Taco Pedaler - New Brick and Mortar on the Mexican Food Scene

Usually it's Fooditka who "suggests" a place for us to check out and potentially review for the blog.  However this time, it was my idea to check out Taco Pedaler's happy hour.  I first noticed their new brick and mortar spot a few weeks back and wanted to stop in, as I love a good taco every now and again (and again and again and again).  

Atmosphere:

Taco Pedaler started their existence as a mobile food business based on N. Mississippi, selling tacos and other simple Mexican dishes from signature cargo-tricycles all over Portland.  A permanent home somewhere was the logical next step, and they set up shop on N.E. Broadway between 22nd and 23rd.  They did a great job with the space, and the building itself is a vibrant and eye-catching addition to the immediate neighborhood.  The colorful outside is adorned with one of their unmistakable bikes above the front door, and an artist's rendering of one on the side.  The interior is also really nice, with a lot of finely finished wood and authentic looking details.  It feels a lot like a no-frills Mexican cantina that some skilled artisan spent a lot of time getting perfect.  There are several tables inside and more outside for when the weather is nice, although the outside tables are a tight squeeze.  

Food:

The menu is pretty straightforward; in addition to tacos they offer chips and salsa/guacamole, as well as items called "Dillas."  They are kind of like empanadas, made out of a taco shell folded over and stuffed and then deep fried and grilled.  We got some of each, plus I ordered a michelada.  They have a full bar, so...yay.

Salsa, Guac and Chips - This was a solid opener.  Hard to really go wrong with salsa and guacamole, but they definitely do a fine job.  I actually preferred the guac to the salsa, which is interesting because usually I'm the other way around; it was just the right texture for me.

Dilla - It looked as good as it sounds.  Golden brown, crunchy and oozing all of its molten goodness out of the middle once bitten into.  Unfortunately, I didn't ask for a taste quickly enough.  By the time I thought to try a bite, Fooditka had already devoured it.  Next time I go, I'll have to get my own.  

Tacos - The bread and butter of any meat and potatoes taco shop should be its tacos. Too many cliched food metaphors? Maybe, but you get the point.  This is certainly true in Taco Pedaler's case.  Their tacos are strong, with delightfully authentic soft corn tortillas and a generous amount of filling in every one.  I ordered one each of the beef, the pork and the chicken.  I'd have to say I preferred the first two over the last.  In my honest opinion, I thought the chicken was a tad dry, although still made for an excellent taco after I garnished it up with some of their awesome house hot sauce.  The beef and the pork were outstanding though and covered with some sprigs of cilantro and lime juice, the overall effect was delicious.  I'm for sure going back sometime soon.

Service and Cost:

This is another of those order and pay before you sit and bus your own table kind of places, so the actual service was minimal.  Everyone there was very friendly though, and my michelada was a good one.  We went during happy hour, which is 3-6 p.m. so our total bill was very reasonable.  Dinner for both of us was less than $20.00.

3 Mmmms

Taco Pedaler - 2225 N.E. Broadway Portland, OR 97232

503.866.3333

tacopedalerpdx.com

Mi Mero Holy-Mole - Serious Mexican on Division

Yesterday, Fooditka needed Mexican food in the worst way.  Being Fooditka, she'd heard about Mi Mero Mole, a highly recommended taco joint with a couple of locations in PDX.  There is one on Division in Southeast, and one in Chinatown.  We went to the one on Division.  I use the term joint in the positive sense; it is by no means a hole in the wall.  Rather, it's a no-frills kind of establishment with tasty food that isn't fancy, just good.  

They bill themselves as Guisado Style, which is a very homey style of Mexican street cooking.  Their specialty is the different traditional stews, or moles, that have various bases like beef, shrimp, pork, and veggie options.  Their tortillas are also a major strength; they are made from scratch out of ground nixtamal, which is supposedly a more authentic way to do it.  

They have a full bar as well with a pretty extensive drink menu, but  I didn't get too far down the page, and picked the tamarind margarita, which was pretty good.

Atmosphere:
The restaurant is split into two sections.  When you walk in the door, there is a line to order food.  The register and the kitchen is all on that side.  You order, pay, take a number and go sit down in the other half of the place.  The cashier is also the bartender, and you grab a bottle of tap water and some glasses on your way to your table.  When your food is ready, they find you and bring it to you.  The place was clean, and pretty busy, but there was plenty of room to sit.  

Food:
The first page of the menu tells you all of the different moles that are available on a given day.  There are Beef and Lamb, Pork, Chicken, Seafood, Veggie, and Vegan options so you will definitely find something you like.  These are all the fillings and you can get them as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and plates.  We opted for the 5 mole sampler, and a meatball taco, which is yet another option to choose from.  One note: although we didn't get the burrito, I saw several people going to town on them and they looked stellar.  Next time I go, I probably have to get one.

Mole Sampler - This was a 5 variety sampler that came with a bunch of soft tortillas, rice, and beans.  The moles were all pretty different, and all very good.  The 5 different bases were Pork, Beef, Shrimp, Chicken, and some kind of veggie which I think was sweet potato, but I couldn't swear to it.  My favorite was the pork; the sauce was lighter and creamy, and very nicely seasoned.  It complemented the pork which was really well cooked; tender and juicy, but nice big chunks.  The shrimp was also really tasty, but they only gave us two shrimps, so...meh.  The chicken also stood out; it was more shredded than the pork, and the sauce was a bit darker and more tangy.  These are served with a pretty big plate of rice and beans, along with the soft nixtamal tortillas.  The tortillas were great, and the whole effect of mole, rice, beans and fresh tortilla was exactly right.

