 Mercado Restaurant Review: Mercado is Jesse Gomez’ third contemporary Mexican restaurant (alongside Highland Park’s El Arco Iris and Yxta Cocina Mexicana downtown) --- and it’s certainly the most sophisticated. Just off the Third Street Promenade, the stylish modern space attracts a casual, upscale crowd who wants more than tacos from their Mexican cuisine. The energy is high, and the room can be extremely loud with music and talk. Remedy this with a well-crafted tequila cocktail featuring a jícama-cucumber house purée, or muddled pineapple, cilantro and jalapeño. Small plates are a perfect complement, especially the seductive "dos gringas" --- a pair of handmade flour tortillas filled with savory roasted al pastor, Oaxaca cheese, cilantro and chile arbol. Wolfgang Puck-trained chef Jose Acevedo turns out light creations including daily soups, such as cream of lobster or poblano chile, and a kale arugula salad with candied pumpkin seeds. Seasonal ingredients make up daily specials like a delicate white bass, while the signature dish is a juicy piece of slow-cooked pork carnitas. The flan is a destination dessert.
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Mercado Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013
| Top 10 LA Mexican Restaurants
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
