On this episode of Taqueando with Bill Esparza, powered by Acquired Taste Media, LA’s original taco truth-teller has some things to get off his chest.

First, Bill takes aim at a recurring problem in the food world: Spanish cuisine getting credit for Mexican dishes. He breaks down the colonial hangover behind this narrative—and why it’s time to give Mexican food its rightful due. Then he responds to a viral review of East LA institution El Tepeyac Café by LA Try Guy, calling out the influencer’s uninformed (and frankly offensive) take on one of the city's most legendary spots.

On a more positive note, Bill shares a glowing review of Bar Benjamin on Melrose—where he actually liked the cocktails (rare!). He also answers listener questions on:
– The Michelin-starred taquería in Mexico City and the backlash it stirred
– Tipping culture in Mexico: who to tip, when, and how much
– The best tacos de guisado in LA right now

Whether you’re a taco obsessive, a culinary history nerd, or just here for Bill’s unapologetic hot takes, this episode delivers.

Follow, rate, and share to keep the taco truth flowing.

#Taqueando #BillEsparza #LATacos #MexicanFoodCulture #ElTepeyac #LATryGuy #BarBenjaminLA #MichelinTacos #Guisados #TippingInMexico #AcquiredTasteMedia

Why do fish tacos in Los Angeles so often miss the mark? In this episode of Taqueando, James Beard Award-winning food writer Bill Esparza is joined by The LA Food Podcast host Luca Servodio to unpack what makes Ensenada-style fish tacos so iconic—and why LA rarely gets them right. From batter debates to the importance of tortillas and double-fried fish, we break down the key elements that separate the great from the forgettable.

Plus, we share where you can go in LA to get a glimpse of Baja flavor and dish on where we’ve been eating lately: Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Panamanian newcomer Sí! Mon in Venice, and Daniele Uditi’s brand-new Lele Dinner Club. In the Q&A, Bill shares tips on seasoning steak, how to find the best places to eat when traveling, and whether or not Cabo is actually a good food city.

🔍 Keywords: Ensenada fish tacos, best fish tacos in LA, Bill Esparza, Luca Servodio, LA food podcast, Moo’s Craft BBQ, Sí! Mon Venice, Lele Dinner Club, Daniele Uditi, Cabo food, travel dining tips

On this episode of Taqueando, Bill Esparza sits down with acclaimed Panamanian chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas, the force behind Venice’s buzzworthy restaurant Sí! Mon. They dive deep into Panamanian cuisine, José’s celebrated restaurants in Panama City, and the challenge of introducing Los Angeles to an entirely new culinary language—while staying true to tradition and flavor.

Bill also shares highlights from a recent knockout meal at Mariscos Los Corchos in Bloomington, CA, then answers listener questions in a rapid-fire Q&A. He offers restaurant recommendations for Flagstaff, Arizona and Quito, Ecuador, busts common myths about enchiladas and salsa, and shares his favorite drinks to pair with street tacos and other street food staples.

Powered by Acquired Taste Media, Taqueando is your go-to podcast for deep cuts in Mexican and Latin American food culture, hosted by James Beard Award winner Bill Esparza.

What’s the most important item at the salsa bar? Salt—and you. On this episode of Taqueando with Bill Esparza, we’re diving deep into the taco brigade system at Mexican taquerías, where every cook has a role—and the diner is the final member. Bill breaks it down in his signature no-BS style: “If your taco is underseasoned, it’s your f**ing fault.”*

He also shares what he’s been eating lately—from the Pujol pop-up at Damian to Molino Pujol at Ditroit, plus visits to Fiddlehead and other gems in Santa Barbara wine country.

In the listener Q&A, Bill answers:

• What’s the best taco city in the world?

• What does he look for as a food writer?

• What’s his favorite Mexican-American combo plate?

• And where to eat in Lima and Quito?

  
  

Come for the salsa, stay for the smoke.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a spicy question for the next episode.

In the premiere of Taqueando with Bill Esparza, chef Enrique Olvera reflects on 25 years of Pujol, the groundbreaking Mexico City restaurant that redefined modern Mexican cuisine. Olvera and host Bill Esparza dive into mole madre, culinary identity, and how Mexican food earned its place on the global stage.

Keywords: Enrique Olvera, Pujol, Mexican cuisine, mole madre, Mexico City restaurants, Bill Esparza, Taqueando podcast.

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Episode Links:

Pujol https://pujol.com.mx/eng/

Enrique Olvera https://www.instagram.com/enriqueolveraf/?hl=en

Bill on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streetgourmetla/?hl=en

More Acquired Taste:

The LA Food Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7q29bhboG2WSHktlyJzEGl

The LA Countdown https://www.instagram.com/thelacountdown/?hl=en

Acquired Taste https://www.acquiredtastemedia.com/