When Hollywood's heavyweights get the urge for Mexican food, it's a good bet they'll pay a visit to El Cholo, Casa Vega or Mexicali Cocina Cantina. But which of these hot spots serves the best taco in the West? It's time to find out with a "Rival Ray" taco-off!

• El Cholo. Owner Ron Salsbury, 77, says his grandparents' traditional recipes keep big names like Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman and Jack Nicholson coming to his restaurant. "People go crazy for our filet mignon tacos," he says, before offering a warning to his competition: "What you're in for is the hardest, toughest fight you have ever had because we're bringin' it to ya!"

• Casa Vega. George Clooney, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston have all been spotted enjoying the old-school traditional Mexican food of Casa Vega, and owner Christina Vega Fowler, 32, says that the secret to the restaurant's fare is her family's recipes from Tijuana. She's confident that their deep fried taco will be the champ when it comes down to crunch time: "Casa Vega's is the best because our taco is made with love and it's unbelievable!"

• Mexicali Cocina Cantina. For 15 years, this Studio City eatery has attracted celebrities such as Renée Zellweger, Britney Spears and William Shatner with its fresh, flavorful Mexican food. "Watch out competition," warns owner Glen Dobbs, 49, "we're going to take you down with our Mexicali lobster tacos!"

For a competition this hot (and possibly spicy!), Rachael calls in her pal Aarón Sánchez, Tastemaster at the Gourmetlatino Festival and co-star of Food Network's Chefs vs. City. As the judge, he explains what he'll be looking for: "The perfect combination of the tortilla, the filling and all the garnishes and how they work together. It has to be the perfect little bite."

Related Links

Casa Vega

El Cholo

Gourmetlatino Festival

Mexicali Cocina Cantina