La Feria Del Nopal 2010 Tomorrow! (Saturday, Dec. 11 2010 at Juan's Restaurante)

(As seen on my article on LAist)



All Hail Healthy Cacti! La Feria Del Nopal Fest is Saturday


All hail healthy cacti! A festival in honor of Mexico’s green, staple vegetable is set to take place this Saturday at the three-month-old Juan’s Restaurante in Baldwin Park. La Feria Del Nopal will include over fifteen dishes incorporating the tart and tender vegetable, a recipe contest (must be submitted by 3 PM) and even a green carpet!

The chef/owner of the restaurant, Juan Mandragon is the Nopal luminary behind the event. A health conscious chef, he’s had the opportunity to cook for many celebrities like Oprah, Martha Stewart and Ryan Seacrest and Juan’s Restaurant is his first brick and mortar endeavor. His adoration for Nopales grew to its highest point when he used its medicinal qualities to help aid in his sister’s battle against cancer.

The menu for the restaurant is actually a joint effort with Rocio Camacho (Moles La Tia, La Huasteca). The special menu for La Feria includes things like a Nopal enhanced queso fundido ($5.99), an Ensalada Organica made of organic Nopal with a dressing of crimson cactus fruit that grows on its very paddles ($7.99), a Chia Seed Crusted Salmon ($13.99) and of course, a creamy Nopal Mole ($11.99). All these dishes only to aid as a vehicle for the thick, pliable green handmade Nopal tortillas that is on deck daily at the restaurant.

To quench your thirst, there will be quite the selection of Aguas Frescas. Including one made from raw Nopal and naturally sweetened with pineapple juice. There will also be chia seed based versions of Horchata and Agua De Limon that he sweetens with Stevia.

And for dessert? Yup! You all guessed it…a Nopal Flan!

La Feria De Nopal 2010 @Juan's Restaurante
Saturday, December 11, 1 PM -7 PM

My Recap of the "200 Years of Mexican Cuisine" Food Event On LAist

Well, in my attempt to really start making a living out of this one day...I am two pieces in on my latest writing decision to start contributing to LAist. Whatever, I may not get paid but at least I'll get more exposure than I do by just writing for myself here.

It's also pretty awesome because they let me do this!

Double post!





It was a full church as more than 1,000 tortilla-loving Angelenos gathered at St. Vibiana's Cathedral last Saturday night. They were there not to eat a communion wafer but instead to celebrate 200 Years Of Mexican Cuisine, a tasting event put together by The Taste Of Mexico Association benefiting Heal The Bay Foundation. Just in time, as this year marked the bicentennial celebration of Mexican Independence…not to mention "Traditional Mexican Cuisine” making it to the list of UNESCO’s "Intangible World Heritage."





The Taste Of Mexico Association was formed earlier this year by the co-owner of La Monarca Bakery, Ricardo Cervantes. The spicy organization is made up of L.A's top Mexican powers: La Casita Mexicana, Guelaguetza, Frida and course, La Monarca Bakery.

"We have all known each other since we're in the same industry and have worked together on occasion before" says Cervantes, when asked about how the organization was born. "We simply want to promote and redeem authentic Mexican food."

The line to get in to the church party was an hour long and the lines to get food snaked all the way around the altar. "I'm very happy with the turnout, I think it was a great success” says Jaime of La Casita Mexicana. Despite the lengthy waits, people weren't really complaining once they finally got their regional Mexican nibbles. Although, I'm pretty sure the copious amount of line-less booze booths touting Tequila girls and unlimited pours had something to do with that too.





As always, La Casita Mexicana stole the show with masterful renditions of unique regional eats. Their table bared no free space in the least. It was stacked with 7 assorted Mexican cheeses that ranged from crumbly, aged Cotija Adobada to a milky, oil-brined Panela and a kaleidoscope-like selection of elusive Salsas. My favorite was the milky Salsa Blanca from Colima, made from chiles gueros and emulsified with olive oil. Aside from the queso and salsa fest, their paper plates were overflowing with 2 different types of Ceviche, Tamales de Huitlacoche and their Signature sweet Chile en Nogada.









