Beyond Beef tacos

The Original Jimboy’s Taco from 1954 (photo courtesy of Jimboy’s Tacos)

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Celebrate National Taco Day this Friday, October 4 with three-history making tacos, all originating in California – from Tahoe to Los Angeles to Orange County.

Jim Boy Taco ready for National Taco Day October 4, (photo courtesy of Jim Boy)

A family-owned business founded by Jim “Jimboy” Knudson, he debuted  Jimboy’s Tacos in a small trailer in 1954.  Jim introduced recipe his signature spiced ground beef taco  a grilled stone-ground corn tortilla wrapped around crisp lettuce and freshly shredded cheese, then  dusted with a liberal coating of grated parmesan cheese.

Jim Boy Taco, which was first created in 19545, celebrates National Taco Day October 4, (photo courtesy of Jim Boy)

Knudson pioneered the taco in many ways, from selling tacos from a trailer in the mid-50’s at Kings Beach in Lake Tahoe, California to franchising while developing strong community roots along the way.  “Tacos” were so new to the area- let along food trucks!-  that Jim had to spell the “taco” out phonetically on the trailer so people could pronounce it. The story goes that Knudson was introduced to tacos at when a friend’s family made tacos for him at a dinner.  He loved them so much, that he created his own American-style recipe for a taco.

After enormous word-of-mouth popularity, Jimboy’s went brick and mortar in 1958 courtesy of fan Joe King, owner of King’s Beach.   Celebrities at the famous Cal Neva Lodge in Tahoe  immediately became fans, including famous “Rat Pack”  members and “Bonanza” TV show cast.

In 1969, Knudson franchised Jimboy’s Tacos in the Sacramento area, which now has grown to over 40 locations throughout California, Nevada and Texas.

Jim Boy Taco, adds to its $2 Taco Tuesday with a National Taco Day special on October 4, (photo courtesy of Jim Boy)

Try the exotic Jackfruit Tacos, or any other taco free with any order at Masala Grill.   Filled with  giant tropical fruit shown below, Jackfruit Tacos are enhanced with onions, cilantro and a pop  of mint sauce.  they are astonishingly vegetarian and vegan and wrapped in gluten-free flour tortillas.  It not only fools the eye but looks at the fruit before it is cut.  Owner-Chef  Chawla explained that “jackfruit” has a consistency that is close to shredded meat, which he developed for the growing number of vegetarian customers.

Jackfruit cooked has the wild look, consistency of shredded meat

Jackfruit in the wild!  This is a Melissa’s Produce showpiece

Masala Grill, 5607 San Vicente Blvd, Los angeles, CA 90019 (323.954.7570) //www.masalagrillla.com.

California-inspired Chronic Taco is giving away one free Chicken, Al Pastor, Carnitas or Beyond Beef taco between 11 am and 2 pm, to all lunch customers with the code word announced on Chronic Tacos social media.

To redeem the free taco, customers must follow Chronic Tacos on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @Chronictacos. The code word will be mentioned a week in advance.

Randy and Dan grew up in Orange County, California, “where you could find a great Mexican taqueria on every corner.”  So they decided to fill the niche for a place with authentic Mexican tacos, a unique vibe inspired by their Southern California roots and personal, friendly service.  Taco Life was thus born, with the first Chronic Tacos in 2002, in their words, “inspired by badass, 3rd generation recipes, a laid back experience with an irresistible edge.” For a full menu, locations and details, please visit //www.chronictacos.com

Chronic Tacos offers Chicken, Al Pastor, Carnitas or Beyond Beef taco  (photo courtesy of Chronic Tacos)

Chronic Tacos since 2002 (photo courtesy of Chronic Tacos)