Javier Cabral

Professional punk and Editor-In-Chief for James Beard Award-winning L.A. TACO. Associate Producer for JBA-winning Las Crónicas Del Taco. Former restaurant scout for Jonathan Gold. Co-author of “Oaxaca: Home Cooking From the Heart of Mexico (2019, Abrams) and “Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling” (2023, Abrams).
Post-Punk Rising Star Depresión Sonora on L.A. Culture Shock and Tacos
L.A. TACO caught up with Madrid’s rising post-punk crooner over tacos de pulpo on Sunset Boulevard. We talked about the critical differences in the tacos in L.A., Spain, and Mexico, his favorite cheeseburger in Los Feliz, and a new album out soon.
Casamigos and Don Julio Cited In Massive Lawsuit Over Adulterated Tequila
The lawsuit filed by three plaintiffs in the United States District Court Eastern District of New York allege that Diageo is "falsely marketing its highly popular tequila brands and selling adulterated tequila to consumers.”
Remembering the Whittier Man Who Taught Us to Sip, Not Shoot, Tequila
Everyone laughed when Tomas Estes first preached about tequila having terroir in the 70s, just as much as a French wine. Today, the premium "single estate" tequila this Whittier kid co-founded is one of the best-selling and smoothest in the world.
Wes Avila’s Game-Changing Sweet Potato Taco Is Back In Flauta Form (And Better Than Ever)
Thirteen years after Wes Avila first turned the classic taco de papa on its head by using in-season, local sweet potatoes, he continues to evolve his iconic, accidentally vegetarian taco. Avila’s sweet potato taco has been copied by many in L.A. and beyond. It’s also one of the best-sellers at his taquería in Kyoto, PioPiko, proving that this taco is also effectively also huge in Japan.
The 15 Best Carnitas Tacos in Los Angeles
We scoured every corner to bring you the most melt-in-your-mouth, sticky, slow-cooked carnitas all over. These are some of the best cazuela players in Los Angeles, including a handful that make their own handmade corn tortillas, too.
The Demons Behind the Brisket: Heritage Barbecue’s Daniel Castillo’s Untold Raw Story to the James Beard Awards
He never told anyone—until now. Heritage Barbecue’s Daniel Castillo on alcoholism, fitting in with punk and rockabilly culture, and redemption. These are the questions no one asked him about. This is how he overcame his broken family to become the celebrated pitmaster he is now.
NELA Couple Behind Sourdough Pizza Pop-Up with Cult Following Opens Brick & Mortar In Eagle Rock
In a time when pizza has gotten so serious, Brandon Conaway and Carolina Pedroza-Conaway are going the other direction—always remembering to have fun with every single pie they bake. Brandon's experience working at celebrated Italian-rooted places like Osteria Mozza, Sotto, Ronan, Rossoblu, and Quarter Sheets guides his pizza compass.
Angel’s Tijuana Tacos, L.A.’s Street Taco Kings, Open First Brick and Mortar Taquería
Seven years after opening his first stand in North Hollywood, 31-year-old Angel, born and raised in Glassell Park with Guerrero roots, has a whopping 16 stands across the I.E. and L.A.. And now this new home for guacamole-slicked al pastor fresh off the spit on handmade corn tortillas.
Music Festival Abruptly Canceled After Crane Collapses and Kills Two Photographers In Mexico City
Popular artists like Tyler the Creator and Massive Attack were scheduled to play on day two, before the Mexican authorities shut down the event to investigate the tragedy.
The Taquería Behind the #1 Al Pastor Taco In L.A. Is Opening a Second Location In Silver Lake
The second-generation taquero from Tijuana is particularly excited about the bigger kitchen in this second space that is closer to Dodger Stadium to offer new limited-edition tacos like his family’s secret recipe for crispy tripitas. He will also serve ice-cold cold fresh beer.