Del Mar Plaza , En Fuego’s @ Del Mar, California

Del Mar is not an ordinary town, and Del Mar Plaza is not an ordinary town center. Del Mar Plaza was developed and created by, Ivan C. Gayler and David J Winkler who designed it to celebrate the magical quality of the beach town, carving a new community center into its sea-cliff site.
It was built in the 70’s and won many awards for its innovative and cutting edge design. As a result, Del Mar Plaza looks like a natural extension of the village with each of the shopping center’s three levels opening to terraces with panoramic ocean views. Winding pathways lead visitors easily up through the levels past a variety of shops. Specialty shops, art galleries featuring local artists and a food market, are intermingled with national retailers, providing a nice variety for shoppers, while reflecting the community’s character. The leather shoes and jackets are in a class of their own! I went crazy shopping here… I would say, great styles and high quality leather goods, maybe only a close second to Europe. Later… lunch at En Fuego’s …. Mexican !
En Fuego, loosely translated means “On Fire”.

As usual, being Malaysian and all, and a chili padi addict, I didn’t really feel-the-fire at “on fire”… hmmmmm….

En Fuego opened in July 1995 , on Opening Day at the Track; thus making the most popular day of the year in Del Mar a proud anniversary.

This restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes and fresh seafood. With the help of Chef Todd Castner, their specials exemplify “South of the Border” cuisine from Mexico through South America.
The eating area has an open concept, with heaters to warm up the place in winter..
Downstairs, there is a bar for patrons to chill out with a beer or two…

the restaurant…. the soup…

the Tamales with fresh corn masa, topped with tomatillo sauce, served with canela rice and black beans…

the chile Rellenos, also served with canela rice and black beans is your typical mexican meal… this was what I had, and the cheese really fills you up.

the black beans were exquisite… Chunky yet smooth… and totally melt in your mouth !

(Looks like “hak lor mai” right? haha )

And the cool pub downstairs… 🙂

Food : 7/10
Price : moderate
Service : Good

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