Taleo Mexican Grill - Irvine

Then came the Ono, Carnitas, and Camarones. Wow! The experience of finding this beautiful food was truly powerful. Don’t let anyone tell you that Taleo Grills lacks presentation skills. The large, juicy shrimp in a rich white wine sauce were a highlight, while the vibrant colors of the vegetables and the velvety sauce that accompanied the fish were striking. The carnitas were a sight to behold—imagine thick, glistening, juicy pork that has been cooked for hours until it's perfectly caramelized at the edges. The tangy sauce, whether smeared on or marinated, was just right. Here, there's no need for knives; the meat falls apart with a fork and melts in your mouth. While this review has focused a lot on the meat, the other dishes also deserve recognition. We had fragrant rice, wonderful roasted corn with herbs, thick slices of grilled bread perfect for soaking up sauces, and refreshing margaritas with just the right amount of bite. Ever tried a cucumber margarita? You can get one here, and you absolutely should, because it works! The rim is dusted with burnt orange spices that complement the cucumber beautifully. Finally, we reached dessert. I’ve never had a flan quite like this one. It was larger than I expected, with a diameter of about six inches, and it shimmered in the sunlight, garnished with a tiny sprig of mint, practically begging for a spoon. It was perfectly creamy and only mildly sweet, without any runniness or icy textures—simply delightful!