151 Essex St. (between Stanton and Rivington Sts.) 212-219-2000 www.tijuana-picnic.com
Mexican. To me, the sighting of a disco ball practically guarantees an excellent time and the one at Tijuana Picnic is no exception. They’ve got the crowd (totally partying), music (mostly 80s) and tapas (completely delicious) to back it up. First of all, their guacamole (habanero, charred corn, cilantro) is the freshest I’ve ever tasted. It comes with blue organic tortilla chips and the option to add a salsa trio (puya, cumin tomatillo and papalo). These brought varying degrees of hotness and were totally worth it. Next arrived some very tasty tostadas (lobster, dry chili aioli, squid ink tostada, salted cucumber). They also offer several attention getting sides so I tried the grilled eggplant with miso-chipotle glaze and escabeche (spicy pickled vegetables). Both were new to me and outrageously flavor rich. I then went taco loco with three varieties: mushroom and goat cheese (poblano chili, corn, shiitake mushrooms, goat cheese, candied nuts), shrimp (mezcal marinade, red cabbage, crisp purple potatoes) and the steak (juki sauce, spicy aioli, pickled vegetable, shiso leaf). I have not seen such ingredients elsewhere and the payoff is a-mazing. Just like their vibe. If you don’t believe me, come check out all those tiny, happy reflections in the mirror ball.