All articles tagged with #mexican cuisine
Michelin awarded three stars to California restaurants Enclos (Sonoma) and Californios (SF), with Californios becoming the world’s first Mexican restaurant to earn a 3-star rating; the Open Tab roundup also covers San Francisco bars using Patronscan facial-recognition, the public romance between Keke Palmer and Sean Evans, and a Bon Appétit feature on how foods become American.
Californios in San Francisco became the world’s first Mexican restaurant to earn three Michelin stars, a historic move announced with Michelin’s California guide; Enclos in Sonoma also earned three stars, while Kato in Los Angeles was promoted to two; several other restaurants gained or lost stars in the 2026 roster.
Dolores is a lively neighborhood Mexican restaurant with a casual atmosphere, offering a variety of traditional dishes like tacos and tlacoyos, along with a strong cocktail program featuring classic and original drinks, open nightly for dinner and weekends for brunch, with accessible facilities and moderate prices.
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant, once with 40 locations, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reduced its operations to 16 stores due to declining sales, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences, as part of a strategic restructuring to improve its financial position.
Chi-Chi's, a former Mexican restaurant chain, is planning a comeback. The chain, which was once popular in the United States, is looking to re-enter the market and revive its brand. This move is part of a broader trend of nostalgic brands attempting to capitalize on their past popularity to attract both old and new customers.
Pew Research Center's study shows that 1 in 10 restaurants in the US serve Mexican cuisine, reflecting the expanding Mexican American population, which grew by 23% in the 2010s. California and Texas are home to 40% of all Mexican restaurants, with 30% of California's Mexican restaurants located in Los Angeles County and 17% of Texas's in Harris County. The analysis also reveals that 22% of Mexican restaurants are considered "fast food," while 12% specialize in serving tacos, and 8% are food trucks. Additionally, 61% of Mexican restaurants are moderately priced, and less than 1% have a high-end rating on Yelp.
Canned enchilada sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes beyond enchiladas. To enhance the flavor, make a roux with flour and butter, add stock, and simmer the sauce. Some creative ways to use canned enchilada sauce include making traditional enchiladas, enchilada soup, enchilada casserole, enchilada dip, wet burritos, Mexican lasagna, chilaquiles, stuffed peppers, Mexican pizza, and incorporating it into Sunday braises.
Making your own enchilada sauce allows for creativity and customization. Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and garlic add brightness and robust flavor. Using different types of chiles, such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla peppers, adds heat and complexity. Roasting the chiles intensifies their flavor, while rehydrating them brings out their full potential. Toasting spices enhances their aroma and taste. Blending and straining the sauce creates a silky smooth texture. Adjusting the consistency and balancing the acidity are crucial steps. Adding chocolate, like unsweetened dark chocolate or Mexican chocolate, adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Metro Detroit restaurants are offering deals and promotions to celebrate National Taco Day on October 4th. Condado Tacos is giving free tacos to app members throughout October, while Del Taco is running "Tacoberfest" with various offers until October 28th. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is offering $2 tacos, and Qdoba is offering double points for rewards members on National Taco Day. Taco Bell has brought back its Taco Lover's Pass, allowing customers to redeem a free taco a day for 30 days for $10 through their app.
Baja fish tacos are a delicious combination of crunchy fried fish, creamy slaw, and zesty chipotle sauce served on a corn tortilla. The secret ingredients to make the batter shine are Mexican lager and yellow mustard. The batter, made with all-purpose flour, corn starch, and seasonings, becomes crispy and puffy when combined with cold beer. The tangy flavor of the mustard and the alcohol of the beer cook out during frying. To make Baja fish tacos at home, dredge fish filets in the batter, fry them, and serve with chipotle sauce, coleslaw, and garnishes like avocado, cilantro, radishes, and cotija cheese.
Heirloom corn strains in Mexico, with their vibrant colors and unique flavors, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Farmers who have preserved these varieties for generations are finding a niche market among consumers seeking organic produce and chefs looking to elevate traditional Mexican dishes. The demand for heirloom corn is fueled by its nostalgic flavor and the desire for authentic, non-genetically modified options. While heirloom corn makes up a small fraction of total corn production in Mexico, its increasing popularity is leading to hopes of increased production. The crop is also gaining attention in foreign markets, particularly in the United States, where tortillerías and restaurants are buying and using heirloom corn.
Manito Taco Shop in Lockport, New York, started as a mobile kitchen during the pandemic and has now become a thriving family restaurant. The taqueria offers a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, taco bowls, quesadillas, nachos, and burritos, with generous portions and spot-on flavors. Customers can also enjoy a salsa bar with a range of fresh toppings and salsas. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the menu includes desserts like churros and flan. Manito Taco Shop has gained a loyal following for its vibrant Mexican flavors and friendly atmosphere.
Bellevue, Washington, offers a diverse dining scene with a strong focus on Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and sushi. Italian and Mexican restaurants also thrive in the area. Some notable establishments include Supreme Dumplings for soup dumplings, Carmine's for classic Italian dishes, Adrian's Restaurant and Tequila Bar for Mexican flavors, Takai by Kashiba for omakase sushi, and The Roll Pod for delicious kathi rolls.
Casa Bonita, the popular Mexican restaurant in Denver, has finally opened its doors with a new menu that includes Mexican staples such as enchiladas and carnitas, as well as a kid-friendly menu. Executive Chef Dana Rodriguez has kept the menu simple but improved the quality. Chips and salsa and sopaipillas are included with every meal. The cocktail menu features classics like margaritas and palomas, as well as non-traditional concoctions with a Mexican twist. The restaurant will have a soft opening with limited dining hours, and guests will be chosen from those who signed up from Casa Bonita’s email list.
Casa Bonita has rolled out its newly anticipated menu for its reopening, featuring Mexican staples such as enchiladas and carnitas to mole and a kid-friendly menu. Executive Chef Dana Rodriguez aimed to improve everything but change nothing during the renovations. The cocktail menu is also an homage to Mexico with classics like margaritas and palomas. The restaurant will have a soft opening with limited dining hours, and guests will be chosen from those who signed up from Casa Bonita’s email list.