Thanks to Thomas Ortega for opening a fun, and very good, Mexican restaurant in Cerritos. It's Amor y Tacos (Love and Tacos), a cheerful, happy place (above) with innovative, interesting food.
You can learn more about it in my story for LA Weekly's Squid Ink.
There are plenty of tacos, some traditional, others creative such as The King Dragon, reminiscent of Peking duck with its duck filling and spicy hoisin sauce (above).
Fish tacos made with true cod and a beer batter are crunchy and delicious (above).
Whatever you order, don't miss the Oaxacan coloradito mole. It's so good that Ortega ought to package and sell it.
For dessert, try the churros with cajeta (above). The churros are slim and not doughy, as is sometimes the case. And the salted cajeta dip is positively addictive.
The drinks list includes fun cocktails made with mezcal and tequila and plenty of beer. And you might get in on an experiment, such as Ortega's mezcal infused with roasted strawberries and jamaica (above).
Behind the drink is the South East Dog, which involves such tasty things as short rib chile colorado, chicharrón, queso fresco, shaved red onion, cilantro and, of course, mustard.
Amor y Tacos, 13333 South St., Cerritos, CA 90703. (562) 860-2667.
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