A burst of color on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City indicates you have found the treasure trove of Mexican delights at Cocina Condesa. With its façade of striking yellows, blues and reds and a large vibrant patio facing Ventura Blvd, Cocina Condesa invites you to discover the bold flavors and authentic Mexican street fare within.
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Elevated to gourmet levels by Executive Chef Eddie Garcia and accompanied by Executive Beverage Director David Rubin’s mezcaleria with its modern take on Latin inspired cocktails, Cocina Condesa is a gastronomic sanctuary of delicious foods and signature drinks!
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Inside, the lovely rustic Mexican décor, rife with natural woods throughout, high ceilings, colorful chairs and a large inviting bar chock full of Mexican trinkets and artwork set the scene for what was a delicious culinary adventure. Three huge floor-to-ceiling doors are open onto the patio that overlooks Ventura Blvd.
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Fresh crispy chips and a tangy smoky salsa kept us company while we sipped our signature cocktails. We enjoyed the Abajado de la Playa (Day at the Beach), which featured sweet monkey Rum, Prohibido Rum, coconut, and pineapple and a La Rosita, with vodka, watermelon, lime juice, soda and salt on the rim. It was strong, spicy and sweet and really hit the spot!
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Our first entrée, the Machado Scramble , with tender braised beef brisket, sautéed onions and peppers in scrambled eggs and crispy spicy poblano hash browns, was, like all the food, served on beautiful wooden plates. It was a sumptuous and satisfying dish that was a unique and intriguing blend of tastes and textures.
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Next we sampled the Filet y Huevos. NOT your typical Steak and eggs. This grilled sirloin steak was ridiculously tender, cooked to perfection, and an ideal accompaniment to the over-medium eggs and poblano hash browns. Outstanding!
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
And the Tacos! The Asado Tacos were full of chunks of succulent skirt steak, incredible guacamole and topped with delicate onion crisps. Like all of the local premiere small batch meats served, the quality and tenderness was truly exceptional!
The Cerveza Battered Pescado Tacos were even better! With a light delectable batter, the fresh Mahi Mahi was sweet and delightful, ensconced in a fresh soft taco shell and smothered in refreshing and piquant avocado crema and jicama cucumber slaw. Tangy and sweet, it was one of the best fish tacos I have ever tasted! Yum!
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
The best was yet to come! The Mayan Chocolate Pancakes were out of this world! Dense and light at the same time, the three large pancakes with real, rich, dark chunks of Mayan Chocolate were topped with sweet seared plantains and accompanied by an agave reduction piloncillo syrup. Yummy does not even come close! These are not your Mom’s pancakes!
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Almost as an afterthought, we ordered the Fruit Bionico. Were we glad we did! This unique fruit carnival was as different from the typical fruit salad as the finest bouillabaisse is from Campbell’s Soup. Mango, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, blueberries, watermelon, and golden raisins topped with Lime infused yogurt, fresh shredded coconut and granola. A refreshing smorgasbord of delectable textures and flavors!
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
Although we were beyond satisfied, we couldn’t bring ourselves to pass on the desserts. The Mini Churros with dolce caramel condensed milk dipping sauce were little pillows of churro heaven!
Even better, though, the Mexican Hot Chocolate spiced Brownies with walnut encrusted fried vanilla ice cream was just amazing! The brownie was the perfect marriage of cake and fudge, and the fried ice cream balanced the sweet of the brownie ingeniously. A perfect end to a sumptuous Mexican feast! 
Cocina Condesa offers a new brunch menu from 9-3pm Saturday and Sunday, lunch and dinner menus, Taco Tuesdays, and Mezcal Monday (50%off drinks). For an elevated gourmet dining and drinking adventure, Cocina Condesa, with its Mexican street food and Mezcaleria, is a Valley dining experience that should not be missed. Valet parking available and located on Ventura Boulevard east of Laurel Canyon. Cocina Condesa takes reservations and gives back epicurean dining bliss for the whole family.
Photo by Lesley Pedraza
ABOUT OUR GUEST BLOGGER
Lesley was brought up in Canada and has had the great fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. Despite that fact that models are supposed to eat as little as possible, she couldn’t help but enjoy the delectables offered to her in Paris, Milan, Hamburg, Zurich, Tokyo and New York City.
After being cast in a touring play with Mickey Rooney that ended their engagement at the Pantages theater, the lure of Los Angeles was too much to resist. She moved here and has since been a model agent and a commercial agent. Her true passion is photography and she now spends her days bringing out the best of everyone who finds themselves in front of her lens.
