Legendary Mexico City taco stand holding pop-up experience in Glendale

PHOENIX – Valley taco aficionados are in for a rare treat this week.

El Califa de León, the world’s only Michelin-starred taco stand, is set to host a four-day pop-up experience at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale.

Chef Mario Hernández Alonso will serve up specialties from his legendary Mexico City taqueria Thursday-Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

An inaugural taco bite ceremony will launch the event at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

Hernández Alonso is the son of the founders of El Califa de León, which opened in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood over half a century ago.

“The secret is the simplicity of our taco,” Hernández Alonso said on the website promoting the Glendale pop-up experience. “It has only a fresh hand-made corn tortilla, red or green sauce, and that’s it. That, and the quality of the meat.”

What will Michelin-starred taco stand serve at pop-up event?

Three items will be available at Westgate:

• Taco Gaonera: Seared filet mignon, $10.
• Taco Costilla: Seared sliced beef rib, $12.
• Taco Chuleta: Seared Iberico pork loin, $8.

The meat is prepared with a dash of salt and lime and served on a tortilla. Patrons can choose from two hot sauces, red or green.

The stand will be located at 9425 W. Entertainment Blvd., just north of Desert Diamond Arena.

Westgate will be extra busy on Saturday because nearby State Farm Stadium is hosting two Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer matches.

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