tacos – Page 2

Salmon, Ahi, and Wahoo, OH MY!

November 11, 2014November 10, 20142 Comments

I want you all to be the first to know that I am in love! I have found my soul mate in Newport Beach, CA. Its name is Bear Flag Fish Co., and it is amazing! Founded in 2007, they have defined themselves as the “fish market for the new generation.” They have transformed the typical fish market experience into one that is modern, approachable, and more than just a market. Although they have a set menu, you can pretty much get away with whatever combination you want. They keep a list of available fish for that day on a board, and you can choose to eat it on a plate, in tacos, or as a sandwich. The staff is very knowledgable about the preparation of the fish and what combinations go well together. In addition to the restaurant aspect, they have a full selection of fish to purchase, and appetizers to eat there or take home, including Calamari Salad, Seaweed Salad, Ahi Poke, Salmon Poke, and various sushi rolls and sashimi options. This place has EVERYTHING. When I found it, I went 4 times in one week. I’m not joking.

My favorites, so far, have been the tacos and the poke. Of the tacos, I have had Ono tacos, Swordfish tacos, and Calamari Tacos, all of which have been awesome, fresh, and perfectly prepared. In addition to what you get, I highly recommend to get a small or medium container of mixed Salmon and Ahi Poke as an appetizer or side to your dish. It comes with lightly salted chips and it is just the most refreshing dish I have had in recent months. There are too many options to choose from, and I regret sticking to my favorites and not trying more to report back my findings; however, this is a place that one must experience for themselves.

With two locations in Newport Beach, Bear Flag Fish Co. just made Orange County my new favorite place. To find out more information on the restaurant/fish market, visit their website at http://newport.bearflagfishco.com/.

Tacos and More at Mexicali Taco & Co.

October 28, 2014October 27, 2014Leave a comment

Once again, it is Taco Tuesday! It is impossible for me to choose my favorite taco joint. ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE! However, I can help you narrow down your choices. This week, I wanted to talk about Mexicali Taco & Co. in Los Angeles. What started as a taco cart on 1st and Beaudry, has turned into a small restaurant near Dodgers Stadium. Edras Ochoa and Javier Fregoso have brought flavors from their childhood in Calexico to LA, and in doing so, have landed on Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants list. Impressive? Yes. Well deserved? Hell yes!

Our tacos of choice were the Shrimp Taco, the Chorizo Taco, and the Al Pastor Taco. The Shrimp Taco was served on a cheesy corn tortilla garnished with fresh cilantro. Unfortunately, I am allergic to shrimp, so I have to take my boyfriend’s opinion to be true. He said it was to die for. Obviously, I cried because I can never have it. The Chorizo taco was tender and delicious. Finally, the Al Pastor Taco was my favorite! Due to the multiple signs on the menu and Yelp reviews stating that there are “limited quantities available,” I’m assuming that this is the most popular meat choice. I see why; it was so juicy! You could tell that it was marinated and slowly cooked for a very long time. If you choose one taco, choose this taco.

If you read the title of this post correctly, you were waiting for me to talk about the “more.” The tacos here are amazing, but the fact that they serve several other delicious dishes, is just the icing on the cake. The Vampiro is a crispy quesadilla that we chose to fill with Asada and their special garlic sauce. This was beyond an ordinary quesadilla. It surpassed any quesadilla I have ever had. The Asada paired with the garlic sauce was divine. We also enjoyed the Cachetada. The Cachetada is Mexicali Taco & Co.’s version of a tostada on crack. It is served with meat, melted cheese, and a chipotle aioli sauce and we chose to have it Ranchero style, in other words, topped with a fried egg. Everything is better with an egg on top. This stands right up there with the tacos. Do yourself a favor and drive yourself to Mexicali Taco & Co., order the Shrimp and Al Pastor tacos, and the Cachetada Ranchera style. Go. Now.

For more information, on Mexicali Taco & Co. visit their website at http://mexicalitaco.com/.

Taco Tuesday at Taco Maria

September 16, 2014September 16, 2014Leave a comment

Every time I found myself at The OC Mix, Taco Maria was closed, which meant I was there on a Sunday after 3PM or on a Monday when they were closed. So, you can imagine my excitement when I happen to pop by on a Tuesday around lunch time. I was thrilled to be able to dine at Taco Maria with my mom. I had heard so many good things about Chef Carlos Salgado’s creations and prix fixe menus, but no one could talk me out of trying the tacos.

I ordered the Carnitas Taco filled with Berkshire Pork Bely, White Peach Slices, and Avocado Sauce. The perfectly cooked pork belly topped with the white peach slices was the most unique and delicious combination. I also ordered the Pescado Frito Taco. The grouper was topped with Charred Scallion Aioli, Cabbage, and Red Grapes. This was one of the best fish tacos I have ever had. The grapes were an unexpected ingredient, but the one that put the taco over the top.

My mom also got the Carnitas Taco, which she loved. She chose the Arrachera Taco as her second. It was filled with Hangar Steak, Roasted Chiles, Oaxacan Cheese, and Applewood Bacon. The steak was perfectly cooked, and I mean, absolutely perfect. It was the perfect level of spicy and the bacon was as simple as a garnish, but packed just the right amount of crunch and saltiness.

Our selections were a part of the Summer 2014 menu, and as much as I hate to say it, summer is almost over. Even though I am not looking forward to the colder weather and endless upcoming holidays, I am looking forward to trying the Fall menu at Taco Maria. I will also be attending Indie Chefs Week in October.
For more information, visit http://www.tacomaria.com/.