Exquisitamente

Exquisitamente Exquisitamente is a lifestyle, gastronomy and live action experiences media platform since 2014. Taste the conversation .

Exquisitamente is a gastronomy lifestyle division of Branding is Social, inc.creating tailored content for clients since August 16, 2014.

An afternoon of gastronomy, culture, and architecture as we discovered La Nena Cantina’s newest location at The Music Ce...
09/05/2026

An afternoon of gastronomy, culture, and architecture as we discovered La Nena Cantina’s newest location at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
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Written by Exquisitamente Editorial Staff
Photography by Branding is Social
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We were honored to be invited to spend an extraordinary afternoon with respected Mexican restaurateur Vicente Del Río at La Nena Cantina, his latest endeavor in Downtown Los Angeles, surrounded by an exceptional setting where culture, gastronomy, and architecture came together beautifully.
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It was an afternoon filled with wonderful conversation, outstanding hospitality, and impressive sunset views of Downtown Los Angeles, framed by the breathtaking structure of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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La Nena Cantina is the latest restaurant from the brand, introducing a renewed and contemporary interpretation of Mexican cuisine. For Vicente Del Río, a respected name in the restaurant industry and founder of the Frida restaurant group, this new chapter brings his vision of Mexican gastronomy to one of Los Angeles’ most iconic cultural destinations.
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This exclusive Restaurateur’s Table with Vicente was an exceptional tasting experience. Vicente suggested that we try one of his favorite dishes on the menu: the New York Flour Tortilla, featuring Angus New York steak, a layer of cheese custard, and green and black salsas.
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Our tasting experience was truly of the highest level. The service was warm and attentive, and we had the pleasure of meeting Corporate Chef Orlando Candanoza, who graciously invited us into his kitchen and shared more about the culinary work behind the experience.
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We enjoyed a selection of assorted tacos, followed by the Ceviche Tasting, featuring signature ceviches of pescado, camarón, aguachile, and branzino.
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The dessert selection deserves special mention, offering a beautiful and memorable conclusion to our tasting.
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And, of course, the cocktails were another highlight. We enjoyed the Pasión de Tamarindo, made with mezcal, fresh lime, and tamarind soda, along with an extensive and truly impressive cocktail program that adds another dimension to the La Nena Cantina experience.
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Without a doubt, La Nena Cantina at Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-visit destination, and one you will want to return to again and again.
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Perfect for food lovers who appreciate style, La Nena Cantina is incredibly Instagrammable. But beyond its visual appeal, it is the combination of atmosphere, quality, service, and approachable prices that makes the experience truly worthwhile.
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A beautiful place to enjoy great food, exceptional cocktails, good conversation, and the extraordinary backdrop of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic architectural landmarks.
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La Nena Cantina
The Music Center - Downtown Los Angeles
141 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-972-3548
lanenacantina.com
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Zarapé Cocina & Cantina Celebrated the Grand Opening of Its Belmont Shore Location with an Elevated Mexi-Medi Culinary E...
08/06/2026

Zarapé Cocina & Cantina Celebrated the Grand Opening of Its Belmont Shore Location with an Elevated Mexi-Medi Culinary Experience
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By Exquisitamente Editorial Staff
Exclusive Photography by Branding is Social. Produced without the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
PR Agency: KRPR Creative.
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Belmont Shore welcomed a remarkable new culinary destination as Zarapé Cocina & Cantina officially celebrated the grand opening of its Long Beach location with an exclusive media and VIP evening showcasing its signature Mexi-Medi concept, a sophisticated fusion where authentic Mexican traditions meet the freshness and elegance of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Invited as special media guests, Exquisitamente had the opportunity to experience a thoughtfully curated tasting menu designed exclusively for the celebration, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to a 100% scratch kitchen, premium ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional hospitality.
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From the moment guests arrived, the vibrant atmosphere reflected the spirit of Zarapé. The warm interiors, colorful Día de los Muertos-inspired artwork, inviting indoor-outdoor dining space, and attentive service created an environment where every detail celebrated contemporary Mexican culture with refined Mediterranean influences.
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The evening began with an impressive cocktail presentation featuring handcrafted creations prepared with Zarapé Silver Tequila and Zarapé Reposado, each demonstrating balance, freshness, and remarkable attention to detail. Signature selections included the refreshing Mexi-Medi, the celebratory Grand Toast, the herbaceous El Duende Verde, the bold Beso Negro, and the citrus-forward Cantarito Paloma, each offering a distinct interpretation of modern Mexican mixology.
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One of the evening's standout experiences was an exclusive premium tequila tasting presented by Casa Loy Tequila, where guests sampled an exceptional selection from the brand's portfolio. The guided tasting highlighted the craftsmanship, complexity, and character behind each expression, adding another elevated dimension to the grand opening celebration.
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The culinary tasting perfectly showcased the philosophy behind Zarapé's Mexi-Medi identity. Every dish demonstrated fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and meticulous ex*****on.
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Among the evening's highlights was the Oaxacan Poblano Chicken Taco, delivering comforting Mexican flavors elevated through refined technique. The Ahi Tuna Tostada provided vibrant freshness and delicate texture, while the Mediterranean Mussels beautifully reflected the restaurant's Mediterranean inspiration. The generously prepared Mexican-Style Seafood Paella offered a flavorful celebration of coastal ingredients, and the beautifully executed Poblano Lamb Chops concluded the tasting with rich depth and exceptional presentation.
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Founded by culinary innovators Stefano Mozher and Onesimo "Oni" Mendez, Zarapé introduced the term Mexi-Medi to describe its distinctive culinary philosophy, bringing together the flavors of Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco, and Veracruz with Mediterranean techniques and ingredients in a contemporary dining experience rooted in freshness and authenticity.
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Their Long Beach location continues that vision with an entirely scratch-made kitchen where sauces, cocktails, and recipes are prepared fresh daily using natural ingredients without canned products, preservatives, or shortcuts.
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Beyond the food and beverages, what distinguished the evening most was the restaurant's commitment to hospitality. The attentive staff delivered warm, polished service throughout the event, creating an experience that felt welcoming while maintaining an elevated dining atmosphere.
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With its inventive cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality, Zarapé Cocina & Cantina Belmont Shore made a memorable first impression during its official grand opening.
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The evening successfully introduced Long Beach diners to a concept that celebrates both Mexican culinary heritage and Mediterranean influences through craftsmanship, creativity, and a dedication to quality.
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For Exquisitamente, the exclusive preview offered an inspiring glimpse into what promises to become one of Belmont Shore's most exciting culinary destinations, where every plate and every cocktail reflects the passion behind the Mexi-Medi philosophy and the art of cooking everything from scratch.
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For more information or to make a reservation, please visit zarapecocinacantina.com.
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