But they weren't the only ones that came prepared; Fernando Lopez Sr. (owner of Guelaguetza) brought out the big tostadas as well, about a thousand of them to be exact. I can still taste the one topped with a crunchy fry-up of chapulines and still craving seconds of the one topped with Tortitas de Camaron (shrimp fritters) in Mole Coloradito.





Aside from the food and booze that flowed until the very end, the altar that day doubled as a colorful stage for Mariachi and traditional folkloric dancers.
 
"We were very happy with the turnout" says Ramiro Arvizu of La Casita Mexicana. The organization is already thinking of ways to better the event for next year and even hosting other Mexican Holiday events in the near future. They are also willing to add other restaurants to the lineup.

UPCOMING BAD ASS WEEKEND ALERT: The Taste Of Mexico Association Presents "200 Years of Mexico's Cuisine" Food Event

What better way to celebrate "Traditional Mexican Cuisine" finally becoming "a cultural treasure"

Since I didn't wake early enough to catch yesterday's press conference about the upcoming 200 Years Of Mexico Cuisine event (first "after-hours" experience at Koreatown; ugh), here are the details on L.A's first event celebrating regional Mexican food for a good cause.

(taken from press release)



WHAT: On Saturday, December 4, 2010, from 5–10 p.m., La Monarca Bakery—along with traditional Mexican restaurants Frida Mexican Cuisine, Guelaguetza, and La Casita Mexicana—will celebrate Mexican culinary and cultural history with the “200 Years of Mexico’s Cuisine” event, presented by The Taste of Mexico Association. The inaugural event—taking place at the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles—will offer attendees a taste of authentic Mexican specialties, including over 35 traditional dishes from varying regions throughout the country; premium tequila, beer, and mezcal tastings; Oaxacan dancing; a silent art auction and exhibit; and live Mexican music and mariachi band performances.



Ticketholders will have access to unlimited tastings from La Monarca Bakery, Frida Mexican Cuisine, Guelaguetza, and La Casita Mexicana. All participating restaurants are members of The Taste of México Association, including the organization’s president and La Monarca Bakery owner Ricardo Cervantes. Attendees may purchase tickets in advance at any participating restaurant or via The Taste of Mexico website. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Heal the Bay, an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy, and clean.



WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2010 | From 5–10 p.m.



COST: Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door

Tickets can be purchased at www.thetasteofmexico.org and at all participating restaurants



WHERE: Cathedral of Saint Vibiana

214 S. Main St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012



ABOUT LA

MONARCA

BAKERY: Offering traditional Mexican breads, cookies, pastries, and cakes made from scratch daily, La Monarca Bakery provides an authentic panaderia experience utilizing the flavors and ingredients of Mexico. Founded in 2006 by partners Ricardo Cervantes and Alfredo Livas, La Monarca Bakery is named for the monarch butterfly, whose annual migration between the U.S. and Mexico symbolizes the bakery’s bridging of cultures with its traditional Mexican baked goods. La Monarca Bakery has three locations in greater Los Angeles—Huntington Park, East LA, and its newest outpost in Santa Monica. La Monarca Bakery is open 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, with baking beginning at 4 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. La Monarca Bakery is also on Facebook and Twitter.



ABOUT THE

TASTE OF

MEXICO: The Taste of Mexico Association was founded by a select group of respected Mexican restaurateurs with businesses in Los Angeles, each dedicated to enhancing and promoting the authentic ingredients, flavors, and traditions of Mexico’s cuisine. The association is currently comprised of business owners and chefs from La Monarca Bakery, La Casita Mexicana, Frida Mexican Cuisine, and Guelaguetza Restaurant. All founding members are natives of Mexico and are committed to using only authentic Mexican recipes, developed and prepared by chefs well-versed in the flavors and traditions of Mexico. For more information, please visit www.thetasteofmexico.org.




