Unhipsters' Hangout: Potato Tacos at El Atacor in Cypress Park

On the outskirts of the uber hip Highland Park is Taqueria El Atacor, a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant just north of downtown Los Angeles, close to the thrift stores St. Vincent De Paul and Good Will. Taqueria El Atacor is what I would call a dive, with tacky decor: A taxidermy antelope head on the wall, a juke box, a mural, all past the counter where one orders the food and the kitchen where the food is cooked. Every time we go there, there is hardly anyone dining in the restaurant, let alone any hipsters. I suppose most people order take out because the place simply has no ambience worth speaking of.

But we go there repeatedly for one particular item: The deep fried potato tacos smothered in sour cream, guacamole sauce and cheese. While I've had good steamed potato tacos, the potato tacos here are stuffed in the taco shells and fried together. The pico de gallo here is the best and we top the tacos with it.

The best thing about the potato tacos? A bargain $8.50 for ten of those heavenly things. (A couple of years ago they were $7.00 for 10, but I guess all prices go up).

Let's hope that hipsters don't discover this place and drive up the price any time soon!

Taqueria el Atacor:

2622 N Figueroa St

Los Angeles, CA 90065

http://www.taqueriaelatacorrestaurants.com

A Sunday at the Los Angeles Central Library With free Street Parking

The Los Angeles Central Library is an architectural gem and the pride of Los Angeles. I hardly ever go there because I usually go to my neighborhood branch library which has ample parking while I can never find parking at the Central Library. You can park at its garage with validation, but it still costs money. I have a thing against having to pay for an experience that should be free, like going to the public library!

After years of budget cuts, Through some bond measure that we all had to pay for, Los Angeles finally restored the weekend hours at the library. I was downtown this weekend and decided to drop by the library to walk about. I circled the library a couple of times and found a parking spot right in front of the side entrance. Street parking was free on a Sunday in Los Angeles, so that suited me very well.

My destination was the map room in the history section and the Chinese books section, so I was in the newer part of the library and taking the escalator up and down. The atrium in this part of the library is so grand with hanging sculptures everywhere.The book collection here is also so much better than the local branches. I borrowed some books that I wouldn't have been able to find in my local branch, so that was good. 

WARNING: While walking through the 4th level history section of the library, I smelled stale urine. Someone must have peed on the carpet. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE in a public space that belongs to all of us. Library staff, please clean it up thoroughly. If it's the homeless peeing in the library, they should be directed to the restrooms! I guess homeless people using the library for not just book browsing happens everywhere. I remember when we went to visit what was a brand new Seattle Public Library a few years ago, we were told that the restrooms were painted a horrible puke green to discourage the homeless from loitering there. Libraries should be for book browsing and reading. However, I guess one cannot prevent the homeless from using this beautiful facility as well since it is public space. This is an urban problem that probably cannot be avoided. But still we must try. Otherwise who will visit the library?

A taste of Egg Slut... Finally

Heard about Egg Slut for quite some time. Been to the Grand Central Market several times but the line for Egg Slut was always so long that I've always opted for the other food stands there rather than wait in line. By the way, the soft tacos stand giving out free samples of its carnitas tacos is delicious, and its jamaica (hibiscus) drink for a dollar is the best I've had.

This past weekend, my daughter and I braved the long line and waited to finally get a taste of the Egg Slut. Wow! It is good. An egg on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, slowly poached, or "coddled" to perfection in a small glass jar was absolutely heavenly. But at $9.00 a pop, it's a bit expensive considering the ingredients probably cost no more than 50 cents. Now I'm going to try making it at home and save a few bucks.

Grand Central Market.

The downtown LA Grand Central Market is in the midst of transforming into a more upscale food market. It is currently a mix of foodie hangouts such as Eggslut, Wexler's Deli, C and G Cafe, and many ethnic, been there forever food stands. Hope it stays that way. You don't want the upscale yuppy foods to drive out the traditional Chinese, Salvadoran, or Mexican stands. 

Using Discount Coupons to Try New Restaurants: Bronzed Aussie

I joined Amazon Local and bought an $11 certificate for $22 worth of food from a restaurant called Bronzed Aussie in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant specializes in small meat and vegetarian pies, and I was craving a pot pie, so we decided to try it.

Bronzed Aussie is located near the fashion district in DTLA. In a courtyard surrounded by new lofts, the restaurant location is a quiet contrast to the hustle and bustle of the fashion district. Unfortunately, one hour of street parking costs $4, which added to the overall cost, making it less of a deal than anticipated. But it's good to try something new right?

The restaurant decor is spare with a few tables, a counter, and a glass cabinet that displayed the kinds of food available. When we walked in, there was only one couple ahead of us and no one was eating at the restaurant. I was thinking that this place is probably relatively undiscovered, hence the willingness to give out half off coupons. After we ordered the ground beef pie, the chunky beef pie, lattes, an apple pie, and fish and chips, we sat down to wait for our food. Next thing I know, customers trickled in one after another, and soon there was a steady line of customers placing orders and the two ladies working the counter and register got their hands full taking orders and serving food. Luckily, the pies were already made and sitting in the oven. It didn't take long to serve the food.

The meat pies were very tasty. The fillings were savory and the pie crust was flaky. They hit a spot for sure, and I felt guilty because I am sure I ruined my diet by eating this comfort food. We didn't try the vegetarian pies although I heard other customers praising the chicken mushroom pie and the Thai curry pie. The lattes were good and strong too.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend braving the horrible traffic to the fashion district, pay an exorbitant parking fee just to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood already, picking up a pie here is highly recommended. It's even better with an Amazon Local coupon.

Bronzed Aussie 
714a S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA, 
1.213.243.0770