Tacos Albondigas - Although the sampler was probably enough food for the two of us, I wanted to be sure, so we got the extra taco.  The meatballs, or albonigas, are made from beef, pork, and ham and then stuffed with an egg and smothered in a chipotle-tomato sauce, so...hell yeah.  And the one taco came with 2 large-ish meatballs cut it half, so there was plenty to split between Fooditka and yours truly.  

Service and Cost:
There wasn't a lot of service, as we ordered and then sat with our beverages and waited for the food.  The cashier was also the bartender, and he was nice enough, and the guy who served us our food was totally pleasant as well.  The food came out pretty quickly, and when we were done we bused our own dishes.  The overall cost was perfectly reasonable for a nice amount of really good food; our mole sampler, extra taco, and margarita came out around $12.00 a piece.  I would definitely go back again.

3 Mmmms

Mi Mero Mole - 5026 SE Division St Portland, OR, 97206
503.232.8226
mmmtacospdx.com

Tacuba - Three Dudes Brunch Out

It's not often that I skip out on a new and interesting meal in Astoria, but Dan definitely one-upped me on this one.  Read and salivate as he brings you the play by play of the new brunch offering at Tacuba Cantina in Astoria.

Today, when I asked your Fooditka where I should go with my buddies for some brunch (yeah, three dudes going to brunch, big whoop, wanna fight about it?) she suggested Tacuba. She then also “suggested” I cover it for the blog. Here goes:

Atmosphere:
Tacuba is a new Mexican cantina that opened on the corner of 35th ave. and 36th st. where 5 Napkin Burger was. In fact, upon entering, I was struck immediately that the layout is exactly the same as it used to be. The décor is different of course; tequila bottles lined up above the bar instead of whiskey, a few sombreros on the walls, and a more rustic finish give it a Mexican cantina feel, but the interior fixtures are all pretty much the same. The familiarity is actually nice, as I’ve spent many a happy hour in those exact same confines and it’s nice to know I still can, albeit with a different style and flavor.

Food:
I love Mexican food, as I’m mostly gluten-free (yeah, mostly gluten-free, big whoop, wanna fight about it?) and as long as you’re dealing with authentic corn tortillas and chips, it’s like cheating it’s so easy. So as much as I love it, I’m euphorically overjoyed by terrific Mexican food, and gut-wrenchingly devastated by a sub-par effort. I’m also prone to hyperbole.

Drinks - Fortunately for me, the food was delicious. Also fortunately for me, it is happy hour at the bar from 12-8 p.m. on Saturdays, so naturally we sat at the bar - $5.00 drafts, $6.00 sangria and margaritas. Anybody knows that some cerveza goes well with three dudes eating Mexican brunch. Full disclosure, two out of the three dudes got a glass of sangria - also delicious.

Chilaquiles - There is a regular menu and a special brunch menu, and we all ordered from the brunch menu. I got Chilaquiles, but instead of eggs mixed in with all the tortillas and sauce and greens, I got chicken. It was well worth the $3.00 upcharge. The sauce was the perfect amount of tangy and citrus-zesty, the chicken was moist yet lightly charred outside, and the chip layer on the bottom soaked everything up the exact right amount.

Chicken Empanadas, Huevos Rancheros, The Burger - Paul got an order of chicken empanadas, and a plate of Huevos Rancheros that looked pretty awesome and Jamil got the Mexican burger, which also looked great. As we were three dudes eating brunch, we didn’t try anyone else’s food, so I can’t tell you exactly how theirs was, but they both seemed to really enjoy. The empanadas looked incredibly tempting and I would have had one for the sake of the blog, but alas…mostly gluten-free over here.

Service and Cost:
The service was also very good, the bartender was attentive, and the food all came out quickly and hot. With the empanadas, the three mains, one extra basket of chips and salsa, and mmpth-fmmf beers and sangrias, we got out of there for about $30 per person.

So to recap - decent atmosphere, fantastic food, good service, and moderate pricing. I’d have to give it 3 Mmmms.

Tacuba Cantina Mexicana - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.786.2727
R Train to Steinway Street or N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
tacubanyc.com

Chela & Garnacha Knocks it Out of the Park

On Thursday, after Dan and I spent an awesome evening at the Museum of Moving Image seeing the brand new Chuck Jones, What's Up Doc? exhibit we also headed to the new Chela & Garnacha Mexican joint for some eats.  The exhibit was a lot of fun and the overall evening a big success, but it left us feeling hungry, so we stopped in for some impromptu eats.

Atmosphere:
Known for being the restaurant location of the popular Mexico Blvd food truck, Chela & Garnacha is situated on 36th Avenue and 34th St right next to Arepas Cafe.  In truth, we were actually headed to the latter but spotted Chela quicker and it drew us in.  The colors and the cheery decor is in itself attractive, as it consists of rustic touches such as a reclaimed wooden wall, little cupboards with greenery inside and the bright green tables you can see bits of above. Menus are printed on recycled paper and the place has an overall eco-friendly vibe that goes well with the simple, rustic yet authentic food from their kitchen.

Food:
Although the menu is limited, it makes your decision an easy one.  The few items to choose from include tacos, quesadillas, flautas and various appetizers.  Dan zeroed in on the tacos immediately while I went with the more inventive route and got the intrincadas.

Intrincadas - Even though I was unfamiliar with these, I was drawn to the ingredients, which included crispy massa patties with guacamole, chipotle sauce, crema and shredded chicken.  They reminded me of the huaraches from La Condesa I had in Austin back in the winter.  Not only were these hearty and a little bit indulgent because they were fried, the ingredients on top, including the shredded white meat chicken felt light and fresh.  Since the portion is quite big, it's great to share with your dining compadre.

