Tempo Urban Kitchen Awards

Tempo Urban Kitchen Restaurant Review:

From the outside, this humble Brea restaurant looks like a quiet, nondescript strip mall eatery. But the near-industrial interior and paintings of John Coltrane, Miles Davis and other music icons show you to expect the unexpected. You'll find thoughtful, thrilling Mexican fare on the menu, such as the starter of shrimp ceviche-stuffed oysters and roasted bone marrow topped with crispy shrimp, kimchi slaw, chimichurri and honey sriracha, perfect for scooping into a flour tortilla. Familiar and traditional comfort fare is elevated, as seen in the short rib mole taco with chocolate tortilla. Mains are highlighted by a quartet of tableside grill options, including the massive carnitas shank served on the bone alongside nopales and saffron rice. (Note: Former chef Cody Storts has left the restaurant.) Desserts such as made-at-the-table ice cream are fun to experience, but one of the many excellent cocktails might round out the meal as well. The place also packs 'em in for weekend brunch.