Tortas Neza

Neza’s tortas are my death-​row meal … simply incredible. And you can tell he cares so much about his food and his craftsmanship in assembling each sandwich.
Though the Tortas Pumas is massive, do not be afraid of ordering it because for $ 14 you’ll have enough food for two meals. I know, I know, it sounds like a greasy gut-​bomb, but it really does all come together and you can taste each ingredient — the ham, head cheese, fried chicken, chorizo omelet and deep-​fried hot dogs. You’ll be so satisfied. And watching Neza assemble the Pumas is a show … I couldn’t believe how skillfully he griddled the entire sandwich after getting everything between the bread.
Neza once had storefronts in Woodside and Corona, but I think troubles with the landlords forced him to close both locations. But he returned a few months ago with a truck that you can find daily from 2 pm to 2 am (so he tells me) on the north corner of 111^th St. and Roosevelt Ave. in Corona. Please do go and support Neza (and he’s a nice guy to boot) and let’s all keep this man in business. I was devastated for the few months he was missing between the closings and the truck.

While I’m honored that this review was selected for ROTD, I’m sad that Tortas Neza has indeed closed. In its place is a new Mexican place called La Esquina Del Sabor Mexico. While the tortas named after futbol teams are still on the wall, don’t be fooled that the same versions are still available. But let’s hope that these new guys can keep the flame alive.

Recent news notes that Tortas Neza is now closed. Where will I get my monster tortas now?!?
*sad face*

Dear Tortas Neza Man:
You make me good torta full of meat and cheese and avocado on yum yum bread. I heart you. Nom nom.
Love,
Asian Girl #2.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — - (Since I was with Lizz K, you can just read her review to see all the delicious food we ate. But I wanted to show my love too and hence, the note.)

This place is serious about their sandwiches. And soccer. The owner has a passion for Pumas F.C., a club based in Mexico City, and you see this looming large on the outside awning, the walls, and even on his arm in the form of a tattoo. The granddaddy of all his sandwiches is a monstrosity and $ 14, named the torta pumas. To be fair to fans of other clubs, he has sandwiches named for many big teams, all in the $ 6 – 8 range.
Each sandwich is prepared to order, he’ll pull out the volleyball-​looking quesillo and untwine it before separating smaller strips to be melted. If there is no line, it’s only a wait of about five minutes or so, and worth it.
We wanted to try both a torta and a cemita, so first selected the cemita milanese de pollo ($ 8). The milanesa here is nothing spectacular, but is quite meaty, and very big. I usually go for a cemita without a second thought, owing to its extra tastiness with better bread and chipotle sauces, but here I think it is an afterthought. On successive visits I will definitely run down the list of tortas.
One torta that did find its way into our mouths though was the exciting torta Regillas ($ 7), a combination of the quesillo and enchilada, a spicy pork. The sandwich came in the shape of a huarache, and started falling all over the place immediately. It was really delicious though, and didn’t really need spiced up.
If so desired, you will be offered a large cup of homemade pepper concoction (below), to add spice to your sandwiches as you see fit. The pickled peppers are really something, I used them as intended but also slipped a couple on their own.
The place has a charm to it despite its simplicity, and it was fun to get the owner started on stories of his football club and reasons for everything. He is obviously a passionate guy who loves his trade and his football, and brought the two together harmoniously.