Tacos -Dan went with the Al Pastor and the fish tacos, which are his favorites in any taqueria.  We compared them with the tacos we had just the night before from the Tacos Jalisco truck and while the Al Pastor was super flavorful -the pork tender and a little smoky - the fish tacos weren't as tasty as from the food truck.  I personally wished there was more fish vs. some of the fixins such as the slaw. 

Service and Cost:
The service at Chela & Garnacha couldn't be better.  Our waitress was friendly and struck up a genuine conversation with us.  She quickly informed us about the BYOB factor, which we loved and even offered us some limes for the Coronas we brought in.
Costs are reasonable, especially due to the BYOB option and set us back about $24 total, including tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Chela & Garnacha - 33-09 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
917.832.6876
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
chela-garnacha.com

Mexico Blvd Truck Looks Suweeet!

I was on my way to the new MP Taverna last week, getting ready for a fabulous press dinner when I ran into this Mexico Blvd truck right outside of the Ditmars Blvd stop.  It looked so inviting and like a legit food truck that I walked by and looked at what it had to offer.  The menu was simple yet intriguing and the prices are fantastic - especially for the tacos.  I like that their meat is sustainable and they carry most gluten free products, which is nice for friends with food allergies.  Take a look at their menu and do check them out next time you seem them in the nabe.

Guacamole - made fresh daily and paired with chips
Chico (small)...$3.25
Grande (big)...$4.50

Tacos
Adobo - Pork loin marinated for 24 hours in their great grandmother's adobo...$3
Pastor - Pork tenderloin marinated in 3 chiles sauce, served with cilantro, onion & a pineapple slice...$3
Bistec - Top round steak in a drunken sauce, served with cilantro and onion...$3
Tinga - Shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce...$3

Tortas (Mexico City sandwiches)
Adobo...$8
Pastor...$8
Bistec...$8
Tinga...$8

Find this truck here.

MexiBBQ's Brunch Goodies

This past weekend, I had the great fun of attending a lovely birthday brunch for my friend Jenny at MexiBBQ.  A bunch of us ladies (and one gentleman) came out to enjoy some yummy brunch treats with a BBQ twist.  I adore this style of food, and haven't yet tried MexiBBQ's version, so I was curious to see how they'd stack up.  Overall, they did pretty well, even despite that it was way crowded on a football Sunday, when half of Astoria is in one place.  

Since there were plenty of tantalizing things on the menu, my sister-in-law Diana and I got a dish each and shared them, which proved to be a fruitful strategy. Here's what we tried:

Hangover Cure - Delighted to notice chilaquiles on the menu, I had to try MexiBBQ's version, as I wanted to to see how they'd stack up next to mine.  They totally rocked it, as the tortillas were the perfect amount of crispy and soft (the chilaquiles I made were just soft), and dressed with a combo of salsa verde and salsa roja, sliced grilled chicken and chorizo.  The latter ingredient had a hint of spice to it, which was great, but that was also dulled out a bit by the silky eggs that topped this thing.  I loved breaking the yolk and letting it seep into every crevice of this dish.  Rockin!

Shrimp and Biscuits - Diana had her eyes on this dish as did I, so we shared.  Slathered in a hearty sausage gravy, this was no light bite, but it was great in small quantities.  The shrimp was cooked well, but in my opinion was breaded a little too much - I would've liked something a little softer on the gums - while the biscuits were buttery and tender and just like they should be.  It was a fun-to-try dish but I'm not sure I'd order it next time.

Service and Cost:
Despite the restaurant being really busy, the service didn't suffer at all and everything was brought out really quickly.  Drinks kept flowing nicely, especially for the ladies who chose the unlimited mimosa option.  Kudos to the good staff at MexiBBQ!

Costs are affordable and set us back about $10-$16 for a brunch entree and then an $11 extra if you went with the unlimited mimosa option.
Haaapppy Birthday Jenny!

2.5 Mmmms

MexiBBQ - 37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.626.0333
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.mexibbq.com

A Different Kind of Tortilla

I'd like to tell you about a fun little dessert I made up the other day, while also preparing my fish tacos with mango salsa.  Since I had a lot of leftover El Salvadorian tortillas, I decided to create a sweet dessert tortilla in the most simple way.

Getting the idea from a really delicious dish I had in La Lucha Mexican restaurant, I aimed to recreate it at home, but a lighter version.  While La Lucha's was loaded with delicious melty chocolate and dulce de leche sauce, I kept mine pretty simple yet still a treat.  All you need are 4 simple ingredients and an oven.  Even a toaster oven will do...try it out!

Dessert Tortilla

Ingredients (serves 1)
1 thick tortilla - I prefer El Salvadorian tortillas, as they're extra thick and more substantial
Butter, for thinly spreading on tortilla
Sprinkling of brown sugar
Ground cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Brush tortilla lightly with butter and then place on a lined baking sheet.  Top with brown sugar and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges of the tortilla get crunchy.  Enjoy with a glass of white wine or an ice cold Mexican beer. You can of course dress this tortilla further with fresh fruit, peanut butter, speculoos, Nutella or what have you.

Cinco de Mayo Mini Roundup

Before the big Cinco de Mayo fiesta this Saturday, I wanted to make sure you have at least a couple of fun suggestions to consider before going out that day (or evening!)  Being that it's on a weekend, people will be out and about all day, and you can certainly hop around and try a few different things.

