El Salvadoreno

In the past, I never cared too much for pupusas, but it wasn't until I tried them at Grand Central Market that I started liking them more. So one day, I was suddenly in the mood for these stuffed tortilla treats and thankfully, right in the city that I live there's an El Salvadorian restaurant called El Salvadoreno, where I was able to fulfill that particular craving.

So off I went and ordered 2 pupusas and a taco to bring home for lunch. Once I got home, I sat down and eagerly opened up the foil and took my first look at them. One was a cheese and squash blossom and the other was pork and bean. I have to say that they were looking pretty good. I saw the grill marks and while these pupusas weren't as thick as the ones I had at Grand Central Market, they still were a good size.

Being a cheesehead, I bet you know which one I went for first. The cheese and squash blossom pupusa was delicious. I would have liked more cheese, but than I think that's the cheese greed talking. I did top some of the sections with the pickled veggies that came with the order, but found them too warm and promptly removed them. Those pickled veggies were put in a ziploc, which I don't think was a good idea because I think they were warmed by the hot food in the bag. But then that cabbage and stuff was just garnish and I was perfectly fine with the pupusa just on its own.

Then I went for the pork & bean pupusa, which I found pretty tasty. The only problem was that the filling was a tad too oily and also just a little too salty, which didn't take away too much from my eating enjoyment, but this pupusa would have been more of a home run if those two things weren't put into play.

I was actually filled up by the time I got to the Carne Asada taco. I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered it. In looking at it, I can say that El Salvadoreno wasn't shy with their toppings. I couldn't even pick up the taco without stuff flying everywhere. I finally settled for just taking a few bites with my fork. The carne asada, though not spectacular, was not bad. It could have been more flavorful and a little more tender, but at least, it was certainly filling.

Overall, the pupusas definitely left a good impression and I'd go back for more as well as to try other El Salvadorian specialties that I spied on the menu while waiting for my order. This is definitely not a fancy place, but I'd rather have good food than good ambiance.

To see pics, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/la_addict/sets/72157600266360161/

El Salvadoreno
1313 Huntington Dr
Duarte, CA 91010
(626) 359-1594