Combine the decor and cuisine of Mission Cantina, the vibe of Acme, and the scene at Sons of Essex, and you have LES’s newest hotspot, Tijuana Picnic. Brought to us by the same team that brought New York City popular restaurant and lounge, Acme, Jean-Marc Houmard, Jon Neidich, and Hui Chi Lee and company look to raise the bar of Mexican cuisine and nightlife on the Lower East Side. Gluten-free options are limited, but after going to the restaurant last week I’m proud to report what options are nobread approved!…
Mexican food, although it doesn’t seem like it, is typically nobread-friendly. Corn chips and guacamole are a gluten-free persons kryptonite, and there is nothing better than a restaurant that uses corn taco shells. Tijuana’s guacamole is perfect and it is accompanied by organic blue tortilla chips, which are 100% GF. TP does corn right, and my favorite dish of the night was the grilled corn with cricket aioli, coffee-chipotle powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro.The grilled corn can be made nodairy for those like myself who are allergic/sensitive to dairy, and I also recommend the side of ezquites which is sauteed corn, dried jalapenos, epazote, and smoked aioli (this dish can be made no dairy, too). Tijuana Picnic is known for their skewers; chicken, short rib, and shark. Yes, shark. I was interested in trying the shark skewers… because let’s be real… when have you ever had a shark skewer? The short rib and chicken skewers look delicious, too, but unfortunately they are NOT gluten free. Thankfully the shark IS! The skewers are served 3 per order, and it was definitely an interesting dish. Lastly, to round out your meal, I highly recommend the ceviche. All three are gluten-free; my friend and I ordered the vegetarian ceviche and the golpe ceviche. Although I’m discussing it last, the ceviche is the perfect appetizer to kick off your meal. Unfortunately, this is the extent of gluten-free options offered at Tijuana! Although the tacos use corn tortillas, all meats and vegetables at TP are marinated in soy and this is the same for the large plates, too, so make sure you fill up on the nobread approved apps and sides!
Tijuana recently launched brunch, and I’m happy to report a good amount of the menu is gluten-free! The sunny side up egg tacos are a MUST, and like the dinner menu, you will have to avoid the steak as it is pre-marinated. The ambiance of TP is chic and trendy, the drinks are great, and the scene is cool. Most importantly, any restaurant with Jean-Marc Houmard, Jon Neidich, and Hui Chi Lee behind it is destined to do well. TP is perfect for your next guys/girls night out or brunch party!