Mojave - For something authentic and festive, pop over to Mojave starting at 6 p.m. and enjoy a live mariachi band, the Mamboblue Trio.  As is customary, they'll also be featuring a tequila tasting all night, and will of course have their signature margaritas and sangria available as you please.  22-36 31st Street, Astoria.  718.545.4100

MexiQ - Another great way to celebrate is to walk over to 30th Avenue and check out MexiQ.  The party will be kickin' from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day with Happy Hour prices ($3 beers) and a live band too.  My favorite thing to munch on here is their flavored guacamole, and I especially love the one with crispy pork on top.  37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.626.0333

Ditmars Station - The most convenient location in town, just under the N/Q train (Ditmars stop), they're hosting a big Cinco shin-dig which starts at 11 a.m.  You'll enjoy food and drinks specials, such as $5 Coronas, $5 Tecate/tequila combo, $4 PBRs, and a Grande Quesadilla special for just $10.  22-55 31st Street, Astoria.  718.777.1177

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Although it's far from Mexico, they sure throw a great party and will certainly be making hay for Cinco.  So much so that they're starting as early as Friday and celebrating into all day Saturday with a beer tasting, raffles, live entertainment and more.  There's no cover this weekend, so go on and see what it's all about.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

El Ay Si - Doing things a little differently, stop in at El Ay Si to check out their Bottomless Brunch Bash (not pants but cocktails).  For just $25/person, you'll enjoy a brunch entree of your choice and a bottomless supply of fizzy brunch cocktails such as mimosas.  The party starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes until 3:30 p.m. and reservations are highly recommended.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.389.8781

Tortilleria Nixtamal - Un Poquito Mas Por Favor

Tortilleria Nixtamal - 104-05 47th Avenue, Corona NY 11368
718.699.2434
7 Train to 103rd Street

It's often that I hear complaints about a lack of authentic Mexican food in Astoria. I happen to agree, Astoria isn't the best place for good Mexican food - but Corona is. Dan and I ventured to this Hispanic neighborhood last weekend and sat down at the most charming, unassuming place, recommended by Meg. Nixtamal is not only friendly and homemade, it'll warm your soul.

Atmosphere:
Located on a quiet residential block, you almost feel like you're walking into someone's house--or backyard. It's quite nice and very personal, especially the small yard that's positioned to the side of the restaurant. The overall vibe is cheery and bright with red and yellow picnic tables, large umbrellas and funky decor such as dried flowers and festive lights.

The inside is fun too, again with bold colors (yellows and reds) on tables and chairs, and even a large tortilla-making machine, imported from Mexico. That's where the nixtamal dough gets made into the delicious tortillas that grace this little tortilleria's menu. I think this custom tortilla-making process is the most special quality that makes Nixtamal so authentic.

Food:
Nixtamal's simple menu let's you make up your mind quickly and easily. There's a couple of tamale selections, tacos, enchiladas and posoles. Dan and I chose a bit of everything and even though we over-ordered, we didn't care because everything was fresh and bursting with flavor.

Guacamole with 2 Salsas - We started with this classic Mexican appetizer and I loved its simplicity and strong kick. The guacamole itself was on the chunky side and had a sweet aftertaste - not sure if they put pineapple chunks in it but I tasted a hint of fruit. The two red salsas on the side were good too but note to the wise, enter with caution--they're pretty spicy and you'll need to chase them with beer or sangria. I loved the generous portion of freshly made tortilla chips served with these dips - they were thick, crispy and airy.

Tamales - Our second appetizers of the evening were hot tamales--Dan ordered the chicken poblano and I got the spicy jalapeno. It was fun to unravel the corn husks to reveal a piping hot inside filled with corn meal, cheese, jalapenos and in Dan's case, shredded chicken. Although I don't mind when food has spice to it, my tamale was a bit too intense and I preferred Dan's chicken, which was gentler on the seasoning. Note to self, the jalapeno tamale is not for the faint of heart.

Fish Tacos - I heard that these are legendary at Nixtamal, and even before we knew that, Dan decided to get them. Usually, I'm not too jazzed about fish tacos because they could taste a bit funky if the fish isn't the best. Not these - they were superb! The fish, a white variety (maybe tilapia) was fried to perfection with a thin, crispy outside crust. It was nestled nicely into the tortilla along with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, cheese and hints of lime. Although the portion was a good size, it didn't feel heavy, and it was substantial enough to fill you up.

Enchiladas Moles Poblanos - Mole sauce is one of my favorite Mexican fixins, so ordering these enchiladas was a no brainer for me. The plate was impressive with generous heaps of mole sauce and more heaps of queso fresco on top. I loved that the sauce was so hearty and I detected slight hints of chocolate--always a plus in my book. The inside, stuffed with chicken was a wonderful pairing with the sauce--the meat was light, fresh and nicely shredded. It didn't come with a side of rice (same as the fish tacos) but we didn't need (or crave) it.

Drinks - Nixtamal boasts a modest yet nice variety of Mexican beers as well as a couple of interesting soft drinks such as Jarritos soda and a non-alcoholic sangria called Sangria Senorial. We both ordered the latter and liked it a lot--it was like a sour cherry soda taken to the next level.

Service and Cost:
Despite the amazingness of the food and atmosphere, the service needed improvement. It was unfortunate that a clear language barrier existed between our waitress and ourselves. I had to translate a couple of things in my broken Spanish and communication was challenging to say the least. It was also confusing that in the middle of our meal, we got a different server, and towards the end, we were helped by someone else entirely. We asked three different people for our check and had to wait nearly 15 minutes, when in a rush. It was frustrating but we didn't let it ruin our experience.

Costs are super cheap and definitely one of the reasons to come here--you won't find prices like this anywhere else for this kind of quality.

