29. TACOS – 2 Versions of the same Taco

I got close to LA ESTRALEDA

TACOS… How I got close to LA ESTRALEDA Tacos… In a pan, sauté 1 lb. ground pork, add Cumin, Coriander, Thyme, Chipotle Pepper, Chili Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Fresh Garlic, Fresh Tomatoes, white onion… I added a can of Tomato Paste (tomato “paste” was too sweet) next time I’ll use fresh tomatoes “only.”

Another version (trying to get closer to that secret recipe of those found on 7th & Washington in Gary Indiana, back in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s).

LA ESTRALEDA TACOS

Sauté Chicken, add garlic, Shishito Peppers, Chipotle Pepper, and “Williams seasoning” (yes I cheated). Tasty… but not quite like those I had from 7th & Washington in Gary, Indiana… I GOTTA FIGURE THAT OUT… because those from “The La Estraleda” on 7th & Washington WHERE BAD ASS!!! That was way back in the 60’s and 70’s that I had the pleasure of eating some of those. I remember my father would go and get them and bring them home to us… when I grew older I would stop in there myself during the 70’s. Place was a hole in the wall, food just thrown on a paper plate and then thrown in a paper bag. But you could smell those Taco’s before you got through the door… and yes… you where risking your life just to go down there… the place didn’t open until 6pm in the evening… and stayed open ALL NIGHT! People came from as far away as Chicago to get those Tacos… that was back in the GOLDEN ERA of Gary, and when the Steel Mills where booming. There was gambling, prostitution, and violence all around 7th and Washington in the 50’s and 60’s. This was SERIOUS food… and a serious place to try to get it from (no pun intended)! BUT WELL WORTH IT. ✅

La Estraleda

This is where the La Estraleda use to be, as you can see one old building is still standing from that era (building on the left).