In anticipation of the wonderful gastronomic event, otherwise known at the Fall DR.com picnic, I would like to obtain some good tortillas. Any suggestions on where I can purchase some? Places convenient to NoVA appreciated.

Too bad I can't make it to the picnic, as I could have brought some from Tortilleria Sinaloa in Baltimore-- they're incredible. Not sure of any place closer in like that (Bladensburg maybe?)

I looove that place. The tortillas have become a staple for us—they are good with nearly everything. And, I am mildly obsessed with the carnitas tacos. I get wild cravings for them and nothing else will do. They are also my favorite hangover remedy.

If I buy a stack of the tortillas, I usually end up eating three of them plain on my way to the car. That's how good they are.

Freshly made tortillas can be obtained from Moctec in Landover, MD--this is the only tortilla factory close to DC. However, they do not have a retail outlet. One must call and order them in advance and then drive out to pick them up. It's a shlep, not at all convenient to NoVA. OK then, since we have established that really fresh tortillas are impractical, and I assume that you don't want to make your own, what are the alternatives?
1) Trader Joe's corn tortillas. These are, in my estimation, the best widely available tortillas. They are made from fresh masa, not from masa harina. This is what I use for everyday-type Mexican meals.
2) Salvadoran-style "hand-made" tortillas can be found at any of the Latin grocery stores in Arlington, like the one on Wilson Blvd, across from Whole Foods or the ones on Columbia Pike. They are made from masa harina and are very thick, so do not work well for rolling or folding.
3) Mission brand corn tortillas, sold in Safeway stores. They are from California, and aren't too bad.

I'm jumping in a little late here, but what about The Tortilla Factory in Herndon?

I've only dined in, but they do have a retail/carry out counter, and I've seen their tortillas there by the bag.

I do love their food, but I only get there when I'm dropping Mr. S off at Dulles.

ScotteeM

It is dangerous having the Tortilleria on Eastern Ave. so close to my house.

I am there all the time. Best deal in town.

Their home made chips are also outstanding.

I took them to a party in DC this past weekend and that was all people asked about.

I am also looking for good flour and corn tortillas in NOVA. Does anyone know if Rio Grande Cafe will sell their tortillas as take-out? thanks.

They used to offer these through their catering service, but that was before it changed ownership. Couldn't hurt to call & ask!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of learning how to make tamales from the master. Zora's wonderful tomatillo sauce haunts me, still.

Since then, I've been having fun buying things I've never bothered with before, making my own queso blanco and thumbing through the more effortless recipes in Rick Bayless's Mexican Everyday where the author relies exclusively on corn tortillas.

I did try steaming the Hacienda brand tortillas (from Capital Heights, MD; Salvadoran flag on label) I picked up in Arlington. They were okay. However, I am wondering if there are any updates to contribute to this thread, especially if news involves a source in Washington, D.C. Mexican?

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Are there vendors at any of the area's markets or food trucks who sell fresh Mexican tortillas?

The only local authentic tortilla factory is Moctec, in Landover, MD. Moctec sells fresh masa to Oyamel, so that they can make fresh tortillas at the restaurant. Moctec also makes tortillas and chips, which are sold at various places in the area. The only place I've found that sells Moctec corn tortillas is the Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-op. IMO Moctec tortillas are the best "factory" tortillas available here, since they are made with fresh masa, which is made on site. It is possible to buy super fresh tortillas (or fresh masa) at the Moctec factory, but you have to order them in advance-- they don't have any retail facilities. It's kind of a shlep on the Beltway to get there, too.

Next best, IMO are Trader Joe's corn tortillas, which are made from real masa and are quite tasty when steamed. Distant third is Mission Brand, which can be found at Safeway. They're from California. Everything else I've tried, including all of the "organic" types at Whole Foods are crap.

Next step for you, Anna Blume, is to get a tortilla press, and start making your own tortillas at home. You can start practicing with Maseca or Quaker masa harina and work your way up to fresh masa. It's not hard to make tortillas, once you've learned a few little tricks--I'll be glad to teach you how to do it.

Would you please post here about it? I have a tortilla press and have tried many times with masa harina, and the things just don't come out right. Please??

The bigger question is: Would you do a class for dr.com members? Maybe we can pitch in and rent a space or something?

I'd be happy to--even someone's house with a bigger kitchen than mine would work. But maybe a blog with photos would suffice...