Los Reyes De La Torta
9230 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85020

Man v. Food in Phoenix was an episode in the most recent season.  This was a featured segment, but not the eating challenge of the episode.

Just like any other taqueria food, I love tortas.  I have had my fair share of them, that is for sure.  When I saw this episode and knew that I was going to Phoenix in August, I had to give it a try.

What I Got:  Del Rey, $7.95.  Beans, breaded beef, two egg omelet with chorizo, ham, pork, tomato, guac, cheese and a hot dog.

There were two guys sitting next to me that were pretty big dudes and they both ordered it and finished only half, so I was a little bit worried.

The sandwich was huge…Carnegie Deli huge.  At first bite, I liked it quite a bit.  The breaded steak and the pork were standouts.  The bread was a little too wimpy and the sandwich struggled to stay together in my hands.  I polished off the first half with no problems.  After a few bites on the second half, I decided to start knife and forking it.  I found the hot dog to be absolutely useless and I pulled that off my second half.

I left about a quarter on the plate mostly because I was tired of eating it, but I could’ve finished it.  The torta was served with Ruffles, which I thought was kind of strange.  They didn’t offer chips and salsa service.

Would I Buy It Again? No.  (yes, I changed it from the RSS feed this morning) The Del Rey was good, but not great.  Considering the amount of Mexican restaurants in Phx, I think that I would try something different.  Plus, I’d rather have a torta that was more focused than one that throws everything in the kitchen on some bread and calls it a sandwich.  Even though the owner is from Mexico City, I felt it wasn’t that authentic.  My wife enjoyed a grilled chicken torta, but she didn’t love her meal either.

This however has confirmed that Man V Food recommendations (as a hole) are not very good. It will probably be my last time that I search out a MvF location.

However, the place is doing a lights out business. Standing room only the entire time I was there, so they have to be doing something right.

-wibia