Looks like I'll be covering this event for LAist so hay nos vimos!

J. Gold's 2nd Annual Union Station Zocalo Speakeasy Cocktail Fundraiser And Finally Being Legal To Go

What's The Password?: 213


Oh, how does time fly. I swear it was just a couple of months ago that I was on The New Yorker for not being able to attend this very event last year!

What can I say other than it was pretty cool, especially since I was asked by the charming Zocalo girls to cover the event.

I got there a little after it started as I had a long night of other destinations ahead of me. The password to get in was "213".



Braised Pork, Squash Flan, Smoked Sage Jus: Grace Restaurant


Despite my 21 year old stereotype, I dug into the food before the booze. Stand outs were the obvious, providence went all out and was serving the straight up good shit. Buttery pieces of Japanese Kanpachi Sashimi with a sliver of tendon and Vietnamese style fish sauced slaw. While Grace Restaurant (pictured above) went for comfort and served smoky, tender joy.

The drinks were awesome as well with my favorites being the conservative style of The Varnish's hand shaken Plymouth Fitzgerald. Simple with Plymouth Gin, lemon juice, sugar and Angostura Bitters but effective with its spicy, sour taste. Caña's "Cruzan Rum Ace Of Spades" was more complex and not bad at all neither, basically a Daiquiri with Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum and Cacao bitters.



A Twain Of Plymouth Fitzerald's: The Varnish


It was nice to see everybody in da' club all snazzed up in their speakeasy best but I made like a banana and split after a while, The Gears were playing a show at The Redwood and my jet white T.U.K faux dress shoes needed to be dirtied up a bit.

Salud! to Jonathan Gold for being bad ass and basically making me. And to Zocalo for keeping it real and supporting the scene.

Looking forward to even more controversial panel topics and even more eating and drinking next year!


Zocalo Public Square

Jonathan Gold's 2nd Annual Union Station Speakeasy Fundraiser for Zocalo Public Square Happening This Saturday (Followed By The Gears At The Redwood!)

Busy As Hell Recently: But Still Finding That Time For Puro Pinche Pari!



Finally! A food and drink event that doesn't clash with my recent traveling schedule!

I'm proud to announce that I have been asked to cover this awesome event this year and will do so with utmost thirsty diligence! Pretty excited, I'm not going to front. I can finally attend these events that I'm pinche "legal". After all, it was this very event last year that landed me my mention on the New Yorker.


(Taken from Email)


This year, along with Jonathan Gold, we are celebrating the speakeasy style of downtown LA with cocktails by 213 (Cole’s Red Car Bar, The Varnish, Las Perlas, and Seven Grand), and nine of the finest restaurants in town (Lazy Ox, First & Hope, Come Ca, Providence, Jar, Rustic Canyon, Susan Feniger’s Street, Grace, and Rivera). We’ve also invited KCRW’s Garth Trinidad to spin music all night. Chef Ludo Lefebvre will be attending, among other celebrity chefs.



I know the ticket price ain't something you're used to (at $185 a person) but its not like Zocalo doesn't deserve it. Since 2003 these guys have been bringing interesting people and the community together to cover the deepest of topics. All free, they keep it real as a non profit. Not to mention the admission price is probably 1/4 the price of how much $ it would actually cost to all these big hitter bars and restaurants one by one.


As if the night couldn't get any better...all this followed by a show from The Gears at The Redwood at Midnight! Good thing The "Pirate Bar" is walking distance from Union Station. Wow, going to be a fun weekend indeed.

So...who's down?



Jonathan Gold's 2nd Annual Union Station Speakeasy Fundraiser for Zocalo Public Square

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2010 | 7:00PM
UNION STATION

GRAND TICKET CONCOURSE | 800 NORTH ALAMEDA STREET

LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Click Here For More Info And To Buy Tickets

$185/per person

Non-Profit Employee Rate: $150.

