#mexican-cuisine

#mexican-cuisine

Mexico City's celebrated dining scene just got a whole lot closer to home. La Popular, one of the capital's most beloved modern Mexican restaurants, is officially opening its doors in Los Angeles this Monday, September 22nd, bringing authentic flavors and that unmistakable Mexican hospitality to the heart of Hollywood. Perched at Ovation Hollywood with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the iconic Hollywood Sign, this isn't just another restaurant opening: it's a cultural bridge connecting two of North America's most vibrant food cities.

I've traveled to more than 20 countries, but Mexico continues to be one of my favorite destinations to visit. One Mexican city in particular has stolen my heart: Puerto Vallarta. Located on the country's west coast, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a classic resort town. It offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, a bustling downtown scene, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

Tamales are a Mexican staple that, at one point, was only available at street vendors, restaurants, and from the kitchens of Mexican cooks. Now, they're widely available in grocery stores and big box stores nationwide. Tamales are a traditional and important part of Mexican cuisinedating back to between 8000 and 5000 B.C. A tamale features corn-based dough ( called masa) and a variety of fillings, including meats, vegetables, cheese, beans, and even fruit.

Portland's rich, varied, and vibrant Mexican food scene deserves more attention than it gets. Quality taquerias and mercados have long simmered guisados and pressed tortillas across the city, but in recent years, the scene has blossomed even more. Quesabirria carts, mariscos pop-ups, and artful tasting menus have landed around town, expanding the range and regional representation in Mexican dining. Yet as the food scene has grown, so has the federal government's aggression toward the people behind it.

Food from the San Fernando Valley showcases quality and authentic cuisine from across the globe, with an emphasis on Mexican favorites like handmade tortillas and tacos.

Tajín seasoning, a blend of chile peppers, lime, and sea salt, adds a burst of tangy zestiness and vibrant color to fruit salads, making them refreshing and hydrating.

Frijoleros in Greenpoint features stunning fish tacos, grilled shrimp, and cocktails like paloma with Manzanilla sherry, offering a unique Mexican dining experience.

The vibrant green citrus adds a bright burst of acidity to tacos and is an essential part of authentic Mexican cooking.

Hacienda Restaurant offers bold Latin American flavors, including slow-cooked meats and fresh house-made salsas, emphasizing traditional Mexican and Spanish cooking.

Olmo, a new eatery, serves a Mexican cantina experience in New York with standout dishes like sopes, eggplant milanesa, and unique cocktails.

Adding cocoa to chili creates a delicious flavor enhancement. Unsweetened cocoa intensifies savory elements without adding sugar, making chili richer and more umami.

The new incarnation of Don Ramon's could open at Embarcadero Center if enough funding is secured from a crowdfunding campaign to finance its buildout.

Ted Kim announced he was selling Steins due to a decrease in customers and a surge in expenses, which prompted a bidding war for the property.

Ceviche is one of the easiest dishes to make, and a great way to dip your toe into the world of Mexican seafood. While the idea of eating raw fish might turn you off, the acidic juices used to create the dish 'cook' the fish just enough to keep it safe while keeping the dish light and refreshing.

This poblano sauce may have you rethinking your devotion to the red variety. Slightly sweet with a bit of heat, roasted poblanos create a delightful dish.

Hacha has become one of the leading agave bars in the world, regularly appearing in Top 100 Bars in the World and the World's 50 Best Discovery List.

In a city where eloteros typically dominate Latino neighborhoods, the Caselin family has revitalized the Hollywood area by introducing a beloved Mexican tradition—elotes and esquites—serving them in a charmingly modern way.

Alma Y Sazón, a new vegan Mexican restaurant in Emeryville's Public Market, features innovative dishes like taco de mar and tacos de pastor using jackfruit and tofu.

Blistering the tomatoes, chiles, onions, and garlic allows the fresh ingredients to retain some of their vibrance while giving this delicious salsa a rich depth of flavor.

Burrito bowls are highly customizable, and using Trader Joe's chicken mole makes the process even easier with its authentic flavor and quick preparation.