Mexico City native Jose Acevedo helms the kitchen at this trendy Mexican restaurant in Irvine, preparing premium takes on Oaxacan and Pueblan specialties. Given the fashionable space, the food probably costs more than it should, but Taleo Mexican Grill is still worth visiting.
During warmer months, the Taleo Mexican Grill patio is a popular dining option. Unfortunately, it wasn’t one of those months, so we dined indoors.
Complimentary salt-dusted chips were very good, served warm. Accompanying salsa was chunky, smoky and spicy.
As I found out, there’s a reason the bowl of tortilla soup ($5) never leaves the menu. The spicy chicken stock and tomato broth contains tender shredded chicken, crunchy tortilla strips, queso fresco, avocado, dried chilies and more.
The beef was fork tender and had a potent kick, but was ultimately just a competently prepared beef stew.
The fish was pretty tasty, but slightly overcooked. The best thing on the plate turned out to be a tremendous rice salad that featured candied orange, blueberries, tomato and zucchini, all dressed in vinaigrette.
The portions were too large to allow for dessert, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. Flan, tres leches cake and sorbet might have been prepared well, but I’m not too enamored with even the best versions.
Blog Comments
xena
March 30, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Terrific mexican food and close to uc irvine. All the clubs meet at lunch for tran lee, mike suh, gloria tam, yvonne victoria, and the club officers. We sit on the patio and exchange notes with asset listings and protection prototypes. Biology study group leader gladys mintoya, mike elan system steven. try the drinks too. (at the bar) staff from sears hall lecture. best orange county ca place.