NPR

'Guerrilla Tacos': Street Food With A High-End Pedigree

Wes Avila is leading a new wave of LA chefs: children of immigrants, classically trained in French cuisine, who blur the lines between high and low. His acclaimed food truck now has a cookbook.
Wes Avila behind the wheel of the Guerrilla Taco food truck, a 1983 Chevy painted Dodgers blue.On the menu you'll find tacos with wild boar and thick-cut bacon, wild porcini mushroom and corn quesadillas, and Thai snapper tostadas.

How many taco trucks do you know that not only have a cookbook but a theme song? Wes Avila's Guerrilla Tacos truck does – and has once again made food critic Jonathan Gold's influential list of favorite Los Angeles eateries.

Five years ago, Avila was working as a sous chef at a pop up restaurant called Le Comptoir. It was only open four days a week, and Avila says he wasn't making enough money to cover his rent. So he bought a simple food cart. He used his last $167 on ingredients.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readAmerican Government
Barron Trump Will Serve As A Florida Delegate At The GOP Convention
Barron Trump, who turned 18 in March, has largely been kept out of the spotlight — until now. His name appears on a list of delegates for Florida at the Republican National Convention in July.
NPR3 min readCrime & Violence
Adult Film Star Stormy Daniels Grilled By Trump Lawyer In Hush Money Trial
Today is the second day of testimony for adult film star Stormy Daniels. On Tuesday she testified to a nondisclosure agreement and settlement deal with former President Donald Trump.
NPR4 min read
Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Sending Legislation To The House
The Senate passed a bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.

Related Books & Audiobooks