Guacamole with 2 dips and fresh chips: $6
Tamales: $2.50
Tacos and Enchiladas: $6-$7
Beer: $3.50
Soft Drinks: $2.00

3 Spicy Mmmms

Mexican Risotto - Take 2 (Even Healthier)

I was tickled with excitement when Penina, a friend of a friend who also blogs about food, in a more healthy-lifestyle sense made my Mexican Risotto. She amended the recipe to her tastes, using brown rice instead of white and adding black beans. She's a vegetarian and even though she ended up using turkey sausage (her boyfriend is a carnivore) she cooked the sausage and the beans in a slow cooker to give the beans more flavor--clever idea!

Here is her version, which appeals to a veggie's palate. If you'd like to get other ideas about food, cooking, nutrition and healthy living, check out her great site: Feed Your Roots.

Ingredients:
1 cup of brown rice, cooked
2 husks of organic corn, boiled, cooled and then separated from the husks with a knife (if you are short on time, canned corn will work too)
1/4 cup of onions, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
3 pieces of organic turkey or chicken sausage, grilled and sliced into 1/2″ pieces (I recommend cajun-flavored)
2 tbs of fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup black beans, cooked
1 tbs of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lime juice to taste (I used the juice of 1/2 lime)

Directions:
Water sautee onions and garlic about 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and aromatic. Add to cooked rice and stir gently. Add the corn, sausage, beans, cilantro and lime juice to the rice mixture and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your liking. Spoon some guacamole on top and you’re all set!

Here's my original recipe for the risotto and the guacamole just for reference. Enjoy!

Foodista's Mexican Risotto

Many of you have probably noticed that I'm on a healthy/organic food kick. Last night's dinner incorporated this theme yet again, as I made up my own version of Mexican risotto, incorporating local ingredients from the farmer's market.

This risotto wasn't creamy like an Italian version, it was more like a rice-and-beans dish (without the beans). I put my homemade guacamole on top to liven things up, and to moisten it too--it was a hit with both Dan and me, and we both dug in for seconds. I enjoyed the flavors some more today, as I put the concoction into a sandwich - muy sabroso, I must say!

Foodista's Mexican Risotto (serves 2-3):

Ingredients:
1 cup of arborio rice, cooked
2 husks of organic corn, boiled, cooled and then separated from the husks with a knife
1/4 cup of onions, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
3 pieces of organic chicken sausage, grilled and sliced into 1/2" pieces (I used a cajun flavor with cilantro)
2 tbs of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbs of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lime juice to taste (I used the juice of 1/2 lime)

Directions:
Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and aromatic. Add to cooked rice and stir gently. Add the corn, chicken sausage, cilantro and lime juice to the rice mixture and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your liking.

Spoon into soup bowls and add more fresh lime juice if you like. Top with homemade guacamole. See my recipe for guacamole - instead of cutting the avocado into cubes, mash it with a fork until smooth. I added some fresh corn to it, which made it quite delicious. You can also add sour cream on top if you like.

Enjoy with an ice cold Corona. Ahhh....

Mexican Brunch at Luna de Juarez

Luna de Juarez is featuring a weekend Mexican Brunch Buffet for $9.95. I've been here twice for dinner and the food is solid--I prefer the traditional tacos and enchiladas vs. some of the more inventive dishes but overall, the quality of food is good. Below are the specifics of this deal - check it out.

Mexican Brunch Buffet - $9.95
Includes one Mimosa
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm - 4pm

Enjoy and let me know how you like it!

Luna de Juarez - 25-98 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
718.274.4350
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Luna de Juarez - Quality Mexican at Great Value

Luna de Juarez - 25-98 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
718.274.4350
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Dan and I paid an impromptu visit to Luna de Juarez last night, after my intense craving for Mexican food. We were famished after a hectic day of shopping and needed something filling to tide us over. The food not only satiated us, it was absolutely delicious and came at a great value. Here are some of the dishes that we tried:

Mole Chicken Enchiladas - This is my favorite type of enchilada because it uses dark chocolate in the mole sauce. The last time I had it was in Austin and it was pretty phenomenal. Luna's version proved to be a fierce competitor with a smoky flavor and significant kick. The delicious white chicken meat that was nestled inside the tortillas was perfectly shredded and seasoned. I was also able to choose two sides with my enchiladas and so I picked tostones and refried beans--both solid. If you like fried plantains, you'll love tostones.

Soft Chicken Tacos - Dan ordered this and it was also excellent. The portion was gargantuan and reminded me of a fajita platter. I liked it slightly better than my mole enchiladas because it was milder. The chicken was tender and seasoned nicely, and the yummy fixins such as fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and grilled onions further dressed this plate. Dan prepared each taco with care and he was able to get about 8-10 small servings out of the entire portion. If this isn't a great deal, I don't know what is.

Margarita - One of his beloved drinks of all time, Dan ordered a frozen lime margarita. He said that similarly to the food, it was of great quality and significant size.

Service and Cost:

The service was outstanding. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed by a personable host who seated us and even held my coat while I got situated. Throughout our meal, the excellence and attentiveness continued--when I accidentally dropped my knife, it was replenished within seconds, without me having to ask.

Besides the lovely waitstaff, there was a boisterous mariachi band that played for about a half hour. They livened up the atmosphere and made our experience even more fun.

Luna de Juarez offers competitive prices. For the dinner that I just described, we payed about $36 without tip. The enchiladas were $15, the chicken tacos cost $13 and the margarita was $6. Not too shabby considering the generous portions that were enjoyed.

