Taco Tour 2012

I live and work in the Fruitvale district of Oakland, making me a resident expert on Fruitvale's famous taco trucks, which are sprinkled all over the neighborhood. I know my dear readers, who may be in Fruitvale just once in a blue moon, need guidance in finding the best carnitas or carne asada tacos. Fear not, I will be your guinea pig and your guide through the sometimes frightening experience of trying a new taco truck. When I moved to Fruitvale I didn't have tons of experience. I had eaten my way through Guatemala and Mexico, much of it street food, but the street vendors down south tend to be working out of carts instead of trucks. When I first came to Fruitvale I didn't even order tacos, but I've observed la gente at the trucks over the past two years and realized that true latinos order 3 tacos (and sometimes tortas, depending on the truck). For the purposes of Taco Tour 2012 I'll be ordering 3 tacos at each truck and comparing them for flavor and quality. I'll also try to sample any specialties available. I'll tell you right now that I will NOT be ordering any lengua (tongue) or cabeza (head). I'll post my reactions to each truck as part of the Taco Tour 2012 series. Buen provecho!

Taco Truck Lingo - 

carnitas - pork boiled then crispy fried 

al pastor - roasted pork

camarones - shrimp

carne asada - grilled steak

pollo asado - grilled chicken

torta - Mexican for sandwich
escabeche - pickled carrots and jalapenos