Oh gosh how could i forget about rick, what a gem!

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

When you said "tortaco", I thought the entirety of food was complete, because nothing could possibly live up to that. But then you said "salsa de chicharrones", and once again I realized that culinary potential is limitless.

[@danwooller6101]

I could watch Rick every day, the food always looks amazing 😍

[@RobertFoley]

Watching this I think I said, "wow" like 40 times.

[@Getpojke]

I say it every-time, but it smacks me in the eyeballs every-time. The colours & filming of the Pruébalo episodes are amazing. I don't have much experience with Mexican food or the terminology/vocabulary behind it, so its always exciting to see, hear & learn more. A lot of the Mexican food we see here in the UK is pretty sad & muddy brown looking, but it is getting better.

[@danettelopezgarza]

I cannot wait for the next episode!!! 🎉🎉

[@beguile302]

Always great to see Rick! 🍻✌️

[@TawnyPixie]

Another wonderful episode! Everything looks incredible!!

[@solecorrea6789]

I never knew I needed to try a tortaco until today. But now I won't have peace until I do

[@breeziedreamz]

Oh, that torta looks amazing. El Trompo Imperial needs to open a chain here in the states. I know it would never happen, but a girl can dream. Food nirvana!

[@scotthuffman3462]

I hope that in the year 2050 Babish has his own entire cooking network on every platform

[@MrBlasz]

Wayching Rick just makes me so happy, with his energy

[@CommunityMartyr]

really love this series

[@nnorm]

I loved this so much! So much joy and so much cool stuff to show us!! 🔥

[@MJDENTON]

Holy dang is my mouth actually watering. Love this series!

[@tash_g]

Rick’s notifications get me so excited!!! Like I click so fast!? I never want the videos to end! ❤🫶🏿

[@kathynguyen5024]

I’m so glad ricks show is back, I missed this. Keep them coming please

[@tishw4576]

Loved this episode. I laughed and then I became hungry. Love you Rick!!!!

[@jamirundle823]

I really love Rick and this recipe. I'm also stuck on how gorgeous his new kitchen is. Wow 😍

[@LS-jj4sy]

Always so hype to see a new pruebalo!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love you Rick! This content ricksy🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@TheGoatMafia]

Nothing short of insane! You weren't lying my friend!

[@bazohimsky]

This is the most exciting recipe I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you!

[@Zazzysylvester]

Loved this episode, lovely and vibrant. Rick has such a nice calm voice and demeanour as well.

[@jordy8059]

I fell in love with the restaurant, the man, and his torta. Yall, that's how I got pregnant.

[@kitsu-ray8d20xx9]

My happiness is always going to lie here with food channels❤❤❤ I'm hungry now- FYI I pulled an all nighter with no snacks 🥲

[@AaronAbbotttheoncomingstorm]

This video is everything.

[@melshinta2966]

that thing is INCREDIBLE. also i always love rick's nails!

[@Homesteadher1]

I’m in ❤. Also big Rick fan! I could watch him and his food all DAY!

[@mj.ray0898]

I'm on the "hate it" camp with tripas, but everything else on this show has looked incredible. Rick is such a great addition to the channel, thanks for the content!

[@DianeH2038]

Rick is the BEST!!!

[@LPdedicated]

Just what I needed to bring sunshine on a rainy Sunday! I've said it before and I'll say it again: this series is beautiful in so many ways! The food, the history the visuals and ofc. an awesome and passionate host!

[@p4l4d1n7]

cant wait for the next upload, I'm always left hungry.

[@thisonetime410]

My mouth was literally watering the entire video

[@bierbrauer11]

I love Rick!! That restaurant looks straight fire!!

[@anothertarnishedone5960]

This guy is awesome, so energic and funny

[@Zeithri]

I LOVE YOUR NAILS! They're so eye-catching :D Between this, Animefood with Alvin and Street foods. I love it all! I'd soo wanna go there and try that food!

[@lilykep]

"How do you do this!?" "I don't know, the munchies?" They do say necessity is the mother of invention... Sometimes you just *need* crispy cheesy twinkies with ice cream and sprinkles.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

The munchies are one of the most powerful forces in all of humanity.

[@davidstrickland3592]

This was a great ep! Excited to give the torta recipe a try

[@DLFH]

That tortataco looks out of this world amazing, and now I'm on the hunt for tortas!!!!!!!!!

[@Beryllahawk]

That is simply beautiful

[@gramitalovemukbang7679]

❤Amazing

[@ingerknudson4297]

That made my heart happy

[@Karlhuna]

Saving this one to watch again later and take a swing at preparing for the next house party.

[@ceaserknk6640]

Greatest KZbin channel ever 🔥🔥

[@HimeChan247]

I LOVE Rick episodes. Also I’m a nail tech and let me tell you how much I appreciate how well he keeps his nails up!! I wish I could meet him 😊

[@georgiap8354]

Tortas are one of my favorite things to eat. Mexico City has some of the most vibrant flavors and vibrant culture. As a vegetarian, it gives me the opportunity to taste some wild flavors without feeling excluded from a cuisine. Tortas con nopales for lyfe :)

[@erikakalamaros2176]

Great episode

[@nerdygoth6905]

This was lovely! I can't eat food made with hot spices (but I like aromatics) but this all looked so delicious! I love the thought of cheese wrapped Twinkies, and the way Rick matched his nail varnish to his shirts? So elegant!

[@lindsayortoleva1291]

I feel so silly asking but does anyone recognize the song at the end? I know that I know it but I’m drawing a blank and it’s driving me crazy! Also, so happy to see more content from Rick! Everything about him and this show is so vibrant and alive!

[@sawyerino30]

It’s the overture to “ The Barber of Seville” arranged for mariachi band

[@garcipat]

I will go there any try it myself when Im getting back to CDMX for christmas. Thank you for sharing this!

[@AmberU]

Inert science words love it !

[@mon6745]

I don't think I have ever seen Rick enjoy something so much 😂😂 this is insanely yummy

[@bluesdjben]

Those tortas look amazing. I can tell I am going to be ordering tortas for lunch this week.

[@teriscallon]

that looks insane!

[@Arcanix]

long live Pruebalo!

[@ckellyisme]

Congratulations Rick! I’m so happy you found love in a tortas place

[@TheJesselopez1981]

Isn't that a Rhianna song?

[@waywardmind]

As always, an excellent, well-produced episode!

[@zeveroarerules]

Dude has a restaurant based on munchies recipes. I love it. Wish I could make that thing, not sure where I would get most of the meat though.

[@BudBonkerson]

great video! ❤

[@anthonythomas305]

Cool episode

[@dolphinately]

Rick, Sohla, and Carla were my 3 favorite gems from BA and I'm glad they've all ended up on this channel at some point.

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@benjaminprietop]

when I go back to CDMX, I'm definitely trying this place