Erizo Baja Fish House & Market

When we first decided to take a day trip to Tijuana, I wanted to be sure that we stopped and actually sat down for lunch somewhere. We are normally just running around and stopping at a couple of taco stands. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that itinerary, but it is nice to sit down and enjoy your meal with friends and conversation. Erizo has been on our list for a long time coming.  The last time that we got to taste a little bit of what they had to offer was at the Festival de Las Brasas. I can honestly say that I have been craving that tostada de pulpo, since last July. There is something about octopus that has a special place in my heart. As you walk in you will notice all of the fresh seafood on display right in front of you, as well as the open kitchen. The restaurant has a wonderful light and airy feeling to it. I honestly felt like I walked into a bright and sunny summer day. We ordered a few different plates to share, which ordering from that menu was a bit difficult. Difficult in terms that I probably could have ordered each and every item on the menu, but I need to keep myself in suspense for the next visit. We started the meal with a cold glass of Sol, and a half dozen order of oysters.

Oysters There is nothing like starting off your lunch slurping down some incredibly fresh oysters.

Aguachile de Camarón The next dish to arrive was this gorgeous green number. The shrimp was so fresh and juicy, that even on its own, it would have been devoured. This is one of those dishes that makes your taste buds "dance". The spiciness of the salsa verde, the cooling characteristic of the cucumber, and the acidity of citrus all come together and have their own little party.

Taco de Chicharrón de Atún This was my first time having a fried tuna skin taco. If you are an adventurous eater, or just looking to try something a bit different, order this little beauty. There are so many flavors and textures in just one taco. This taco takes your ordinary fish taco to new heights.

Pulpo a las Brasas I just might have to say that even if you aren't a fan of seafood, this dish might very well change your mind. The distinct smokiness of the mesquite-grilled octopus almost made it taste like steak right off of the grill. I can't get over the texture of octopus, it makes my heart flutter just a bit every time I eat it. The tostada adds a nice crunch, but the octopus is more than divine on its own.

Ceviche de Callo con Mango The server actually suggested that we order this dish, which was a special for the day. I am so glad that we did. This was definitely a favorite of mine at lunch. It had some heat to it, but the sweetness of the scallop and fresh mango helped to cool you down a bit. Or maybe it was my beer, but either way all of the components in this dish were magical together. I will be preparing a ceviche soon, and it will be involving mango.

Erizo Baja Fish House & Market is an exceptional addition to the Plascencia gastronomic empire . I have been more than impressed with all that I have tasted along my Chef Javier Plascencia journey. I can not wait to see his continued success, and watch his future projects unfold.

Erizo Baja Fish House & Market Ave. Sonora 3808 (La Recta) Chapultepec Tijuana, BC