Ep 2. Tacos

In season 1 episode 2 of Ugly Delicious, titled Tacos, host David Chang sets out to explore the culture and history of one of America's favorite dishes: the taco.

Chang, a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and food personality, takes viewers on a culinary journey through the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles to discover what makes a great taco. Along the way, he meets with chefs, food critics, and taco enthusiasts who share their insights into this beloved food.

The episode starts with Chang visiting Taco Maria, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Costa Mesa, California, where he meets chef Carlos Salgado. Salgado explains the differences between traditional Mexican tacos and the Americanized versions and how he strives to stay true to the roots of Mexican cuisine while experimenting with flavors and techniques.

Chang then heads to Boyle Heights, a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Los Angeles, to try out street tacos from some of the most famous taquerias in the area. He discovers that despite the variety of fillings and toppings, there are certain key elements that make a great taco, such as the tortilla, meat, and salsa.

Next, Chang visits San Diego to learn about the history of the fish taco, a variation that originated in the coastal towns of Baja California. He meets with Juan Carlos and Danny Galindo, owners of Mariscos German Beyer, a popular seafood restaurant that serves up some of the best fish tacos in town. The Galindo brothers explain how they source their ingredients fresh from the sea and how they use a secret batter recipe to achieve the perfect crispy texture.

The episode also delves into the cultural significance of tacos in Mexican-American communities and how they have become a symbol of identity and pride. Chang visits La Serenata de Garibaldi, a family-run restaurant in East Los Angeles that has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine for over 35 years. He sits down with co-owner Juan Jose Garcia to learn about the restaurant's history and how they honor their Mexican roots through their food.

Throughout the episode, Chang reflects on his own experiences with tacos and how they have become a staple in American cuisine. He acknowledges the controversies surrounding cultural appropriation and the need to respect the origins and traditions of the dish. He also discusses the role that social media and food trends have played in the evolution of tacos.

Overall, Ugly Delicious season 1 episode 2 offers a fascinating and comprehensive look at the history, culture, and flavors of tacos. Whether you're a die-hard taco fan or just curious about this iconic dish, this episode is sure to leave you hungry for more.