Tag Archives: Mexican

While strolling down Main Street in cute St. Helena I couldn’t help but notice this hip new Mexican joint and I couldn’t wait to try it. When you walk in you are immediately struck by the vibrant blue painted walls that look something reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet in Sex and The City only a tad bit little brighter!

The menu is loaded with flavor punching Mexican favorites with a new twist to them such as the pickled strawberry, roasted pepitas and queso fresco guacamole. Say what?! Another dish that stood out to me was the Panza de Puerco Huaraches with pork belly, blue cheese, fig jam, black pepper caramel, arugula and tomatillo. Wowzers! I’m not even sure what to say except that I’m looking forward to going back just to try some of their interesting modern Mexican dishes.

I chose to take them up on their $15 lunch special which included a salad, 2 tacos of my choice, rice, beans and a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Perfect! PS – the Cream Cheese Ice Cream is delicious! Tastes just like frozen cheesecake…yum!

Casa Salad – mixed greens, queso fresco, avocado, tortilla strips and balsamic vinaigrette

Cochinita Pibil Taco – seville orange-banana leaf marinated berkshire pork, cabbage, pickled red onion and pickled jalapeño & Pescado Taco – griddled pacific rockfish, cabbage, salsa de arbol, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo

Coffee Chip Ice Cream

C Casa – Napa, CA

July 19, 2012

Mexican, Napa

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C Casa – Napa, CA

For those of you who have been to the Oxbow Market in Napa you already know how incredible it is! Although I had been there once before, I hadn’t actually eaten at any of the stalls. On a recent trip down I needed a quick bite and decided on C Casa. The menu made it hard for me to narrow down my choices…everything sounded so fresh and yummy. I settled on the C Chop Salad and one salmon taco which was a special that day. YUM! I chose well:) And I would definitely order them again.

There’s a charming outdoor space where you pick your order up right at the window otherwise there’s ample space inside.

C Chop Salad – with queso fresco, red bell peppers, pumpkin seeds & creamy cilantro lime dressing

Grilled Salmon Taco – with grilled corn relish, poblanos, green onions, romaine, garlic aioli, micro greens and avocado crema

Recipe – Homemade Chorizo Tacos

May 28, 2012

Mexican, Recipe

Ingredients

6 dried New Mexico chiles
8 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds ground pork

Ingredient Info:

Dried New Mexico chiles are sold at specialty foods stores, Latin markets, and some supermarkets. Smoked paprika is available at most supermarkets.

Preparation

Heat a large dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chiles; toast, turning often, until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from pan and let cool.
Using kitchen scissors and working over a medium bowl, cut chiles into 1″ rings, reserving seeds and discarding stems. Cover with 1/2 cup hot water; let soak, stirring occasionally, until chiles are soft and pliable, about 10 minutes.
Transfer chiles with seeds and soaking liquid to a blender. Add garlic, paprika, 1 Tbsp. salt, and pepper; pulse until a paste forms.
Combine pork and chile paste in a large bowl. Gently mix until just blended (do not overwork the meat).
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, cook chorizo until cooked through, 7–8 minutes. (Be sure to let meat brown before turning and breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula.) Season with salt. DO AHEAD: Chorizo can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm before serving.

Vitea – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

May 3, 2012

Breakfast, Mexican, Puerto Vallarta

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Vitea – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This is always a must for breakfast when we make our way down to PV. Although they’re open for lunch and dinner as well, I’ve only ever been for breakfast. I get the same thing every time…the chilaquiles with chicken. It’s large and can easily be shared. I think about this dish a lot when I’m gone and always look forward to going back when I’m in town. The beans that are served with it are SO good…I could probably go for two servings of those:) I almost forgot to mention that with your breakfast you get a selection of sweet breads to munch on. My personal favorite is the sugar one…yum! You won’t be sorry you went here. The food is outstanding, the service is great and the location gives you a great view of the ocean along with some great people watching. (Dogs are welcome outside!)

Tacolicious – San Francisco, CA

January 20, 2012

Mexican, San Francisco

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Tacolicious – San Francisco, CA

It seems like ever since I moved from SF that new restaurants have been popping up like crazy which makes it even harder for me to decide where to eat when I go back to visit. Tacolicious in the Marina is new to me and I finally got the chance to try it out. Located on Chestnut close to Fillmore it’s such a cute spot. Not huge inside but there are great windows facing the street that slide open on a nice day. All in all it’s a great location and the decor couldn’t be more perfect.

I loved everything I tried! And if I were to go back I’d love to try the Aztec Chicken Soup, Shrimp a la Diabla, Rock Cod Taco, and the Traditional Churros with Mexican Hot Chocolate…um…yes please!