La Casa Del Tikinxic

A popular dish on the Isla de Mujeres I kept reading about was the Tikinxic, the famous grilled fish seasoned with achiote, and at Playa Lancheros Restaurant was place to be. The restaurant is located on Playa Lancheros on the South End Bahia. You can take a taxi, a cart, bike it, or walk to there from the hotel zone in about 30-40 minutes. The restaurant’s name has been changed to La Casa Del Tikinxic.

You should go there around noon, order the dish and hang out at the beach because it takes about 40 minutes for them to serve it. The ocean in December was too cold for me so I chillax at the table with my daiquiri admiring the view.

It would have been better if there were more hot men but it’s the holidays so you mostly have families or hippo size tourists. If you’re sitting outside by the palm trees beware of the coconuts. The table next to me said one fell on them the other day.

The rough part of traveling solo in Mexico is the food quantity. Grande. There’s no half order of the Tikinxic. You have to order the entire fish….



The tikinxic was not bad. They grilled it for more than half an hour, so I was hoping it to be more flavorful. I know what you're thinking, looking at my drink, you're thinking that I might have been smashed. My daiquiri was weak so there was nothing wrong with my taste buds. I guess I was expecting more unique flavors since I was out the States. Nonetheless the dish was inexpensive. My total came out to $110MX not including tip.

Still, if you haven’t had the Tikinxic definitely try it, but bring a companion or a stranger so you can try something else.

The menu:


Address: South End Bahia, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Phone#: +52 99 88 77 03 40

La Lomita

I am dusting my site, and starting to write...thanks to Miss Janet. Blogging is so hard to do when you have a full-time job, especially when your blog has absolutely nothing to do with your work. I am amazed by other writers who can do write-a-thons like the Minty who works full-time and Banana Wonder who's a full-time student; they both eat like Takeru Kobayashi, and write faster than I can eat.
Where to pick up from where I left off...? I guess I'll start from La Lomita and work my way back and in between write more current dining experience just to confuse both of us. Thus this entry is dated December 24th. No it's not Christmas Eve now but I was there on that date. That's the thing about food. I can't remember what I did on a given day, but if I can remember what I ate, the puzzles start to come together.

Every 2-3 three years, I go out of the States. Why every 2-3 years? Unlike most companies that give two weeks off, I must not take a vacation in one year to accumulate enough vacation days to make an int'l trip worthy because I'm not getting on a plane for 16 hours one-way for just 5 days. I remembered one year we had to decide if we wanted to take Christmas Eve off or New Years Eve...

Christmas Eve was my last night on the Isla de Mujeres. Isla de Mujeres or the Island of Women is a 30-minute boat ride from Cancun. I had made a ridiculous 10-page itinerary of all the things I must see and eat, and La Lomita was one of them. La Lomita is not the ideal Christmas Eve meal but due to time, it worked and did not disappoint me at all. It’s located on Avenue Juarez about a 5-7 minute walk from the hotel zone. There's no number for the address because the island is pretty damn small. It’s a typical eatery in Mexico: simple.

La Lomita is famous for their chili rellenos.

It’s served with a black bean soup and rice. They had a special Christmas Eve dinner but I was on a mission for their chili rellenos. Would it be better than La Casita’s chili rellenos? Yes, it was. Granted La Lomita’s chili rellenos are different from La Casita’s…it’s fried and the pepper is inside the dish…but what made it tasted better was the gooey cheese!

Comfort food, you’ve got to love them. It wasn’t soggy from being deep fried, but definitely filling and hit the right spot from walking on the island all day. I can’t seem to find the receipt but La Lomita is fairly inexpensive and perfect if you’re looking for authentic Mexican dishes. I heard their mole is die for. I would if I had room. I’m not a bean person so their black bean soup tasted like a black bean soup.

The one ingredient that was missing from my meal was a mojito. They offer beer and sodas.
The mosquitoes in Mexico ate more meals off of me, but I think it’s just because they know who eats good food. A Christmas Eve dinner to remember!

