MEXIKOSHER
MEXICAN KOSHER FIESTA

Los Angeles is abound with Mexican restaurants, so the idea of creating a Kosher Mexican restaurant may sound odd to some, blasphemous to others, but if you stop and think about, it’s a godsend to a whole other group of eaters.

Set in the heart of the Pico – Robertson area, which is the neighborhood’s Jewish headquarters, Chef Katsuji Tanabe opened Mexikosher nearly a year ago and has really hit his stride crafting delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine that our Jewish brothers and sisters can experience and appreciate.

The first and only Kosher Mexican restaurant in the United States, Chef Katsuji, originally from Mexico City, doesn’t offer uninspired Tex Mex grub with fake cheese and fake sour cream, instead he serves authentic soups along with daily specials that change every day.

During our recent visit to the unassuming restaurant, we feasted on hearty dishes that we found inspiring and delicious. We started with the Tortilla Soup, which proved to be a great comfort food delight. While there’s no cheese as some people might expect, it was a flavorful and solid choice.

But I found that at Mexikosher it’s all about the main entrée selections. The hefty Birria Burrito on a whole-wheat tortilla was simply wonderful. The spicy Mexican meat stew, made from lamb, was extremely tasty and filling. In fact, Chef Katsuji, who swears by his Carnitas, even hires a Rabi to kill his goats to ensure that the meat is Kosher.

Our second main course dish was the Korean Style Short Ribs with Yellow Rice and Black Beans. Can you say homerun? The meat was extremely flavorful. And with a side of corn tortillas you can even make your own tacos, but the meat is so good that you will just want to eat it right away. And don’t forget to try some of the nearly 20 homemade salsas, including the phenomenal vegetarian bacon sauce.

While the restaurant hours honor the Sabbath, meaning they close at 2pm on Friday and reopen at 8pm on Saturday, they do remain open until 2am on Saturday nights so club kids can really chow down late night. Also, the popular Monday Night Special features the $16 Brisket Short Rib Chuck Bacon Burger with Onion Marmalade, which often sells out in only an hour or two.

Kudos to Chef, who for five years helmed the kitchen at a Kosher steakhouse across the street, for coming up with such an authentic and delicious cuisine.

Mexikosher is located at 8832 W. Pico Blvd. Hours: Sun – Wed: 11am to 11pm; Thurs: 11am to 12am; Fri: 11am to 2pm: Sat: 8pm to 2am. Free parking in back. Call 310-271-0900.