EL 7 MARES

Los Angeles, CA

El 7 Mares is a tiny Mexican open-air restaurant in the Silverlake area of LA. I first saw it from across the road when I was having breakfast at FoodLab. I was surprised by how many people were visiting this shabby, gas-station looking eatery. I thought it looked so bad, it had to be good. Later that day I was reading an old TimeOut about cheap eats in LA, and this place was recommended for their fish tacos and ceviche. We headed down at sunset, and there was still a steady flow of people. We parked outside the little, neon-lit building which is placed in the middle of a parking lot, and had a seat in one of the plastic booths. The crowd was a mixture of hipsters and casually dressed Mexicans, creating a very LA vibe. Since we also had two taco food trucks on the list of places to eat that night, we didn't order much. From the illustrated menu above the counter we picked out shrimp tacos and fish tacos. The small portions were served with fresh lime to squeeze over, and a chilli sauce on the side that I didn't need much of due to its spiciness  Both types of tacos were a perfect blend of tangy and salty, and although fried, it did not come off as greasy. Out of the two I preferred the shrimp tacos, but would still order a variety just to mix it up. Their shrimp cocktail is also renowned, so if I ever get to go again, that will be next on my list.   

LOMA LINDA

México DF, México

Restaurante Loma Linda is a historical restaurant in Mexico City's Chapultepec area. After overdosing on seafood for a week, I was excited to go to this reputable Argentinian steak place. We had made reservations at the semi-covered terrace, but we were 15 minutes late, so the table was given away. They seem to be quite strict with timing tables in Mexico, as several times on this trip we lost our spot when we were a bit late. After some discussion we managed to get another table in the beautiful and green pergola area. The terrace seating is very popular not only because of the warm weather, but because you are still allowed to smoke in these in Mexico. We started with a dish I had heard about before going to Mexico, called chori-queso, which consists of lots of melted cheese with bits of chorizo in it. You simply put it in a soft taco, and enjoy greasy deliciousness. We then shared two different cuts of steak. Both were served on a hot plate, so we quickly threw all of it unto our plates to make sure the rare beef didn’t overcook on the table. Next to it were fried onions with green chillies that should not be mistaken for Spanish padrón peppers. I was luckily warned that they were very spicy, so I stayed away. As sides we had crispy fries with truffle oil and a simple salad with lots of crunch and freshness to the vegetables. As with most of our lunches in Mexico, the food was accompanied by lots of classic margaritas on the rocks, and the ones at Loma Linda were served to an archetypal perfection. This restaurant also prides themselves on their homemade desserts. We were all very full, so we only shared one piece of cheesecake between the four of us. It was very good, but I generally prefer lighter desserts after a meal like this. I was so happy with all of the food that I forgot to photograph it until I was full, thus you only see the reject pieces of meat that cooked a bit too much on the sizzle platter. I loved Loma Linda, both for the consistency of the quality of the dishes and for the peaceful setting. Lots more posts from my trip to Mexico to follow. 

www.lomalinda.com.mx

CAFE HABANA

New York, NY

On my very first trip to New York, I went to Café Habana in the beautiful Nolita area. It had recently been featured in a travel guide, and there has been a perpetual queue outside ever since. The meal was so memorable that I have made a point of going back every time I am in town. This casual Cuban/Mexican restaurant serves tacos, salads and even burgers, along with their famous corn on the cob. This renowned snack means that a lot of tourists go to Café Habana, so it is not necessarily the most local and authentic New York eatery in that sense. There is usually a half hour wait, which can be spent in a nearby bar as you are allowed to leave your name and come back. On my most recent visit I was too hungry to do that, so instead I went to the next-door casual drop in where you order at the counter. This was quick and comfortable, as we got a table right away. The corn on the cob is great; served with cotija cheese, chili, mayo and lime. It’s such a simple dish, and so tasty. The quality of their skin-on fries is unstable, but when they are crispy they are amazing. Their food goes perfectly with a cold Mexican coke drunk from a glass bottle. Café Habana is a casual and colourful place, perfect on a sunny day out in Manhattan. 

17 Prince St,  New York, NY 10012

LUPITA

Lupita is a casual Mexican restaurant with two locations in London; Embankment and Aldgate. This is an offshoot from a huge chain of street food vendours in Mexico City called El Farolito. According to their website, Lupita is the first truly authentic Mexican restaurant in London. Although a Mexican friend of mine vouched for this place, it is not on its own in serving authentic Mexican in London, there is also Mestizo and various street stalls with true Mexican cuisine. I've gone to the Embankment branch on two occasions; the first was mostly centred around drinking Margaritas, the second was a dinner. The place settings at Lupita have little illustrations demonstrating how to properly consume tacos, some light entertainment if you are waiting for your friends or your food. The Classic Margarita with agave tequila is incredibly refreshing, and comes highly recommended. The Sinaloense Ceviche is a must-have starter. It’s small, so sharing is not an option. When we ordered the Guacamole Artensanal, a little fold up table was brought over to us, and the guacamole was made freshly in a stone mortar. The Carnitas and Gringa, both traditional pork dishes, are worth a try if you want to go for the classic Mexican. The food is quite light and fresh in general, not loaded with cheese or sauce. Some of the dishes could use more grease, and they actually charge £ 1.25 for a bit of cheese or sour cream. The menu is quite extensive and varied, and I will definitely return to try more of what Lupita has to offer. 

13-15 Villiers Street, London WC2N 6ND