Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Where to Find NYC's Best Tacos"
Episode Information
- Title: Where to Find NYC's Best Tacos
- Host: Tiffany Hansen (in place of Alison Stewart)
- Guest: Luke Fortney, Food Writer at The New York Times
- Release Date: July 24, 2025
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Introduction to NYC's Taco Scene
The episode opens with host Tiffany Hansen introducing the topic of tacos in New York City, positioning it within a broader conversation about iconic city foods like burgers and pizza. Hansen notes the historical expansion of Mexican cuisine in NYC, tracing its roots back to Mexican immigrants in the 1960s and highlighting the burgeoning popularity of tacos over the past four decades.
Notable Quote:
"Immigrants from Mexico brought Mexican food to New York in the 1960s. In the 80s, more restaurants began open up to respond to demand." — Tiffany Hansen [00:00]
Defining the Taco: A Playful Debate
Hansen and guest Luke Fortney engage in a lighthearted debate about the definition of a taco, humorously suggesting that a hot dog could qualify as one. They establish that, for the purpose of the discussion, a taco consists of a tortilla—either corn (masa) or flour—filled with various ingredients.
Notable Quote:
"A taco in my mind is a tortilla with some kind of filling. So you have a tortilla either made with masa, corn or flour and then you have some kind of filling." — Luke Fortney [01:42]
Comparing LA and NYC Taco Scenes
Fortney contrasts the taco scenes of Los Angeles and New York City, expressing surprise at the intensive search often required to find quality tacos in NYC compared to the ubiquitous presence of street tacos in LA. He highlights the transformation of NYC into a robust hub for diverse and high-quality Mexican cuisine.
Notable Quote:
"Growing up in Southern California, I never thought much about great tacos. They were just always there... When I moved here, I started writing about food, and I was like, okay, to find a taco, I'm taking a 7 train to Jackson Heights in some cases." — Luke Fortney [02:18]
Evolution and Diversity of NYC's Taco Scene
Discussing the relatively young state of NYC's Mexican food scene, Fortney emphasizes its rapid growth and increasing diversity. He notes the rise of regional taco styles and the emergence of taquerias specializing in specific meats or preparations, reflecting a maturing and nuanced culinary landscape.
Notable Quote:
"We're seeing it get better every single year. The Mexican immigrant population here is getting more diverse over time, and you see more tacos and regional styles popping up." — Luke Fortney [04:30]
Vegetarian and Fusion Tacos
The conversation shifts to the availability of vegetarian tacos in NYC, with Hansen expressing her vegetarian preferences. Fortney acknowledges the growing presence of meatless options, mentioning specific spots like Carinito in Greenwich Village, which offers innovative dishes like eggplant tacos. They also explore the trend of fusion tacos, incorporating elements from other cuisines such as Korean beef and Mexican-Thai combinations.
Notable Quotes:
"It's a really, really great vegetarian taco with eggplant." — Luke Fortney [07:55]
"Fusion's a thing... like a Mexican Thai kind of fusion taco thing and really pull it off." — Luke Fortney [17:10]
Listener Recommendations and Crowd Favorites
Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their favorite taco spots, leading to an engaging exchange of recommendations. Some notable mentions include:
- Los Portales on Broadway in Astoria
- Las Chelitas in Bensonhurst for fish tacos
- Santo Taco in Nolita, renowned for its unique steak al pastor preparation
- Carnitas Ramirez on East 3rd Street in the East Village, celebrated for its comprehensive pork offerings
Notable Quote:
"Los Tacos number one is... for a lot of people, their favorite taqueria... has a number of locations now." — Luke Fortney [10:49]
Pop-Up Taquerias: Flexibility and Innovation
Hansen and Fortney discuss the prevalence of pop-up taquerias in NYC, attributing their popularity to the flexibility they offer. These transient establishments allow chefs to experiment with new ideas and respond quickly to trends without the overhead of a permanent location. This model fosters innovation and keeps the taco scene dynamic.
Notable Quote:
"Pop ups... might appear at a bar, serve a menu for one night... you can really experiment with ideas." — Luke Fortney [16:03]
Authenticity vs. Evolution
The dialogue touches on the balance between maintaining authentic Mexican traditions and embracing creative adaptations. While some purists might question the authenticity of certain taco variations, Fortney argues that the evolving nature of tacos in NYC reflects the city's diverse and innovative spirit.
Notable Quote:
"I think that we're seeing people are bending the rules a little bit more over time." — Luke Fortney [08:11]
Historical Context and Cultural Integration
A listener named Lucy provides a historical perspective on Mexican cuisine in NYC, noting the influx of Mexican immigrants in the 1990s and the gradual establishment of authentic taquerias. She emphasizes that while NYC now boasts a vibrant Mexican food scene, it took decades to develop similarly to cities like Los Angeles.
Notable Quote:
"New York wasn't Mexico until the 90s. In the 90s, Mexicans came. I was born and raised here in the 70s." — Lucy [14:50]
Final Recommendations and Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Hansen and Fortney reiterate their top taco recommendations, with Fortney highlighting Carnitas Ramirez and Los Tacos Number One as must-visit spots. They also tease the next episode's focus on NYC's best pizza, building anticipation for continued exploration of the city's rich culinary landscape.
Notable Quote:
"If we're going out for tacos tonight, Luke, where are we going?... Carnitas Ramirez or their other restaurant, Taqueria Ramirez." — Tiffany Hansen [19:00]
Closing Remarks The episode successfully blends insightful commentary on the evolution of NYC's taco scene with lively discussions and listener engagement. By featuring expert opinions and diverse perspectives, "Where to Find NYC's Best Tacos" offers listeners a comprehensive guide to experiencing the city's vibrant and ever-changing Mexican culinary offerings.