San Francisco's culinary landscape is peppered with global flavors, but one standout comes in the form of a Mexican specialty that's making waves well beyond the Mission District. La Torta Gorda, a little slice of Puebla in California, is home to what the Food Network has declared the second-best sandwich in America: The Pierna Enchilada torta.
Owned by Armando Macuil and his wife Maira, La Torta Gorda has been serving hungry San Franciscans traditional Poblano dishes for over two decades. Armando, originally from Santa Ana Xalmimilulco, in the state of Puebla, Mexico, brings an authentic twist to the torta game with his Pierna Enchilada torta, featuring the hallmark Pueblan flavors of stewed pork in a spicy chili blend stacked on a fluffy telera bread. This creation is paired with traditional elements like refried beans, queso fresco, and avocado. As detailed in a SFGATE article, the torta clinched a prestigious second place, trailing only a meatball hero from chef Mario Carbone.
That the sandwich has clinched media spotlights is no surprise to those who know the effort Armando pours into every dish. Channelling his mother's culinary prowess, albeit through rigorous trial and error, he's managed to recreate these dishes from memory. "She never wrote anything down," he said, emphasizing the effort it took to nail the recipes. Maira, in a SFGATE interview, expounded on her husband's dedication: "He's such a perfectionist," she said. "He doesn't stop until he thinks it's the best."
But, the Pierna Enchilada torta isn’t the only headline-grabber from La Torta Gorda’s kitchen. The Mega Cubana, a colossal combination of milanesa, ham, chorizo, eggs, turkey, and the pierna enchilada meat has also been featured on the Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil", showcasing the restaurant's knack for both traditional eats and towering innovations. This consistent attention from media giants like the Travel Channel and Netflix, speaks to the restaurant's burgeoning status within, and beyond, San Francisco's competitive food scene.
Yet through all the praise, Armando remains focused on the heart of his mission: feeding folks who wander into his establishment seeking a taste of Puebla. "I admire him very much. He works so hard," Maira revealed about her partner, in a SFGATE interview. And it's clear, whether you're a San Francisco local or a visitor on a gustatory pilgrimage, La Torta Gorda's doors on 2833 24th Street promise an experience that's as authentic as it is acclaimed.
