Ledbury Focus February 2020 Ledbury Focus February 2020 v1 | Page 19

A Taste of … Mexico M exican cuisine can be traced back several thousand years. Over the different regions, beef, pork and chicken, plus seafood, are extremely popular and some of the same dishes are often found throughout Mexico. Mexican foods offer ingredients of beans and corn, plus chilli peppers, and these are regularly presented with meats, rice and spices. Red snapper, sea bass and prawns are very popular, too. Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London, is a redeveloped retail area. During the 19 th Century this site was London’s coal store and has a very interesting history: www.coaldropsyard.com. Today, this area provides popular shopping and dining experiences that include independent shops, businesses, bars and restaurants. Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor offer a warm welcome from Alejo and authentic Mexican dining, with dishes that include Tuna Tostadas, plus Tacos filled with marinated pork shoulder or fish, for example, and their hugely-popular Ceviches. Starters include various Botanas, then on to Tostadas, that have Cochinita, Chicken Tinga and Tuna presentations. Very flavoursome Tortas (Mexican toasted sandwiches) are also available. For Tacos the key is the salsa. Made fresh, in-house, these have Morita (chipotle, Ledbury Focus tomatillos), Verde Fresca (serrano chillies, tomatillos, coriander), plus Mexicana and Maya choices, through to El Diablo, which is made with some of the very hottest chillies known. Tacos offer Baja Fish (corona- battered sea bass, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, coriander) and Choripapa (chorizo, potato, salsa verde, coriander), which are very popular, amongst an excellent array, with mushroom, prawn and chicken inclusions, plus Al Pastor (Mexico City favourite and inspiration for this restaurant’s name). From the Mexican-style rotisserie, half and whole chickens are often selected, with different marinades and accompaniments. Exceptional complementing flavours and splendid presentation definitely warrant ‘Compliments to the Chef!’ If sharing plates are favoured, then hake, short rib, steak and more, will most certainly impress and satisfy. Dessert selections include creations of fresh pineapple, Corn Cake and Queso Fresco Cheesecake. Desserts pair wonderfully with cocktails and digestivos, too. Thank you to Lily and Maureen, for excellent service throughout. Popular with locals (always a good sign), a recommended restaurant, and one to return to. Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.tacoselpastor.co.uk As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley Images: Sam Ashton, @samsbowl 19