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Two shows that I’m totally obsessed about are No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. After watching a recent episode of Bizarre Foods in which Andrew Zimmern bombs around Mexico looking for the strangest, wildest, and most exotic foods, I developed a huge hunger for authentic Mexican food. I’m talking the real deal, not the usual carne asada burritos and fajitas. My quest led me to a tiny, family owned and operated establishment in Escondido. I give you, La Cocina de Maria.

La Cocina de Maria
168 W. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92025

The exterior of the restaurant is rather bland and unassuming, but what’s served inside is anything but. Family owned and operated, the tiny eatery prides itself on quality, authentic Mexican & Oaxacan food. The menu barely resembles anything you would see at any other Mexican restaurant; and that’s a good thing. The pollo en mole was incredible - tender chicken smothered in a rich, dark mole sauce accompanied by rice and beans. The camarones rancheros were as flavorful as they were colorful. A generous portion of shrimp mixed in a rich bed of onions, cilantro, tomatoes, peppers, and spices were also accompanied by rice and beans. The homemade corn tortillas were extremely unique tasting, nothing like the store bought kind. Sweet and slightly earthy, the tortillas had an aroma and taste all to its own. The watermelon aguas frescas was extremely refreshing and naturally sweet. Large pictures of various dishes adorn the windows. The gorditas looked especially inviting and will definitely require another visit. The service was friendly and the prices moderate. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food with strong Oaxacan roots, then look no further than La Cocina de Maria.