(Dined 12/18/21 SA @ 1:00pm): This Valley boy's taquero on wheels was going off!…read more
I recently enjoyed a new winter beer release and t-shirt promo at Paperback Brewing Co. when Valley Boy Taquero Food Truck pulled up and was the day's food option. Prior to these COVID-19 times, I frequently attended, worked, or volunteered at the myriad of year-around events throughout Southern California, yet this was the first time I've ever seen this road restaurant and had to try them out. Would the food match the alluring aroma from this meals-on-wheels!?
QUICK BIO
"Fuse your favorite flavors at Valley Boy Taquero, your go-to for Tex Mex and BBQ in the San Fernando Valley. Brought to you by executive chef, Eddie Garcia (The Woodman, Codeca Cantena, etc), this Valley Boy is blending his heritage with his home for such craveable creations as smoked brisket tacos, grilled chicken sopes, and plenty of BBQ sandwiches with applewood bacon and melted cheese, served on, you guessed it, Texas toast. Head to the valley for a taste of this taquero, or better yet, invite Valley Boy Taquero to serve up their flavors at your next event in Greater LA today!"
PURCHASE
Carnitas Taco ($3.00): Built with mesquite smoked carnitas, chipotle salsa, chopped onion and cilantro, topped with an orange slice all laid upon a homemade tortilla, this was bliss in my mouth as all the flavors complemented each other (even the odd orange slice!). This was a messy taco to handle with its mountain of ingredients, I finished it with a fork. Salud to the chef and this creation https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6edCDA4aMgZSObo7lVzrBg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.5 of 5.0 STARS]
Smothered Onion Rings w/Korean Beef ($11.00): Large crispy crunchy medium browned onion rings that stayed intact when bitten into (not sweet Maui), melted cheddar cheese, Tapatio aioli sauce, roasted corn, cotija, and guacamole with your choice of protein (smoked brisket, carnitas, Korean beef), this was a massive messy monster of meat with other items thrown in for the heck of it! The amount of Korean beef was insane and I was surprised the onion rings never got soggy from all the various juices from the other ingredients. Short of not being my beloved sweet Maui onions, this was near perfection https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=dsG8b4UukXoqBzXh1lGjbw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
I dealt with a friendly young woman who quickly took my order, and about fifteen minutes later my name was yelled out (they should consider a microphone & speaker system) that my order was ready for pick up - easy-peasy!
PARKING (FREE)
Being a food truck, they were at the beck and call wherever they were serving food. I drove myself since I planned to be at the brewery. Otherwise, the venue was at Paperback Brewing Co. who had no parking lot but plenty of free parking on the main drag of Magnolia Ave. and all surrounding side streets (please read all posted street signs). Another option was to hire a driving service like a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your standard self-sufficient food truck with an exterior menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1qx1QsfBMfW6QYUvPyAVsw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, order and pick up windows, minimal area for condiments, napkins, and utensils https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=09ociFcqklv9-x674M-5IA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Natural lighting was prevalent during the daytime while electric street lights glowed at night. There were no TVs nor background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=lafWM-L_GygDm66DCTVrYg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Valley Boy Taquero Food Truck was awesome and would seek them out in a crowded food truck scene. From the moment the aroma of their cooking meats wafted in my direction to the last lick of my fingers, I was impressed by the food. The prices were very reasonable and more than comparable within the food truck industry, and the service was straightforward as they did their job efficiently. The menu was limited as was the case for most food trucks, but I wanted to try everything now. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $14.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS