Tacolina

I’d first met Tony when I did the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles. He came to hang out with a mutual friend of ours, Johann, as he did the experience. Fast forward to a few years later an I saw him again at Johann’s product launch party.

We met at Tacolina a few weeks later, to continue our conversation over dinner and delicious food.

Now, parking in Silverlake is not for the faint of heart. I ended up dup finding parking up a side street a little ways away and walked down.

Once we exchanged hellos and greetings, we were led to our seat. What I really appreciated is at Tacolina is a pleasantly designed covered outdoor space. It’s not as sensually beautiful as Castia or Mirate. But, it’s a local neighborhood vibe all its own.

I started with the TACOLINA MEZCALITA (mezcal, lime, triple sec, agave).

With this drink, I thought I would taste the mezcal more. This drink would have shined if it was a since ice cube vs multiple small cubes.

The CRAB GUACAMOLE (Jumbo lump crab meat, salsa macha, pomegranate seeds) was a solid choice. I’m glad it was on the special menu for the evening.

Alongside, the TROPICAL (sweet & savory, roasted pineapple, chili de arbol) salsa was sweet and not sweet and hot. Which honestly, I found refreshing and good.

Sometimes, you don’t need your mouth to feel on fire. As I ate the chips with dabs of salsa, I appreciated that I was able to taste all the sweetness and flavors of the fruits.

We each had one of the lightly battered BAJA FISH (red snapper, grilled or battered, herb slaw, chipotle aloli).

For us, the battered version, as suggested by the hostess at the front when I asked her about her favorite dish on the menu was perfection.

For our main dish, Tony and I split the SMOKY MEZCAL SKIRT STEAK (grilled asparagus, potato salad. chipotle-mezcal marinade).

I truly enjoyed the flavor of this dish. Honestly, it was the favorite dish of the night. I could taste the quality of the smoke with every bite.

As we wanted to continue our conversation a bit more, we lingered and split the CHURRO CORAZÓN DULCE DE LECHE (cinnamon. sugar and ice).

Saying goodbye, we both agreed that Tacolina was a great choice of a causal night out for conversation and dinner with friends.

- -