Young Professionals' Rate: $125.
(Must be under 30 years old)

The Redwood
316 W 2nd St # 202
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3527
(213) 680-2600

The Gears (Midnight)
Poop (feat. Rikk Agnew from the Adolescents) (11 PM)
Symbol Six

Rick Bayless To Make Public Appearance In Los Angeles and Orange County (September 29th and 30th)

Rick Bayless: Paparazzi Shot From My Red O Post (When He Was In Kitchen)


Despite all the recent controversy with the guy, he is still an invaluable part of my food youth upbringing (one a many Saturdays I would just stay in to watch his show Mexico: One Plate At A Time!)

After all, he did kinda make America open their eyes (and mouth's) to my culture's regional [although mostly Southern] Mexican Cuisine with his recent top cheffage. And anyone who aids with the arduous battle against the Taco and Burrito Mexican Food Stereotype in America war is o.k in my book.

That being said, just got word that he will actually be making two public appearances next week:

(taken from the email I received from)

Rick will be at Macy’s to share some of his culinary secrets and recipes. Of course, he’ll be sharing samples with the audience! After the cooking demo, Rick will be available to sign copies of his cookbook Fiesta at Rick's.

Admission to each event is $5 and proceeds will benefit local food banks. In Pasadena, proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. In Costa Mesa, proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Check out the details for the events below, and let me know if you'd be interested in attending.

Rick Bayless at Macy's Pasadena

When:

Wednesday, September 29
12 noon

Where:

Lower Level, 401 S. Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

More information:

http://pitch.pe/89828

Rick Bayless at Macy's South Coast Plaza

When:

Thursday, September 30
6:30pm

Where:

Macy's Home Store, 3333 Bear Street

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

More information:

http://pitch.pe/89833

For both events, seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Its Back: The 4th Annual Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon At The Pasadena Center (Sunday, Oct. 10 2010

Damn, this year flew by.



Chocolate: It Builds Communities


Excited to announce the return of the L.A Chocolate Salon going on at The Pasadena Center on October 10th.

I've covered this event since the very start. I was a in the taste panel last year and happy to announce that I will be gorging myself for the sake of chocolate glory yet again this year. It only gets bigger and better as each year passes by....

There are already over 35 Chocolatiers participating this year.

Divine Chocolate, Choclatique, Amano Artisan Chocolate, Essential Chocolate Desserts, Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates, Mignon Chocolate, Ococoa chocolates, Kika's Treats, Happy Chocolates, The Chocolate Traveler, R & R Chocolate Palace, Chocoveda, Marti Chocolatt, Clarine's Florentines, Amella Caramels, Moonstruck Chocolate, Suess Chocolates, Jer's Chocolate, The Toffee Box, Farm Fresh To You

Buy your tickets here for only $20



Pues, Hay De Sample Y Sample No Mas Hombre


The 4th Annual Los Angeles Chocolate Salon

Sunday October 10th 11AM - 5PM

The Pasadena Center
300 Green Street
PasadenaCenter.com

Expo Comida Latina And The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo 2010 (Los Angeles): Tasting The Latest In Food And Drinks

That'a Way Maaan


Last week I was lucky enough to get a last minute invite to the Expo Comida Latina and Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo that took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The email came on the actual weekend that it was taking place! BUT unlike any other expo that would had only been around for the weekend, this expo stayed around until the food service sabbatical aka as Monday! Bless the dedicated, hard working few who work through those weekends! I was able to make it on Monday.


It Was Crackin'


I will not lie, I found this event quite awesome. This was an event strictly for the movers and shakers of food in the world. There were whole aisles for those things in a restaurant that I--as a foodblogger--never really put much thought into otherwise. Specialized things like those blinking "open" or "closed" signs that hang from windows, things like those touch screens order computers that servers and bartenders use when taking frenzied orders (there was a waterproof one!!!). Even the latest in chef kicks...Birkenstock Clogs?!


Get Yo' Open/Closed Signs Right Heere!



I Mean....Water Was Being Poured All Over It?!



