Menu Updates on Mercado, SM's Next Mexican Cafe

Here's the scene over at the shuttered La Serenata de Garibaldi, which is well on its way to become Mercado, slated to launch late August. Peering into the space, construction is underway as owner Jesse Gomez (Yxta Cocina Mexicana) reconfigures the venue into his next Mexican venture. As far as decor, Jesse is going for the look and feel of a Mexican market cafe, a warm, rustic, and slightly industrial aesthetic. He basically wants to capture the ambiance of a typical cafe in Mexico, nothing fancy (despite the early word that this would be a "fine dining" spot), more like grassroots stripped down. Expect main dining room seating on the venue's ground level with additional seats and a tequila bar situated one flight above in the loft-style upstairs.

Chef Jose Acevedo (Taleo Grill, Irvine), a native of from Michoacan, Mexico, has confirmed a few menu items inclusive of Nopalitos (sauteed cactus paddles, chile negro, queso fresco), Tostaditas de Tinga de Pollo (chipotle pulled chicken, smashed pintos, crema fresca, queso fresco), Ceviche del Día, Cemita Burger (roasted poblano, queso oaxaca, fresh cemita, papitas), Chile Relleno (seasonal filling, green beans, lime rice), and Costillas de Res en Mostaza-Morita Salsa (bone in short ribs, mustard-chile morita sauce, corn, papitas).
·SaMo's La Serenata de Garibaldi Shutters To Become Mercado [~ELA~]