Westchester: Brunch at Cinco

We love brunch and Cinco in Westchester is perfect for a lazy day of cocktails and watching sports. The large 9-month old restaurant features a menu of Mexican specialties with an emphasis on Oaxacan cusine. On the Sunday I went, locals watched the games with good cheer but weren’t rowdy about it. Actually, the TVs were on low volume really which is great for those who want to concentrate on their food.

We started out with the coctel, a treat co-owner Blake Landis mentioned liking after surfing in Oaxaca. The shrimp and octopus was combined with a rich cocktail sauce and avocado. For spicy fans, you can customize your bites with Tapatio. I found the sauce flavorful enough on its own.

My friend had the Iced Coffee (aged rum, fresh brewed coffee, horchata, cinnamon and nutmeg). She opted for it without the spices and it was pretty great. I would imagine it’d be even nicer with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.

 

 

I’m not really sure why I’m so compelled to have big bowls of melted cheese but I cannot help but order queso fundido whenever I see it on a menu. Cinco makes a great version with chorizo. This is a great appetizer to share with a larger group. The two of us had trouble finishing it.

 

I started out with the Gardenia (tequila, cucumber, grapefruit, honey, lime). It was a great brunch drink and went very well with our food. My other pick would have been sangria or a shandy to start.

I didn’t feel like a big meal after a couple of appetizers so I opted for two tacos. I chose pork and more pork, of course. The al pastor was juicy and the carnitas had that great street taco quality without the late-night meal guilt. Next time I want to try the fish tacos, breakfast torta, memela or Oaxacan “flatbread” tlayuda.

 

My friend had the chilaquiles which I had a bite. It was very flavorful. If I wasn’t so full, I would have helped her out some more. Make sure you get a bit of everything in your bite. The beans, rice, chips, sauce and eggs were perfect foils for each other.

A couple of  years ago, Beretta was one of my favorite bars in San Francisco. I was pleased when Blake made me his take on the Single Village Fix from Beretta. It’s mezcal, pineapple gomme, lime and other special things as Blake put so mysteriously.

The next time I’m on the West Side, I’ll have to stop by Cinco to try their evening fare and cocktails but it’s pretty hard to beat the mellow brunch scene.

Cinco

7241 W Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045  —  (310) 910-0895

 

© The Minty 2013