Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Now Closed

21 Jun 2017

Lost at Sea – Pasadena

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I’ve got a thing for seafood shacks: charming neighborhood spots, like The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle, The Ordinary in Charleston, and Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach, serving the freshest catch in stylish nautical-inspired environs.

Lost at Sea, by Chef Tim Carey and Wine Director Santos Uy, landed in Old Pasadena late last summer, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that The Astronomer and I finally visited our local seafood “shack” for dinner.

A Saturday night out on the town without our little lady in tow called for two flutes of J.P. Chenet Brut Blanc de Blancs ($10) to start.

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Street Food

15 Jun 2017

La Esquina del Chilaquil – Mexico City

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For those who believe that any food can be improved upon by serving it between sliced bread, I present to you the torta de chilaquiles.

Served on the corner of Alfonso Reyes and Tamaulipas in Condesa (open every day from 8 AM till noon), the torta de chilaquiles begins with a crusty French roll with most of its innards removed. A thin layer of refried black beans followed by a slab of breaded chicken milanesa and a scoop each of red and green chilaquiles make up the bulk of the filling. The final flourishes, cojita cheese and a heavy squirt of crema, dial the already over-the-top sandwich to an 11. Actually, make that a 12.

The torta de chilaquiles was a beast of a creation, a strangely charming and sloppy mouthful of carbs, fat, and soulful satisfaction. While the heft of the sandwich was certainly intimidating, The Astronomer and I were able to finish it together. We saluted the local set who polished off a whole torta alone. Damn.

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{swoon}

13 Jun 2017

{swoon} Tuna Tostada at Contramar

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While I was researching where to eat in Mexico City, Contramar came up time and again. I was warned by my friend Bill and our Club Tengo Hambre guide that the beloved urban seafood shack was overrated, but I couldn’t resist stopping in for a taste of their signature offering: Tuna Tostada ($199 pesos).

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