Farley Elliott

Farley Elliott is a Los Angeles-based food writer, author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks (2015), and senior editor at Eater LA. Magically enough, he's also the chef from the "Tiny Hamster Eating Tiny Burritos" video.

Before moving to Los Angeles, Farley graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo on California's Central Coast. He began his writing career in 2008 at the local news site LAist; his role there grew to encompass news, reviews, and food lists. Later, he expanded to regular freelance roles at LA Weekly, LA Magazine, and beyond. He spent years canvassing Southern California for the best tacos, tortas, and tlayudas (plus burgers, of course) for Serious Eats as part of a weekly column of new restaurant and street stand finds.

Farley is a two-time LA Press Club award-winner for travel and criticism.

What's your desert island food?

"A plate of street tacos from El Chato, the small but mighty truck at the corner of La Brea and Olympic in Los Angeles. The al pastor quesadilla with thick, smoky chipotle salsa is all I'd ever need."

What's your favorite condiment?

"Mayonnaise. It's the single best sandwich condiment, and it works well on hot dogs and fries, too. Plus you can sub it in for butter when making a grilled cheese; it's perfect."