Fish tacos! (a mexican themed entry)

Hola! When we moved here, 6 months ago, we spent a week with nothing in our house except an air mattress, a puppy, a laptop, and 3 refrigerators (don't ask). Naturally, we couldn't cook and were muy excited to find some neighborhood grub to try out. We had noticed a little taco stand nearby called "El 7 Mares Tacos" but, being new to L.A. we were a little sketched out by the grimey looking stand in a parking lot (we now know better than such snobbery). Our curiosity was piqued when the constant customer traffic could not be denied, and then when we saw the low low low prices we really had to try this place.

The Taco Stand

Technically, the stand is an offshoot of the restaurant next door, which is a Mexican seafood place. We ate there once, and..... let's just say, unless you are a fan of your imitation crab being fried still in the wrapper, once was enough. Just trust us, the shanty to the left is the way to go! Since it is a taco stand, it is open-air dining, but there's a shelter overhead which helps on sunny or slightly rainy days. They recently upgraded to metal tables and chairs from the grocery-store plastic patio variety, which while quaint, were just a touch long-in-the-tooth. They also recently got a fancypants new menu sign. With these changes, however, came a slight rise in the food costs. So, while its still a total steal, its not quite the bargain of yore. But seriously, its still super cheap0. Being right on Sunset makes for some good people watching, and most days you're lucky enough to glimpse the famed "Silverlake walking man" on his way by.

Schnazzy Signage

Onto the food. We always get 1 fish taco ($2.29) and 1 shrimp taco ($3.29) each. Excelente. We've also dabbled in the shrimp ceviche tostada, but more on that in uno moment0. In true fish taco style, they're served with 2 tortillas, plenty-o' fried fish or shrimp, cabbage, tomatoes, hot sauce, and crema fresca. The great thing about the doubled-up tortilla action is that you can separate them, split the filling, and voila! (errr... Arriba!) 2 tacos for the price of 1! Lately, we've found the fish tacos a bit superior to the shrimp, but I always like to have a little of both anyway. The tortillas are not too corny and nice and fresh. The fish/shrimp are great quality, VERY fresh and clean tasting (except of course for the too-delicious moist fryness that clings to them, which I believe I can still classify as clean-tasting as far as fried food goes), and the toppings a crunchy, spicy and perfect accompaniment. Hunter here always asks for a side of red sauce, which is very fiery and slightly smoky (we suspect chipotles are involved) which, if used cautiously, imparts a ridiculous deliciousness.

Feast a la Fish	Da pimps of shrimps

The shrimp ceviche tostada is bueno, because the shrimp are so high quality, and their citrusy-cure works perfectly in terms of the limey taste it imparts and the texture the shrimp are left with. But the problems with it are two-fold: 1) The weight and moisture of the ceviche causes the once-crispy tostada to melt and break, and 2) Its kind of a one-note dish, so its best to split with someone. You know, the kind of thing you want a few bites of but then you sort of got the idea. My point is this: if you're craving ceviche, go for it. But if its a toss-up between this and the tacos, you best know to order the tacos, my friend.

For drinks, we recommend the Orange Bang. This is a frothy, creamy orange drink that is only sold in restaurants. It's the only orange drink with a head, and my oh my its just delicioso.

Cutest. Logo. Ever.

Make sure to pick up some handi-wipes at the counter (you'll need them), and if they're available, a free sucker. The pink ones are the best - a tropical passionfruit-y flavor that compliments the citrusness of the whole meal as a perfect light dessert. Mucho bueno!

Fun Anecdote: We ran into the band OK Go here one day. Hunter got a plate signed for his bro (a big fan, like us) and the dudes were too nice. Holla!

So....For a fun fiesta, siesta or munch-festa - head to El 7 Mares Taco Stand. Warning, this food is extremely craveable, so be prepared to enter into a torrid and mouth-watering affair.... Buenos Tardes!

El 7 Mares: 3131 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90026, http://www.el7mares.com/ (yep, they're a chain with locations in Whittier, Boyle Heights, and Lincoln Heights also, but I can't vouch for any other but my local amor). Parking lot in rear - yay!