We are kicking off 2026 with two events to keep you on the dance floor. If you like to move to the sounds of cumbia and salsa, Eli's and Mad Oak are where you need to be. The Eli's event is a one-off, but you can become a regular at the salsa night at Mad Oak, which takes place three times a month.
In addition to venturing into different salsas, from fire-roasted to salsa verde or even salsa con queso for an even cheesier dish, you should consider giving a variety of cheeses a try. Sargento Four Cheese Mexican Blend would, of course, be ideal for a Tex-Mex-themed mac and cheese but Kraft Colby and Monterey Jack would work equally as well. Cotija might be even better, especially if you add some corn for a street corn-inspired twist.
In the working-class city of Commerce, where cars speed past on highways and the Citadel Outlets tower over neighborhoods, there is a steakhouse named Stevens. By day, it's a classic and charming old restaurant where working people go for quiet, hearty meals.
Salsa is the Spanish word for sauce, but it does a whole lot more. A good salsa will complement and catapult the most ordinary dish with sweet, tangy, fiery depth and zest. It's a delicious way to dispatch a seasonal bounty of fresh herbs, veggies and fruit, and is great in just about anything, regardless of the culture or country of a particular dish. Fresh tomato salsa adds zing to panzanella; sweet corn salsa lifts chicken salad; roast pepper-tomato salsa sparks buttery sautéed shrimp.