El Platanar #2
Truck Info:
El Platanar #2
R St and 11th St, Merced California, parking lot of California Liquor & Grocery
(209) 930-0662
Operating Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9am-night (either 8pm, or earlier if they sell out, the owner said)
Metrics:
Tortilla Type: Flour
Garnishes: Lemon slices, pickled jalapeño, spicy carrots, caramelized onions, radish slices, onions and cilantro
Salsa: Red and Green both available
Meats: Asada, Al Pastor, Carnitas, Cabeza, Birria, Chorizo, Lengua
Spice Level: Very manageable. Not very spicy at all but still flavorful
El Platanar #2 is a great truck located up R St in Merced. Recently I tried one taco each of their asada, al pastor, pollo, and carnitas.
The asada is very solid. It has good bits of char on it for a nice crispy texture, and the meat itself is well seasoned. It could hold up well on its own, but the sauce complements it very well, cutting through what otherwise might be a bit too much grease and salt. With the salsa as contrast however, it is the best of both world.
The pollo is surprisingly flavorful. I am always a bit wary of eating chicken tacos because often times they just don’t hold up to other mainstays either due to blandness or bad texture, but these were a standout exception. They were very well seasoned and not overcooked at all, I would definitely get them again.
For carnitas there are many different ways a cook can approach it. This is more on the tender, juicy side than the crispy fried off side. If you enjoy that style, then definitely give them a try.
The pastor was the most memorable of the tacos. It was extensively spiced. Not spicy, but spiced, with complex earthy flavors. Whatever spice mixture was in the marinade was obviously crafted meticulously, and the tortillas soaked up the flavorful grease perfectly.
The green sauce was nice and chilled, and not too acidic, acting as almost more of a tomatillo puree. It had a wonderful, sweet cooling flavor profile that paired well with the fatty meats. I might go back just to ask for the salsa.
All in all, El Platanar #2 was a great experience, and I have gone back many times since.