6 Stop Fish Taco Crawl from Long Beach to LA

When it comes to tacos, Los Angeles County is abound with taco shops a plenty that sell these tortilla treasures with all sorts of fillings, from carne asada to chicken, from carnitas to potato and so much more. But for one day, it was all about the Fish Taco and the journey that members of my dining group took from Long Beach to Los Angeles in search of Fish Taco Greatness. Led by Robert, an Assistant Organizer for Pleasure Palate and our intrepid taco leader, it was definitely a fun-filled tasty day of sampling fish tacos from 6 different taco joints. Our first stop was at Hole Mole in Long Beach, which has four locations in Long Beach and Whittier.

The fish taco at Hole Mole was actually one of my favorites of the whole day. Pros: The fish was moist and delicate and the batter was light and crispy. There was a good proportion of batter to fish. Cons: The fish itself was too big, which made the taco difficult to bite into while the tortilla was just average. Also, there weren't enough variety in salsas or other condiments. I also would have been fine with a little less sour cream.

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Our second stop was at Taco Beach in downtown Long Beach. Of all our stops, this one was the odd man out. It was really more of a bar and hangout than a taco joint. Go there for beer and a good time on a Friday or Saturday night, but definitely not for tacos.

The tacos at Taco Beach were the least favorite of our entire group. Pros: The fish was cut in smaller pieces which made for more easier eating and the Thousand Island-style dressing had a nice spicy kick to it andwould have been perfect for a coleslaw. The salsa also tasted really fresh with some great heat. Cons: The fish was over-fried, which meant the fish was dry and the batter was too crunchy. Also, the taco lacked tomatoes, which would added some acidity and moisture to this taco. The tortilla didn't seem fresh and was on the dry side.

Third on our list was Senor Baja in Bellflower, which is 1 of 22 locations in Southern California. A little taco empire seems to be growing. What's nice about Senor Baja is that they offer 99 cent tacos on Mondays, Wednesday and Sundays, until closing. That's budget eating at its best.

When it came to the taco at Senor Baja, I was more enthralled with everything but the fish itself. Pros: The tortilla had a nice thickness to it and the veggies were fresh and crunchy. There was also a great selection of salsas as well as radishes, limes, pickled veggies and chilies that you can have in addition to your taco. On selected days, their fish tacos are only 99 cents which is a nice value. Cons: The fish wasn't as crispy as it could have been and was also the oiliest of all the fish tacos we tried that day. It was also fried for too long and like the fish at Hole Mole, was too big.

Fourth on our route was Taco Nazo, which was also in Bellflower and is part of a 5 restaurant chain in the LA area. What's interesting is that my first ever fish taco experience was at El Taco Nazo in Baldwin Park and I initially thought these two restaurants were part of the same chain, but they're not. Anyway, for me, the fish taco at Taco Nazo was my favorite and was also the favorite or at least in the top 3 of everyone in our Taco Troupe.

There's actually sign inside the restaurant that declares themselves as having the Best Local Fish Tacos. Now I can't totally agree with that statement, but at least for that day and in comparison with 5 other fish tacos, it was tops on my list. Pros: The fish was moist and delicate and the batter light and crispy. It was deep fried to a perfect golden brown and wasn't oily. The tortillas had a nice thickness to them and the condiment bar had a good selection plus I totally fell in love with their Chile Guerritos. I could have eaten a whole bucket of them. Cons: Too much mayo and too many vegetables made it really messy to eat. In retrospect, that's is a pretty minor con.

From Taco Nazo, we went to Tacos Baja Ensenada. Of all our stops, this was the one place I was looking forward to the most, especially since the last time I went, a whole bunch of customers were turned away because they ran out of food. How strange was that.

