Otaez Mexicatessen

At $4.50 the regular torta at Otaez is a steal. I ordered a steak torta with cream and just nodded yes when the cashier asked, “everything?” I was a little disappointed when the cook called out “steak sandwich” when my order was ready. I didn’t want a sandwich, I wanted a torta. I realize a torta is a type of sandwich, but it takes away some of the allure when it’s referred to as just a sandwich.

I wasn’t disappointed when the torta arrived at the table. My first thought was, “well, if nothing else, the roll will fill me up.” As a life-long glutton and lover of inexpensive Mexican food, I’ve come to realize that quantity is sometimes more important than quality - sure I might have to spit out a few bites of my burrito, but at least I’m full and only spent a few bucks!

The Otaez torta roll was a massive loaf of French bread toasted to perfection. There was little worry of grease soaking through the bread, which is key unless you like a soppy meal that falls apart in your hands. The torta itself was beautiful: A cream-lined roll overflowing with beans, cheese, onions, cilantro and steak. But the taste was a bit bland. The steak wasn’t marinated and didn’t hold up on it’s own. The cheese was lost in the beans and the taste of the rest of the ingredients was subtle. I had to resort to salsa to give the torta some sort of flavor. I don’t know that I’d order another steak torta from Otaez, but I’d be willing to try another kind, knowing full well that at least I’d leave on a full belly.

Otaez Mexicatessen
3872 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA