Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Ortega Aragón.
Hi Carlos, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my culinary career working in many restaurants, including fine dining. After making my way to San Diego, I began bussing and serving tables at a restaurant in La Jolla. I always had a passion for cooking, so I decided to enroll in the Culinary Arts program at Grossmont College. Around the same time, about 10 years ago, I started catering for small private events, saving all profit from events to one day get a food truck. A few years ago, I had the lucky opportunity to purchase a food truck and, of course, I jumped at the chance. It was like straight out of the movie Chef, I cleaned and fixed it up before being able to get it rolling. In January 2020, my dream finally came true, we opened Artesano Taco and then the pandemic shut us down. Thankfully, I was able to return to the restuarant who supported me alI those years – allowing me to continue taking care of my family. Unfortunately, the restaurant I was working at didn’t survive the pandemic. The unfortunate situation did motivate me to push harder and make my food truck successful. I was finally able to reopen in August 2020 and have been slowly growing a following. We are so grateful for everyone’s support. Because of such support, we are excited to share our new food truck is currently being built.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have definitely experienced our ups and downs, especially having basically started a new business during the pandemic. We are lucky for our friends and family who have helped us along the way and made it possible. Currently, the biggest struggle is definitely finding the right people to work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Artesano Taco (Artisan Taco), we specialize in authentic Mexican tacos. Our entire menu is made to order from scratch at the truck. Top-quality ingredients with great customer service is our priority. We are known for our handmade tortillas, the “soul” of the taco. Making each tortilla by hand and to order might take a few more seconds but the fresh handmade quality makes all the difference. As we like to say, ” we don’t serve fast food, we serve fresh food as fast as we can”.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We invite everyone to come by the truck and try our food. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn where the truck is parked each day, or give me a call at 619-995-9097 or email me for any any catering needs.
Pricing:
- $12-$17
Contact Info:
- Email: carlos@artesanotaco.com
- Instagram: Artesano Taco
- Facebook: Artesano Taco
