Award-Winning Taco Hotspot Opens in Irvine
Taco hotspot, Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar known for its award-winning tacos wrapped in crispy melted cheese just opened at Irvine’s Park Place. It’s the second Orange County location since opening at the Los Olivos Marketplace in Irvine. Executive chef/partner Luisteen Gonzalez and executive creative chef Katy Smith are inspired by the vibrant art, culture, and energy of chef Luisteen’s native Mexico City and chef Katy’s extensive travels throughout Mexico.
Puesto's tacos are made from handmade, non-GMO, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas, sustainable meats, local produce and scratch salsas. You’re encouraged to mix and match from an array of tacos, including Filet Mignon (crispy melted cheese, avocado, spicy pistachio serrano salsa), Chicken al Pastor (crispy melted cheese, hibiscus & chipotle tinga, avocado, piña habanero pico), vegetarian options such as Zucchini & Cactus (crispy melted cheese, zucchini, corn, tomato, cactus, avocado, cilantro-tomatillo salsa) and our favorite Mushroom (crispy melted cheese, garlic-braised seasonal mushrooms, stone fruit jalapeño salsa, pickled onions, hearts on fire). In addition to tacos, rotating seasonal specials make their way on to the menu quarterly. Current offerings include Enfrijoladas Negras (maíz azul tortillas, melted cheese, black bean purée, queso fresco, soy chorizo, white onion, cilantro), Pescado Veracruzana (market fish, Veracruz sauce with olive, capers, parsley, garlic, jalapeño) and Caldo Tlalpeño (rich chicken & vegetable soup with chipotle, queso fresco, tortilla crisps, avocado).
Pastry chef and rising Food Network Star Jessica Scott creates Puesto’s dessert program featuring modern twists on authentic Mexican favorites. Offerings include Piña Colada Carrot Cake (pineapple carrot cake, coconut cream cheese frosting, raspberry pistachios, sweet pistachio sauce, candied carrot), Panna Cotta Mosaico (Mexican crema panna cotta accented with passionfruit, fresh fruit coulis, prickly pear, lime and blueberry gelatinas) and Tres Leches de Café (soaked vanilla sponge cake with mascarpone whip, mocha sauce, fresh strawberries).
Puesto’s craft bar features a curated list of agave spirits (tequilas, mezcals, sotols, bacanoras & raicillas) sourced from throughout Mexico. Made from freshly squeezed juices and housemade sodas, signature cocktails include the Puesto Perfect Margarita (blue agave reposado tequila, lime, agave), Mojito Classico (rum, lime, sugar cane, mint), Desperado (Vida Mezcal, Carpano Antica, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau Noir, walnut bitters) and a rotating Mercado Margarita of the Month. Puesto also offers local and Mexican microbrews on draft alongside Valle de Guadalupe wines on tap. Frozen horchata and seasonal agua frescas are made from scratch daily. Additionally, a dollar from each frozen horchata purchase is donated to a selected charity of the month.
Opens at 3 p.m. until January 18. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday. All other days 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3311 Michelson Drive in Irvine. 949.608.7272