Since I've heard a lot of praise for this restaurant, my expectations were really high. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed. Pros: The tortillas were good and I really liked the freshness of the limes, radishes and chili peppers at the condiment table. Cons: The fish wasn't crispy enough and just seemed too big for the size of the tortilla. There wasn't enough cabbage to suit me and the whole taco was overwhelmed with sauces, including a red sauce that was just way too sweet and honestly, could have done without it.

Our last stop was the Best Fish Taco in Ensenada. I've also heard good things about this place so like Tacos Baja Ensenada, I was looking forward to tasting what all the fuss was about.

This taco was also quite disappointing. Pros: The fish itself was moist and light and their radish salsa was really interesting and had a nice bite to it. I liked that you could customize the taco to your taste in regards to toppings. Cons: The fish wasn't crispy plus the batter was really blah. Also, their tortilla was the one I liked the least of all the tacos we tried. It was dry and a little too hard. Granted, it's towards the end of the day, but salsas were kind of watery and the vegetables like the cabbage just didn't look or taste fresh.

This was definitely a full day, but it was definitely an interesting experience comparing tacos almost side by side. It also helped that Robert gave us all rating sheets where we could rate from 1 to 5 the taco in several categories like Quality of Fish, Quality of Fish Batter, Quality of Tortilla and more. The sheet really helped me with focusing on all the various aspects of all the fish tacos we tried.

I should also note that I was only comparing the 6 tacos just to each other and not in comparison to authentic fish tacos in Mexico, specifically Ensenada. If I were to do that, I'd say without question that none of the places we tried had tacos that would even come close to the sheer perfection of the fish tacos that I've experienced in Mexico. But for now, if I simply just want fish tacos that will satisfy and please my palate, Taco Nazo and Hole Mole will do in a pinch.

Click here to see all 59 photos!

Hole Mole
1327 E. 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437-0878


Taco Beach
211 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 983-1337


Senor Baja
14351 Clark Avenue
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 866-2243


Taco Nazo
10316 Alondra Boulevard
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 866-3306


Tacos Baja Ensenada
5385 Whittier Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 887-1980


The Best Fish Taco in Ensenada
1650 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 466-5552




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Upcoming February Pleasure Palate Events

If you're in the LA area or even visiting the LA area and are looking for unique culinary experiences, please check out my dining group, Pleasure Palate, by clicking here! While there's a variety of events currently on the calendar, I'd like to highlight some below.

Are you a lover of international cuisine, but also want value for your dining dollars, then there are two events happening this week that definitely may be of interest.

Photo Credit to Gastronomy Blog

February 25 - Traditional Brazilian Meal at Rio de Brasil
For only $21 (incl tax and tip), you'll get a chance to experience the national dish of Brazil in the form of the Feijoada. It consists of a black bean stew with lots of pork and dried beef. Along with the Feijoada, we will be sharing various side dishes and everyone gets a non-alcoholic drink and dessert. There's been a lot of Blogger Press about Rio de Brasil. See below:

Blame it on Rio Brazil Cafe - Street Gourmet LA
Feijoada Battle with Fellow Blogger, Exile Kiss - Street Gourmet LA
Gastronomy Blog
Food She Thought
Food GPS
LA Times

This is going to be a delicious meal that isn't going to break the bank, so now's the time to RSVP!

Click Here For More Info and to RSVP!

February 27 - Cemitas Party at Cemitas y Clayudas Pal Cabron
If you've never had a Cemita before, how you can you turn down a chance to try up to 12 of them at Guelaguetza's sister restaurant, Cemitas y Clayudas Pal Cabron.

Click here to check out the Cemitas Food Porn and the Quirky Paintings at the Restaurant.
Read my blog posting here!

A mere $15 is all it's going to cost you to join in this Cemitas Free For All and it even includes samples of their Clayuda, Agua Frescas and a Beer or Michelada. Afterwards, we could even wander across the street and visit Monarcha Bakery for some delicious Mexican pastries and ice cream.

Click Here For More Info and to RSVP!

