With food trucks in Los Angeles doling out everything from Korean tacos (Kogi BBQ) and Gumbolaya (Rajin Cajun) to ‘Frank Behry’ ice cream sandwiches (Coolhaus) and fried chicken with waffles (Buttermilk), it was only a matter of time before the Jews joined the fun. While we haven’t seen kugel or dafina on wheels yet, the people who’ve been eating food on the move since the Exodus are finally joining the cavalcade of ethnic eateries.
Among the top contenders currently vying for Semitic stomachs are Takosher, a kosher Mexican truck, and Schnitzel Wagon, a spinoff started by former employees of the ever-popular Schnitzly restaurant. The famed Canter’s deli has also entered the scene, however, their truck, like the restaurant, has no kosher approval (which means you can choose between a reuben or a bagel with cream cheese and lox). Only Schnitzel Wagon has the almighty seal of approval from ‘Kehilla,’ the most revered kosher approval consortium in Los Angeles. Takosher’s certification comes from the respected Rabbi Kelemer in Santa Monica, but for die-hards they might as well be serving kosher-style pork.
In fact, with items like the trademarked Brisketaco™ or Latketaco,™ the menu at Takosher reads a lot like a gimmicky, Jew-y version of Mexican, but does it deliver, so to speak? Ordering from the blue and white ‘chosen taco’ truck does make you feel special, but the famed brisket is on the dry side, the latke cloyingly sweet, and most offensive of all, the accompanying tortilla chips are store-bought (as far as I know there is no injunction in Jewish law against making your own).
The Schnitzel Wagon is more promising—if you can find it. They’re known to peddle their crispy schnitzel sandwiches during their Yeshiva runs off Beverly and among Fairfax Village. But they don’t always update their Twitter feed, relying instead on the original and still more powerful trending tool Jews have perfected over the ages: the gossip circuit.
Responses to the article by Lara Rabinovitch regarding Kosher Food Trucks:
I am writing in response to Lara Rabinovitch’s article regarding Kosher Food Trucks in Los Angeles. I personally am delighted that we in Los Angeles can have access to this wonderfully new and fun loving kosher experience. Although I have not had the opportunity of tasting the food from the Schnitzel Wagon, I have eaten at Takosher.
Both I and my grandchildren enjoyed the chicken and brisket tacos. In regard to food, each of us has our own palate and preferences, but regarding kashrut there are three major things that count: kashrut law, cleanliness and trust. When one questions the authenticity of kashrut, one ought to have evidence of cheating. I do not see any substantiation for the inference that Takosher is not kosher. The meats used come from the Doheny Kosher Meat Market and they are under kosher supervision. Please provide us with evidence that this establishment does not adhere to kosher standards or write a retraction.
Linda Rosenblatt Agoura Hills, Ca
Try the Brisketaco again. Have had it twice and neither time has it been dry…but yes, a real breakthrough that kosher folk can now participate in what is known on Twitter as “the nom-nom phenomenon.” Although maybe it should be called the “nom-nom-phenom,” or “phe-nom-nom-enon.” Someone should brand it.
Linda,
Nowhere in the article does the author say Takosher isn’t kosher. She acknowledges the politicking that goes on within the Orthodox Jewish community when it comes to Kashrut. The fact is, you can label any food product kosher in the United States provided you explain what that means, and there are several hundred organizations that will give out hekshers. This means that people rely heavily on community standards and well-entrenched kashrut certifiers to make their food purchasing decisions. Takosher didn’t play ball and apply for a heksher from an organization that the frummest of Jews in LA will eat from. Doesn’t mean they’re not kosher.
It’s challenging to find knowledgeable folks on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks