I am a true lover of Mexican style cuisine. I am not talking about the American version that you find from fast foods chains. I am talking about true Mexican cuisine that is authentic enough to make you think you are in a family’s home in Mexico itself. Those are the real gems. This is what can be found at Cocina Condensa, described as a Mexican “street food” gastropub on Ventura Blvd.
Walking into Cocina Condensa, you feel like you are being transported to a rustic villa in Mexico. The ambience is created in the building itself. Every inch is very colorful. The country feel, like you would find is Mexico, is created by large wooden beams running along the ceiling and properly-aged brick walls. The owners take full advantage of this in the décor. The dining room is adorned with heavy wooden chairs and tables.
Each and every dish is created by Chef Eddie Garcia. Of course, his last name alludes to his heritage. But, it doesn’t tell the whole story. He not only is of Mexican decent but he learned to cook from his mother. Long before you see your food, it is obvious that she taught him well. Cocina Condensa is filled with the smell of fresh vegetables being roasted.
Chef Eddie Garcia specializes in Mexican street food. This can be seen in the wonderful aguachiles, street tacos, and chopped chicken salads that pour out of his kitchen. You can tell the chef is adept at creating a wide variety of Mexican dishes. This is seen by the number of different tacos that is available including; al pastor, asada, carnitas, kale, roasted cauliflower, and antojitos such as ceviche and shrimp agua chile.
They also offer a large variety of main dishes and salads. Items like grilled chili glazed salmon salad, bocoles, empanadas, pulp borracho, sopes, torta, and a wide assortment of burritos would make Mexicans mothers all over jealous not to mention everyone else. Your taste buds are probably begging for a trip to Cocina Condensa right now.
But, you also can tell that an enormous amount of attention has been paid to pairing food and wonderful drinks. His Mexican street dishes are perfectly- paired with creative, delicious drinks such as Palomas, cervas, and drinks based on agave and other wonderful fresh fruits, which are created by their staff mixologist, David Rubin.
Cocina Condensa offers a varied, great mix of wonderfully authentic menu items. If you find yourself in the area or are lucky enough to live near Studio City then you simple can’t pass it by.
Address: 11616 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Phone:(818) 579-4264
Hours: Open today · 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Menu: cocinacondesa.com
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