Mission Cantina by George Abou-Daoud: good tacos, drinks, service...review w/pics
Mission Cantina, Que Bonita y Deliciosa
The Mission Cantina
5946 West Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood
(323-469-3130)
Sunday afternoon we found ourselves at Mission Cantina. I am somewhat dedicated to both trying everything new and likely that comes across my path, but also lowering the budget of my entertainment/food intake. Mission Cantina fit both bills perfectly.
The menu is tiny. This is not a place to come with someone who is picky, or needs lots of choices. Some tacos, a few appetizers, and lots and lots and lots of tequila.
I love any restaurant where I can gaze into the kitchen. Having worked in the restaurant industry on many levels during my entire twenties, I love to see the inner workings, analyze the interactions between back and front of house, and so on. It is less about checking for cleanliness and the validity of that A rating, and more about the social culture of the establishment. Were I to return to school for my Ph.D in anthropology as initially intended, it might focus on restaurants and their internal workings. There has to be a dissertation in there somewhere.
I fell in love with the light fixtures, thinking of course how great it would look in my own Spanish style bungalow circa 1917. It would unfortunately dwarf what is already a small space to begin with, but I like to dream big.
There are 5 of these stained glass light boxed decorating the walls of Mission Cantina. Just stunning. George Abou-Daoud, proprietor of Mission Cantina, Bowery and Delancey, really knows how to grasp a concept and follow it through to its logical and aesthetical conclusion. Cal/Mex Mission design and decor at Mission Cantina, NY local style replete with subway tiles and chalkboards at The Bowery and East Coast Italian at Delancey with exposed brick and housemade pasta.
Although we custom ordered our margs and the bartender/waitress was a little incredulous at the idea of so much tequila in such tiny glasses, they kicked ass. Whatever they're using as mix probably would have also been amazing in a full size glass. There was nothing sweet nor syrupy in this concoction. I had two. I could easily have had three had I not needed to see a man about a dog.
First item of business was the ceviche made with red snapper. Wonderful size a proportion, lots of fish lovingly marinated. Not too acidic...juuust right.
Another thing that made this ceviche great was the amount of fresh veg in, on and under the fish. Cilantro, tomato, cucumber, onion. Crunch, crunch, squish. Very good freshly fried tortilla chips on the side for double dipping. Yes, double dip, I say. Bring on the germs!
Here are the bare bones mahi mahi tacos. Generous portions of fresh mahi simply grilled and served atop fresh tortillas. I would have liked my tortillas grilled a little more, they were a hair on the cool side, and I like them very soft and warm. But they were clearly fresh, if not made just before serving most likely the day of serving or possibly the day prior. Once one has a fresh tortilla off the grill from Central Market or in Puerto Nuevo, Baja, anything less than 30 seconds fresh is not the same dining experience. But my experience was relatively unhindered here.
The menu offers several kinds of topping for your tacos, I think you get two gratis. Since we ordered so many, she brought us one of everything. Sour cream, manchego, salsa verde and regular salsa, regular but dark and smokey although not habanjera.
On another small plate arrives salsa fresca, cebollas with cilantro, jalapenos and pickled red onions.
The taco de pollo con mole was for me. I am not sharing. I added a trace of sour cream and it was....bananas. The tastiest thing I have put in my mouth in weeks. Amazing. The tacos de verduras have soft potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, crook neck squash (I think) and onions. Didn't even need salsa, the veggies were so flavorful.
I like my simple grilled tacos dressed simply. A little spicy hot sauce and a little manchego. Perfection.
Yes, I ate more than three. I ate four. My fourth I dressed with a little hot sauce and onions/cilantro.
What the heez did they do to the rice and beans? Not what you get in the average greasy Mexican spoon 'round these parts. The beans were not refried, just stewed beans with manchego. The rice was not Spanish style but was lighter and fluffier, and incredibly flavorful, must have been cooked in chicken broth. I could have had this as a meal.
All in all, this was a success. Mission Cantina has a small menu that delivers what it offers. Simple Mexican food that tastes wonderful on an early Sunday evening, at the true beginning of fall. GREAT service. Thirsty drinks and plenty of them.
review w/pics aqui: http://foodshethought.blogspot.com/20...
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rednyellow
Feb 19, 2009 10:44 PM
I just had a very POOR experience at Mission. It was my first and probably last time. I wanted a small dinner and gave them a try. I ordered the slow cooked beef (barbacoa?) tacos combo with rice and beans and an order of guacamole. The chips were fine but the salsa had a very oily texture, made my lips feel greasy and no heat. The tacos were very small and too bland. The meat was good, but not really seasoned, not much spice. The rice and beans were ok, plain simmered beans and fluffy rice. The kind of food I feel stupid paying for. I paid my bill and they shorted my change, which I hate. I just wanted to leave, didn't feel like bringing it up, so I shorted the tip. When I was driving away, I got to thinking about the total of the check and it dawned on me that I never got the guacamole, but was charged for it.
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