Birkenstock Clogs For The Hippie Chef?: Naaawh!



The Movers and [Salt & Pepper] Shakers Too?


And of course, there were a few aisles exhibiting the latest--and tastiest--in easily purveyed gourmet food. Meaning...free sample buffet!


Tsukiji Express: Straight From The Source


There was everything here, I mean everything. I almost did a back flip when I saw that there was a booth for the Tsukiji Market! They were showcasing some of their newer, premium varieties of fish such as this



Japanese Amber Jack


All the greats were here. Even the people behind Tapatio hot sauce!


Representin'


There were even the guys from Bolis!!! A latino childhood staple food found in freezers. You have to break these in half on your knee in order to get them open to eat. ha ha. Oh, how I miss those days.


Bolis!


As if that wasn't enough, there were the innovative folk of the legendary Orange Bang! here too. Another food I grew up on. For those of you that are bang virgins out there, this frothy drink is what an orange agua fresca would taste like if a couple of creamsicles fell in there. This drink is pretty much a unmissable staple in one a many East L.A Chinese Food & Donut establishments.


Orange Bang!


There were some new companies that were trying to break in to the market too. Oh, how happy I was when I saw these guys had a booth here.


Pulque: Never Forgotten


Pulque 1881 is a new company that's trying to bring Pulque back in the alcohol game. Labeled as "Agave Wine" this is my all time favorite alcoholic drink, its made from the fermented sap from Agave plants. Tasting sweet and milky, not too different from the Korean unfiltered rice wine Makgeoli. It actually has a higher alcohol content than a can of light beer, that's right...its a 'creeper-upper' alright. Although I like it slimy, 1881 has to pasteurize their sap that they get from Tlaxcala. I've been a fan of this company since the first time I saw their $2 cans for sale at Ramirez Liquor in Boyle Heights.
There were these guys from SunJewels Organics that are trying to break in AGAVE SWEETENED frozen yogurt. Best of luck to these guys man, I ate that whole swirl and didn't have any sugar crash after at all. No more settling for CLOYogurtland hopefully soon.


Agave Sweetened Frozen Yogurt: Yeeeah


Now for the aisle where I did the most extensive research on...


Karl Strauss Brewery: Reliable 'Ol Red Trolley Ale


The San Diego brewers Karl Strauss were there with their nutty-almost-toffee flavored Red Trolley Ale, a favorite a mine. They also had some unique Imperial Pils beer that was pretty damn good too.


There's A Serrano Chile In My Beer!


The technically-Mexican (100% Mexicali!) brewery Cave Creek were their with a superb "Chilli Beer" that surpassed my gimmicky stereotype of it. Basically, a medium bodied lager with a whole Serrano in each bottle. It was surprisingly pretty damn lip synge-ing and pleasurable, I wouldn't mind putting away a six pack of these with some Tacos de Marlin or something.

But enough tomfoolery, now for the most full bodied beer I've probably ever had.


Marodsous Abbey: Those Belgian Monks Are On To Something...


Actually brewed by monks still. I was taken into a flight of the Maredsous 6 Blonde, the Maredsous 8 Bruin and the Maredsous 10 Tripel. And oh golly, my eyes were nearly rolling to the back of my head with its intense but balanced flavors of hops and caramel. Each one at different ratios with each other, think the the honey-like flavor of the blonde was actually my favorite.

Alas, it was great to peruse both of this years expo and looking forward to coming back to next year and stay in-the-know with both the front--and back--of the house world of restaurants.

UPCOMING BAD ASS WEEKEND ALERT: Real De Mexico Tequila & Bad Brains At The Sunset Junction (August 21 & 22)

*UPCOMING BAD ASS WEEKEND ALERT*

For Immediate Puro Pinche Pari Release:




Announcing the sole Tequila sponsors of this years Sunset Junction:


Real De Mexico Tequila


Real De Mexico will be hand muddling their signature Real Mexican cocktails all day, both days for only--you ready?

$5 each!


