Tacos 210 Owner's Survival Story After Eaton Fire in Altadena

Surviving the Eaton Fire

• 🔥 Omar Deanda, owner of Tacos 210, recounts the harrowing experience of driving his taco truck away from the Eaton Fire in January 2025.
• 😥 He shares the emotional toll of witnessing pets trapped and injured behind a fence, feeling guilt over not being able to rescue them.
• ⚠️ Attempts to break through a steaming hot fence with the truck were deemed too dangerous due to embers and intense heat.

Tacos 210's Unique Offerings

• 🌮 While offering traditional meats, Tacos 210 is renowned for its unique vegetarian options, including mushroom and kale, and chiote squash.
• 💡 A standout popular item is the beer-battered Brussels sprouts with chipotle aioli, cabbage, and pico de gallo, a creative replacement for traditional fish or meat options.
• 🌶️ The truck also features house-made salsas and a flavorful birria made with a blend of spices like cloves, garlic, cinnamon, and chilies.

Commitment to the Altadena Community

• 📍 Despite significant devastation, Omar chose to return to Altadena, feeling a deep connection to the community and believing it's where he belongs.
• 🤝 He views Tacos 210 not just as his business, but as the community's taco truck, committed to rebuilding alongside them.
• ⏰ The business has adjusted its hours, now opening for lunch to serve cleanup and construction crews, as the evenings are quieter due to fewer residents.

Culinary Journey and Self-Taught Skills

• 👨‍🍳 Omar, who grew up in Pasadena, developed his passion for cooking from his mother's tamales and gained professional skills working at a catering company.
• 📚 He is largely self-taught, learning through extensive reading of recipes and cookbooks, and honing techniques by working with professional chefs.
• 🛠️ His culinary approach involves traditional elements combined with innovative twists, such as his popular vegetarian dishes.