Southern California has scores of Mexican restaurants with most of them doing a good job of cooking up spicy and satisfying standards – tacos, enchiladas, burritos, salsas and the like, but it is not often that the bar is raised to produce sophisticated complex flavors with artistic plating along with some new creations sure to please.
In the Downtown Arts District at 6th and Central, just a half hour south of SCV – Yxta Cocina Mexicana – (pronounced eeks-tah), does just that, gourmet Mexican cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Blanca Prado.
Owner Jesse Gomez started Yxta a little over two years ago, but his family has owned El Arco Iris for 30 years so he really grew up in the business. In fact, Jesse is branching out on a new venture “Mercado” with partner Jose Acevedo to be opened late September 2011 on 4thStreet in Santa Monica. To get in on a preview menu tasting at Mercado on August 9, 2011 you can RSVP to info@yxta.net and reserve your spot for $50.00. If Mercado is anything like Yxta, it will be worth the money.
To sum it up, there is nothing bad to be said about Yxta - and we sampled nearly a dozen items. However “it’s all good” is just too boring and not at all descriptive of the meal so you can find Part I “appetizers and signature cocktails” here and Part II “entrees and desserts” following.
Yxta serves nearly 50 different tequilas at the chic industrial decor bar, so if tequila is your thing choose a shot of your favorite or sip margaritas such as the Jamaica (Hibiscus) infused tequila or the lovely Blood Orange – (my favorite) served on the rocks. Both are perfect on the scale of sweetness versus tart and with the Jamaica a waft of floral will tantalize your senses. The signature cocktail Mexican Russian is a wonderful concoction of vodka, Kahlua and horchata and topped with cinnamon. A sweet, light drink that goes down way too easy.
Before you order anything, ask if Squash Blossoms are available and if they are, order them. Zucchini blossoms filled with cheese, lightly battered and fried are wonderfully light and though it is only the blossom you still get a taste of zucchini all the same, particularly near the stem.
Empanadas are filled with “chef’s seasonal filling” and tonight it was a spicy chicken mixture with incredibly thin dough that doesn’t overpower the filling. A drizzle of cream and salsa brava – little packets of flavor.
The Rajas Poblanas is a rich, savory dish with strips of poblano chilies, fresh sweet corn and spices simmered together then finished with heavy cream. Scoop this up with some tortilla chips for a hearty intensly flavorful appetzier - Muy Bueno!
Next was Tostadas de Atun – sashimi ahi on crispy tortillas with battered and fried onion strips, chipotle lime cream and avocado. Loaded with ahi, a nice contrast of soft tuna, crunchy shell and lightly spicy cream.
Another non-meat appetizer – the Tacos Dorados de Papa are hard-shelled tacos filled with spicy mashed potatoes, cabbage, crema fresa and queso fresco.
The Pastor Tacos are addicting and cooked the authentic way – roasting on a vertical skewer (like shwarma). Marinated in chilies, pineapple and spices the sweet smoky meat on handmade corn tortillas will be some of the best you have ever had.
We also hear they have a great happy hour so if you work in the area, make it a point to stop by soon. Yxta is located on the corner of 6th and Central Avenue at 601 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles. Phone 213-596-5579. Hours are Mon – Wed 11:30am – 9:00pm., Thur – Fri until 10 p.m. and Sat 5pm – 10pm.
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