Address: Avenue Juarez, Isla Mujeres (Cross Street: Centro)
Hours: 9AM-11:30PM Mon-Sat (d/c)

Mango Cafe

I have been seriously eating like a hippo. I guess if you’re not consuming 5,000 calories a day you’re not really having a vacation, right? To off set calories I decided to walk to Mango Café. I took the scenic route, waking around the cliff,…behind people’s back yard. I was waiting for someone to call the police but apparently a local informed I that it’s open to the public…weird but neat. Here’s a cool house I came across:

They are really living in a seashell by the seashore. I wonder if the owner’s name is Sally… anyway the scenic route took me about an hour to walk to Mango Café from the Hotel Zone. Mango Café is famous for their French toast. I’ve been informed that their dinner is great but everyone is talking about their French toast. Their French toast takes two hours to make. Well, it took me less than two hours to get there, arrived around 10AM on a Friday, and they were SOLD OUT. Damn. I thought if I shed some tears of coming all the way Isla de Mujeres would help but it didn’t. Damn. The story of my life…

Mango Café is a cute, cozy restaurant. It was mostly Americans dining. The best part of traveling solo is that you are forced to talk to strangers…or not. I was conversing with an American and she was ranting about how her siblings didn’t want to travel outside the States yet at the time all she wanted to do on the Isla de Mujeres was to lie on a beach and tan…ironic.

Menu is located on the board:

They forgot to 86 the French toast…talk about a buzz kill. Well since it was brunch I went for the shrimp Benedict…minus the shrimp.

The Hollandaise sauce was a bit off but it wasn’t bad. It certainly filled me up. I definitely appreciate that they charged me less since I told them that I was allergic to crustacean.—that’s VERY RARE. They charged me $80MEX instead of $100MEX.

I guess I’ll have to come back to try their French toast…

Address: Colonia Meteorologico | Across from Guadlupe Church, Isla Mujeres 77400, Mexico
Phone#: 011.52.1.998.230.8489

La Taquiza No. 2

On Memorial Day my neighbor, Carlos and I decided to grab lunch at La Taquiza No 2. No 1 is in South Gate by Downey. For a change No 2 is more popular than No 1 but that’s just because it’s near USC where students can grab good, cheap Mexican food. By the way, they're starting their delivery service soon. I figured I could grab good Mexican food and check out my church’s new DT service location.

La Taquiza is home of the Mulitas. Mulitas is basically like a sandwich but with corn tortillas instead of bread. I found out after I check into Foursquare (if it’s your first visit there, you get a free mulita…a good reason to check in first and not when you’re finishing your meal)…even though it says it on the building. I’m really bad with foreign words…I have a tendency to read only what I know, and tacos are what I know and that’s what we ordered. They have a pretty extensive menu.

You order at the counter, and they call out the items when they’re done.

As you wait, you can mosey over to the salsa/toppings bar and grab some marinated vegetables and salsas. No limes, only lemons.

The chips and guacamole were the first to come out. Their guacamole could use more salt but I was pleased that it had enough lemon juice. Chips are slightly greasy—nothing special.

Then the carne asada, al pastor and pollo tacos came out.

The carne asada was dry. It was probably the worst one out of all the tacos we ate.

The al pastor was good—flavorful and not dry. This was my 2nd favorite taco.

The pollo was our favorite. It was juicy and had a nice smoky flavor to it. The next time I’m coming here, I’m just going to get pollo , well maybe the al pastor too.

The chorizo was interesting. The texture was a bit crunchy. Carlos hated it. I wasn’t expecting to look like this…

The short ribs…well let’s just say the Koreans can do Mexican but Mexican’t do Koreans.

Our last taco, the Ensenada fish was ok. They battered heavily but the filet was soft and meaty.

