Roma Tijuana - Montevideo, Uruguay

Yvette Santiago in Montevideo, Uruguay recommends:

Roma Tijuana
Colonel Mora 533 - Punta Carretas
Montevideo, Uruguay
011-02 710-9620





Even farther south this week, R Dub is now officially the farthest south he's ever been and is not sure how the tacos will taste in Uruguay...but nonetheless The Inspector presses on. Come with us to Roma Tijuana in Montevideo, Uruguay, for today's special International Edition of Taco Tuesdays!

Portoxicano - Porto Alegre, Brasil

Marcos Pereida in Porto Alegre, Brasil recommends:

Portoxicano
Av. Goethe 27
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul
Brasil
011-55 (51) 3407-4562





Today it's the farthest south I have ever traveled...all for the love of tacos! Welcome to Porto Alegre, in Rio Grande Do Sul, the most southern state of Brasil. Do they know how to make tacos way down here? Watch and find out!

El Gallo Blanco - Phoenix, AZ

Rick Thomas in Phoenix, AZ recommends:

El Gallo Blanco
401 W Clarendon Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 274-4774





Talk about a fancy place! The Inspector's used to trucks, tents, stands, and shacks! What I surprise when I stepped in this swanky establishment to try their tacos. Did they pass the test??? Find out, on today's Taco Tuesday!

America's Taco Shop - Phoenix, AZ

Maria Silva in Phoenix, AZ recommends:

America's Taco Shop
2041 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 682-5627





The sign read "Best Carne Asada in Phoenix." Really? What a bold statement. There was no way I could pass by America's Taco Shop that hot summer day without stopping in to take them up on their tacos. "Best" carne asada? This was exciting. I was either going to be really let down, or extremely satisfied. You have to watch the video.

Tacos Por Favor - Santa Monica, CA

Kevin James in Santa Monica, CA recommends:

Tacos Por Favor
1406 Olympic Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 392-5768





Here I was, back in The City of Angels. Santa Monica to be exact. Hangin' with the homey Kevin "Slow Jammin'" James who told me that he was sure I'd love this joint called Tacos Por Favor. I loved the name...hopefully I'd love the tacos too! We stopped in before Kevin's softball game. Our inspection brought the manager to tears...seriously. Watch and enjoy. Por favor.

Aqui Con El Nene - Tucson, AZ

Mike Miranda in Tucson, AZ recommends:

Aqui Con El Nene
Corner of Flowing Wells & Wetmore
Tucson, AZ 85707
(520) 292-4791





Finally an authentic taco stand invaded the North side. Meet Nene...and his stand, Aqui Con El Nene (Here with The Nene)! This stand, almost as elaborate as a full-fledged restaurant, gets contstructed and dismantled, once a day, six days a week, on the corner of Flowing Wells and Wetmore. What's great is that I, being a resident of the North side, so longer have to drive 15 miles to the South side for great tacos. Now, they are in my backyard. Nene's makin' it to easy for me to get fat!

This episode originally aired Wednesday, September 30th 2009 on Cox TV-7 in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

God It's Good Mexican Food - Tucson, AZ

Steve Solares in Tucson, AZ recommends:

God It's Good Mexican Food
Corner of Oracle and Orange Grove
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 343-6607





Have you ever ate a great taco and exclaimed, "God, it's good Mexican food!"? Well this place named themselves after that phrase--that's right, "God It's Good Mexican Food" is the actual name of this truck on the Northside of Tucson, AZ. And before you criticize these folks for using the Lord's name in vain, you should watch this video. Or give their tacos a try for yourself. They're so good you will be thanking Jesus!

This episode originally aired Wednesday, September 23rd 2009 on Cox TV-7 in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

DC On The Fly - Washington, DC

DC On The Fly
1000 Jefferson Dr SW
Washington DC 20560
(202) 544-9046




There's good news and bad news for this week's Taco Tuesday...

The bad news first: while partaking in my East Coast Taco-Tour, The Taco Inspector lost his video camera. It's true. What a dummy. The worst thing is, my phone number was taped to the camera, so you'd think whoever found my camera would have the decency to call and return it. May that person have bad tacos for the rest of their life...I just put the "Terrible Taco Spell" on yo' ass!

