Dinner at Yxta Cocina Mexicana, Downtown Los Angeles
Posted on Aug 16, 2011 under Archives | No Comment
Yxta Cocina Mexicana
Located in a strip mall in the industrial arts district in LA is Yxta Cocina Mexicana, serving up traditional Mexican cuisine.
The brick walled high ceiling sleek restaurant is full of dark wood, leather chairs, plenty of Latin inspired artwork and a large communal table overlooking a mosaic tiled bar. I stumbled upon the eatery while researching places to include in an article on downtown Los Angeles. Here is a sampling of what my boyfriend and I sampled.
hibiscus margarita
I started off with a refreshing hibiscus margarita. This paired perfectly with the zesty guacamole appetizer, made with fresh avocado, lime, red onions and topped with pumpkin seeds. We finished the whole bowl.
guacamole
Next came more appetizers, lovely fried squash blossoms bursting with Oaxacan cheese and shrimp, the house salad, and a nice chile relleno with chicken, vegetables and cheese.
Chile relleno
squash blossoms
House salad
Our main courses began with a plate of mole enchiladas. These were filled with shredded chicken and potato and topped with mole poblano and crema fresca. They were served with a side of mexican lemon rice, poblano chiles and frijoles negros.
enchiladas mole
black beans, lemon rice, poblanos
Next came a delicious sampling of their tacos, which included the Al Pastor with marinated pork, pineapple, red onions and cilantro, the Arrachera with marinated skirt steak, pickled red onion and guacamole, the Pescador with white fish cabbage and avocado cream, and the Calabacitas with zucchini, grilled corn and quesa cotija.
taco sampler
We loved all of these tacos, but especially liked the Al Pastor.
We were stuffed after all this delicious food, but were persuaded to try the house special dessert, a Mexican bread pudding. This was awesome – savory and satisfying, served up with some cinnamon ice cream.
Mexican bread pudding
The next time you find yourself downtown, stop by Yxta Cocina Mexicana for some authentic Mexican cuisine. Located at 601 South Central Avenue, 213/596-5579 for reservations.