In part one "appetizers and signature cocktails" we found out that Yxta Cocina Mexicana is cooking up some of the best gourmet Mexican food you will find in Los Angeles. We covered a number of appetizers and signature cocktails and in this article I’ll tell you a couple of the best entrees and desserts to order when you visit.
If you are not the least bit adventurous you can order a typical dish of chicken enchiladas, or shredded beef tacos, something you are likely familiar with and be entirely satisfied. That is just fine, but in a restaurant of this quality you should step it up and live a little, as Executive Chef Blanca Prado knows how to cook.
The Chicken Mole enchiladas are full of shredded tender chicken and covered in a rich and spicy dark mole sauce. Some folks shy away from mole, this traditional Mexican sauce because of the chocolate component, but mole is so much more than that. Toasted chilies, garlic, spices, moles can have dozens of ingredients and a bit of chocolate helps balance them off. Ask for a taste, you are sure to change your mind about mole and likely to have found your new favorite enchilada.
Yxta also created a yellow mole sauce (no chocolate in this one). This squash-based sauce is a lovely golden color and silky texture, perfect for the Enchiladas de Camaron - shrimp filled enchiladas. This is also a good choice for those who don’t like chili heat as this sauce is nice and mild.
Yxta buys top quality meats and produce and you can taste the difference in the texture of meats in the dishes and the fresh flavors of the vegetables and sauces. For this top quality and care you can expect to pay just a few dollars more but it will be worth every cent.
Desserts at Yxta are no exception to the top quality delicious fare and the Pastel de Queso del Dia a rich, creamy cheesecake with butterscotch and caramel notes will please any cheesecake lover. And, before you say no to dessert, you must try the Capirotada – bread pudding. This incredibly delicious warm bread pudding with raisins, candied nuts, nutmeg, and topped with cinnamon ice cream is like a blanket of love on a lonely night. Such old-fashioned flavors - split this with someone you really like or just scoop up all that love by yourself.
Yxta is located in the Downtown Arts District 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.
If you are located on the West Side you'll be happy to know that Jesse Gomez is also branching out with partner Jose Acevedo to open “Mercado” in Santa Monica in late September 2011 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. Let’s hope they take the bread pudding recipe with them.
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