Chef Miriam is delightful. The graduate of Live Oak High School told us she studied cooking in Mexico and said“ I just love what I do.” Owning a restaurant was not part of her grand plan, but when the former Japanese restaurant became available she knew it was just perfect. Family helped her with the remodeling. Chef Miriam attributes some of her flavorful dishes to the availability of amazing local fruits and vegetables. She would like to continue to expand her menu by bringing back some of the older dishes of Mexico. The menu does change as various items come in season. Chef Miriam recently hired a young chef from Mexico so more interesting dishes are in the works.
LA NINA PERDIDA
35 E. Main Street Morgan Hill 408.465.4667 lnpkocina. com
OPEN: Daily For Lunch & Dinner
Guava and Prickly Pear.
Our visually delightful and aromatic entrees arrived. Addie chose the Caritas( Michoacán style simmered pork. Tender and flavorful, made in a 50-year-old
cooper case using traditional ingredients and spices. Served with house spicy cole slaw, grilled avocado, tomatillo sauce and limes.) The dish was flavorful beyond expectations. It did not take much of the spicy hot tomatillo sauce and spicy slaw to perfectly complement the carnitas. J. Chris had the house special Chiles en Nogada. The dish mimics the colors of the Mexican flag with its white nut sauce, green pablano chilies and the bright red pomegranate seeds. It was stunning and delicious … and unique! The chilis were
filled with a peccadillo mixture of fresh fruits, pine nuts, spices and meat in a heavy almost sweet cream sauce … delicious! The Chiles en Nogada were especially appropriate as we were dining on September 19, Mexican Independence Day. I ventured into a very fancy surf and turf variation, Cielo, Mar Y Tierra( Semi-boneless quail, a Venison Filet and Spanish Octopus served with Peruvian purple mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day.) Mine came with a marvelous deep burgundy hibiscus puree reduction. The plate was a feast for the eyes, nose and pallet. Everything came together wonderfully. Ron asked for the Enchiladas
Michoacanas( Made to order. Pan fried corn tortillas served in a signature sweet dried chili sauce filled with chicken breast and Oaxaca cheese filled and topped with crème, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, tomato sauce and queso fresco. Served with rice and vegetables.) Ron said“ It was light on the cheese with lots of chicken and the
chili was mild.” In typical fashion, Ron declared it“ Really good!”
As we were wrapping up the evening, Chef Miriam Vega joined us, along with two flan deserts. The flan was more substantive and grainy than normal flan but delicious, with just the right sweet balance.
La Niña Perdida is a remarkable find. But don’ t go for what you think of as a typical Mexican“ taco and burrito” dinner … go and enjoy some extraordinary Mexican cuisine.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 gmhtoday. com
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