Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Tinga (Mid-City, Los Angeles, CA)

With so many authentic, hole-in-the-wall taco spots in Los Angeles, it may be easy to dismiss a "hipster" taco place like Tinga, but this spot on La Brea is popular for a reason.

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Even though the price is higher, Tinga provides a great option for tacos that Mid-City lacked before. The taco fillings may not always be "authentic" but owner Jerry Baker stays true to tradition where it matters, which you can see in the freshly made tortillas and great salsas.

Appetizer options include shareable plates like Chorizo Fundido (oaxaca cheese, chorizo, roasted corn, pico de gallo, hand pressed tortillas, $12.50)
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The listed price on the menu is for two tacos, although you can order single tacos for $5.25 each. It's a bit pricey compared to taco trucks, for sure, but they're pretty generous with the meat and you are in Mid-City after all. I was quite surprised by how much I actually liked the tacos here!

The one you definitely need to try: The Genesis (grilled cumin and garlic rubbed pork loin, roasted and grilled with poblanos, pepper jack cheese, ahogado salsa)
Tinga
Jerry Baker has been perfecting the recipe for The Genesis since high school, back when he used to make it for his friends. It's easy to see as it was definitely my favorite taco there. Even though it looks the simplest, it had the best flavors from the pork rub, which complemented but not overwhelmed by the simple additions of cheese and salsa.

Monday, July 27, 2015

The Tasting Room at 51 Lincoln Opens with 5-Course Menu (Newton, MA)

51 Lincoln in Newton will be opening their Tasting Room on July 29, where they will offer a 5-course prix fixe menu on Tuesdays-Saturdays. The Tasting Room will be located downstairs of 51 Lincoln.and can seat up to 20 people.

The Tasting Room
Before dinner started, we got some cocktails from 51 Lincoln's bar menu. I had the Barkeep's Julep with bourbon, sarsaparilla reduction, Leopold fernet, and mint ($12). The fernet's bitterness added a nice depth to this classic cocktail. 
The Tasting Room

The first course of our dinner was a light, refreshing scallop crudo with grapefruit segments, evoo, opal basil sauce. As you'll see throughout the dinner and in this course, the chef pays a lot of attention to the dishes and bowls used.
The Tasting Room
This was paired with a glass of Pinon sparkling Vouvray. It's a creamier sparkling and it's a lovely pairing with scallops.
The Tasting Room


Friday, July 24, 2015

Coni'Seafood: Inglewood's Mexican Seafood Gem (Los Angeles, CA)

This post may be a bit late, but for those of you who still don't know ... some may remember Mariscos Chente and their awesome pescado zarandeado and other Sinaloan seafood dishes, and the chef from Chente and his family has now opened Coni'Seafood in Inglewood, serving the same great items.

The thing to absolutely get is of course, the pescado zarandeado. This whole grilled snook is the state dish of Nayarit and Sinaloa, and here is served with caramelized onions and tortillas. Make yourself a great taco with this great fish meat and the onions.

Coni Seafood
It's quite big so bring a few friends so you can try the other dishes, as well.

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