Los Angeles Taco Chef Opens Texas Restaurant on Valentine’s Day

Highly anticipated East Austin taco restaurant Reunión 19, from lauded Los Angeles chef Esdras Ochoa, is opening on 1700 East 2nd Street on Friday, February 14 (aka Valentine’s Day).

Ochoa is most known for his Los Angeles ventures. He opened essential LA restaurant Mexicali Taco & Co. in 2009, which grew from.a cart into a restaurant. He was also the co-founder and opening chef of Mexican restaurant with heavy Austin vibes Salazar in 2016. Most recently, he was part of Hong Kong Mexican restaurant 11 Westside. He also competed in the Netflix culinary competition show The Final Table.

Reunión’s menu is meant to reflect Ochoa’s West Coast sensibilities. Naturally, there are many tacos, from al pastor to carne asada to a vegan option with mushrooms, Peruvian bean puree, and avocados. Other sides and appetizers include street corn made with caramel popcorn, aguachile with prawns, and guacamole.

Drinks-wise, there will be cocktails (including palomas and frozen drinks), aguas frescas, beer, and wine. Its hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Along with Ochoa, Reunion’s team includes chef Christopher Haydostian, beverage person Daniel Eun (who had worked with Ochoa at 11 Westside), and Charlie Tsai.

This is the third restaurant to open at the East Second Street address. Before Reunión, it was New York-styled tavern Gotham and Italian restaurant Al Fico.

• All Coverage of Reunión [EATX]