Archive for the 'Mexican' Category

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Mariscos La Puntilla – Mazatlán

Published by Gastronomer on November 26, 2012 in Media Event (this meal was free), Mexican, Restaurant Review, Seafood and Sinaloa. 0 Comments

Watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean while indulging in marvelous mariscos was one of the most magical moments that I enjoyed in Mazatlán.

For our final dinner in town, we headed to Mariscos La Puntilla, a fifteen-year-old open-air eatery specializing in fruits of the sea prepared Mazatlán style. The atmosphere was kick back, with views of ferries coming in and out of nearby Isla de la Piedra.

We were greeted by baskets full of saltine crackers and tostadas, as well as a selection of hot sauces, upon being seated. While I was initially excited to try all of the nifty condiments, the seafood here was so spectacular that not much of anything was required for complete satisfaction.

While my traveling companions sipped Pacificos and margaritas, I was in the mood for coconut water. The plentiful bits of coconut meat floating about made up for the fact that the drink was served in a glass rather than in an actual coconut.

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Cinco Sensational Sinoloan Sweets

Published by Gastronomer on November 19, 2012 in Bakery, Dessert, Media Event (this meal was free), Mexican, Sinaloa and Street Food. 3 Comments

While exploring the local culinary scene during the Gran Fiesta Amigos de Mazatlán, I was introduced to a plethora of sugar high-inducing sweets that really made an impression on me. Here are the five (plus a few bonus entries) most sensational Sinaloan dulces that passed these lips in chronological order…

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Uno!

Following lunch in Puerta de Canoas, we walked over to Jamoncillos de Doña Delia a few feet away to taste the shop’s signature candies: jamoncillos.

Also known as Mexican fudge, these bite-sized caramel kisses are made by cooking down leche de bronco (unpasteurized cow’s milk) with brown sugar.

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Lunching in Puerta de Canoas: Salsa de Molcajete, Jocoque Cheese, and Asado Sinaloense

Published by Gastronomer on November 16, 2012 in Media Event (this meal was free), Mexican and Sinaloa. 0 Comments

Not last week but the one before, I was whisked away to the sunny shores of Sinaloa, Mexico for the 18th annual Gran Fiesta Amigos de Mazatlán. As part of the festivities, I explored the gastronomical delights in and around the Mazatlán region along with two fellow food writers. It was a tremendous experience chock full of deliciousness, and I am excited to share the highlights from my trip in these coming posts.

On my first full day in town, we hopped aboard a van and traveled to Puerta de Canoas, a teeny tiny town founded in the 18th century with just over 300 inhabitants. While it was a center for canoe manufacturing in the past, hence its name, these days the town is better known for raising cattle.

Here, we feasted on a traditional Sinaloan lunch prepared by two local ladies—Doña Rosa (left) and her daughter Monica. Sitting down to a home cooked meal in a part of the world where I didn’t have any friends or family was quite the treat and definitely one of the highlights of my travels.

When we arrived at the billiard hall cum kitchen and dining room, Doña Rosa was preparing corn tortillas on an old school Mexican stove. She didn’t speak of lick of English, and my Spanish was rudimentary at best, but we managed to get some basics down like greetings, names, and such. In this situation, smiles and nods went a long way.

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{swoon} Tostada de Pulpo at Rico’s Mar Azul Truck

Published by Gastronomer on October 1, 2012 in Highland Park, Los Angeles, Meals on Wheels, Mexican, Seafood and {swoon}. 4 Comments

Rico’s Mar Azul, a splashy blue truck stationed in an idyllic park off Figueroa, specializes in Mexico City-style seafood preparations. The concise menu lists tostadas, cocteles, and that’s it. The tostada de pulpo, a raft of tender octopus and avocado slathered in a creamy white sauce reminiscent of Greek tzatziki, is my favorite bite of all.

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Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless – Chicago O’Hare

Published by Gastronomer on April 19, 2012 in Chicago, Mexican, Restaurant Review and Vegetarian. 6 Comments

The Astronomer and I didn’t plan on checking out any of Chef Rick Bayless‘ restaurants while in Chicago because we have plenty of amazing regional Mexican food here in Los Angeles (despite what Señor Bayless believes).

Alas, when hunger pangs hit an hour before take off, I was forced to find a bite to eat inside O’Hare. While the smells emanating from Manchu Wok were damn enticing, my curiosity got the best of me and I lined up for a taste of Tortas Frontera. Lo siento, mi amigo Bill!

In addition to its namesake tortas (griddle-baked Mexican sandwiches with a variety of fillings), Tortas Frontera also dishes up molletes (warm, open-faced sandwiches), guacamole, soups, salads, and a “yogurt bar.” To the right of the kitchen and food preparation area is a full bar with plenty of tequila and margaritas to go around.

The food here is made using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. There’s even a list of all the farmers and purveyors whose fruits, vegetables, and meats are employed by the restaurant prominently on display. I see this kind of name dropping at restaurants all the time, but this was a first for an airport eatery.

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