While the theme of Bumblebee Man's Tacos at Universal Studios Hollywood might be rooted in the animated world of "The Simpsons," its food is clearly inspired by the taco trucks that have become institutions around the LA area. And against that competition, Bumblebee Man fares much better than he does against Krusty in the Springfield TV ratings.
I ordered the Chicken Tacos ($7.99), which includes two tacos, a side of tortilla chips, and red and green salsas. These aren't your Americanized, Taco Bell-style, hard-shell tacos swimming in lettuce and cheese. No, Bumblebee Man stays true to his fake roots with a Mexican-style taco, each one served in two thin, warmed corn tortillas and topped with a generous helping of chopped onion and cilantro. (There's lettuce and cheese on the tacos at Orlando's version of Bumblebee Man's, for what that's worth.)
You can choose carne asada or carnitas (shredded pork) on your tacos instead of the chicken, for the same price, but chicken's my favorite taco filling, so that's what I went for on my visit yesterday. Having sampled the other meats previously at a press event, you won't go wrong with the other options, either the beefy carne asada or the juicy carnitas. (While I'm glad that Hollywood's version of Bumblebee Man's ditched Orlando's lettuce and cheese, I would have liked to see what Hollywood could have done with the Korean Beef and fish tacos available on the east coast.)
Which salsa to choose, then? Bumblebee Man will give you both, so you don't have to commit at the window. The difference here is whether you like the taste to hit you right away, or sneak up on you instead. The green salsa hits your tongue with fresh green chile flavor but doesn't leave behind much heat. The red salsa's the opposite. Mild at first, just wait a minute for the inevitable spicy kick this choice will deliver.
If you're looking for something bigger to share over a couple of Duffs, try the Mucho Macho Nachos ($10.99), which include your choice of the three meats atop a bed of the tortilla chips, along with cheese sauce, guacamole, jalapenos, onions, sour cream, cilantro, and the salsas.
Patio seating surrounds Bumblebee Man's, but if you can't find an available seat, don't hesitate to take your tacos and nachos across the street to sit inside Moe's Tavern, where I've almost always found a table available.
Universal's Krusty Burger set a high standard with its selection of tasty burgers, but Bumblebee Man's Tacos might be even better. Hey, if the TV gig doesn't work out, Bumblebee Man's got a good future awaiting him in the food truck business.
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