3 Mmmms

Guacamole - $5.95 Weekly Lunch Special

Guacamole - 38-07 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103

718.204.2406

N/W Train to Broadway or R/V/G to Steinway

I've heard some good things about Guacamole on Broadway. It's next to Las Margaritas, another Mexican joint, which serves really great tamal. While I haven't been to Guacamole yet, I'm going to have to make my rounds soon, especially to take advantage of the incredible lunch special that they're advertising:

Monday - Friday 12p - 4p - $5.95

Monday - Grilled chicken - served with rice and beans

Tuesday - Mexican steak - sauteed steak, tomatoes, jalapenos & onions -- also served with rice and beans

Wednesday - Tinga quesadilla - 12" flour tortilla with shredded chicken with chipotle tomato sauce, cheese, beans and sour cream

Thursday - Vegetarian burrito - 12" flour tortilla with pico de gallo, cheese, rice, beans, shredded lettuce and sour cream

Friday - Avocado filled with tuna - served on a bed of lettuce and peppers

Try it and let me know what you think. The Tuesday and Wednesday special is really calling my name!

Curra's - Mexican Food, Yucatan Style

Curra's Grill - 614 Oltorf Street, Austin TX 78704

512.444.0012

www.currasgrill.com

After several attempts to find a good authentic Mexican restaurant in Austin, Abby and I ended up at Curra's, which came recommended by a local foodie. We were excited to try it, as it featured interior Mexican cooking from the Yucatan region--something that we never yet tried.

Atmosphere:

In my opinion, good Mexican should never be too upscale. So while Curra's features a nice enough atmosphere, it's nothing fancy. The interior has colorful chairs and tables and even showcases Aztec-style art on the walls. Although Abby and I sat outside, I kept peeking inside, admiring a large Aztec tapestry.

The pro of sitting outside was that we got to enjoy the music of a live band. This is quite common in Austin, as I mentioned in my Stubb's review--and it's what I absolutely love about this city. Just like at Stubb's, the vibe at Curra's was casual and laid-back. We didn't feel rushed, as we let ourselves relax after a long working day.

Food:

After our dining experience at Curra's, we couldn't be happier that we took our friend's advice. The food was spectacular and the drinks were among the most original I've ever seen.

Chile con Queso - We just had to have this, as we knew that Austin features some of the best homemade queso in the country. We ordered a small but the portion seemed bottomless--even after we were done, there was a lot left over. The queso was absolutely delicious--it was chunky with plenty of ground beef and the actual cheese was as smooth as silk. A nice touch was the spoonful of guacamole on top--it was simple but a nice complement to the cheese. The chips were awesome too--they were super thin, light and maybe even homemade.

Avocado Margarita - Our foodie friend told us about this unusual margarita--only in Texas... I was on a mission to try it and was so glad that I did. Despite it sounding peculiar and unappetizing, it was fabulous. Citrusy from the lime, it had only the faintest hint of avocado. I think that the avocado showed itself more in texture--it was really creamy and buttery. Abby tried it too and was surprised at how good it was.

Mole Enchiladas - You might laugh at the above picture of these (I did!)--look like anything familiar? Besides its unnerving "natural" presentation, this dish was spectacular. The mole sauce was thick and almost chocolatey, perfectly paired with the tender chicken and beef enchiladas. I liked the modest sprinkling of sesame seeds on top, never seeing this before, I thought it was original and very tasty. The sides of refried pinto beans and rice were also great and I devoured almost everything on my plate.

Fish Tacos - This was Abby's entree and although I didn't try it, she loved it. The tacos were stuffed with fried snapper filet strips, served with fruit, pico de gallo and chipotle cream sauce. Abby who's sort of a fish taco connoisseur was muy impressed!

Service and Cost:

Just like at Stubb's, the service was really fast. The minute that we sat down, our order was taken and I think that our food arrived within 15 minutes of us sitting down. As I mentioned, we didn't feel rushed--so we hung out for quite a while and enjoyed some good conversation.

The prices at Curra's were incredible. Our margaritas were $4.95 each as well as the queso, while our entrees were both under $10. The entire dinner cost less than $25 each and I can't even explain how full we were--literally bursting at the seams.

3 Mmmms

Mercadito Cantina - A Tasting to Remember

Mercadito Cantina - 172 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

212.388.1750

L Train to 1st Avenue

www.mercaditony.com

Mercadito Cantina is the newest addition to the budding Mercadito empire. It officially opened just under a month ago and I've been curious about it since. Ironically, I had plans to go there with Lisa but then got an invitation for a private tasting so I opted for the latter. Our experience was fabulous and we'll be bringing back the boys for some stiff drinks and tasty tacos full of organic ingredients.

Atmosphere:

There's one word sums up the look and feel of this place--communal. I mean this in the best way possible, as the communal atmosphere at Cantina fosters interaction and camaraderie between patrons. Lisa and I got ourselves acquainted with our neighbors, sparking up a conversation that led us all the way to meal's end--it was fun and made the evening even more enjoyable. I think that we lucked out with our neighbors but I can also see this as a drawback if you're stuck next to some dreadfully loud and annoying patrons.

Cantina's decor is simple, clean and casual, with light wood paneling on the walls, tables and stools. It reminded me of another communal-style eatery in the neighborhood--Momofuku Noodle Bar--and I wonder if that's where Cantina got its inspiration.

The acoustics could get loud here but you get used to it quickly--we did. This happens around 7-ish and lasts throughout the night so just know that you won't get any quiet here.

