It’s been a minute but I’m back and I’ve been eating some good food that I need to tell you about! Starting with Ka’teen! Where do I begin? This place is absolutely phenomenal, so much so that it legitimately books out reservations about a month in advance but it is well worth the wait! I also recommend making a reservation over walking in to insure you get a seat inside vs at the bar, which is still lovely but is situated at the front of the restaurant, not really in the full setting. Located in the heart of Hollywood off of Selma Ave and Wilcox Ave. lies this beautiful establishment called Ka’teen which is connected to the Tommie Hotel. Created by Chef Wes Avila, this Yucatan Peninsula inspired restaurant is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, instantly takes you out of Hollywood and into an Aztec inspired tropical jungle. The food was out of this world, they may have the best fish taco I have ever had in my life but I’ll get into that more in a minute. So this is the entry to Ka’teen right off of Selma Ave.
If we’re talking about aesthetics honey, this place has it! Had to snag a photo in this gorgeous entry walkway lined with giant lanterns, is it Tulum? Is it the heart of Hollywood? Just all around stunning. We were greeted so warmly by the staff at the front all wearing matching linen sets, really playing into the tropical vibes. The restaurant is all outdoor with the exception of the indoor/outdoor seating where the ceiling is adorned with a beautiful display of rattan lanterns, comfortable seating and some of the most powerful heat lamps which makes the experience all the more lovely on a cooler night. Our waiter, who was phenomenal, recommended that we try the Gypsy and the margarita, which seems like the obvious suggestion but NO these margaritas were FRESH! All made so clean that every margarita is a skinny one and majorly delicious!
You have the option of passionfruit, mango or guava and the option to spice it up which you know I tried one in every flavor and made it spicyy. Sided with a generous amount of tajin on the glass just the way I like my tequila. The one pictured above is a spicy guava margarita and I have to say that was my favorite flavor but watch out they are easy to drink and so addicting!
Next, came the oysters presented with a jalapeño mignonette (to die! so good!), cocktail sauce and lemon. If you know me, you know that it’s pretty standard when oysters are on the menu, I’m ordering them. I love that Ka’teen had a fresh take on a pretty standard appetizer. That mignonette was unlike anything I’ve tasted in the best way. The oysters were so fresh, large and juicy. My mouth is watering thinking about them.
We wanted to try out one of the vegetarian appetizers so we shared an order of potato taquitos and chef’s kiss! Perfectly crunchy outside with the hot seasoned potato filling topped with an avocado salsa and queso fresca. I’ve never had potato taquitos before and I will definitely make it a point to order them again and a great recommendation for my vegetarian friends!
These are the best fish tacos hands down that I have ever had anywhere and that’s a huge declaration. I grew up in Southern California and have frequented Mexico many a time but I have to say Chef Avila kills it with these! There’s no shortage of Filet in every bite and mind you they are massive but oh my god so insanely delicious! I don’t have the words to describe it because it has all the of the typical components of fish taco but the everything from the crema to the homemade tortillas… the flavors just pop. They are absolutely fabulous and I’m telling you, you HAVE to try these!
This was the star of our dinner, a 22 ounce carne asada ribeye cooked to perfection at a medium rare paired with a jalapeño salsa, maldon salt and homemade tortillas to make tacos. I genuinely have no idea where it all went but when is say we finished with two slices left, I’m not exaggerating. Granted both my friend Connor and I hadn’t eaten all day waiting to put away some food for dinner and we did not disappoint. Ya’ll the experience, the vibe, the service was above and beyond. We had absolutely no room for dessert which was a choice between a panna cotta or homemade churros and we just couldn’t handle another bite.
I call that last sequence of photos a love story. I can’t hold this restaurant and everything I tasted in a higher regard. I recommend for girl’s night, date night and birthdays involving drinks. I also strongly suggest making a reservation to ensure you get to have the full experience because it is worth it! Truly obsessed with this spot and I’m ready to book my tables for summer, this place is everything. Youtube video coming soon!
xx
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