Cocina Poblana at A Taste of Tamales by the Bay

Jalisco, Mexico is known for Mariachi, Blue Agave Tequila, and world famous, 5 time grammy winner Maná . And from the looks of it, Oakland can now add Cocina Poblana to that list.

Always on the lookout for unique and exciting tamales to show-case at A Taste of Tamales by the Bay, I made a bee-line for Oakland's Jack London Square after hearing from three different people, have you tried Cocina Poblana yet? to taste for myself what everyone else already seemed to know.

What I found was Lito Saldaña, founder of Cocina Poblana, and a wonderfully thought out restaurant. From menu, which includes a unique selection of tamales - two of which will be featured at the third annual A Taste of Tamales by the Bay - to music, it's clear Lito has spent time going over the details that represent his home and the hospitality of Jalisco. Of course, it almost goes without saying, I also found a thoroughly exciting menu of the other kind -- tequila. You'll want to try Cocina Poblana's Avocado Margarita -- trust me on this one.

Here's an insigt to Lito's vision, taken from Cocina Poblana's website.

This humble yet colossal affirmation conveys not only the need but the style of service which Cocina Poblana brings to the Bay Area. We feel that there is a need for refined Mexican cuisine focusing on traditional colonial flavors and fusing them with modern techniques and trends.

Poblana refers to the region of Puebla Mexico the heart and soul of fine Mexican cuisine. Culinary traditions have been passed down for centuries from generation to generation yet the essence our ancestors remain very much alive. Poblana also refers to; pertaining to the pueblo (township) many of our dishes display the nature of home cooked meals and how you would generally find them in rural Mexico.

The true nature of our cuisine however is a perfect marriage between Puebla and Jalisco Mexico. Offering the refined delicate flavors of Puebla, along side of the robust and rustic style of Jalisco.

Cocina Poblana has been a culmination of ideas and hard work that for the past 15 years is now flourishing into what the restaurant is today. Lito Saldaña the founder/ creator of Cocina Poblana has been known for many years as a casual chef walking the unbeaten path. His cuisine has focused in bringing the distinct flavors from traditional Mexican pueblos and showcasing them with a modern twist. However his strong roots and values have kept him concentrated on using family recipes and keeping food simple but very enjoyable. Mama Luisa & Don Pedro two predominant menu names and persons in Chef Lito's life. His parents Pedro and Luisa have been the inspiration for his career and his greatest Culinary instructors since day one.

!Buen Provecho!