Great article in the LA Times on aguas frescas and where in LA to find them.
I’m a huge fan of agua fresca – blended fruit that’s mixed with sugar and water and strained – and gorge on them at Phoenix Ranch Market every time I’m in Arizona. If anyone has tried any of the suggested places, let me know; I’d bet on the Vallarta Supermarkets serving the best ones of all the places on the Times‘ list, since it seems like some of the other places (like the Hungry Cat) are more interested in being trendy than being authentic.
EDIT: Eh, why not.
Watermelon agua fresca
2 cups cubed watermelon plus any juices that have seeped out
1 Tbsp simple syrup or 1 tsp agave nectar
1/4-1/2 cup water
Puree the watermelon with the juices. Strain through a medium-meshed strainer to remove the solids. Combine with the sweetener and water and pour over ice. Drink immediately. A quick squeeze of lime juice is optional.
Keith,
What are some of your favorite mexican dishes?
I for one would be interested in knowing as well. Mexican food is so vibrant and interesting I could talk about it all day, but I won’t. A really good Mexican drink (though I don’t know if you could call it an Agua Fresca) is Jamaica, made from flower petals.
I’m never sure where the line is between New Mexican and Mexican. I love carnitas in any form, and chile verde (more pork) as well. I like anything with avocadoes. I love properly made tamales and burritos. Enchiladas are usually drowned in cheese and a heavy sauce up this way, even in “authentic” Mexican restaurants. And, of course, I love me some aguas frescas.
Go get some horchata everyone. You can thank me later.
I second the horchata. Agua de fresa is great too. Agua de tamarindo is beyond nasty though.
Horchata is great! Carnitas is probably my favorite as well, I liked it cooked crispy. Also Pozole is a great soup (can use chicken, beef or pork).
Hate to go off-topic here, but Eh, Why not?
Keith, as a participant in epcot’s food & wine, have you ever made it to a feast for the senses event? Would appreciate any comment.
On a side, side note, I’ve been at some disney boards for some input and even have seen some pictures that were posted. I think it’s safe to assume that the degree of fandom of anything disney is directly proportionate to one’s waist.
The aguas frescas at Alegria (in the L.A. Times article) are terrific and fun to carry around during a walk in Silver Lake.
BTW, Keith is right — the Phoenix Ranch Market does have excellent aguas frescas if anyone gets out here to Arizona. It’s worth a stop just to see the different colors. There must be at least 12.