This is not a review per se but just photos from my last visit to Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen. Met up there with my roommate Greg, his friend Meredith, and Chris and Kristanna. Ironically, I haven't yet taken pictures I'm satisfied with at either of my two favorite places: Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen and Taco Rosa, but these should do for now.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Carnitas Platter
Shrimp Enchiladas - Greg's trying to be a Seinfeldian hand model again
Mole Oaxaqueña - Ed explained that the recipe for this mole sauce came while him and Gabbi were visiting a family in their house in Oaxaca
Steak Tacos
UPDATE (August 20, 2006):
Stopped by Gabbi's yesterday for a very quick, impromptu lunch. Just ordered a bowl of soup and one of their appetizers. The pozole soup comes with a side plate of fresh onions, cilantro, cabbage, and lime to add to the soup as you desire. Also found out yesterday that in addition to their flan and ice cream brownies for dessert they now have tres leches and deep-fried ice cream.
Another interior shot
Pozole Soup
Mini Mole Tostaditas
UPDATE (August 29, 2006):
Went to Gabbi's again for a quick dinner after work and found out some helpful information. They are going to be closed September 1st through the 3rd for the Orange Street Fair and re-open on the 4th. On the last Saturday and Sunday of September they are planning on being open for breakfast then may be open on Sundays from that point on.
Albondigas Soup
Gabbi's now makes tortillas fresh on the premises:
Tilapia
This time I tried their new deep-fried ice cream even though it has almonds in it (which generally don't agree with me) and it was perfectly fine. It was the only deep-fried ice cream I've ever seen that was in a cylindrical rather than a spherical shape. They are still going to be developing their dessert menu some more as well as their overall menu and Ed outlined some more ambitious plans they have that will be implemented over time.
Deep-fried Ice Cream
Ed also said he's considering not putting up a sign out front because several people have told him they thought it was kind of cool having to find the place only by clues given to them by other people, as though they were on a scavenger hunt. The other thing I learned is that they are actively developing their restaurant's website.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this review we have covered Gabbi's several more times. Click HERE or on the "gabbi's" label below to see our numerous entries and better quality photos:
11 comments:
They are on the east side of the south spoke of the circle at just about the halfway point on the spoke (technically South Glassell). If I interpret my map of Old Towne Orange correctly they are in the spot formerly occupied by Muff's Restoration Hardware between the Army-Navy Store (immediately to Gabbi's north) and Plaza 42 Antiques (immediately to Gabbi's south).
They might still not have their sign out front but I know they are working on one and then it needs to get approved by the City Council. Even still you should see people at some of their outside tables when none of the other nearby shops have food or outside seating.
I haven't been on a Sunday night and don't think they are closed then but if they are I can easily imagine it not sticking out at all.
If you looked right at it and didn't see it then maybe it was closed. Just hone in on the hustle and bustle and the outside seating. Maybe even call ahead of time. Gabbi and her husband are really nice. Ed seems to be able to get out amongst the customers more. He looks like a surfer in his early forties. Said he's had at least three people mention that they found out about their place from this site.
Okay, this is just weird. Maybe they are closed on Sunday. Another thing is that there may very well be times when they are open but just don't have any tables set outside at that moment, in which case you would step into the shop space a little bit before then going through some glass doors. Did you call them beforehand to make sure they were open? Did you go to whatever spot #141 would be at? Did you get a good look at the picture I have of their storefront from my original post? Their store is more "bricky" than surrounding stores. Also, the antique store just to their south is Plaza 42 Antiques, not Muff's (full name: Muff's Restoration Hardware). If you go a third time and you don't see it can you take a picture of the spot you suspect it might be? I'm trying to get back soon but it might not be until Aug. 21-26.
went there this last Sunday on this site's recommendation. Same experience. Locked up tight as a drum with outdoor seating stacked inside behind locked doors.
Thanks for your comment. As soon as it came in I called Gabbi's and they confirmed what you and Chaz have been suspecting but I that I never guessed could really be the case: they really are closed on Sundays. There's still time left to go today.
it's a particular lameness of old town, my hood. multiple places are closed on sunday. it's worth a trip though.. we've been there about 6 times now and i'm constantly impressed with the food quality although there is ALWAYS a long wait.
be sure and ask for the "other" salsa as their house salsa is really the only place they miss a beat.
oh, and ask em to open on sundays.
Some people I went with liked the salsa they bring you out first because it is very mild, but you are right: they have a spicier kind they can bring you on request.
Thanks for reminding me about the Street Fair. I want to post some information on that.
Well, I am glad to hear that things worked out well. After your aborted attempts before I was hoping you wouldn't finally make it there and be disappointed. Ed did say that it usually takes about six months for a restaurant to get into the groove. Let's hope the handicapped access is improved by then. I like how Ed gets out and talks to all the customers there. The Puerco Poc-Chuc is something I've been meaning to try and now that you mention it might be the next thing I get there.
Gabbi informed me the other night that she also does not want to put up a sign because she doesn't want to jinx a good thing. She also told me that her tortillas use lard... but they're so amazing so I got over it very quickly.
So, I guess they will put up the sign if their business drops.
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