Food:

Both Lisa and I have been to Mercadito, across the street, and had an idea about the cuisine and flavors that would be offered. We were super excited about the drinks especially, remembering the wonderfully fresh mojitos we had at Mercadito. Cantina didn't disappoint and brought the food to a new level. Here's some of the amazingness that we sampled:

Guacamole Trio - This stood out for me at Mercadito and now at Cantina as one of the most flavorful and innovative guacamoles I've ever had. The three flavors included sandia (watermelon), mole poblano (with mole sauce and plantains) and tradicional. While the traditional had excellent flavoring, the watermelon was my favorite. The sweet crunch of the small watermelon cubes mixed with the soft buttery avocado was a perfect start to the evening. I adore a mix of sweet and salty and this definitely did me in.

Salsa Trio - A delicious complement to the guacamole, we decided to mix the two--we dipped into the guac first and then topped it with the liquidy salsa. Two of our salsas were warm, which was a nice juxtaposition with the room temperature guac. Our salsa varieties included verde (with tomatillos and chiles cerranos), habanero (grilled tomato with habanero) and the third one I cannot recall except that it was the chunkiest, with tomatoes, chilis and garlic. I preferred the creamy, warm salsas best and would definitely recommend the verde, which was zesty and crisp from the cilantro.

Tortilla Chips - A quick note about these--they're homemade and absolutely delicious. They're as light and airy as can be and not oily. You can tell that they just came out of the frier with every crunchy bite. Fabulosity in a bowl!

Crispy Corn Bread - Just when I thought that no one could top Blue Smoke's hush-puppies (fried corn bread), Mercadito Cantina convinced me otherwise. Their crispy corn bread literally stopped Lisa and I in our tracks--it's crunchy on the outside and sweet and almost dessert-like on the inside. Each bread was bite sized, making this starter highly addicting. I asked our server about these and he mentioned that they're the most popular item on the menu. I'm not surprised--just writing this is making me want them!

Tacos Estilo Baja - These tacos were again unlike ones we've ever tasted and we chatted about them for days after. They included beer battered shrimp, roasted habanero avocado and cole slaw. The shrimp was delicious with a hint of sweetness from the beer and the cole slaw was crunchy and fresh. Although this dish was fried, just like the corn bread it didn't taste greasy, proving that the ingredients are top notch.

Tacos Pescado - A tilapia taco, it was dressed with tomatillo garlic mojo and fresh avocado. I'm usually not the biggest fan of fish tacos because they're really hard to get right--the fish can be overcooked and funky-tasting--but not here. The tilapia fell apart on contact and the mojo was refreshing. The fact that these tacos were easy to maneuver was also good--they weren't unnecessarily overstuffed.

Taquiza Carne Asada - This was a mini taco tasting complete with Cantina's famous carne asada--marinated grass fed skirt steak. The fixins included tortillas, two types of salsas, onions, cilantro and limes. The carne was prepared to perfection at medium-rare therefore, making it easy to handle. Like the chips, the tortillas were also homemade--they were perfect little blankets for all that delightful beef. I'd recommend this in a second--the only thing I'd suggest is to split it with more than two people, as the portion was very large.

Camarones Al Ajillo - One of my favorite Mexican dishes of all time, I was pumped to see this included in our tasting. The shrimp was served in a rustic fashion with the heads and antennae still attached but those came off easily. The garlic was pungent and melted on your tongue immediately--and the shrimp permeated with a garlic sauce that was the bed for this dish. I just wished I had some tortillas left over so I can savor the garlicky sauce till the very end. Fabulous!

Flan Duo - I can't believe that we actually fit this into our bellies at the end of the night. The two varieties included traditional vanilla as well as one made with caramelized goat's milk. Both were spectacular but the goat's milk version stood out as more luxurious--it was silky smooth and very light. Lisa and I both exclaimed when we put this in our mouths "Wow, that's freakin' amazing!"

The Drinks - Lots and lots of liquor was consumed throughout the night but like all of the food we had, it was fresh and very light. It was strange but both Lisa and I couldn't believe how "unaffected" we were by Cantina's drinks. And no we are not alcoholics, we're actually both embarrassing light-weights so we couldn't figure out the tricks that Cantina was pulling.

We sampled their famous tric-quila, which is actually made with sake but tastes just like tequila--Lisa and I both had our own shots which were muy fuerte. We also had to have their famous mojitos, made with the freshest lime juice and mint that you've ever had. Another new drink that I tried was the marilyn manzana, which was like a white sangria made with tamarind and apple soda--it went down way too easily

Service:
The service was outstanding and super attentive--probably because we were on a tasting but still we felt special and important to Cantina's staff. Everyone was really helpful in explaining what everything was and the different processes used to produce these incredible results. We had the pleasure of meeting the talented chef himself, Patricio Sandoval. He was all smiles despite being on crutches with a sprained ankle--now that's dedication!

3 very saucy Mmmms

Calexico Cart - The Best Burrito I've Ever Had

Calexico Cart - Corner of Wooster Street and Prince Street, NY, NY 10003

R/W Train to Prince Street or 6 Train to Spring Street

www.myspace.com/calexicocart

I've been admiring the Calexico cart for months now but haven't been in the mood for a big burrito lunch--until this week. A co-worker of mine had to cancel lunch last minute, putting me in a slight jam because I didn't pack my usual sandwich (I'm very frugal during lunchtime). But...I've been dying to check Calexico out so I walked over to their Soho locale and ordered a famous Carne Asada burrito. And was I glad that I did!

The Calexico Story:

The Calexico cart is no ordinary food truck. Run by three brothers from Southern California, their goal is to bring Cali/Mex style food to NYC streets. Their simple cart is stationed in trendy Soho, right near the Camper store (and also close to the Apple store) on the corner of Wooster and Prince Street. If you walk by, there's no way you'll miss them--they have a pretty loyal following and you'll always find crowds chillin' around the truck. Although the wait at Calexico averages about 25-30 minutes during lunchtime, you can linger around, talk to the Calexico guys and enjoy their eclectic music mix of hip hop and alternative that they play on their ipod--or you can walk around the stores in Soho and come back.

