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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Zócalo Cocina Mexicana

Relocating from Brighton over a year ago, Zócalo has made a home in the former Stix Restaurant space on Stanhope Street, directly across from the Clarendon Street entrance of Back Bay Station.Serving contemporary Mexican cuisine in an atmosphere almost identical to that of its former predecessor; hard angled wood panels and large circular light fixtures define the space. I liked their blackboard specials done up in bold artistic writing and brightly colored chalk. 

The Award Winning Guacamole ($9.95) is prepared fresh to order, living up - in my opinion - to whatever awards it has been granted.Crispy corn Tortilla chips are served warm with a side of salsa. We went all out and ordered the non complimentary bowl of salsa as well, (the portion size compares to the guac bowl) the Salsa De Jalisico ($9.25) which is also prepared fresh to order with roasted chiles, roasted tomatoes, roasted tomatillos, garlic, onions and cilantro. I wished it had a little more heat to it, but otherwise it was a flavorful salsa with prevalent chunks of roasted green chiles. You would be wise though, to save yourself $9 and stick with the complimentary version.
My Mango Chilita ($10.95) cocktail made with Corzo Silver Tequila, mango puree, jalapeno syrup, and fresh lime was good but not remarkably strong or spicy. Plantains came alongside some of the entrees and they were fantastic! My friends Gretchen and Lisa both loved their entrees of Chile Rellenos ($19.95) - two roasted poblanos chiles; one stuffed with mixed Mexican cheeses, spinach, raisins and toasted almonds; the other with braised pork, served on a roasted tomato broth, with plantains and Mexican rice. The menu did look to offer some vegetarian options and DeMane was able to customize a vegan dish to her liking. The waiter was happy to accommodate her requests which is always nice to see. I was equally as impressed with my entrée choice of Carnitas ($20.95). The tender, flavorful braised pork adobo sat over a brilliantly paired mango-cucumber guacamole. Thick, fresh chunks of juicy mango and crisp cucumber smothered in more of that creamy, lust-worthy guacamole was excellent!A cold pico de gallo piled on top of the pork adobo rounded out the dish. Mexican rice and black beans accompanied, I especially enjoyed the presentation of the beans in a mini cast iron skillet.The reasonably priced entrees utilizing high quality, authentic ingredients proves Zócalo Cocina is a worthy choice for your next Mexican meal out in Boston!

22 comments:

  1. It all looks really good! Especially the plantains with crema and that mango drink.

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  2. I love Mexican food - it's great to know there's a new joint in the area. Your drink's chili rim is definitely inventive - too bad the drink was a little mas fuerte :)

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  3. I had a really good meal there - I was definitely impressed, their drinks do need a bit of work though

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  4. Seems like a tasty meal to me, I have been craving mexican intensely

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  5. I think I would have gotten the same dish as you... sounds amazing!

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  6. Now I am craving Mexican food - especially that guac! Looks amazing.

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  7. ive always wanted to go there when it was in brighto! i thought it closed for good- good to know it's still around! must try one of these days.

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  8. I've had some great Mexican lately (Lolita, Papagayo) and this looks like a must-try! Thank you for the detailed, drool worthy review!

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  9. oh man i would have a serious food baby after visiting this restaurant. everyone looks great.

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  10. i meant everything looks great...must review comments before pushing post.

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  11. We have a Zocalo in LA as well, although I don't think these two restaurants are affiliated.

    Love guacamole. It always bothers me to spend $8-$10 on a bowl of it but like you said, it's worth it! It looks delicious!

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  12. I've been dying to try that place!!! Next time you girls go out, I'm crashing the party. I never get to see Gretchen anymore : )

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  13. I'm always in the mood for Mexican food so this looks perfect for our next place to try!

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  14. I love the architecture of that place - so cool!

    I'm pretty sure an entire meal could be made out of the guac and chips!

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  15. I'm so glad something replaced Stix because it was terrible! Zocalo looks great and I can't wait to try it out!

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  16. It's 1:30 in the morning and I can't sleep. Oh how I want a taco...

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  17. I've been really wanting to try Zocalo! That guac bowl looks INSANE. I love the stuff so much I could probably put a good dent in it by myself. Thanks for the review... I def need to head over there soon!

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  18. Zocalo looks great - your cocktail is making me thirsty....and it is Thursday afterall -

    Thanks so much for pointing to my blog! So many good vibes!

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  19. you made me hungry!! need to check out that guac :)

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  20. Shows what I know! Ever since I left Brookline a year ago I am out of touch - had no clue Zocalo moved! I always liked their margarita sampler and their tableside guac presentation.

    Seriously, is anything better than Mexican food??

    Looks awesome!!

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