Winner Announced for Chinese New Year Brunch at the Pasadena Langham Hotel

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Chinese New Year's Brunch Giveaway from the Pasadena Langham Hotel! After counting up all the various entries and running them through Random.org, congrats go to Miriam Dema for being the winner. She and a guest will be enjoying a delicious brunch courtesy of the Pasadena Langham Hotel.

If you didn't win, there's still a chance to check it for yourself. Read below for more info!

Champagne Chinese New Year's Brunch runs every Sunday in the month of February

• 10 am to 3 pm
• Sunday Brunch is $75 for adults and $35 for children under 12.
• Complimentary valet parking is available.
• For reservations, please dial (626) 585-6218 or book online.

Langham Hotel
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 568-3900

Chinese New Year's Brunch at the Terrace in the Pasadena Langham Hotel + GIVEAWAY!

A couple of weeks ago, I received an invitation from PR Rep, Britta Franson of Weber Shandwick to try out the Chinese New Year's Brunch at the Terrace in the Pasadena Langham Hotel. My previous visits have included enjoying their Chocolate Tea at the Lobby Lounge and a Media Dinner at the Dining Room to check out Chef Michael Voltaggio's new menu, but their brunch at the Terrace was something I had yet to experience. I jumped at the chance and was even able to bring a guest.

As we were being seated, our hostess graciously pointed out where all the various food stations were situated in the dining room. I have to admit to feeling a bit dazed by the time I sat down. There were just so many food options. I already pictured myself having to be rolled out to my car. The first thing I wanted to mention is that while your server was happy to consistently refill both your water, champagne and orange juice glasses, there was actually a Self-Service Drink Station where you could mix your own Mimosas, your own Bloody Mary drink or have a glassful of a drink made up of St. Germaine Liqueur and Green Tea. Choices abound.

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Although the pastry and muffin station looked tempting, carb freak that I could be, I decided to skip it entirely to ensure that I had enough room in my system for everything else. Take a look below at what I "bravely" gave up.

The first thing I put on my plate was cheese and considering that I am such a cheesehead, I actually restrained myself by just taking 3 out of the 10 that were available. I wasn't tempted by the fresh fruit, but a couple of slices of bread with olives called to me.

Around the corner from the bread was a charcuterie lover's delight - various cured meats on wooden boards. Of course, I had to have a piece (or two) of all of them, along with a green bean salad and lox.

Down the stairs was a Sushi Station and a spicy tuna roll and a salmon and eel nigiri also landed on my plate before I sat down to enjoy the first part of my meal.

Now that I've had my fill of cured meats and cheese, it was time to investigate the Chinese Food, a special brunch offering just for the month of February. At one station there was a chef preparing stir fry dishes using fresh colorful vegetables.

Next to him was a carving station where you could get slices of Char Siu Pork and Peking Duck.

Dim sum was also on the brunch menu and included everything from steamed pork buns, and shau mai to shrimp and scallop dumplings. There were even Chinese soup spoons of various condiments for additional flavor.

Doesn't this look a pretty picture below? I think Mimosas should be a new Dim Sum tradition at all San Gabriel Valley dim sum restaurants.

The nice thing about dining at the Terrace was no one was rushing us out the door. My guest and I enjoyed our food at a leisurely pace. There would be moments where we'd pause our eating just to chat and enjoy each other's company in between sips of our Mimosas. I think that also gave us time to digest our food in between forays to the various food stations situated in all corners of the restaurant.

After enjoying our Dim Sum, we found out that there were other Chinese-inspired small plates of dishes like a Hibiscus Poached Chicken with Ginger Orange Carrot Puree.

If seafood was your thing, believe me, you were taken care of. Beneath an ice sculpture, there were raw oysters, shrimp and even crab claws along with lemon and cocktail sauce, if you so desired.

If you're of a meat lover, you were covered to because there was a carving station where you could get both lamb and prime rib with a side of veggies (or not).

Suffice to say, I definitely got surf and turf all in one plate, as you can see.

