Gladi's & Carlita's Hot Lunch Truck ~ West LA

I believe this truck is parked here during lunch hours (11am-2pm) in front of a major commercial building.  It caters to the suits in the area, and the menu reflects that.  I of course, ordered two tacos (carnitas and asada).  But as I was checking the menu, I noticed a HUGE VARIETY, from pastrami sandwiches to teriyaki bowls, tacos to hot dogs.  This place was ready to go.

GLADI'S & CARLITA'S

The carnitas was of the roasted type...which means they stew it for a long time, but then roast it in attempts to give it a crunchy outer surface.  They did an ok job on not OVER roasting, yet it was a bit on the dry side.  Nothing a little salsa roja and lemon couldn't help.  The flavor was actually pretty good, despite they dryness.  You could definitely taste the long hours in the crock pot.  A very filling taco, also.  They packed that bitch.

The carne asada was pretty standard.  Not much flavor to it but they prepared it really good.  Tenderly cooked with a little bit of juice from the griddle.  Again, the salsa roja and lemon really helped out.  

Now, here are my qualms.  The tortillas they used were TERRIBLE.  The carnitas and asada weren't exactly my definition of juicy, dry store bought tortillas did not help this taco one bit.  They reminded me of Guerrero taco tortillas, good size, but once you heat them up, they get a bit hard and don't keep the heat.  By the time I got to my second taco it was cold, dry and a bit on the hard side.   They were really heavy, and not to mention they used two tortillas; they probably would have been better off using one tortilla.

Second, if you're looking for authentic mexican, this is not your place.  Like I said, they cater to the SUITS in the area and their menu and flavors reflect that.  Not the bold and flavorful stuff that leaves your breath smelling of a mexican kitchen.  Too bad...because that's the shit I love!

PS-The couple working the truck (maybe Gladi and Carlita?) were VERY nice to me.  This truck does have potential, I will be back to try out one of their breakfast burritos because of them.  

Tacos ~ $1.50

Gladi's & Carlita's ~ La Grange Ave. &  S. Bundy Dr.  West LA  90025

Johnnie's Pastrami ~ Culver City

I've always enjoyed sinking my teeth into a fat pastrami sandwich at Johnnie's.  The 4in thick mound of meat in that french roll has my mouth watering everytime.  Yet, I have a couple mixed feelings about this place.   

Johnnie's Pastrami

Situated among taco great's Tito's Taco's and Cinco De Mayo, Johnnie's Pastrami has been doing business since 1952.  With that said, they have a legion of devout followers who swear by the place.  I myself at times has said they are the best pastrami place in LA.  But there's two type's of pastrami's, the deli style and the greasy spoon style.  Johnnie's is the latter.  Arguably the best of that style.  Here are some pics of a recent visit.

The sandwich comes on a french roll that perfectly compliment's the meat.  The airyness of the bread really soaks up the juice the pastrami stew's in, leaving you the option of not putting on any condiments, just how I like it.  The pastrami itself is done sooo proper.  Super tender, super juicy and the perfect amount of fat from the brisket.  It's like biting into butter.  

At 10 dollar's a pop, you better expect that they're gonna slab a mound of that goodness onto your sandwich.  Which brings me to my mixed review.  10 dollars?  Damn dog, that's plenty of money.  That's not including fries and a drink.  The best way to do this place is come with a friend, split the fries and get yourselves a couple drinks,  and the check is gonna be 15 dollars each.  So, if you have the money and you really want to treat yourself, head to Johnnie's with a friend and do the soft spoon greasy pastrami style right.  

Pro's

-Arguably the best greasy pastrami in LA

-Laid back, old style diner atmosphere

-Free refills

Con's

-Price @ $10.25

-Sometimes inconsistent in quality

Johnnie's Pastrami ~ 4017 Sepulveda Blvd  Culver City, CA  90230