By Jennifer Kramer
www.bajatheothercalifornia.com
One of the newer hot spots to hit the culinary scene in Tijuana is the understated but incredibly splendid restaurant, Verde y Crema. Owner Chef Jair Tellez is also responsible for bringing us us the acclaimed Laja in the Valle de Guadalupe so right away you know you’re in for a treat. And Verde y Crema doesn’t disappoint.
The food is, of course, all locally sourced and incredibly fresh. The menu changes on a regular basis depending on what’s in season and available. Many items on the menu are more tapas-style, which makes it a great place to order a number of things to share. Pork shank tacos with avocado and salsa verde; blue corn gorditas with grilled octopus, cheese and pickled vegetables; beef hamburger with brioche bun; homemade sausage with pork and gouda cheese – all savory and delicious. Items like scallop ceviche, yellowtail, birria and geoduck clams, round out the diverse menu. The food is all cooked with a wood fire, which adds to the incredible flavors. Local craft beers and wines from the Valle de Guadalupe accompany the delectable food.
The restaurant is light and airy with rays of sunlight pouring through the mostly open roof and large windows. Reclaimed wood and corrugated tin give the space a simple but chic setting. It’s the kind of place where you want to while away the afternoon with a group of friends, noshing on delicious small plates and enjoying a bottle (or two) of wine.
Set in an old industrial neighborhood, (the name comes from the fact that the neighborhood was once the union site for the “green and cream” Tijuana public transportation drivers), it’s surrounded by warehouses that are now being converted into commercial spaces. Right across the street from Verde y Crema is Baja Craft Beers Tasting Room so you can make a lovely afternoon out of going to both and enjoying some of the fine epicurean treats that Tijuana has to offer.
Verde y Crema
verdeycrema.com
Orizaba 3034 Col Neidhart, Tijuana
Tel (664) 6812366
info@verdeycrema.com
Open Tuesday-Saturday 1pm-1am
Sunday 1pm-6pm
Closed Mondays
GPS: 32.515271, -117.012867
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