Since I wanted dessert, I only had a few bites of what was on that plate, which I actually felt a little bad about. In retrospect, I think my friend and I should have shared so as not to be too wasteful, but at least we ended up doing that when it came to our desserts, starting with our crepe. With the crepes, there were also waffles, but I was happy to skip that. The crepes were cooked with your choice of fresh fruit and topped with this amazing caramel sauce. I was feeling the blackberries, which were deliciously plump and tart.

Around the corner was a huge Chocolate Fountain with bowls of fruit, housemade marshmallows and cake squares for your dipping pleasure. I decided to forgo all this chocolate goodness and opted for the dessert station.

The desserts were also Chinese or Asian inspired. There was everything from Jasmine Flan and a Mango Mousse to a Taro Cake and Lychee Fruit Salad. My favorite was actually the Hazelnut Almond Cake with Chocolate. Other sweets included Creme Brulee and a Raspberry Gateau.

In the end, I really enjoyed the brunch at the Terrace although I do have a few quibbles about some of what I ate For example, the prime rib was way too rare to suit me. The Hibiscus Chicken I mentioned earlier was a little too dry and the surprisingly, so was the crab claw meat. The Peking Duck was also a tad oily, but was at least moist and juicy. When it came to the Chinese food, specifically the dim sum, I'd say that there are better options in San Gabriel Valley, but I can also say that there are also worse options in San Gabriel Valley. In geneal, the dumplings and buns were pretty good.

Overall, it was a very relaxing atmosphere with the piano playing in the background. The service was excellent with our beverage glasses always filled as soon as they got empty. As for the food, was it a mind blowing experience for my taste buds? No. I think that's too much to ask of a brunch; however, every thing was fresh and well-prepared and the variety was absolutely stellar. My guest and I got there at 11 am and literally closed the place down. Suffice it to say, we had a great afternoon at the Terrace.

Champagne Chinese New Year's Brunch runs every Sunday in the month of February

• 10 am to 3 pm
• Sunday Brunch is $75 for adults and $35 for children under 12.
• Complimentary valet parking is available.
• For reservations, please dial (626) 585-6218 or book online.

Langham Hotel
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 568-3900


Prize Giveaway!

Now that you've read about how much I enjoyed the Chinese New Year's Brunch at the Terrace in the Langham Hotel, now is your chance for you and a guest to experience this brunch for yourselves! The total cash value for this prize is $150.00 and includes everything you've read in this post. Available dates for this brunch are Sunday, February 21 or Sunday, February 28. What a perfect way to spend a Sunday Afternoon. There are several different ways to enter and each way gets you an entry!

Mandatory (for at least one entry)

1. Leave a comment on my blog and let me know why you'd like to win this prize. Be sure to leave some kind of contact info so that I can get a hold of you, if you've won.
   

Additional Entries:

New to Pleasure Palate or the Langham? You can do any or all of the things listed below for additional entries.

Already Following or a Fan of Pleasure Palate and the Langham? Please mention whether you've already done 1 through 5 and if you've done 6 and 7 for additional entries.

In both scenarios, you can have up to 8 entries each; however, please note that you have to comment back and let me know which of the actions you took, so that I can keep track of them. If you don't, you'll be entered only once instead of multiple times.

1. Follow Pleasure Palate on Twitter
2. Fan Pleasure Palate on Facebook
3. Follow the Pasadena Langham Hotel on Twitter
   
4. Fan the Pasadena Langham on Facebook
5. Join the Pleasure Palate Dining Group
   
6. Friend Me on Facebook AND Mention this Contest on your Facebook Profile
7. Tweet: Win a Chance for Two to Enjoy Brunch at @LanghamPasadena via @pleasurepalate: http://bit.ly/bUaBOS

Contest Ends Tuesday, February 16 at midnight. Winner will be chosen randomly. Please leave some kind of contact info in your comments so that I'll be able to email you if you've won this prize!




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