Ep 1. South L.A.'s African-American Taco Movement

In the premiere episode of Food Grails, titled "South L.A.'s African-American Taco Movement," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through the streets of South Los Angeles to explore the thriving taco scene. Hosts Miss Info and Dom Digs connect with local restaurateurs, food bloggers, and taco enthusiasts to uncover the origins and evolution of the African-American taco movement.

The episode kicks off with a visit to the legendary King Taco, one of the first taco stands to start serving the Latino community in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. From there, the hosts dive into the heart of South L.A.'s taco scene, exploring the diverse range of taco joints that have sprouted up over the years. They sample everything from traditional carne asada and al pastor tacos to fusion creations like the Korean BBQ-inspired short rib taco and the jerk chicken taco.

But what makes this episode truly unique is its focus on the African-American chefs and entrepreneurs who have put their own spin on the taco industry in South L.A. As the hosts explain, many of these chefs grew up eating tacos at their local taquerias, but felt that the offerings often lacked the bold flavors and ingredients that they craved.

Through interviews with chefs like Keith Garrett of All Flavor No Grease and Nicole Mournighan of Taco Mell, viewers learn about the innovative approaches these chefs have taken to infuse traditional taco recipes with unique spices and ingredients. For example, Garrett's signature take on the classic al pastor taco includes juicy, marinated shrimp and a tangy pineapple sauce. Meanwhile, Mournighan's menu features eclectic offerings like the "breakfast taco," stuffed with sausage, egg, and cheese, and the "notorious RBG" taco, filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, and avocado crema.

Throughout the episode, Miss Info and Dom Digs also highlight the role that social media has played in promoting and popularizing the African-American taco movement. They visit popular Instagram accounts like @la_tacos and @guerrillatacos to see how these digital platforms have allowed foodies and influencers to discover new restaurants and share their favorite taco experiences with others.

As the episode comes to a close, the hosts reflect on the significance of the African-American taco movement in South L.A. They note that this movement has not only created a space for chefs and entrepreneurs of color in the traditionally Latino-dominated taco scene, but has also helped to build a sense of community and cultural exchange among people from all backgrounds.

Overall, the first episode of Food Grails showcases the power of food to bring people together and celebrate cultural diversity. Through its focus on the African-American taco movement, the show highlights the creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit of the chefs and foodies who are shaping the future of the Los Angeles food scene.