Carlos and I were stuffed but how could we refuse free food? We went with pollo for the mulita. It was pretty tasty but it’s just like a quesadilla…

Yum!

The next time I’m here, I’m going to get an al pastor taco and a pollo mulita.

Address: 3009 S Figueroa St, LA, CA 90007
Phone#: (213) 741-9795
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The Apple Pan

My church is finally going to start their DTLA service so my Westside trips will be scarce. I think my next trip to the Westside might not be until the Los Angeles Film Festival, so I decided to have lunch at one of Los Angeles’ historical institution: the Apple Pan. The first time I was here I couldn’t eat anything since I was on the Master Cleanse. Don’t ask. I’ve tried a few times dining here but I always forget that it’s CASH ONLY. I never have cash on me.

The Apple Pan reminds me of the house in the movie UP. A sign of its time and it just doesn’t fit in with the other buildings in the neighborhood. However, the Apple Pan is a much more happening place. The set up is simple: a U-shape counter-top seating only with an old-school cash register.

I had just enough cash for an ice tea and burger, so I went for their Hickory burger with Tillamook Cheddar, and it was heaven! I loved the smoky flavor, and the burger was very juicy. I can’t believe I waited this long for Apple Pan’s burger.

It might be criminal for me not to try Apple Pan’s famous apple pie, but I only had a ten on me. I’ll definitely make sure to have their apple pie next time.

Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd, LA, CA 90064
Phone#: (310) 475-3585
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Silverlake Jubilee Festival

Last weekend was the Silverlake Jubilee Festival, a smaller version of the Sunset Junction, mainly located on Myra Avenue, with three music stages, one stand-up stage, a shoo-loo of food trucks, and a few crafts merchandise vendors.

Thanks to the Minty I got go to the Festival for flee last weekend. I was hoping her press badge got us more fleebies but it didn’t, and there was no real long line for us to flash her fancy badge. Anyways, let me rewind. I met up with the Minty outside of the Redline in the late afternoon. If you’re ever coming here again or attending Sunset Junction, I strongly suggest taking the Redline (stop at Vermont & Santa Monica). You don’t have to worry about parking, just the freaks on the subway.

It took Minty awhile to get her badge. It felt like we were in the “Amazing Race” but in slow-mo. I had a hangover –not due to alcohol but from sleeping too much. I stayed in bed past NOON –the first for 2010. I know that’s crazy, I didn’t even do that on New Year’s Day after a night of debauchery; I woke up at ten, made myself a Bloody Mary and hiked at the Griffith Park. My brain was hazy and all I had for the day was coffee and a butter croissant but we found the treasure chest after our third location, Mi Alma Garden, where I bought a couple frescas (prices went up $1 from the last time I was there...) from Ricky’s Tacos, and got to pass go.

We circled around the festival like hawks, figuring out which food trucks to hit up, what goods to buy, and which boys looked the best in skinny jeans (I’m just kidding, men, I mean boys, should never wear skinny jeans). The only alcohol they served was beer in the beer garden…you know just how much I love piss water… and the only green in the beer garden was the sign.

I can’t believe beer was seven bucks! Suckers! I did noticed somone posted a tip on Foursquare to look out for drink tickets on the floor... We hit the Komodo truck first. Their garlic fries are sick—worth the five bucks! The Crepe'n Around truck was nearby and we just had to order their garlic fries to see which truck was better. Nicola joined in on the fun.

Crepe ‘n Around garlic fries were ok, but they’re just not in the same league as the Komodo’s. Plus, I prefer skinny fries over regular fries. I will definitely have a crepe instead the next time around.

We needed a caffeine reload and stopped by Intelligentsia. I love their ice mocha. It’s the best. Our third food truck was Uncle Lau’s. I tried to go for food trucks that I normally don’t see in front of the Variety building.

One of the annoying things that the Minty pointed out was some trucks has a tendency to raise their prices at festivals. We noticed that Uncle Lau’s sweet potatoes fries are normally are $2 but at Silverlake Jubilee they were $3. WTH!?

