Good Food
Cinco de Mayo Special: How the Taco Conquered America
Was the taco as we know it invented in LA? Hear from the giants behind mega chains El Torito and Taco Bell as we trace the history of the taco in America.
By Evan Kleiman • • 57m ListenGustavo Arellano, author of Taco USA sits in as Evan's co-host as the two trace the history of the taco in Southern California and across America. Before there were tacos, there were taquitos and KCRW’s Saul Gonzalez visits the birthplace of the taquito in Los Angeles - Cielito Lindo - and speaks to owner Diana Guerrero Robertson whose family has owned the stand since 1934. Taco tycoon Larry Cano reminisces about how he started El Torito and created the blended margarita that we know today. John Gorman, the original Chief Operating Officer of Taco Bell recalls the challenge of marketing tacos to the American public in the 1960’s and Fernando and Bricia Lopez remember how difficult it was to find Mexican ingredients when they opened their Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza in 1993. Plus, a gringo in the hot sauce business? Dexter Holland of The Offspring discusses his quest for delicious Mexican hot sauce and Jonathan Gold describes how the Mexican culinary landscape has changed since he began reviewing restaurants in 1984.
Banner image: Taco Bell founder Glen Bell and his wife, Martha, making tacos. Photo courtesy of Taco Bell