Anyway, how 'bout some good news? Although I didn't have my Taco-Cam with me, that didn't stop me from finding some tasty tacos at The Capitol, along with one of the friendliest taco vendors I have ever run into.

Today's review was at DC On The Fly, a chain of mobile trucks and stands that serve the DC area. What struck me first about this taco truck was that it was modern, sleek, and GREEN! This futuristic truck/stand looked nothing like the standard huge metal "roach coaches" I'm used to seeing parked in vacant lots serving Mexican food. Nope, this was something straight outta the Jetson's and immediately peaked my curiousity at first sight!

Hot dogs and tacos, that's what they sold. I introduced myself to Rene, the taco-salesperson, and ordered two tacos: chicken, no carne asada here. I asked if his tacos were any good, and he told me he thought I'd like them. A minute later, my taco tray was ready, and to my surprise, when I tried to pay, Rene told me to see if I liked them first, before paying. Wow, I had never had service like this! If I didn't like the tacos, I wouldn't be charged??? To this, I responded that I must insist that I pay, but thanked him for the kind gesture. We must of went back and forth three or four times, before he finally took my money, settling on a free drink for The Inspector. It was very kind of him, and I was pretty blown away at the stellar hospitality shown to me by Rene.

The tacos? They were good! Very different, but good. Their chicken estofado tacos were flavorful and spicy, topped with a pepper sauce and onions and carrot slivers on top. I'm not into the whole "organic" thing (as you witnessed at Hugo's in Studio City), but these were pretty good. Later I found out these tacos were made with five types of chiles, cinammon and dark beer! The tacos were good, and good for me-Lord knows that I needed some good energy-food for the on-foot tour I was about to take around the capitol.

But what really made this taco truck great, was the staff...the staff of one that is, and that was Rene. What a cool guy, always smiling, and very pleasant. What a great first impression he gave me of the people of Washington DC. I think I like this town.

The Taco Inspector's Official Rating: 4.0 sombreros out of 5!

Taqueria El Tio Juan's - Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico

Laura Espinoza in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico recommends:

Taqueria El Tio Juan
Calle 13
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico 83550





It was Labor Day Weekend, 2009...R Dub's Big-Ass Bus to Rocky Point took 50 listeners to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico to enjoy the weekend. There was sand, sun, and a lot of fun. But perhaps the most magical moment of the weekend came when The Inspector and his friends stopped by Tio Juan's. Situated just two blocks from our hotel, Taqueria El Tio Juan's lies in the heart of Rocky Point's Calle 13. On a street filled with restaurants, stands, carts, and taco establishments of all kinds, something about Jaun's open-air, half-stand, half-restaurant-looking set-up was appealing. Maybe it was the colorful tile on the floor, or the smell of carne on the grill that called you in; or the rows of old school Coca-Cola platic tables, and patrons of all ages that seemed to be having fun. Whatever it was that brought me to Uncle Juan's, I was glad I came. Get ready for some of the best tacos ever!

For more on Tio Juan, check out www.rockypointrestaurants.net

The Taco Shop - Tucson, AZ

Elisa Huerta in Tucson, AZ recommends:

The Taco Shop
1350 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 622-1899





This almost became a terrifying Taco Tuesday, when The Inspector failed to locate the necessary pico de gallo. Find out what happened at The Taco Shop in Tucson, Arizona!

This episode originally ran on Cox TV-7 in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, on Wednesday, August 26th on the TV show Su Vida. Check your local listings in Arizona for more Su Vida episodes, also airing Saturday and Sunday afternoons!

El Guero Canelo - Tucson, AZ

Teresa Mendez in Tucson, AZ recommends:

El Guero Canelo
5201 S 12th Ave
Tucson, AZ 85706
(520) 295-9005





If you live in Tucson, you know Guero Canelo! What started out as a small taco stand, many years ago in the heart of Tucson, Arizona, is now a taco-empire. Come with the inspector as he enjoys Guero Canelo's amazing carne asada, along with some great music and a few friendly smiles.

This episode originally ran on Cox TV-7 in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, on Wednesday, August 19th on the TV show Su Vida.

Taqueria Cuerna - Chicago, IL

Emily Martinez from Chicago, Illinois recommends:

Taqueria Cuerna
4930 S Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60683
(773) 735-3960





Weclome to The Taco Inspector's Midwest Taco Tour! I thought I'd try my luck in cities in a different part of the country and see how they get down with their tacos.

