Expert Score

Duck Carnitas Taco

📍 Los Angeles Mexican Fine Dining $$$

at Taco Maria

"Duck carnitas at Taco Maria are slow-cooked duck confit in a taco format — the duck is cooked in its own fat until the meat is tender, then crisped before serving. The housemade tortilla is the correct vehicle. The salsa verde adds acid. This is fine dining technique applied to street food format."

— Expert, 94/100 credibility
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Expert Reviews

What Critics Are Saying

Expert 94/100

"Duck carnitas at Taco Maria are slow-cooked duck confit in a taco format — the duck is cooked in its own fat until the meat is tender, then crisped before serving. The housemade tortilla is the correct vehicle. The salsa verde adds acid. This is fine dining technique applied to street food format."

Expert 92/100

"The duck confit technique means the meat is already tender before the crisping step. The resulting taco has a textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the yielding interior that no other protein achieves. The tortilla holds it together. The salsa verde provides the acid that cuts the duck fat. This is a complete dish."