The Real Mexican: Jalapeño, Cilantro, Agave, Lime Y Es Todo


A glutster cocktail favorite indeed! As...I will actually be guest muddling all that Jalapeño and Cilantro with agave syrup for your smooth and spicy sipping pleasure.

As if that wasn't enough. Apparently, The Bad Brains (DC 80's Hardcore Legends are gonna be playing all of a sudden on Saturday night)



So come out and sip, smoke, skank and hopefully...pit!

(Bad Brains are now mostly reggae but have your tight pants and doc martins steel toe boots ready just in case...)

Aprovecha!

Buy your tickets for Sunset Junction Here

This Saturday Night: Plate by Plate - Project by Project's 8th Annual Tasting Benefit 2010

On the quickness.

Just wanted to let you guys know of a pretty cool event that will be happening this Sunday night.

(taken from Website)





"After years of success in hosting its signature event, in both New York City and in Los Angeles, Project by Project is thrilled to host its Eighth Annual Tasting Benefit on August 14, 2010.

This year, Project by Project's partner is the Health Justice Network, a non-profit, community-based organization who serves as a collaborative voice for the API community to advance a pro-active agenda around health disparities and the right to quality health services, while growing community leadership and developing advocacy potential in individuals and organizations. This signature gala will once again showcase savory food and dessert delicacies prepared by talented chefs from the best restaurants in Los Angeles, as well as samplings from premier wineries and beverage companies."

Eat and drink your ass off for a good cause. I'll be there doing just that and am pretty damn excited since certain age restrictions wouldn't allow last year.

Buy your tickets here

...Just A Couple Of Upcoming Ways To Carpe Diem In L.A Through Food

On the quickness!

Here are just a couple of ways to go out and enjoy our beautiful city during the next few days :)

Food GPS Progressive Eating Tour of Beverly Boulevard
(This Sunday 3PM July 25th; $45 Per Person; 4 Restaurants)



Join the Food GPS himself on a progressive walking tour as he "spotlights four great restaurants located on (or just off) Beverly Boulevard. Eva, BLD, MILK and The Golden State as each chef-owner will introduce a plate, treat or drink."

Buy your bargain tickets for this event at Amuse L.A.

For Questions contact Josh Lurie at joshua@foodgps.com

Street Food Series At Angeli Caffe (Ricky's Fish Tacos)
(This Monday July 26th, 6 to 10 PM; Fish and Shrimp Tacos For $3 Each; Beer Will Be Sold)


Ricky's Fish Taco: Deemed The Best In L.A

In an effort "to help spread the news that street food is a good thing, and is a vital part of LA's restaurant community and culture", Bill Esparza of Street Gourmet L.A (fellow L.A Mexican food blood brother and my all around mentor) will be partnering up with Evan Kleiman (of the radio show Good Food and Angeli owner) to do a series of street food pop ups "to bring traditional street food closer to the West Side and Mid-City areas." It should be known that Ricky's Fish Taco was deemed the best fish taco in Los Angeles by the Taco Task Force of Los Angeles.

Support the Cause(s)!!!

Day Trip to Tijuana Seafood Festival: You Don't Even Know....

No Going Back Now

I spent this last Sunday not sleeping in like every other Sunday but instead in the closest proximity of the motherland: Tijuana. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Street Gourmet L.A and Jahdiel Vargas, Emma Cruz, and all the people at CANIRAC and COTUCO, an impromptu day trip out to the Seafood Festival was made possible for a few of us. The family oriented free event took place in the Playas area of Tijuana this last Sunday.


Playas: Beach Border Underdog Vacation Destination

And no I was not shot at, I was not mugged, I was not raped--ha ha. Its a damn shame how easy negative rumors get around and somehow substitute the truth. Oh well, more local, fresh seafood for us!


Ni Cual Localvore Ni Nada Hombre

Cesar Escandon of a local restaurant La Cafeteria was churning out the local seafood standards but ever so deftly executed. Like a fresh ceviche made out of swordfish or one made out of octopus and prawns served on artisan Tostadas, here they drizzle mayonnaise on just about everything. I like.