The Menu:

The Calexico brothers specialize in a bodacious Carne Asada--a marinated grilled beef that'll stop you in your tracks. I highly recommend trying this the first time around and then hitting them up for other goodies such as the pollo asado (marinated chicken) and the chipotle pork.

Calexico offers up their meats in two ways--in a burrito or a taco--that are served with pico de gallo and guacamole. Aside from the meat, they also have a black bean burrito and taco--a great veggie alternative that's nice in the summer. For an extra couple of bucks you can also add-on more cheese, guac and even a chipotle "crack" sauce. Another cool thing is that every burrito could be ordered in a bowl--in other words, naked burritos without the tortilla. Nice touch--very Chipotle-esque.

My Burrito:

I automatically gravitated to the Carne Asada burrito because that, after all is what the Calexico brothers are known for. To say that it was the best burrito I've ever had would not be a lie. First off, the tortilla was toasted so it was slightly crispy but not too crunchy, avoiding breakage. And the beef was the absolute best part, as it was tender, fresh and marinated in a variety of spices. It was anything but bland and had a definite kick to it--but it wasn't overpowering. The only thing I wished was that it had more guacamole--I couldn't really taste it, maybe because it melted into the pico de gallo.

Service and Cost:

The service was good and well organized--the Calexico brothers have the customer experience down pat. One of the brothers stands in front of the cart, takes orders and lets you know how long the wait will be. The other two are hard at work with the meat and the fixins. The greeter also helps prepare the food and once your name is called, he's also the man that you pay. It seems like a good system that works for them.

The Calexico cart won't set you back too much, especially given the wonderful quality of their food. Burritos will cost you between $6-$8, tacos $2.50-$4 each and the add-ons and sides range from $.50 -$4.00. The only thing I wish is that they sold beer but I guess that wouldn't work with the street setting.

Overall a fabulous cart that shouldn't be missed.

3 very enthusiastic Mmmms

Bonita - Simple Good Eats in the 'Burg

Bonita - 338 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

718.384.9500

L Train to Bedford Avenue

www.bonitanyc.com

My co-workers and I eagerly ventured to Williamsburg last night, led by fearless-leader colleague (and guide) Virginia. She lives in the 'burg and was happy to introduce us to some famously delicious eateries. Our original plans were to try the quaint Miranda restaurant--serving Latin American and Italian cuisine--but when a private party got in our way, we gladly capped off the day with sangria, enchiladas and tacos at Comida Tipica Mexicana Bonita.

Atmosphere:

Bonita is a preserved 1927 Brooklyn diner. It's located on the ground level of a Brooklyn brownstone--a gorgeous old brick building which brings you back in time. In my eyes, the cool aspects of Bonita are in fact some of its original touches--a long diner-style counter that faces the kitchen, simple stools and chairs that look like they came from your grandmother's kitchen, the high ceilings and the round ball light fixtures that just say the 1950's.

Yet as retro as Bonita feels, it's also very now, very hipster and very Brooklyn. The crowd that hangs here is young. They're trendy urbanites that come by for a drink and some trusty Mexican eats. The space is large and you'll find both, small private tables tucked away in the corner as well as larger ones that accommodate groups.

Food:

The menu is pretty basic and consists of the standbys--guac, quesadillas, enchiladas and a couple of daily specials. I like that the menu doesn't contain too many choices, which could make ordering dinner a stressful task. Interestingly, all the non 'burgies (Kimberly, Katie and me) got the enchiladas and Viriginia went for the fish tacos. Here's the low down on our dinner:

Chips and Guac: Overall, very solid on both the chips and the guac. The chips were thick and crispy and there was lots of 'em. The guac was semi creamy and chunky which was good--a simple recipe with avocados and onions. It had the right amount of salt which is always important and sometimes overlooked.

Braised Beef Enchiladas: I was a bit surprised to find out that these were more like steak enchiladas than braised beef. When I think of braised beef, I think of soft, shredded dark meat that's silky and creamy. These enchiladas were tasty but definitely steak-like. They were topped with cheese, shredded radishes and cilantro. My favorite part of the dish was the sauce, which I'm assuming was a mixture of cheese and tomatoes. Katie got a chicken variation, which she also enjoyed but commented that she would've loved to see some fajitas on the menu.

Fish Tacos: These are Virginia's favorite and she orders 'em almost every time. They consist of a crispy white fish in two soft shelled tortillas, topped with lettuce, radishes cilantro and a house sauce. While I didn't try them, they looked incredibly fresh and appetizing. Maybe next time...

The Sides: It's sort of a bummer that you have to order these separately but even still, they were delicious. We opted for the sweet plantains and the black beans and rice. Both complimented our entrees nicely and the plantains were a big hit. They provided a dessert-like flavor with the savoriness of our main dishes.

Service and Cost:

The service was good and very prompt. We got to Bonita on the early side and occupied one of its many free tables. However, by the time we left, the place was packed and a lot of people were in fact waiting to be seated. Despite the busyness, we were not bothered to leave. In fact, we felt that we could've stayed longer and kept chatting away. All in all, Bonita was very hospitable.

In terms of cost, it's inexpensive to the naked eye but adds up quickly because all the sides and even the chips are separate. I'm a firm believer that Mexican food should be as inexpensive as possible but that's unfortunately not the case in New York City. Appetizers range from $3-$8, entrees from $7.50-$14 and beers and sangria are $5.

2 Mmmms