mexican

Nopalito: So Much More Than a “Little Cactus”

August 28, 2014Leave a comment

Since it’s Thursday, I wanted to do a “throwback” post highlighting a restaurant I visited a couple weeks ago when I was in San Francisco. This post has nothing to do with the fact that I miss San Francisco desperately and want to go back every second of every day.

My boyfriend lived in San Francisco for two years, so we were no strangers to the amazing food scene, but it takes a lifetime to try all of the amazing dining options. It’s hard not to stick to the favorites, but we try and explore our options when we go back up to visit. I’m so glad we finally tried Nopalito. With two locations, it just so happens we were staying within walking distance to the Inner Sunset location. We ventured out on one of our last nights in the city and were able to be seated right away. It is a medium size space with a fresh green color scheme and light wood tables. The wall between the kitchen and dining room is low and has a glass display, so you can look in on the chefs preparing the colorful meals from scratch, including the tortillas. Their website boasts that they are a “vibrant neighborhood Mexican kitchen celebrating the traditional cookery of Mexico with the philosophy of purchasing local, organic and sustainable ingredients.” This description could not be any more true. From the decor, to the service, to the food, everything was very clean and fresh with a locals only feel.

To start, they bring complimentary roasted garbanzo beans to the table. I love garbanzo beans, but have never had them so roasted or so spicy. The combination was addicting and definitely more fun than starting off with bread or chips.

We both indulged in their housemade horchata. Steven got the traditional Almond Horchata while I opted for the Strawberry-Almond Horchata. I won. Steven’s was delicious, but mine was colorful, beautiful, and a bit sweeter because of the fresh strawberry puree-like juice on top.

We chose the Quesadilla Roja con Chicharron as one of our appetizers to share. We had seen photos of this amazing dish on Instagram and, although drool-worty, did not do the dish justice. The chile-corn tortilla was filled with crispy pork belly, salsa, jack cheese, queso fresco, onions and cilantro. The chicharrones were light and added the perfect crunch to every bite. This is easily the best quesadilla I have ever had.

Our next shared plate was the Empanada con Deshebrada de Res. We had seen at least 20 of them come out to the other tables, so we knew it was a must-try. We were not disappointed. The fried masa pastry was filled with grass-fed beef, tomato, jalapeno, and cabbage. It was topped with avocado, queso fresco and salsa frita de guajillo. We ate it too quickly for a picture, so I snagged this one from Nopalito’s Instagram. Between this and the quesadilla, we could’ve been done with our meal and left completely satisfied. Both were filling and perfect to share.

I ordered the Pescado a la Veracruzana, a seared white fish with tomato, jalapeno, green olives, capers, pickled chile guero, cilantro and saffron rice. I love fish Veracruz style, and this didn’t disappoint. The tomato sauce wasn’t spicy enough for Steven’s liking, but if you took a bite of jalapeno with it, it was the perfect spice level for me. The fish was fresh and juicy, not at all dry, and the saffron rice paired well with the sauce.

I loved my dish, but I will be completely honest: Steven won for best entree. I have had a lot of carnitas in my day, Nopalito had to be the best. He got the Carnitas entree which consisted of the braised pork, orange bay leaf, milk, cinnamon, beer Cabbage salad, pickled jalapeno and salsa de tomatillo. The carnitas were perfectly cooked and not oily, but so tender and juicy. We took some carnitas, cabbage, and the heavenly green sauce and put it all in a small tortilla. The combination was a party in my mouth.

The best part is that this restaurant is an offshoot of Nopa, an urban rustic restaurant that specializes in organic wood-fired cuisine, located north of the Panhandle. This place is always bustling and I was lucky enough to celebrate my 21st birthday there two years ago. Once we found out that owners Allyson and Laurence Jossel opened another restaurant, and that restaurant would be serving traditional Mexican fare, we were intrigued. I’m so glad we were finally able to go.
The food was delicious and the service was impeccable. The only complaint I have is that I was too full for dessert! If you are ever in the Inner Sunset or Lower Haight areas, I highly recommend popping in to either of their locations. You won’t regret it.