Tostada De Ceviche Local

It wasn't too long before we ran into the quintessential Baja staple though.


The One And Only Baja-Style Fish Taco

Fried twice with a jaggedly crisp, lightly mustard flavored battered. These tacos are generously garnished with raw slivered cabbage, pico de gallo and a milked-down mayo sauce and Guacamole combination, a truly unctuous seafood experience.


Baja Bubbly: Vinicola L.A Cetto

It was time for a water--or wine--break. Meaning, take in the glory of Baja wines. Vinicola Don Cetto is one of the big hitters down in El Valle De Guadalupe, basically the Napa Valley of Baja. This particular sparkling white wine was a tad on the sweeter side for my taste since I usually like my bubbly's on the dryer side but still refreshing nonetheless mang.


Baja Paella: Good Seafood But I Miss My Saffron

Next up was some Paella done in the Baja style as well. Looked way better than it tasted. Basically, this meant nothing but the most pristine seafood flavored rice but without the enticing aroma of saffron. I also wasn't too impressed with the use of short grain fat rice grains and not traditional Paella rice. But SAS! Can't have it all.


The Original Caesar Salad: Born In Tijuana

One of my favorite things of the day was tasting the first and original Caesar Salad from the original hotel that created it itself, the Ceaser's Hotel on Revolucion. Here, the only ingredients were raw egg yolks, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice salt and pepper. All are emulsified beautifully to a lush, creamy full bodied dressing that coats romaine lettuces like no other.


Roaming Snack Cart

Another thing I love about Tijuana is the street availability of just about anything, like this roaming 'snack-ero' that slanged everything from Dried Mango In Chamoy to chile powder-roasted fava and garbanzo beans, my munchy favorites.


Young, Tender Fresh Coconut: The Glutster's Poison

The absolute Glutster street snack favorite in Baja though are the freshly cracked, young meat of local coconuts. These taste a lot different than the widely available Thai young coconuts available here in L.A with a more savory flavor spectrum to them, which makes them all the better when doused with lime, chile and chamoy!

And last but not least, Baja style stuffed churros! Actually, I regret to inform you guys that I actually didn't get to gorge on these this time around but nonetheless here they are in all their unabashed sweet, decadent glory. mmmmm


Stuffed Baja Style Churros: Chocolate, Caramel or Vanilla...Choose Your Arteries Poison

And this was only the beginning of the day. See "T.J" isn't that bad now is it?

East L.A Meets Napa 2010 On July 9th: You're Not Down To Go...

Yeeah homie! Being born and raised in East L.A, I've been waiting for this event to come around again since last year's was PURO Pinche Pari!

Its just something about seeing other homeboys dressed in their Sunday Guayabera best sippin' on some fine Shiraz...ha ha. All for the sake of giving back to to Alta Med, an organization that I personally know has really helped around here.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a preview tasting of some of the stuff that will be featured in the event.

The tasting took place in some cool little eatery out in the underestimated city uptown Whittier
called Phlight.

Here are some of my favorites of the tasting. I was told that all the ones I highlight will be offered at the event.

From Phlight Restaurant:


Squash Blossoms stuffed w/ Mexican Cheeses and Tempura Batter, Flor De Jamaica [and Lavender] Orange Blossom Consome

This was damn good, a dish concentrated on the typical deliciousness of a typical Mexico City lunch. Oozy queso fresco went all the floral flavored crispy golden edges.


Deconstructed Posole w/ slow roasted Pork Tenderloin

This dish made me embarrassingly giggle due to its similarity in taste to one a many bowls of traditional posole I've had in every other family gathering. The mulched hominy came with a rich pork stock and tasted like pork flavored grits! Pork was a bit tough though.


Chile Guero stuffed w/ Crab Meat and Asparagus, Tequila Crab Chipotle Cream Sauce

Easily my favorite from this restaurant. Staying true to the chile relleno comfort classics of that airy fried egg batter soaked by a tasty chilito but with the added benefit of sweet crab meat.

