Mercado: Santa Monica's New Hotspot

It’s another wowie night in Santa Monica, with throngs of beautiful people swarming the streets. It’s been a balmy day at the beach, so what better way to usher in this evening than by trying Santa Monica’s latest darling, Mercado, on Fourth St.

This sexy spot is a few blocks from the Promenade, which no doubt accounts for the hoards of people clamoring to get into this place. And why not? The food is several steps above your usual Mexican fare, the drinks are divine, and the service is impeccable. No wonder LA Magazine calls Mercado “One of the Top Ten Best New Restaurants in 2012.”

We’ve already enjoyed its sister restaurant, Yxta, in downtown LA, but the food here is even better. The menu showcases the cuisine and flavor of Chef Jose Acevedo’s and co-owner Jesse Gomez’s Mexican roots. There’s a history here with their creations. In fact, Jose told us about one of his signature dishes, carnitas, which was created from a recipe handed down through several generations.

Inside, you’ll find a groovy vibe, yet its modern flair isn’t over the top. The convivial staff assures you that your business is welcome, including their manager, Carlos Morales, who took us on a culinary journey of some seasonal specials and standard offerings. We were impressed.

What’s a Mexican meal without a margarita?  Our server, the infectious Katie Hall, brought us two Mercado Margaritas. Quickly consumed, Carlos then introduced us to two dynamos, the Blood Orange and the Basil Cucumber Margaritas. We both loved the basil, but both were outstanding, and being served in martini glasses added to the festivities.

You can’t go wrong with their Guacamole—hass avocado, serrano, cilantro, red onion, chile de arbol salsa, spicy pepitas, fresh chips, which start any meal off right. Loved the pepitas in the mix.  The mixture is dense and delicious.

Sashimi Tostadas followed, with a nice kick to the sauce. Hungry pedestrians gawked at our plates. Crowds at 6 p.m.? It must be a hot spot. Get there early to grab your own table, or dine family style with others nearby.

Squash Blossoms stuffed with Oaxaca cheese were on special as well, and were a real treat, so succulent and easy to share.

And the main courses?  A must is their Carnitas—Chef Jose's slow-cooked natural pork, guacamole, chile de arbol salsa, cauliflower with escabeche, the meat so tender, you didn’t need a knife. Truly, it was one of the better pork dishes I’ve enjoyed in several months.

Loved the Callos de Hacha—jumbo deep-sea scallops encrusted with pumpkin seeds, chipotle-peppercorn sauce, and chayote with calabacitas. Slop it all together and get ready to be spoiled.

You can’t leave before trying a few desserts, and Carlos spoiled is with their Flan, coupled with a rum eggnog sauce, and their Tres Leches, a lighter fare, similar to tiramisu. In fact, I liked it even better than tiramisu.

If you’re into adventurous dining, and are tired of the usual enchiladas and refried beans, this place is a must. They are in process of building another Mercado in West Hollywood. Expect packed hungry crowds there as well.

Mercado is at 1416 Fourth St. For more information, call the restaurant at (310) 526-7121 or visit its website at mercadosantamonica.com.