La Vida Vegan: Taco to Me

The Dish

Cauliflower Tortita Taco

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The Spot

Bracero Cocina de Raíz, 1490 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy

The Scene

Speaking as someone who was born and raised in Mexico, I have a strong opinion about what makes a good taco. The tortilla is always a game changer, and there’s no substitute for one that’s handmade. Walking into Bracero and spotting Mexican women making them from scratch with their own masa base was my first clue that the food was going to be delicious. The space, decorated with antique farm tools and leather chairs made in Baja, is beautiful and full of natural light, with familiar Mexican tunes playing in the background.

Recipe for Success

A soft, handmade corn tortilla is filled with a cauliflower tortita—a breaded, fried patty—marinated in a tomato-based salsa roja topped with a slice of avocado and pickled red onion. The crispy cauliflower makes the seemingly simple veggie ingredients more indulgent and delicious.

La Vida Vegan: Taco to Me

Bracero’s Cauliflower Tortita Taco