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Memo Torres

Memo Torres is a multi-media taco journalist, a third-generation landscaper, host of L.A. Taco’s new Plant and Gardening column, Yerbalife, host of Apple Maps’ L.A. food guide on all iPhones, Director of Partnerships for the James Beard award-winning L.A. Taco, a finalist for the Ruben Salazar Award for Latino Journalists, a taco scout for numerous shows, can be seen on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, Pressure Cooker, Mythical Kitchen, KCRW, and elsewhere.

Are Organic Gardening Products Safer? A Pro Landscaper Weighs In

We like organic labels on gardening products. They make us feel all warm and toasty inside because they imply that they are safer. But when you compare organic products to their non-organic counterparts, you might be shocked to find that organic products can be likely more toxic, even when compared to the scariest one of them all, glyphosate.

October 12, 2023

Five Common Plants to Avoid When Creating Your Green Spaces in L.A.

Almost every time I visit a property with landscaping issues, the problem starts with bad design: the wrong plants in the wrong place. Here's advice from a third-generation L.A. landscaper and noted taco expert.

September 19, 2023

This Mar Vista Mother and Son Are Fighting Gentrification With Their Own Blue Corn Nixtamal

The Diaz family is exactly who blue corn was meant to help out. For thousands of years, the people of the sun survived and thrived off corn. Today in Mar Vista, it's still coming through for them. 

August 23, 2023

Dirt Dog Serves L.A.’s Best Michoacán/D.F.-Style Carnitas, After Giving Its ‘Kitchen Mama’ a Shot at the Menu

The recipe and technique behind Yanet Vazquez's carnitas are straight from Michoacán. But she says the sazón is pure D.F.

July 24, 2023

From Puebla to Torrance: This Tamalero Makes LA’s ‘Super-Super-Duper’ Sized Tamales

From Puebla to Torrance, Valerio Campos started selling tamales from the back of his sedan until he found this brick-and-mortar in Torrance to rent. He thought to himself making bigger tamales would be better for business. His business idea has paid off, going through as many as 20,000 of his girthy stumps of masa during the Christmas season alone.

July 12, 2023

Inglewood’s Best Kept Secret for Somali-Style Goat

Follow L.A.'s taxi drivers to try the goat served at this low-key spot. It slides smoothly off the bone. It's tender and juicy, robust, and flavorful, with slightly roasted ends. It's not fatty or greasy, and the gaminess that goat is known for is tamed remarkably well.

June 28, 2023

The 12 Best Tacos in Van Nuys

Van Nuys is home to L.A.'s arguably best vegan tacos, but the neighborhood also holds regional Mexican guisado gems not found anywhere else in L.A., like Guanajuato-style birria and a rare Asado Duranguense. It's time to the head to the Valley for your next taco crawl.

June 27, 2023

Meet the Taquero Behind the Nayarit-Style, Crispy-Skin Suckling Pig and Mustard Salsa Competing at TACO MADNESS

Los Sabrosos al Horno stands out in L.A.'s highly competitive taco scene. Why? For their extremely unique mustard salsa that will astound you as soon as you take that first big bite. After all, a taco is only as good as its salsa. 

May 2, 2023