First stop on this tour is Chicago, Illinois, birthplace of The Taco Inspector, and home of Taqueria Cuerna on Cicero Avenue. I tripped out that the lady behind the counter thought I was an "inspector" from the city!

Anyway, peep the carne asada tacos at Cuerna and you'll also see a bonus: The Taco Inspector's very first music video, starring Maria from Cuerna's!

BK's Tacos - Tucson, AZ

Richard Armenta in Tucson, AZ recommends:

BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs
5118 S 12th Av
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 295-0105





It's The Taco Inspector's very first real-live TV appearance, as his Taco Investigation airs on Su Vida, Wednesdays at 8:30PM on Cox TV Channel 7 (Phoenix, Tucson & Yuma, AZ). This time it's one of Tucson's best taco joints on 12th Avenue, where the senoritas are as tasty as the carne!

BK's is located on South 12th Avenue in Tucson, Arizona and is known for great tacos, caramelos and their world famous Sonoran-style hot dogs (hot dogs wrapped in bacon, with onions, tomotoes, mayonase, and pinto beans; served up in a fresh, homemade bun). Mmmmmmm!

Taco Inspector In Trouble With The Law

This could've been a plot for an episode of Seinfeld. How could a trip to the U.S. Immigration Offices that started off so great, end so horrible? What happened yesterday was crazy. Something went terribly wrong and it was all because of a taco.

Recently I applied online for two special travel IDs provided by the US State Department: A SENRTI card and a Global Entry card. Both cards are used at U.S. entry points along the border and at international airports. They dramatically speed up the screening process at US customs and immigration checkpoints and allow travelers with these cards to breeze past long lines and cumbersome searches. However, in order to get one (or both) of these cards, the applicant must be thoroughly screened ahead of time. The initial application is online, and then, if you qualify, you must take part in an interview at a US Customs and Immigration office, in-person. I was accepted on online and subsequently scheduled for an in-person interview at the immigration office.



I gathered up all my paperwork and headed down to the Nogales, Arizona Port of Entry for my 1:30PM interview. I had to assemble tons of paperwork: bank statements, proof of residency, tax statements, vehicle registration and much more. I got there early, after the hour drive south, and took a seat. This was an ultra-official office. These were the feds. They don't play. It was very quiet and sterile. Officers in uniform worked quietly behind the counter and in offices. My name was called and I entered an office for my interview. The officer who interviewed me, female, was very nice as she started the interview process with a myriad of questions about me, my travel, and why I was applying for these special travel cards.


About ten minutes into the interview, as the officer was asking about my work (besides a Taco Inspector, I am a radio DJ with a nationally syndicated show), she also asked me what name I went by on the air. When I told her "R Dub" (that's my radio name), she just about flipped her lid (in the good way!) She told me she listens to me and was a fan of the show, and the conversation's tone quickly shifted; to a more relaxed, friendly exchange. She wanted to know all about the radio station, other DJs, my work, etc. We had a great time for the remainder of the interview, exchanging stories, jokes, and small-talk, like we were old friends; in between the official stuff of course (fingerprints, photos, signatures, etc.) She even called other officers into the room to meet me. "This is R Dub! from the radio!" she touted. Who would've thought the officer assigned to my interview was a listener and a fan. I lucked out! This was great!

How quickly the tables turn...

We were just about done when the officer left the room for about ten minutes. She returned with a male officer. "This is Officer Schmidlap," she said. "He has a few questions for you." At this point, I thought it was maybe a few more routine interview questions before everything was finalized. But it was not. Oh no, it was not.


"Did you pass through the Nogales Port of Entry recently?" he asked. I told him I hadn't crossed here since December. He had an accusing tone, and my mind raced wondering what exactly he was getting at. What in the world was this about? "Did you film one of our officers?" he asked. OH CRAP!!! Immediately I knew what he was getting at.

You may remember, last December's Five-Sombrero Taco Inspection took place in Nogales, Mexico, and included video of me crossing back into the U.S. through the inspection port. I had filmed it, and one of the officers did come out in the video. Apparently, this is a HUGE no-no. I did not deny it. I admitted I did tape my crossing, and Officer Schmidlap proceeded to read me the riot act. He was not happy. In fact, he was furious. He explained to me the regulation and why filming at an immigration port was prohibited, including officer-safety, etc. I didn't argue. I listened to what he had to say, and apologized. I really wasn't aware of the seriousness of what I had done, and this whole confrontation really caught me off guard. Who would've thought a Taco segment I taped eight months ago would come back to bite me? I felt horrible.


