Get down with the swine

The line tells the tale. On weekends, there’s often one snaking out the door of La Esperanza Bakery. Some people are buying tamales, some are buying 50-pound bags of masa, but most are here for the carnitas. Sold in fist-sized glistening chunks for $6.25 a pound, this puerco is some of the tastiest around. If you really want to get down with the swine, La Esperanza has sheets of house-made chicharrones the size of a large pizza. Take some carnitas to your next potluck along with some tortillas (made in house) and a pint of the green salsa. You’ll be the hit of the party. 5044 Franklin Boulevard, (916) 455-0215.