There’s nothing better than anticipating a Happy Hour that turns out great. That’s what our San Diego Foodies and Carlsbad Foodies Members experienced this past
Friday at Cocina de Barrio, Encinitas.
Walking in, we notice of all things, how pretty the floor is. Very authentic. And we know we are in the right place!
We order simple things like quacamole. What we don’t expect is a big heavy bowl with feet, and very authentic ‘we can’t make it like this at home’ quality of true guacamole (and plenty of it). So good.
This is a place for locals that no one seems to know about. Lisa says: “This is very, very good”. “And it’s a lot” Laurie adds. I have to agree. Usually Happy Hour means small portions and fried. Not at Cocina de Barrio! So we are all pretty pleased.
Next comes a coconut dish. Young coconut meat, avocado, red onion, cucumber, radishes, cilantro, spicy lime sauce. Laurie says: “I love the cucumbers in this dish”. It’s spread from one end of the plate to the other. Nice size portion. Lisa adds: “It’s healthy …. I don’t think there’s anything in there that isn’t healthy. “And Yummy” Laurie throws in. And she’s right again.
Without even trying, outside of the shrimp tacos I ordered, the meal turns out to be vegan. Yes. That’s how good it is. Raving reviews without even trying their meat or chicken!
The food here is delicious. I see Lisa going for the sauce over and over. I explain the sauce is an acid element that really bumps up the flavor. I introduce Laurie to Tajin a sweet and salty rim on her drink. Don’t think she will like it, she says, but she does.
I love introducing people to new things. Like the time I told our group about ordering pickled wasabi, because the green stuff is all chemicals and doesn’t taste half as good. But there’s a trick to it. Use your chopsticks and put a bit into your mouth, then the sushi. Everyone liked that too! Feel free to try it next time you are eating sushi. (Some places call it ‘fresh’ wasabi’).
Back to our Mexican Happy Hour. Laurie says: ‘These drinks are a good pour’. Lisa adds: “And these portions are ridiculously big”. She says: ‘I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place because I live right near here”. And we all agree ~ We will most certainly be back!
One warning: Make sure if you order tacos, if it’s mushroom tacos, just yummy. No worries. But for the shrimp, double check to ask
if they are spicy. Mine were. And I really did expect if one wasn’t spicy that the others wouldn’t be as well. My bad.
We will do a brunch there soon. Would you like to join us? Text your name and best dates to 858-224-4485 and tell us if you prefer either a happy hour again or brunch.
With garlic, gusto and gratitude, With garlic, gusto and gratitude,
Chef Marian🥂
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