Whenever I go to Mexico, I have a habit of eating chilaquiles every day for breakfast. They’re on every menu, whether you’re in Mexico City or the Mexican Riviera. I just can’t pass them up.
The best part about it is that they’re always different—sometimes they’re green, sometimes red, super saucy or on the drier side. Chips can be used, or maybe you even get broken up tostadas. Eggs scrambled or fried, maybe with some chicken mixed in or chorizo even, if you’re lucky.
Ah, chilaquiles…let me count the ways.
Still, even with all my chilaquiles experience, I’d never had them with mole until a recent brunch at CaCao Mexicatessan in Eagle Rock. I’d actually never enjoyed CaCao’s breakfast menu until that day—I’d been tempted by images of their blue corn pancakes, but I just never got around to an AM visit.
In a savory mood, I passed up the intended pancakes in favor of the Huevos Rancheros, adding chorizo. And while that dish was was absolutely delicious in its own right, I quickly abandoned my own plate to commandeer my mother’s Chicaquiles en Mole Poblano (pictured at the top of the post–sorry for not having a more invasive photo, but I quickly forgot about the camera once I started eating). After one taste, a series of beggings and pleadings for more bites followed.
I’ve never enjoyed chilaquiles so much. The combination of rich sweetness from the mole mixed with the perfectly yolky fried egg and raw onions made for the disarming contrast. Addictively disarming contrast. A detectable but not overwhelming amount of Monterey Jack cheese is melted within the layers of tortillas, and there’s even some crema to smooth things out. I’m now of the conviction that eggs and mole should never be apart.
The Yukon Gold breakfast potatoes and the cup of beans that shared the plate should also be mentioned since they were a worthy companion to the mole-soaked stack of tortillas.
However, even with all this chilaquiles-induced joy, there is a downside: I’m so hopelessly smitten that now I’ll probably never try those pancakes.
–Valentina
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I never knew that Cacao had brunch. I’ve usually only gone for dinner. My favs then are their duck carnitas tacos, fried duck fat tacos, the grilled corn and so much more.
awesome!
thanks for the heads up on these chilaquiles, are these on the crispy side?
have you had the ones at La Casita Mexicana? Those are the best I have ever had so far…
I’m a fan of Cacao though with a large group of people, we’ve had some flops here and there. This dish in particular is quite delish and makes me bitter that I grew up in a Mexican-American family that didn’t cook Mole, ever. Like seriously, not once.
La Casita Mexicana has some pretty tasty ones as well, and you can order it with both sauces. I cannot say they’re the best like Javier, but worth the visit. I say go just for the churros or lemonade with chia seeds alone. Meet you there?
@Pleasure Palate–Woh! I’ve never had their fried duck or duck fat tacos, but I can’t imagine either being bad.
@Javier–they have crispy moments, but the weight of the mole soaks them quickly, so they get mushier as you eat them. I’ve never had the chilaquiles at La Casita, but now I’m going to have to. I think I have a case of chilaquiles mania right now.
@Natalie–I was lucky enough to have a Mexican grandmother who made mole fairly frequently, but I didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have when I was a kid. And yes, the churros with caramel at La Casita are out of control–although I’m usually already stuffed to the gills when I’m eating them. Also love the lemonade. I’d meet you there any time!
I have to agree that the chilaquiles en mole are on the top of my list so far as well. I make it a point to try more things off the breakfast menu (I have done the blue corn pancakes), but that rarely happens. Pair it with an Horchata Italiana and you’re set!
This sounds like the perfect place for me to try my very first Chilaquiles!! I’ll tag along with you and Natalie
Chilaquiles are always my first choice, the best I’ve had and the first time I had them with mole was in a booth on Olvera Street. They only serve them until 11:00 am. I’ll get the name for you next time I’m there, it’s near the entrance on the right side.
@Gastronomer–we should do a taste off between La Casita and CaCao. Especially since you’re a chilaquiles virgin.
@Linda–yes, let me know. Always down for a new chilaquiles experience.
@Scott–are the pancakes worth it? Or will I regret not getting the chilaquiles?
love cacao and those pancakes really are stellar!
Okay, Natassia, I have to go with someone who is willing to share chilaquiles and pancakes. It’s the only way.
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