The Burrito Blog

La Cumbre Taqueria

Sign Perplexes Burrito Analyst

This sign was affixed to the glass at La Cumbre Taqueria. I don't know where to begin.

1. What do oysters have to do with needing a lift?
2. Why is "Need a lift?" in quotation marks? Who's posing that question, the oysters, the kangaroo, or La Cumbre?
3. Is this sign asking the oysters if they need a lift from a kangaroo, or alerting the customer the the presence of oysters and then asking the customer if s/he needs a lift that can be provided by said oysters.
4. Either way, why would oysters need a lift in the case of the former, and what kind of lift do oysters provide in the case of the latter?
5. Why would a kangaroo be a logical mode of transportation for oysters? I understand that kangaroos have pouches, but wouldn't osyters be transported more efficiently by putting them in a bag and driving them somewhere?
6. Why does La Cumbre Taqueria seem to be the only taqueria that stocks oysters?
7. Does La Cumbre sell many oysters?
8. Does La Cumbre even really have oysters?

My query of this sign could probably go on. If I'm missing an obvious joke here, someone please let me know.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006 by Phil. Permalink for Sign Perplexes Burrito Analyst

Mini-Me Oversees Chopping Operation

The inside of La Cumbre Taqueria is somewhat unremarkable. A gigantic guitar, approximately 15 feet in length (not functional), adorns the wall, but blends in with a collections of pictures and various knickknacks. The requisite Virgin Mary can be found in a balcony over the door, and a life-size cardboard cut-out of Mini-Me perched in a small balcony on the opposite wall. But let's get down to brass tacks.

La Cumbre Taqueria is the first taqueria I've been to so far where they chop the steak and chicken to order. As anyone even superficially versed in the culinary arts probably knows, cutting meat too prematurely causes the juices to run out, and the meat to dry out. Waiting several minutes to cut the meat after removing it from heat allows the juices to settle within the meat, and not as much is lost when the meat is finally cut.

It was very refreshing to see La Cumbre utilize this technique. The result in my Carne Asada super burrito was a juiciness and tenderness of the meat that I hadn't experienced since Anna's Taqueria. The rest of the ingredients were pretty average, and made for an average burrito overall, but points are definitely awarded for La Cumbre's culinary prowess.

This La Cumbre Taqueria meal was rated: 6.5.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 by Phil. Permalink for Mini-Me Oversees Chopping Operation

Welcome To La Cumbre Taqueria

Burrito hunting in San Francisco's Mission district is like shooting fish in a barrel. I've never shot fish in a barrel but my understanding is that it's not difficult. Having already reviewed two taquerias less than two blocks from my apartment, La Cumbre Taqueria, on Valencia between 16th and 17th (Map), will be the third. They also have a location in San Mateo (Map).

An aside: Perhaps I should be more cautious about making comments regarding the proximity of certain taquerias to my residence, should any overzealous Burrito Blog readers try to triangulate the location of their local Burrito Analyst.

Nevertheless, La Cumbre Taqueria - shown here amidst the captivating nightlife of the Mission - was a must try.

Also, one time I met a guy at La Salsa who claimed that his brother owned La Cumbre. That statement has yet remained uncorroborated, however I see no reason not to give him the benefit of the doubt.

To take a look at the menu here.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 by Phil. Permalink for Welcome To La Cumbre Taqueria | Comments (1)