Thursday, April 21, 2011

Tijuana's Erizo Cebicheria

I spent the day today in Tijuana, where I haven't been in years. Like many people, the troubles (read violence) in recent years have kept me away. But when my friend Dan Nattrass of Catalina Offshore Products called me with an invitation to go down with Chef Trey Foshee of George's at the Cove to visit fish markets and the Central Mercado I couldn't resist. Then Trey sent us a note suggesting we try Erizo Cebicheria for lunch. It was the makings of a perfect day.

And it was. More on the markets in the future. Lunch alone was worth the drive. The restaurant is owned by the Plascencia family. I'm a fan of son Javier's Bonita  restaurant Romesco, but the family has several highly regarded ones in Tijuana. Erizo Cebicheria is located in the upscale Chapultepec neighborhood. It's bright and modern and a great spot for a casual lunch if you love seafood.

Javier sent me a list of his recommendations of what to order off the menu. We followed it and weren't disappointed. We had our favorites but all were unique and delicious--and made us wonder how it is that no one in San Diego is doing anything remotely similar.

So, take a look at these and then make a trip there yourself. The restaurant is located at Ave Sonora No 3808-11 just off Blvd Agua Caliente.

Octopus Carpaccio with nopales and avocado
Sea Urchin Chupe--like sea urchin nectar  

Tuna and Machaca Tostada (so elegant a "fusion" dish, flavored with ponzu)

Pulpo (octopus) Mesquite (one of our favorites)
Chicharon de Tuna (this was another huge favorite)
The Chicharon (little pieces of tuna somehow made dry inside with a sweet fried exterior reminiscent of orange chicken) served taco style with guacamole and salsa
Swordfish Pibel topped with grilled pineapple, then eaten taco style with guacamole, salsa verde, and pickled red onions
Blueberry Tamal in Banana Leaf (Stunning, smooth and all blueberry)


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2 comments:

  1. wordfish Pibel topped with grilled pineapple, then eaten taco style with guacamole, salsa verde, and pickled red onions

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