Teodoro Díaz revels in the symphony of sizzling meat and the tantalizing aroma of mesquite wood, a secret ingredient in his Sonoratown taquería’s signature tacos.
“The wood imparts a unique, robust flavor to the meat,” explains Díaz, whose meticulous approach to his craft has earned accolades from L.A. Taco, a revered media outlet spotlighting Los Angeles’ vibrant food culture, particularly its taco scene. Since 2006, L.A. Taco has been a go-to source for exploring street food culture and discovering top-notch eateries across California.
“What sets them apart is their genuine reviews, free of charge. They write about what they love, supporting local businesses. If it’s in there, you know it’s good,” says Díaz, whose establishment clinched the top spot at Taco Madness, an annual event organized by L.A. Taco to crown the city’s best taco.
Recently, Díaz, his business partner Jennifer Feltham, and other members of L.A.’s culinary community have rallied to support L.A. Taco, which, like many local media outlets, faces a dire financial crisis. The publication teetered on the brink of closure after losing its primary advertiser.
In a heartfelt plea on Sonoratown’s Instagram, Feltham implored followers to aid L.A. Taco: “They are vital for L.A. — for small businesses, for taqueros. Their journalists are passionate. We must stand together.”
Díaz emphasized L.A. Taco’s unique role in amplifying diverse voices: “There’s no other platform like this. They spotlight not just food but also the stories of mistreated taqueros and Latinos. These stories often go untold elsewhere.”
Despite the looming threat of shutdown, editor-in-chief Javier Cabral remains hopeful, buoyed by the outpouring of support. While they fell short of their subscriber target, the publication garnered over 3,500 members by May 10. Cabral aims to hit 5,000 subscribers by June 15, coinciding with this year’s Taco Madness.
“What moves me most is seeing the surge in memberships and support, even from afar,” says Cabral, visibly moved. “Former Angelenos, residents of border towns like Mexicali and Tijuana — they’re all rallying behind us.”
