I always seek out great food to celebrate an exciting life change or event. Last month, I decided to make a permanent career change away from Ubering and clowning, and back into commercial modeling, which demanded a visit to one of my favorite places in Ventura for comida Mexicana. Taqueria Cuernavaca.
Taqueria Cuernavaca Express is a pint-sized branch of the small family-owned chain that is conveniently located smack dab in the middle of downtown Ventura. TCE serves a stunning variety of tortas, burritos, sopes and tacos. And they have all the meats, including carne asada, lengua, birria, pastor, talapia, carnitas, chorizo, chicken, and chicken tinga. And who doesn't love a little "tinga" in their chicken?
I restarted my modeling career by reactivating my unlimited lifetime contract with the Barbizon School of Modeling in Hollywood, which has been crushing the innocent dreams of young people for decades. I have a lifetime membership because I was in its first graduating class in the late seventies and booked their first sizable modeling campaign. It was for Woolworth's failed line of children's business suits. I still have the tiny briefcase from that shoot. I was eventually fired from that campaign due to creative differences with the photographer, make up artist, hairstylist, creative director, one of the lighting professionals, and craft services. I was young and volatile, and had no patience for anyone looking me directly in the eyes while I was working or having lunch. They also accused me of stealing a briefcase.
Taqueria Cuernavaca Express is a wonderful place to have lunch, as it provides a balance of great food, friendly staff, a small but varied salsa bar, and a lovely outdoor dining space. The indoor dining space is compact, but very tidy and comfortable.
I briefly returned to modeling in my late twenties for a local swimsuit retailer. Baywatch was in its heyday at that time so there was a lot of 'beach work' available, but the inordinately large tattoo of Kool & the Gang covering my back usually got me fired almost immediately. I don't remember being a particularly big fan of Kool & the Gang during that period of my life, but I was deeply committed to both Tequila and friends with a diabolical sense of humor. At some point I'll need to get it removed, as the only time I enjoy that particular tattoo is at parties when I can take my shirt off on the dance floor as soon as the DJ inevitably plays the song "Celebration." My ex convinced herself that was the reason we stopped getting invited to family weddings, quinceaneras, bar mitzvahs, neighborhood block parties and memorials. I'm not so sure.
Taqueria Cuernavaca Express is also a reason for celebration. A celebration of flavors and spices that is unmatched in the downtown Ventura area. It's so good that it makes me want to take my shirt off.
Thank you Taqueria Cuernavaca Express!
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