For close to 50 years, every newcomer’s opening lesson about Culver City has begun with this mantra:
Tito’s Tacos, on Washington Place, just east of the 405 Freeway, is the hottest eatery in town.
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Ari Katz, the Human Trophy, at Tito’s Tacos
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From left, Tito’s owner Lynne Davidson, Erick Villagran, Ivonn Araya, and Ari Katz
In tough times or when America is flush, lines are out the door, rain or sun.
Tito’s reputation, even in mid-life, continues to mushroom.
Locally, their image has been secure for decades.
But when outsiders come to Culver City and agree, that makes life sweeter yet.
A few months ago, they were a player on the Food Network, and yesterday Tito’s was recognized as a ratings winner by NBC.
The network has joined the rest of the media in promoting “bests” around the country. They cap the promotion by presenting “Golden Local” awards to certain “best” businesses.
NBC determined that Crif Dog, on St. Mark’s Place in Manhattan, produces the Best Hot Dog in New York City.
Amoeba Music, Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, was voted the Best Record Store in the Bay Area.
Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse was judged to serve the Best BBQ in Dallas.
Yesterday afternoon, it became official that Tito’s Tacos creates the Best Taco in Los Angeles.
Owner Lynne Davidson, as you can see in one of the photos, received a Golden Local award.
Being television, the ceremony was a little more elaborate than “Here is your certificate.”
For the benefit of the television cameras and NBC-4’s late afternoon newscast yesterday, a tall, slender young gentleman in a brilliant gold coat, Ari Katz, known as the Human Trophy, gave a performance on a revolving wheel to let all customers and mid-town passers-by know that Tito’s was a winner.
Erin Dittman of KNBC explained that Henry’s Tacos of Studio City and Tito’s were judged the two strongest taco stores in Los Angeles.
A promotional runoff was staged online.
No contest.
Tito’s supporters swamped Henry’s, 77 percent to 23 percent.
You can read more below:
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/debates/
