Saturday, September 22, 2007

MEXICALI COCINA CANTINA - Studio City

My friends, Sean & Shawn, and I ventured through the canyon for lunch on this sunny September Saturday. We chose the Mexicali Cocina Cantina. This casual cocina is extremely popular on the weekend evenings so we decided to try it for a late lunch. This eatery has bar seating, table setting around the outside of the space and large wooden booths down the center. The center booths are the best for people watching!

We enjoyed, not one, but 2 pitchers of original margaritas with double the tequila! Very refreshing – went perfectly with the warm, fresh chips drizzled with a bit of lime juice.


I selected the rotisserie citrus chicken - marinated in a delicious blend of various citrus juices, garlic and cilantro. The chicken was served with a drizzle of the citrus marinate. This was the most succulent rotisserie chicken I have found in the US. Of the 7 sides offered on the lunch menu, I chose the mexicali rice and the warm, creamy roasted corn relish. The zesty red rice with tidbits of carrots and tomato was delicious. The creamy roasted corn relish was a scrumptious blend of whole kernel yellow corn, diced white onion, diced red/green/yellow peppers in a very thin cream sauce. This relish is addictive!


I only had a sample of Shawn’s chicken tortilla soup. Delicious. I must return for my own bowl. A single spoon just teased my taste buds!


The friendly staff is somewhat attentive, which was surprising considering the fact it was around 2pm on Saturday and was only 25% occupied.

Mmm, Mmm...

$$
+++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

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