2 Las Gorditas questions

Now that it's spring, are they open more days/longer hours? I typically go on Saturdays and occasionally Sundays but I'm still unsure what their hours were/are.

Also, when I go I see a lot of people walking away with styrofoam cups and spoons but can never figure out what it is they have? Elotes? Anyways, I dunno what it is and if it's not elotes then what is it and what are elotes?


OK, that was more than 2 questions....

This is going from my experience of living close by and seeing the owners post on here. Fri - Sun, usually open by 4pm. I think they are usually there until about 11pm but they will stay open quite a bit later if they are busy. I spoke with the owner and he said they are considering being on site on Thursdays and Mondays with the warmer weather but I don't think that's a sure thing yet. They used to be open on Mondays but didn't do as much business according to what he told me. So if they do open Thursdays - Monday go out and get some grub on those days also.

If you haven't tried the Pastor (pork) it's wonderful.

Elote (Nahuatl: elotl or Quechua:choclo), roasted corn on the cob, is a popular street food served in Mexico. In Mexico, Chicago, and in the south of the United States, it is customary to consume elotes like a popsicle on a stick or by grasping the roasted husk of the ear of corn that have been pulled down to form a "handle". Hot chilli sauce can be spread on the elote as well as other condiments such as butter, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, and salt. Powdered lemon pepper seasoning is used on elote in Texas.

Some people prefer esquite, or elote cut off the cob. The above toppings are added to the corn and eaten with a spoon.

Thanks Brian. I think that answers my questions for the most part, aside from the days but I'm sure they'll let us know when they're open Thursdays and Mondays... hopefully.

Also, I think the pastor is the only meat I haven't had in either a taco, burrito or gordita. My favorite of what I've had BY FAR is the carnitas so I'm sure another pork variation will be very good as well. Thanks again!

[Robin Garr]

Adding to Brian's information (Wikipedia, Brian? Credit where it's due ... ), the elotes at Las Gorditas are actually elotes en vaso ("in a glass"), which is corn kernels, mayo and hot chile sauce piled high and eaten with a spoon.

I think Mary Anne on the forum is a big fan of the elotes at Las Gorditas ... maybe she'll speak up and testify.

Truedat. The elotes en vaso Pat makes are quite good. It is a mix of corn, margarine, mayo, hot sauce, sour cream and green can parmesan. Somehow this comes together into a melange of yummy corny slightly spicy cheesy mayo-y goodness. I've come up with a good facsimile at home, although I add the green can parm and parmregg, use frozen organic corn, butter instead of mayo and add just a smidge of Miracle Whip with the mayo and sour cream. It sounds pretty awful to describe it, but it is really really good.

Adding to Brian's information (Wikipedia, Brian? Credit where it's due ... )

I hope it was obvious I didn't write that, just trying to get Adam the info and didn't have much time. I was curious why he didn't type it in himself but I was being a good citizen. (poking fun at Adam)..

[Robin Garr]

Adding to Brian's information (Wikipedia, Brian? Credit where it's due ... )

I hope it was obvious I didn't write that, just trying to get Adam the info and didn't have much time. I was curious why he didn't type it in himself but I was being a good citizen. (poking fun at Adam)..

No harm, no foul! Now back in the game witchaz! Seriously, though, Las Gorditas sells the vaso (niblets in the cup with mayo) version. So did Tacos Toreados when it was in a trailer ...

Looks like it's also referred to as esquite when served in a cup or glass.

[Robin Garr]

Looks like it's also referred to as esquite when served in a cup or glass.

We ought to ask Pat Costas or Juan DeLeon ... I know they both call it "elotes," and Juan's menu lists it as "elotes en vaso." Pat's from Los Angeles, and Juan is from Mexico City, I believe.

I have never been able to figure out why all these Mexican/TexMex/Amermex places don't put elotes en vaso on the menu. They cost next to nothing to make, are easily and quickly assembled and are incredibly addictive. I've asked a few of the restaurant managers, and they all say no one (read you people) knows what they are...which I find incredibly bewildering, because I know, and everyone must know it's all about me...

Mary Anne! Don't forget the squeeze of lime juice! yuuuuummmy!

I have never been able to figure out why all these Mexican/TexMex/Amermex places don't put elotes en vaso on the menu. They cost next to nothing to make, are easily and quickly assembled and are incredibly addictive. I've asked a few of the restaurant managers, and they all say no one (read you people) knows what they are...which I find incredibly bewildering, because I know, and everyone must know it's all about me...

because they are "street food"...... the same way most "American" places dont serve hotdogs, pretzels, and things like that. Where i am from in "the valley" (wayyyyyyy down in south texas, about 15-20 minutes from the border) and the place i am from in Mexico, you dont find elotes in the restaurants. They are sold at some taquerias, but just the small taquerias like "puestos", the Gorditas setup. Normally, you can get your elotes from the guy selling them up and down the street, much like an ice cream truck, but we get our elotes, bolis, tico, salimon, etc from them.....

i have never bought an elote up here. My big question is, is it fresh corn? Traditionally, it is corn fresh from the cob, even if you get it en vaso. Also, i prefer mine on the cob, and i have not seen that anywhere up here. i dont think it would taste the same if it was being made with canned corn.

Becky, not positive but I'm 99% certain the elotes at Las Gorditas is canned corn. Well, let's make that 99.99% sure because I'm pretty sure I could tell if it were roasted and cut fresh. I've had them there and they are pretty tasty but I can't bring myself to pay $3 for them when I feel I can get other things there that are tastier and seem like a better value for what I'm getting (and something I can't make at home very cheap).

I'd probably pay $3 for it if it where roasted on the cob or roasted and fresh cut but bulk corn in cans is very inexpensive and of course has the canned taste.