Nancy's Tastes & Trips - Lula Cocina Mexicana

Where do you go when you crave Mexican food? Wanna know where I go? For me, it's Lula Cocina Mexicana in Santa Monica.





The first thing I like about this restaurant is its cozy, colorful atmosphere.















Whether you're seated indoors or in Lula's vibrant courtyard, your eyes will be entertained
















especially once they spot those wonderful bottles of happiness, aka "Tequila".








I chow down the tortilla chips and salsa as if there's no tomorrow. Lula's Watermelon Margaritas are the best 'cause you can taste the watermelon! Other fun margaritas are the Cadillac, Americana and Blue Adobe. I ain't tellin' you what the ingredients are. Maybe I'll tell you at the end ...











Ready to order now? One of my favorites is Carne Asada a La Tampiqueña (marinated, grilled beef served with Poblano chiles, enchilada, rice and beans). Yes, you get all that on your plate and it tastes so homemade. You also get that rolled-up tortilla & fresh guacamole.










Another great entree is the Mexican Cobb Salad made with chicken, bacon, Ranchero cheese, avocado, fresh lettuce and tomato tossed in a red wine vinaigrette. Our servers are so coooool about how picky we are - just tell them what INGREDIENTS you don't want. At Lula's everything's possible!




Now, remember I said I may tell you the ingredients of those margaritas I mentioned? I kinda lied. You'll have to go to Lula's Happy Hour and enjoy those drinks in person.





You can order wine, Sangria, Americana, Watermelon or Strawberry Margaritas for only $4.00 a drink. You can also munch on Taquitos, Quesadillas and much more for only $4.00 per order. I think you figured out that this is the best deal in town - I'll see you there!

Text & Photographs © 2011 Nancy Real


Lula Cocina Mexicana
2700 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA.90405
Telephone: 310-392-5711
www.lula'smexicana.com

Baja Chicken Tostadas

Prep time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6

On a recent trip to Baja California, Mexico, my husband and I stayed in a condominium resort on the coast. Whenever I want fast food in Baja, I can quickly find a "pollo rostizado" (rotisserie chicken), some tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cilantro and chiles. I then emulate the locals by making a tostada out of whatever ingredients I have found.

Ingredients:
8 to 12 corn tostada shells
4 to 5 cups precooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded and meat diced
5 to 6 cups shredded lettuce
1 carrot, peeled and finely shredded
1/2 cup finely shredded purple cabbage
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salsa and ... Whatever (previously published on this blog on June 28, 2010)
2/3 cup grated Cotija, Manchego or Pecorino Romano cheese

Place tostada shells on a serving platter and the chicken in a serving bowl in center of dining table.

In a separate serving bowl, combine the lettuce, carrot, cabbage and cilantro.

Arrange a bowl of the salsa and a bowl of grated cheese next to other bowls.

Ask each guest to assemble their own tostadas: add some chicken to tostada shell, followed by lettuce mixture, some salsa and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Keep in mind that the fun part is trying to eat the tostada while it breaks and falls apart with every bite.

Enjoy with chilled white wine, beer or a shot of Tequila.

Buen Provecho!

Text and Photographs © Nancy Real 2010