Kara's Cuisine: Cocina del Barrio Take II

After reading my original review of Cocina del Barrio, Tyler Lindburg, General Manager, gave me a call. He apologized profusely for the service my girlfriends and I received that night, and offered dinner for two on the house. Courtland and I decided to make reservations this last Tuesday.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a very pleasant hostess. She seated us immediately at a table with full view of the kitchen. The crowd was not as busy as my previous experience on a Saturday night, yet most of the tables were full. It felt lively. We were welcomed to the restaurant by our waiter. Tyler came to our table shortly after. We were off to a good start.

Courtland ordered The Trinity Margarita. It tasted just like a top-shelf margarita should.

I ordered a glass of the Spanish Cava. Light and refreshing.

We decided to share the guacamole and some small plates (Pork Carnitas Tacos with Salsa Verde, Skirt Steak Tacos Al Carbon, Lobster Empanadas, Roasted Pablano Pepper Stuffed with Shrimp and Chihuahua).

Guacamole was delicious and pretty garnished with radishes, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro.

The Pork Carnitas and Skirt Steak Tacos Al Carbon

The Lobster Empanadas

Roasted Pablano Pepper Stuffed with Shrimp and Chihuahua

Of the small plates, my favorites were the Pork Carnitas Tacos and Lobster Empanadas. The pork on the tacos was so tender and full of flavor. The Lobster Empanadas was a crunchy dish that matched well with the salsa verde and citrus salsa. The Roasted Pablano Pepper was tasty, albeit on the heavier side with the cheese sauce.

For dessert, we went with the recommendation of our waiter and ordered the Pumpkin Cake - Cajeta Ice Cream/ Pepita Brittle/ Pumpkin Yogurt Puree. The cake was served warm, topped with a cinnamon spice crumb and a pepita brittle. It was nicely paired with the cajeta ice cream (made with cajeta caramel and lightly salted) and the pumpkin yogurt puree. It was a nice and spicy alternative to the typical chocolate dessert we usually order.

Last but not least, Tyler brought over a shot of Asombroso Tequila to end our meal. He explained it was a reposado aged in old Bordeaux barrels, which gives the tequila a pinkish hue. It had hints of chocolate and was meant to be sipped. Not being a big Tequila drinker myself, I took a few sips and found it to be very smooth. Courtland went for the gusto and drank his whole shot in one:)