Taco Tuesday, with $1 tacos, was a great opportunity to sample the Filipino/ Mexican fare of The White Rabbit Fusion Cafe.
Since November 2010 the White Rabbit food tuck has roamed the LA area, Ventura, and Orange County. Not a food truck chaser?
Last November, the owners opened a restaurant in Canoga Park near the corner of Winnetka Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard.
Filipino food is known for it’s blending of sweet and spicy flavors, and each taco choice is a variation on that theme. Vegetarians beware, all entrees, including the tacos, come with a choice of meat cooked Filipino style. The unique combinations of sweet, sour, and salty flavors evolved from indigenous dishes combined with Spanish, American, Chinese, and other Asian influences.
The White Rabbit bustled with activity on the cold Tuesday evening I visited. A constant stream of patrons came and went, as people laughed and talked over festive music.
Each of the four tacos I sampled were wrapped in soft corn tortillas and topped with a vinaigrette of sweetened, shredded cabbage. The Adobo taco was filled with tender and juicy, sweet and spicy braised chicken chunks.
The Longanisa, was filled with sweet and spicy diced and sautéed sausage. My favorite was the Tocino, filled with braised, finely chopped, sweetened and cured pork.
If you want more in-your-face spiciness, go for the Sisig. It has sautéed and fried pork mixed with jalapeños and onions. You can add more heat to any selection with the Tapatio or Asian hot chili sauce provided.
The ingredients seemed fresh and had a hand-made feel. However, the corn tortillas were just okay and didn’t add anything to the experience.
For sides, I tried the traditional garlic rice, and an order of Lumpia Filipino egg rolls. I enjoyed the moist, roasted garlic flavor of the rice, but didn’t care for the fine texture of the ground pork in the Lumpia rolls.
The White Rabbit offers intriguing deserts, such as White Chocolate Champorado or Red Velvet Flan, but I was too stuffed after the tacos to try anything.
They also offer a large menu of boba teas, soda, and a fresh blended watermelon drink, which my dining partner enjoyed.
The White Rabbit is self-service, and keeps the low prices and fun, casual atmosphere of a food truck. The friendly staff and Spanish-style decor makes for a cozy and relaxed dining experience.
Indoor seating is limited but there is more seating in an outdoor covered patio. White Rabbit also offers party packs, catering services, parking and free WiFi.
I recommend the White Rabbit Fusion Cafe for its fun atmosphere and great food at college student prices. I look forward to going back to try the Filipino Spaghetti.