Ali Khan
As far as the most gourmet or intriguing meal on a budget
goes, that would have to be whatever is being served at
Guerilla Tacos in Los Angeles. Wes Avila is high caliber chef
who left the fine dining world to cook tacos on the street.
But these are not your average tacos. Sushi grade Sea Urchin
graces these tortillas. And expect salsas tendered by the same
hands that reduced sauces with the likes of Alain Ducasse.
Literally fine dining served on the street, in a tortilla.
FT: Why are cheap eats and local
restaurants so important? Would you
agree that the value of eating locally and
learning about the people is priceless?
Yes, wholeheartedly. Food is about culture as much as it is
sustenance and pleasure. Local foods and traditions give us a
sense of place and the restaurants serving those foods help shape
the local identity. Local restaurants are where people celebrate
their lives. Local restaurants help carry on regional culinary
traditions. They are instrumental to our food culture. People love
what they love and eat what they want to eat. Those things can
certainly differ to a degree for everyone. But locally celebrated
places mean there is consensus, a commonality of sentiment. And
it is important to recognize those places that bond us.
FT: What are some of your favorite
“cheap eats” from the show and why?
FT: Is it safe to say that $35 can
go a long way in the foodie world?
What’s the most gourmet or
intriguing meal you’ve ever eaten
on a “budget?”
Actually, no. Making it on $35 is tough but that is part
of the challenge in doing Cheap Eats. Food costs keep
getting higher and the industry is changing. Also I
think we are demanding better quality ingredients
as consumers become more educated on where their
food comes from, and that comes with added cost.
And these are all GOOD THINGS, it makes for a more
sustainable world. That being said, there are some
tips and tricks to share that will work now and in the
future. Animal proteins are expensive and when they
dominate your plate, their costs dominate your bill.
A sticky rice bowl with chicken braised in coconut
milk and Thai spices is a Cheap Eats savior, because
the meat becomes a member of the supporting cast
and you don’t sacrifice flavor because that sticky
rice soaks up all the goodness.
102
FoodTraveler l Winter 2016
This is really hard because of course I loved the food we chose
so I’ll have to strongly consider the “X factor” here. The Italian
Beef and Sausage combo at Nottoli & Son Deli in Chicago for
sure. And not solely because of the food, which was awesome
because Italian Beefs are one of my most favorite sandwiches.
The segment was hilarious thanks to owner and former
wrestler George Nottoli aka Vito “Two Fingers” Fontaine.
Then Jeff Mauro, host of The Kitchen, Sandwich King and
winner of Food Network Star made a guest appearance. I have
known Jeff for years, he is one of my best friends, the MC
at my wedding. So after 13 years, it was with a great sense
of satisfaction to eat that Italian Beef and Sausage combo,
knowing that we finally made our dream happen.
La Huasteca, the lunch segment in Minneapolis, comes to
mind as well. I do love my tacos and these tacos were among
the best I have had, and that includes more than a few visits
to Mexico proper. Beyond the food was the most charming
husband and wife who ran this modest little eatery. Then my
producers came and ate there. After one bite, the Executive
Producer said “we are shooting here.” Since the episode has
aired, a lot of people ask specifically about the restaurant.
And every time I shar