Street Fried Quesadilla

Quesadilla all done up

I left this art show in Echo Park last night. I was starving and my favorite blue corn quesadilla lady wasn't around. But I saw a woman kitty corner at the intersection with a small cart and steam rising above her. I couldn't wait for the lit red hand to change to the walk signal and I crossed toward her.


I heard her saying, "quesadillas" as I approached. When I go there I saw what seemed to be more of giant empanadas. But they were more of a deep fried quesadilla. She made a tortilla like shape out of dough and stuffed them with cheese and potatoes (she also had cheese and chorizo or just cheese). She folded it in half and dropped it in the hot oil. She then served it to me, what i call, pupusa style - topped with cabbage, sour cream and crumbled cheese. Then she had all these delicious salsas to choose from... Avocado, Tomatillo, Salsa Roja and Habanero, which was pretty spicy. Overall it was delicious but a little messy. I could have used a knife.

WHERE:
Quesadilla Street Cart
Sunset Blvd & Echo Park Blvd.
Echo Park, Los Angeles

Quesadillas on the streets of Echo Park

Salsa bar street cart style

before salsa

after salsa

La Palma makes me Tutifruti

I had some delicious tortillas and tamales from La Palma "Mexica-tessan" for Christmas. A yummy, sugary Tutifruti Jarritos too. If you live in San Francisco, you should definitely visit La Palma and give it a try. 

I discovered that a Mexica-tessan is a wonderful market and taqueria combo in the Mission District on the corner of Florida and 24th Street. Get some fresh, homemade tortillas for your dinner one night. You'll find a huge difference from what you are used to buying in the store. Their corn tortillas are soft, rich in flavor and "two-ply"; they have an airy pocket in the middle. The tamales have a good flavor. I preferred the regular tamales over the Salvadoreños style. They have a very rich flavor, wrapped in a banana leaf, rather than a husk. They also have a an olive in the middle. Watch out for the pit!