Andrew W.
Yelp
5 stars.
Taste, Quality, Price, Welcoming atmosphere.
Del Mar impressively has found a way to harmonize these factors, in a time where quality can take a back seat to atmosphere, or monetization.
I recommend... The Following
1. Kanpachi Ceviche: 5 stars
Yellowtail cuts: smooth buttery
Flavor Profile:
Savory, sweet, tangy, spicy, clean, fresh
Overall mouthwatering and it just smoothly chews down, while it puckers your palette and gently heats your tongue for an acidic but flavorful zesty finish.
2. The Tostada Special: 5 stars
Fresh Crab, uniquely trimmed for texture Octopus, Shrimp. Firm but delicate.
Flavor profile:
Sweet, fresh, light, spicy, crunchy.
A uniquely presented dish. Sphagettied fresh crab, lightly tossed in fresh, sauce that's sweet and creamy. The combinations really make your mind feel every ingredient distinctly. Bite it all at once!
3. The Fish Taco: 5 stars
Thick large cut of buttery white fish
Breaded slightly, crisped with guacamole
It feels indulgent while also remaining fresh and light.
I also had...
Lobster Tacos - creamy and luxurious
And shooters - flavor bursts, fresh
And the Cocktail!!!
All great, but the cocktail... Hard to come by without an abrasive acetic bitterness from an over ripened tomatoey base.
Here it's refreshing. Once you eat the fish you'll drink the rest pleasantly.
Those are my dish highlights !
Clean food is hard to come by. No let me rephrase this, Los Angeles in general has a problem with serving unclean food to their patron's. Clean food, that you can be excited to taste, that is served to you uniquely, and presented to you with creativity, elegance... and that leaves you feeling good after consuming it, is a scarce rarity.
And to meet customers at a price point that allows such an experience to be grasped by most... It's rare...
But it's a trend that I'm hoping to see more of. Chefs... individuality... and resources going straight into the cuisine.
Del Mar serves cuisine. They serve taste, that is minimalistic but poignant towards what it's looking to achieve. Their style allows for their ingredients to speak, while moderately enhancing them with bold, distinct flavors.
Upon arrival, you may be confused. You've arrived to a "truck", you may expect your food to come out quick and in a certain fashion or manner, however this is a "Made to order", establishment that serves a curated experience and every detail is thought out.
You may find yourself searching for a certain kind of assortment of flavors that often accompany ceviche. Salts, hot sauces, etc...
(And this isn't knock any other style)
Nonetheless, here... you get something new, that also simultaneously grounds you to what you want out of ceviche style dishes. Texture, and freshness that satisfies the gradient of your palette, while you walk away feeling clean!
These are warm caring human beings, and their love carries itself into the food. It's not just service when you come here, it's genuine care, it's warmth, it's integrity, that is setting a foundation for what our community in LA needs more of.
Independence and uniqueness. 1 of 1's - Adding to the culture of LA in a positive way.
I'd highly recommend giving them a visit!
-Dude with Green Hat