What is KCRW & Gustavo's Great Tortilla Tournament?

On a cold, rainy day in 2018, Gustavo Arellano and KCRW decided it was time to search for the best tortillas in the greater Los Angeles area. After many ideas and conversations, the Great #TortillaTournament bracket was formed and the expert tasters began their hunt. The resulting tournament and event were so successful it has become an annual search.

How were the tortillas selected?

Tortillas were selected to reflect the b`th of the culture in Southern California. Tortillerias that have been neighborhood institutions for generations and mass-market ones. Tortillas made with heirloom, non-GMO corn from Mexico, and those made from American corn. Tortillas from markets and restaurants. Tortillas from Orange County, Los Angeles County, Ventura County and the Inland Empire. Thick ones and thin ones and powdery and flaky ones and delicious ones and blue ones and green ones so much more.

How are the tortillas judged?

Easy! It’s all about the taste. Are they good or not?

More detailed: Do they heat well? Does the corn taste like corn, and the flour like wheat? As they match up, is one fundamentally a better experience than the other? If this isn’t enough, Good Food’s Evan Kleiman and Gustavo did a whole conversation about it

Who is Gustavo?

Gustavo Arellano is a Southern California muckraker, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and longtime contributor to KCRW’s "Good Food,” and "Orange County Line" on "Greater L.A."

When and where is the event?

Sunday, October 18 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Zoom!

What is the Golden Tortilla?

Exactly what it sounds like: a gold tortilla on a plaque. This trophy will be presented to the winner to take home on October 18!

Still have more questions?

Email events@kcrw.org and we will do our best to answer them for you.