Mexican-French Fusion at Anepalco’s Cafe

July 23, 2014July 22, 2014Leave a comment

If you haven’t noticed, I have been on a bit of a Mexican food kick lately. Sorry, not sorry. However, my most recent experience at Anepalco’s was a nice change of pace. Why, you ask? Anepalco’s Cafe, in Orange, specializes in Mexican-French fusion cuisine. Intrigued? Read on.

I have visited their Chapman Avenue location a few times now, and I have never been disappointed. The quality and presentation is always on point and the wait staff is always so attentive and helpful. On my most recent visit with family, we indulged in some new menu items, which were all quite tasty and beautiful.

To start, we enjoyed the Queso Fundido. With melted queso fresco, Spanish chorizo, and roasted tomatoes, this dish was not only delicious, but visually pleasing. Served with bread, this is a great appetizer to share.

Next, we shared the Deconstructed Tacos. The lighting in my photo does not do the dish justice. I was curious to see how it was going to be presented, given that they were “deconstructed.” I was pleasantly surprised at how appetizing everything looked on its own. The pork belly mixed with avocados, tomatoes, and corn was the perfect filling mixed with the house made salsa and tortillas.

My parents shared the Not Pa’ella. Because I am allergic to shrimp, I was unable to indulge, but they sang high praises. The dish was filled with scallops, shrimp, chorizo, Jidori chicken, ham, yellow veloute, and creamy rice. If you ever visit Anepalco’s, I highly recommend ordering anything that has the creamy rice in it. It is to die for.

Last, but certainly not least, we closed out our meal with my favorite item on the menu. The Pambazo Torta is probably the most visually pleasing dish you will ever see. It is Yellow Tail, avocado puree, serrano chiles, radishes, and micro cilantro, served between two pieces of toasted Ciabatta. This is a must-try when you visit Anepalco’s. The fish is always fresh and the avocado puree is beyond delectable. I am always tempted to order one for myself, just because cutting it into pieces to share always ruins the beautiful presentation.

With two locations, Anepalco’s Cafe is a foodie destination in Orange. They also serve brunch and lunch, which I am anxious to try one of these weekends. The only other time I have had an equally enjoyable Mexican-French fusion experience was at Papito in San Francisco. I am so happy to have found something that is just as good closer to home. Also, if you are visiting Disneyland, don’t settle for the overpriced dinner options at Downtown Disney, Anepalco’s is just a short drive away.

For more inforamtion, visit http://www.anepalcoscafe.com/

My Trip Down to Garden Grove and Sabroso! Mexican Grill

July 9, 2014July 8, 2014Leave a comment

I don’t know if Sublime ever came here on their “trips to Garden Grove,” but if not, they were definitely missing out. Sabroso! Mexican Grill is a hole in the wall in a strip mall off of Harbor Blvd. in Garden Grove. It is always crowded and always warm inside, so if you have little patience or body temperature control, this isn’t the place for you. If you don’t need a 5 star ambience and you love good food, then this is the place for you.

My mom enjoyed the Menudo and the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. The menudo was a wonderful mix of spicy and meaty with a taste as if my grandma had made it for me. Unfortunately, I am allergic to shrimp, so I had to take my mom’s word that this was her favorite and only dish she will ever get here. The shrimp are cooked perfectly and they are served with delicious rice and beans. The beans are Peruano beans. No lard is used to prepare these beans, yet they taste so indulgent, rich, and creamy. Hands down the best beans I have ever had.

I loved the Ensenada Fish Burrito! The fish was fresh and the rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, and secret sauce were served in perfect ratios inside the heavenly tortilla. It will definitely be difficult for me to stray from this dish because I enjoyed it so much.

Last, but certainly not least, my father indulged in the Torta Milanesa. The breaded chicken and roasted pork were the perfect pair in this beautiful sandwich. It was one of the best tortas I have ever had outside of Mexico. The bread was perfectly crunchy and stuffed to the brim with fresh ingredients.

If you enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, look no further than Sabroso! Mexican Grill! The food is amazing and every single member of the staff is genuinely friendly and welcoming. I cannot wait to return and try everything on the menu, but I am expecting the crowds to rise after July 11th, as they are scheduled to appear on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives on the Food Network, so keep a look out for that!