tacos

Taste of Mexico 2015

October 21, 2015Leave a comment

In 2010, The Taste of Mexico Association was created by LA’s top Mexican restaurateurs. Their annual food event attracts LA’s best cultural tastemakers and influencers. I was lucky enough to attend their event this year, and the endless tacos, tostadas, tortas, and more were an absolute treat! Below are some of my favorites!

Taco de Chile Colorado from Candela Taco Bar

Squid Taco from Guerrilla Tacos

Taco de Chile Nogada and Taco Dulce from Loteria Grill

Al Pastor Taco from Dia de los Puercos

Guacamole and Chapulines from Cocina Condesa (Yes, those are grasshoppers; and, they were delicious!)

Tuna tostada from Ceviche Project

There were so many other notable dishes; its’ impossible to list them all! The music and marketplace at the event were also top-notch. I highly recommend keeping your eye out for next year’s event! For more information, visit http://www.thetasteofmexico.org/.

Taco Tuesday: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

March 10, 2015March 10, 2015Leave a comment

I knew that my visit to San Diego would entail lots of delicious noms. I knew that I was definitely going to hit up the Carnitas Snack Shack, but didn’t have any other specifics on my list. All I knew was that I wanted fish tacos in and around my mouth the moment I drove into town. I did some research on Yelp and narrowed it down to a few places, and eventually decided on Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in La Jolla. Great decision. No, make that BEST DECISION.

The battered fish taco and the grilled octopus taco are the way to go! The breading on the fish is perfect! It’s not too heavy, but still crispy and piping hot when it’s served to you. The accoutrement on top isn’t overwhelming either. Not too much cabbage or pico and very fresh tasting. In addition, the sauces that are hiding in the mini-fridge on the counter are DE-LISH! The grilled octopus taco was awesome too! I’m picky when it comes to octopus because if it’s not cooked correctly it becomes chewy and inedible. Not here! They know what they’re doing behind the counter. Speaking of counters, you get to enjoy your tacos just up the street from the ocean on a casual counter on the sidewalk; basically, that’s my version of a perfect lunch.

I didn’t have a chance to try everything I wanted to, but I will be back for the torta. I saw a couple that other people ordered, and I almost yanked it out of their hands as I walked by.

For more information, visit http://oscarsmexicanseafood.com/.

Taco Monday at Corazon y Miel

December 22, 2014Leave a comment

At the beginning of this month, I attended the most unique taco dinner with my family. It was unique because it was 7 courses and took place on a Monday, not the typical ‘Taco Tuesday. But, wait! I haven’t even mentioned the best part! The dinner took place at Corazon y Miel in Bell with Chef Eduardo Ruiz featuring Chef Wes Avila of Guerrilla Tacos. I knew I was in store for an amazing collaborative experience.

The meal started off adventurous with a Sunchoke Chip, Avocado Mousse, and a Crispy Cricket to top it off. It was a bite-sized portion and simply a salty and crispy treat.

Next, we enjoyed a Caesar Salad Taco with Smoked Trout, Caper-Anchovy Sauce, Radish, and Lettuce on a crispy Flour Tortilla. The Trout was a nice surprise and alternative to the typical anchovy. I thought the lettuce would overwhelm the taco, but the crispy tortilla and trout skin balanced out the greens.

This Hamachi Taco was pure bliss! The freshest of fish was topped off with Sliced Mandarin, Chives, and Yuzu Oil. The Mandarin gave the taco a nice tart edge and was one of favorites of the night.

The largest taco of them all was the Guisado. It was one of the most unique of the night. The Celery Root played the role of meat and was prepared as such. Topped off with Cojita Cheese and Oxtail Broth, the large tortilla could barely hold it in.

Did you ever think you would hear me say that my second favorite taco of this dinner was the veggie taco! This Pomegranate and Pumpkin Taco was short and sweet! On the small side, this taco cleansed the palate and provided a nice break from all of the strong savory flavors.

Although my mother was too scared to try it, this was definitely my favorite taco! This Fried Pork Head Cheese and Pickled Romanesco was perfectly crispy and flavorful!

The last taco was a Braised Goat creation. I don’t think I have ever had goat before, and I was reluctant to try it as it is my favorite animal at local petting zoos, but I have to say, I am a changed woman. The meat was juicy and just a little game-y with a dollop of red salsa on top. It was definitely a great end to the meal.

If you have a chance to dine at Corazon y Miel or Guerrilla Tacos, I highly recommend both! They completely transform every single ingredient and combine flavors that you never thought possible. I hope that they decide to collaborate on a future dinner, so I can be first in line to attend.