Teodoro Díaz, co-owner of Sonoratown, a taquería restaurant known for its unique mesquite wood-smoked tacos, credits L.A. Taco, a Los Angeles-based media outlet specializing in food culture, with helping his business gain recognition. L.A. Taco, which has been covering street food culture since 2006, has become a vital resource for food enthusiasts seeking the best dining experiences in California. Díaz’s restaurant won Taco Madness, a popular event organized by L.A. Taco that crowns the best taco in the city. Facing financial troubles, L.A. Taco issued a call for support on social media, with editor-in-chief Javier Cabral announcing that the entire staff would be laid off if the publication didn’t reach a target number of subscribers. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with many people signing up as members to help the publication stay afloat.
Díaz and other members of the Los Angeles food community have been rallying behind L.A. Taco, recognizing its importance as a platform that supports local businesses and shares stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Urging their followers to become members and contribute to L.A. Taco’s survival, they emphasize the publication’s dedication to sharing authentic and unbiased reviews of eateries and food-related events in the city. Cabral, touched by the outpouring of support, notes that people from all over, not just in Los Angeles, have been subscribing to help keep the publication alive. As a respected and award-winning outlet, L.A. Taco has been instrumental in shining a spotlight on the city’s diverse food culture and bringing attention to issues affecting the local community.
In addition to covering a wide range of Mexican gastronomy, L.A. Taco delves into various cultural topics and profiles local businesses and individuals. The publication’s inclusive approach highlights not just traditional Mexican dishes like tacos but also explores a myriad of street food offerings from different cultures. L.A. Taco’s commitment to promoting diversity in the food scene reflects its mission to celebrate and support the city’s culinary heritage. The publication’s app, which provides recommendations for the best taquerias in different neighborhoods, has further solidified its reputation as an authority on street food in Southern California. By providing a platform for small businesses like Villa’s Tacos and Simón Food, L.A. Taco has played a pivotal role in helping these establishments gain recognition and build a loyal customer base.
L.A. Taco’s appeal goes beyond tantalizing food reviews, as the publication also tackles relevant issues affecting the communities it serves. From highlighting the stories of immigrants and taqueros to shedding light on ongoing discrimination and social injustices, L.A. Taco serves as a voice for the working-class population in Los Angeles. Cabral emphasizes the publication’s unique position as a media outlet that covers a wide range of topics, providing a platform for marginalized voices and shedding light on stories that often go untold. As local newspapers continue to face financial challenges and closures, the importance of community journalism, as exemplified by L.A. Taco, becomes increasingly evident in providing a platform for diverse perspectives and essential reporting.
In the current media landscape, characterized by the rapid decline of local newspapers and shrinking coverage of important issues, the role of outlets like L.A. Taco becomes even more crucial in preserving local voices and stories. With the support of its dedicated readers and community members, L.A. Taco strives to uphold its commitment to delivering authentic and impactful reporting on food culture and community matters. As the publication works towards reaching its membership target and ensuring its sustainability, the outpouring of support from businesses, food enthusiasts, and community members underscores the vital role that L.A. Taco plays in showcasing the vibrant and diverse culinary scene in Los Angeles. By championing the stories of taqueros, immigrants, and local businesses, L.A. Taco remains a valuable resource for celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the city and advocating for social justice and equity in the community.
