La Parnita

My friend had been raving about this place for so long but I was never interested in more of the same old tacos and ceviche that I assumed they served (I´ve been living in Mexico for too long). But one Sunday afternoon, I was so exhausted from a six hour day of yoga (well I have to do something to burn off all those tortas) and just too tired to argue about where to have linner (lunch + dinner), that I finally gave in. As soon as I saw the place I realized this was no ordinary taquería. With an owner resembling a younger, less bald version of Lenin, waiters that look like they have been working there since they were thirteen years old (60 years ago), and deliciously tacky decor with just a touch of cool, I knew I had made the right decision. The place is perfect enough for hipsters, anti-hipsters, lumberjacks, and families alike, awesomely unpretentious but hip at the same time. The menu ranges from shrimp tacos, tortas of many kinds, to dried chilies stuffed with beans and cheese, and much more. We ordered shrimp tacos, a torta bañada (bathed in sauce), the stuffed chilies, more shirmp tacos, a michelada cubana (beer with lime juice, sauces, and spices), a limonada, wine, more shrimp tacos, and then the bill; which wasn´t very much. They even serve the micheladas in mugs that are kept in the freezer for an extra bonus of coldness on a hot day. During the meal the old cook lady even came out to greet us, smoke a cigarette, and give my dog, Onion, a bone and some water. What more could you ask for, really.

I know this is a blog about tortas but I really have to add the other food ´cause it was just so beautiful.

La Marquesa (Pambasos)

In my three and a half years of living in the land of tortas I have come across many a pambaso, but until today I had never tried one of these fried delights. They always seem to be sitting a little too close to the hot oil for my refined taste buds but since I had just gone for a hike (well, walk) through the almost Canadian-like cold bosque (forest) of La Marquesa I thought I deserved to fill my tired tummy with this greasier sister torta. Although they are not outright called tortas they sure look like family to me. Filled with potato and chorizo, shredded lettuce, sour cream, queso fresco, mayonaise, chile, and then fried in oil, you really can't go wrong. And sure enough it proved an excellent accompaniment to my sopa de hongos (mushroom soup) while sitting in the crisp Mexican mountain air watching the families play soccer in the fields and the little brats ride by on ponies.

El Rinconcito

In my opinion, the making of a good torta is all in the application of refried beans. Every torta should be made that way, and it just so happens that that's how they do it at El Rinconcito (The corner or little nook). There are two lovely ladies that run the place who seem to know the names of all the people that patronize it, which is always a good sign. We tried the milanesa (breaded beef) and ham, and the pierna (ham shank) both loaded with avocados, Oaxacan cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeñoes, making every bite an incredible but messy experience. If you don't mind standing while you eat, then I highly recommend this little hole in the wall.

On the corner of Citlaltepeti and Amsterdam, in front of the glorieta (roundabout).

.

Tortas de Pescado a la Manolo

Well you won't find these on any street corner in Mexico City, but you can find them in my friend's kitchen on Veracruz Street. But if he refuses to invite you in, then here's how to make them on your own.

What's in it:

1 fish fillet
1/2 avocado, mashed
manchego cheese
1/2 jalapeño
1/4 onion
1 tbs mayonnaise
1 tbs mustard
1 tbs butter
4 leaves of spinach
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bolio (torta bread)

Slice onions into strips and fry with olive oil, oregano and jalapeño.
Sprinkle the fish with garlic powder and dried chives, and in a separate pan, fry in butter. Assuming you're not on a diet, cover the bolio with mayonnaise and mustard. Add a few slices of cheese and put in toaster oven until it melts. Add the spinach and avocado. Serve with a michelada and enjoy!

El Pialadero de Guadalajara

Back in my Guadalajaran days I was known for putting back a Torta Ahogada or two, but since moving to Mexico City I have been sadly deprived of these saucy breakfast sandwiches. It wasn't until my Tapatian roommate, Oscar, stumbled upon them that I even knew they existed in the DF. But now I do. And now I am happy again. Well I was until they kicked us out after our first michelada... and right when it started to pour with rain.

But besides closing too early and the fact that my beer mug wobbled too much, I was thoroughly satisfied .

They even gave me a glove to eat my torta with! Either they could tell just by looking at me what kind of eater I was, or this is the custom here...but either way they're on to something good. I'm always going to eat with gloves from now on.

Hamburgo No. 332
Corner of Lieja
Col. Juarez
Tel: 5211-7708
9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Cata's Tortas de chilaquiles

Chilaquiles; yum. Milanesa; delish. Tortas; delectable...so why not put them all together? is what Cata was thinking when she set up shop on the corner of Alfonso Reyes and Tamaulipas in Condesa. I was a skeptic at first but was soon won over by these heavenly eats.

After a long night and too much mezcal, these delightful tortas were a pleasing occurence for my hungover state. But since she just has a table on the side of the road and no chairs, standing up proved to be somewhat of a challenge...but a challenge well worth it.

Right on the southwest corner of Alfonso Reyes and Tam aulipas. Make sure you get the chilaquiles AND milanesa combo...you wont regret it.