• 12 Apr 2012
• Posted in: On View
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Tacos, LA's Beautiful Little Heaven

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King Taco, Alberto’s, Taco Bell, Taco Azteca, El Atacor… with so many places available to get your taco fix, have you ever wondered how tacos became a craze in America?

Mexican food in general from burritos and nachos to tortas—has taken over the spotlight in the US, transforming itself into the ultimate midday and midnight snack. But how exactly did Mexican food conquer the American palate?

Gustavo Arellano, nationally syndicated columnist and bestselling author of “¡Ask a Mexican!” visited LA Plaza this week for a reading and book signing of his newest book, “Taco USA.”

Among all of the taco trivia unearthed by Arellano is the story of tacos as Los Angeles’s beautiful little heaven—un cielito lindo. Located in Los Angeles’s historic Olvera Street, Cielito Lindo Restaurant is described by Arellano as the “baptismal font” of the taco. There, Aurora Guerrero sold tacos which she rolled and fried. The popularity of her crunchy taquitos pushed the modern-day taco into the American limelight. Today, you can still visit Cielito Lindo on your way to LA Plaza for your favorite taquito plate.

But are all tacos created equal? Are some tacos more equal than others? Read more about the history of the taco and Mexican food in America in Arellano’s new book.

Pick up your copy of “Taco USA” at our gift store, La Tienda, and read it at your own taco heaven.