We attended the 3rd Annual Festival de La Brasa in Tijuana, MX this past Sunday. The event was also commemorating the 122nd birthday of Tijuana.  Walking up to the event you are automatically drawn to the intoxicating smell of coals burning. The  toughest decision of the day was where to start.


As soon as we walked in they were placing a pig into the ” caja china”, I knew right away that we had to try the pork. We ordered a Taco de Puerco a las brasas. This pork was so delicious, and that word doesn’t even fully explain it.  The garnish of cool avocado and pickled onions, were the ideal compliment to the smoky flavor of the pork.  I have always been a fan of pork, but this was pork on a whole other level.

With Chef Javier Plascencia. Once again my favorite dishes of the day came from one of his restaurant’s Erizo. I can not wait to have dinner at another one of his restaurants Misión 19 next Saturday. The 30th of July marks the first wedding anniversary for my husband and I, and I can not think of any other place that I would want to have dinner at.

The Tostada de Pulpo Asado (Grilled Octopus tostada) from Erizo  was one of my favorites of the day. If it weren’t for the award winning oysters being there, this would have won my full vote. The grilled octopus had a really nice flavor and texture to it. Every bite into this crunchy tostada was like a little slice of heaven to me. Every component was absolutely divine!

Making its’ second appearance in my life was this beauty. This is the award winning oyster from the LA Street Food Fest. You can find the full description HERE. Once again I was blown away  by it. Every bite includes a bit of every ingredient, and it is just magical. I am well aware of the fact that I just described an oyster as being “magical”, but that really does best fit its description.

This is Ensalada de Nopal (Cactus Salad) from La Diferencia. The presentation made this salad look very delicate, but it was hearty and full of flavor. I think that the Cilantro dressing was a delightful and refreshing finish to this tasty salad.

Tequila de Cascabel ( Tequila with a Rattlesnake in it.) No, I did not get any where even near trying this. I stuck with the lovely wine from L.A. Cetto.

L.A. Cetto. We visited these vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe a few summers back. Ever since then it has been one of my favorites from Baja California. We shared a bottle (or two) of their chilled Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

A refreshing Clamato from Cheripan.

A crisp and and cool Tostada de Marlin from Los Arcos.

Elementos presented their dishes beautifully.

Mosto had gorgeous presentation as well. We tasted their Pistachio and Lime macarons. I am a sucker for good macarons, and these were so light and flavorful. I have had my fair share of macarons that have been a tad too sweet, and these were just right. The pistachio and lime flavors were able to shine through this delicate little cookie.

We had a wonderful time at this festival. It was our first time, and definitely not the last. The whole festival had such a wonderful ambiance to it. The music, the people, and of course the food and drinks. It was a beautiful Sunday filled with good bites and good times.

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