The officer then informed me that my application process is now officially halted and he didn't know what would happen. My heart was racing. I was scared and also felt like a pretty big jack-ass. I could tell the female officer was "disappointed" in her favorite DJ. I let her down. The male officer explained that he didn't know how all this would end, and that the issue would have to go all the way to Washington. WTF??? I truly felt like a naughty boy in the principal's office. I left the building with my head down and drove back home to Tucson feeling like an idiot.

What will happen next? I don't know!

The Taco Inspector is now on TV!

It was only a matter of time! Finally, someone recognized The Inspector's secret powers, and was wise enough to put him on TV! Sure, I'd been courted by channels like The Food Network, The Travel Channel...even ABC and NBC put the squeeze on me to sign a deal. But the only channel worthy of "The Inspector" was Arizona's Cox Channel 7.

That's right, if you have Cox Cable (in Tucson, Phoenix, Yuma and Sierra Vista, AZ), you can check out The Taco Inspector on TV, every Wednesday night at 8:30PM, as part of the blockbuster show Su Vida.

The Inspector makes his broadcast television debut this Wednesday, August 5th at 8:30PM. Be a part of history.

Your recommendations please...

Know of a taco stand that's off the chancla?

Always wanted to try that truck in the bad neighborhood but too scared to without any recommendations?

Just holla at The Inspector!

Please include name and address of taco establishment, as well as your name and city.

Thanks for your assistance...I can't do it alone!

The Real Taco - Sierra Vista, AZ

Alicia Huerta in Sierra Vista, AZ recommends:

The Real Taco
45 S Garden Ave
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
(520) 458-0224





The search for the perfect taco brings The Inspector to this sleepy desert town for carne goodness!

Tito's Tacos - Culver City, CA

Paula Curiel recommends:

Tito's Tacos
11222 Washington Pl
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 391-5780





For years people have urged me to try the world famous Tito's Tacos. Tuesday I did. Does it live up to all the taco-hype? Watch and see!

The Taco Inspector is coming to Denver!

Get ready...The Taco Inspector will be on the hunt THIS Friday for good tacos in Denver.

Don't disappoint me!

Anacaona - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Lucy Herrera in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic recommends:

Anacaona
Calle El Conde 101
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
(011) 809-682-8253





So, I was in "The DR" on vacation last week, and I just had to try the tacos there. Actually, tacos aren't common at all in The Dominican Republic, but luckily I stumbled up this cool restaurant in the colonial section of Santo Domingo that indeed did serve tacos!

Taqueria Manolito - Mexicali BC Mexico

Maria Espinoza in Calexico, CA recommends:

Taqueria Manolito
Mexicali, Baja California
Mexico CP 21100





Who woulda thought the worst tacos to date would be from Mexico? Yuck. Talk about uncomfortable. Get me outta here.

HiFalutin - Tucson, AZ

Rich Webb in Tucson, AZ recommends:

HiFalutin
6780 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 297-0518





"All-U-Can-Eat" tacos? Is this a crazy rumor or is it true? I might have died and gone to heaven.

Santana Taco - Brooklyn, NY

Ronnie Davilla in New York City, NY recommends:

Santana Taco
301 Keap St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 388-8761





The West Coast vs. East Coast Taco War?

Super Burrito - Scottsdale, AZ

FIGHT NIGHT! THE TACO INSPECTOR ALMOST BRAWLS WITH TRAILER PARK ESCAPEES IN THE LATEST TACO TUESDAY:

Nina Cruz recommends:

Super Burrito
2601 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 945-1792





The craziest Taco Review ever...interrupted by some inbreds before we could even start the review. Threats. Police showed up. This is "Must-See Taco TV!"

Jack Tequila - Rio De Janeiro, RJ Brasil

Renato DaSilva in Rio De Janeiro, Brasil recommends:

Jack Tequila
Av das Américas, 500
Barra da Tijuca
Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22640100
Brasil
(55) 21 3433-7875





Doubt my loyalty to tacos? This week I'm halfway around the world inspecting. Doubt no more.