Robert Tapia of Mission Wine And Spirits in Pasadena was kind enough to pair some exquisite wines with a lot of these courses. Although I didn't get to try much, there were a couple that made made me raise my eyebrow.



From Seta Restaurant:


Golden Gazpacho W/ Poached Shrimp, Cous-Cous

A couple of tacos were brought out by Steven Arroyo of Cobras & Matadors and Church & State. He is about to open a new taco shop called Esquela based on the philosophy that everything tastes better when wrapped with a Tortilla.


Braised Pork Chop Tacos

Handles! Can't Wait!

Eat and get effed up for a good cause!

Buy tickets here


The People That Make East L.A Meets Napa Crack!





(Taken From Press Release)



"It’s that time of year again when Latin Cuisine flirts with fine wine. Please join us for an exclusive sneak peek into AltaMed’s 5th Annual East LA Meets Napa event with a special celebration of Mexico’s Bicentennial. Enjoy bicentennial dishes prepared by some of LA’s premiere chefs and fine wine from Napa Valley and Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe. Participants at this preview event will include: Chef Daniel Salcido, Jay Arroyo and Nikomi Arroyo of Phlight, Chef Hugo Molina and Javier Jimenez of Setá, and Steven Arroyo (Cobras & Matadors, Church & State) of yet to be opened Esquela.

About the Event

AltaMed’s Fifth Annual East LA Meets Napa celebration returns better than ever on July 9th from 6-9p, with an expanded courtyard in one of Los Angeles most historic settings – Union Station. This year, the event also presents some of Baja California’s best wineries to showcase wines from the Valle de Guadalupe region in commemoration of Mexico’s Bicentennial celebration. The event will feature the diversity of Los Angeles’ Latin cuisine and fine wine from Latino-owned or –operated Napa Wineries through 60 wine and food pairing stations.

AltaMed’s East LA Meets Napa was inspired by CEO Cástulo De La Rocha’s passion for good Latin cuisine and fine wine. In that spirit and with his enduring commitment to serving communities in need, AltaMed’s East LA Meets Napa fundraiser was born.

The event will provide more than 1,400 entrepreneurs, community leaders, and food and wine enthusiasts with the opportunity to support AltaMed’s mission – increasing access to quality and culturally relevant health and human services to underserved communities in Southern California. During the past 41 years, AltaMed has been committed to providing quality care without exception. For more information on AltaMed please visit www.altamed.orghttp://www.altamed.org> .



Partial List of Participants for
AltaMed’s East LA Meets Napa 2010

Restaurants


Birrieria Chalio
Cacoa Mexicatessen
Casa de Moles “LaTia”
Cobras & Matadors
Cook’s Tortas
Dorados
El Portal
El Tepeyac Café
Esquela
Guelaguetza
Homegirl Café
La Casita Mexicana
La Parrilla Restaurant
La Serenata de Garibaldi
Phlight Restaurant
Porto’s Bakery & Café
Rivera Restaurant
Setá
Señor Fish
Taco’s Baja
Tamayo Restaurant
Teresitas
Tila’s Kitchen








Vintners
** - are Baja Californian vintners

Alex Sotelo Cellars
Ceja Vineyards
El Centauro del Norte
Elements of Sonoma
Encanto Vineyards
Gustavo Thrace Wines
J Lohr Vineyards & Wine
Karl Lawrence Cellars
Madrigal Vineyards
Maritas Vineyards
Mi Sueño
Renteria Wines
Robledo Vineyards
San Antonio Winery
Sequoia Grove Vineyards
Veramonte
Beringer
**L.A. Cetto Vineyard
**J.C. Bravo
Frias Family Vineyard
Chadeau de Vie
Maldonado Family Vineyards
Black Coyote
V. Sattui Winery
**Adobe Guadalupe


We look forward to seeing you soon. Buen Provecho!"