I ordered the BBQ Beef Brisket slider. It was tasty, but would have been better if they served it with a Hawaiian bun after all Uncle Lau’s food supposedly from the “islands of Oahu and Maui.”

Nicola had the Pulled Pork topped with Cole slaw slider which was not so good. It was salty.

Our last food truck was Vesuvio, an Italian food truck.

They sold out on Aracini (Italian rice balls) and the chicken parmesan sandwiches so I went with the meatballs sandwich. Unlike Uncle Lau’s, Vesuvio cut their prices. Half sandwiches were $2! However, they gave us a full sandwich…maybe they saw Minty’s press badge..?

It was ok; it was $2 bucks. I can’t really complain since I don’t specialize in meatballs. I grew up on meatballs with carrots and whatever left over vegetables my mom could find. We ended the Silverlake Jubilee with drinks at Malo.

Good times!



Ricky’s Tacos
Stalk em here!

Komodo
Stalk em here!

Crepes’n Around
Stalk em here!

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Address: 3922 West Sunset Blvd. LA, CA 90029
Phone: (323) 663-6173

Uncle Lau’s
Stalk em here!

Vesuvio
Stalk em here!

Malo
Address: 4326 W Sunset Blvd LA, CA 90029
Phone#: (323) 664-1011
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The Blue Velvet

A friend had originally wanted her birthday shindig at the Blue Velvet but some rich kid rented the space out and her party was kicked out. This unfortunate situation did not stop me from dining at the Blue Velvet prior to her birthday gala. I had purchased a $100 gift certificate for like $10 on restaurant.com, and all I can say is THANK GOD because the Blue Velvet will leave a dent on your blue card.

The Blue Velvet is located in the less desirable outskirt part of DTLA. They have valet but we found street parking –don’t forget to your lock your doors and put any valuable items in your trunk…The restaurant is sleek and beautiful. You feel you’re in a music video. You enter into the main dining room, to the left is a small lounge-bar area and to the left you can head outside to the pool where you are encourage to take your clothes off and get wet. I am told that it’s a party every weekend during Happy Hours in summer time.

The view of Nokia Live and other downtown buildings is beautiful. It was pretty dead and remained that way until my friend and I left. It’s a good thing they have a good vodka cocktail list to keep us company. The Lychee martini is better than the Creamsicle martini. The Creamsicle martini tastes more like a nauseating orange martini.

We started off with the Filet Mignon Wrapped Asparagus (walnut ponzu reduction). It was a bit too salty for my taste buds but my friend loved it. She loves really salty food.

The Seared Albacore was good but did not stand out from all the other seared albacores that I’ve had.

Now the salmon carpaccio in truffle essence was delicious. This is a must order dish because it will just melt in your mouth, leaving you ravishing for more.

At first I hated the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass (sake nage, carrot purée) because it was very salty but then my friend pointed out that it’s only the carrots that taste like the Dead Sea. Once the carrots were gone, I would have to say that Blue Velvet’s Chilean Sea Bass is one of the best I’ve had. It was cooked perfectly and had all the right flavors.

The Filet Mignon (thyme infused butter, red wine Bournaise) was good too. The sauce was surprisingly sweet –too sweet for my friend though. I’m sweet and she’s salty, and together we make a great team.

We didn’t have the clams but our busboy wanted us to take a photo of it. I guess he was bored.

For desserts our waiter recommended the Coffee Crème Bulee. It tasted more like mousse, and it was divine.

We also had their homemade plum ice cream. My friend loved that it came with cacao nibs.

Our meal was spectacular! I was amazed that we ate all of our food and still managed to get up easily. The portions are not big, and I guess it’s because the meal was mostly proteins and not carbs? Service was excellent.

I’ll definitely come back --with another Restaurant.com gift certificate!

Address: 750 Garland Ave. LA, CA 90017
Phone#:(213) 239-0061
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