Los Equipales Grill - Compton, CA

Alicia Hall in Compton, CA recommends:

Los Equipales Grill
104 E Compton Blvd
Compton, CA 90220
(310) 884-6817





Not gonna lie...a little scared to go to Compton.

El Guapinol - Panamá City, Panamá

El Guapinol
Multi Plaza Panamá
Panamá City, Panamá





I was let loose in a huge mall in Panamá City, Panamá. Somehow I found tacos.

Los Chavos - Burbank, CA

Lucy Marmalejo in Burbank, CA recommends:

Los Chavos
2501 W Victory Blvd # D
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 845-5440





Find out a what a "chavo" is in this week's Taco Tuesday!

LAX Tacos - Inglewood, CA

LaShan Brickhouse in Los Angeles, CA recommends:

LAX Tacos
543 W Arbor Vitae
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 412-3903





What happens when you mix aviation and carne asada? You'll find out at LAX tacos!

*** SECRET TACO STAND ***

R Dub!'s personal recommendation:

THE SECRET TACO STAND
corner of Calle Aguirre and Callejon Profesor Rodolfo Siordia
Nogales, Sonora Mexico
(no hay telefono)



THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN REMOVED AT THE REQUEST OF HOMELAND SECURITY
(seriously. Click HERE if you don't believe me)


The greatest tacos EVER! If you LOVE tacos, you'll love this video, as I expose "The Secret Taco Stand." This is classified, never before broadcast info...and your lucky day!

Mi Ranchito - Palmdale, CA

Dennis Dominguez in Lancaster, CA recommends:

Mi Ranchito
1060 E Palmdale Bl
Palmdale CA 93550
(661) 273-2135





Bad tacos and rude staff...a recipe for disaster.

Henry's Tacos - North Hollywood, CA

Nikki Imborone in Reseda, CA recommends:

Henry's Tacos
11401 Moorpark St
North Hollywood, CA 91602
(818) 769-0343





Gringo tacos on today's Inspection!

Hugo's Tacos - Studio City, CA

Mary Calilan in Arleta, CA recommends:

Hugo's Tacos
4749 Coldwater Canyon Av
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-7771





I figured it was only a matter of time before The Inspector got kicked out of an establishment.

Alambres Fresh Mexican Grill - Burbank, CA

Jesse Campos in Burbank, CA recommends:

Alambres Fresh Mexican Grill
114 S San Fernando Bl
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 759-0721





Who would've thunk there'd be great tacos in Burbank?

Daniel's Tacos - Sun Valley, CA

Juan Villareal in Sun Valley, CA recommends:

Daniel's Tacos
7956 Vineland Av
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(818) 759-0721





I fought the law...and the tacos won.

La Taquiza - Los Angeles, CA

Edgar Torrez in Los Angeles, CA recommends:

La Taquiza
3009 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 741-9795





The Inspector tries a new dish!

Mom's Tamales - Los Angeles, CA

Oscar Sifuentes in Lincoln Heights, CA recommends:

Mom's Tamales
3328 Pasadena Av
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 226-9383





The Inspector falls in love with more than the tacos!

Tacos Don Jorge - Los Angeles, CA

Perla Portillo in Los Angeles, CA recommends:

Tacos Don Jorge
8693 Venice Bl
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 558-8127





Great tacos and great people = happy Inspector

Mi Teresita - Los Angeles, CA

Manuel Calderon in Boyle Heights, CA recommends:

Mi Teresita (truck)
corner of Western & Lexington
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(no telefono)

El Taquito - Austin, TX

Adriana Noriega in Austin, TX recommends:

El Taquito
1713 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 851-8226

El Corralito - Ensenada, BC Mexico

Marcella Henriquez in Ensenada, Mexico recommends:

El Corralito
Av Lopes Mateos 627
Ensenada, BC Mexico
011-52-646-1782370

El Taco Boy - Nogales, AZ

Carolina Rocha in Nogales, AZ recommends:

El Taco Boy
840 N Grand Av
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-6019

Gordo's - San Fernando, CA

Brenda Leon in Sylmar, CA recommends:

Gordo's Taco Truck
San Fernando, CA
(exact location unknown)

Mariela's Tacos - Los Angeles, CA

Theresa Gaona in La Habra, CA recommends:

Mariela's Tacos
3662 1/2 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 381-7356