The Mexico City-style cuisine at Licha's Cantina impresses Statesman critic Matthew Odam this week. The restaurant's masa-centric menu and "personalized soul" garner an 8.5 out of 10 rating. On the tlacoyos:
Licha's, which opened in March, offers three variations on the black bean-filled, football-shaped blue masa cakes. (They cost $10 each, a price that will surprise those accustomed to Mexico prices or the prices at Austin places like Mi Tradición.) I've never seen a tlacoyo draped in velvety mole like the one at Licha's, but the complex nutty and chocolatey sauce provided a nicely balanced depth to the sweet, succulent shrimp drizzled with sesame cream sauce.
The Austin Chronicle drops their massive best of Austin roundup this week. The critics highlight a somewhat small selection of Austin restaurants in addition to bars and local food artisans: the burgers at Draft Pick American Grill, LaV's talented all-female culinary team, and great Mexican food deals at El Meson and El Pollo Asado all garner nods. The reader's choice poll confirms Austinites' steadfast enthusiasm for Hopdoddy, Franklin Barbecue, Torchy's Tacos, Kerbey Lane, and East Side King. Bryce Gilmore's second project Odd Duck nabs the reader's choice for best new restaurant.
THE BLOGS: Man Up Texas Barbecue reports back on Slab BBQ, Gourmet Fury praises Olamaie, and Burger Mary visits Gus's Fried Chicken.
· Licha's Pays Homage to The Flavors and Spirit of Mexico [Statesman]
· Best of Austin Reader's Poll: Food [Chronicle]
· Best of Austin Critic's Poll: Food [Chronicle]
· All Week in Reviews [EATX]
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