66209 Sat Jan 29 17:14:56 -0800 2005 2 2 Los Angeles Area 0 357560 In a recent thread about tortas started by Neta, Hugh Lipton suggested that the best tortas could be found at El Mercado in East LA on 1st at Lorena. I think other people have posted about tortas here before as well. So I went today to check it out - tortas are one of my favorite foods and I've been doing an informal survey of them all over Los Angeles. So far, Ana Maria's in Grand Central and King Torta on Valley Blvd are my favorites, and that's out of about a dozen different places. What I didn't realize was that there are at least 3-4 places serving tortas there. Hmmm. Anyway, I checked out La Nueve Fuente (the southeast corner on the 2nd floor). I had an al pastor torta with a small jamaica ($4.50 altogether). I wasn't that impressed. The al pastor wasn't very good (not flavorful, gristly at times), the tomato underripe (yes, I know it's Jan) and the bread weak. The avocado was perfect and the pickled vegetables that came on the side were excellent. The service was great and the Mercado is really interesting - awesome selection of cowboy hats on the first floor. And what an array of chorizo and other meats at that meat market on the 2nd floor, not to mention all the incredible looking mole pastes. And easy parking is nothing to sneeze at in this town. So, where did I go wrong? Where should I have gotten a fantastic torta there? I'll definitely go back. Any suggestions would be very welcome! Sat Jan 29 17:14:56 -0800 2005 0 ks 1 357586 The best of the Tortas are on the first floor. Dont's ask why because I don't know. The one that I like the best is on the first floor facing the street in the southeast corner right across from a deli counter. The torta milanesa has always been excellent. Next time I'm there I'll be sure to ascertain the name so that we will both be certain we are trying the same place. Sat Jan 29 21:54:47 -0800 2005 357560 0 Hugh Lipton 2 357610 Thanks for the info, Hugh! I'll definitely head back in the next few weeks. If you note the name of the place you like, I'll be sure to check it out. I'd welcome other recommendations you and others have as well. I'm always eager to add to my list of torta favorites! Sun Jan 30 00:51:48 -0800 2005 357586 0 ks