Ortega120

The Drink: Caipirinha de Fruta
The Source: Demi Stevens, co-owner of Ortega120 in Redondo Beach, Calif.
The Inspiration: Stevens makes this variation on the classic caipirinha, a cachaca-based drink,
for her friends and family during hot summer days. “This is a beautiful, very tall, floating fruit
drink,” she says. But be careful, she warns: “It goes down easy and it packs a punch.”
The Recipe:
1 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaca (pisco can also be substituted for a different type of flavor)
1/2 oz. peach schnapps
1/4 oz. grenadine
2 oz. orange juice
3 pineapple pieces (diced)
Handful of fresh raspberries
Handful of strawberries and peaches (the peaches and strawberries can be frozen if fresh are not
available; they make fun, fruity ice cube alternatives)
Lime wedges
In a shaker, pour all ingredients (except strawberries and peaches) over ice. Shake vigorously.
Pour into Collins glass over peaches and strawberries. Add ice to fill. Garnish with lime wedges.

Tacos de atun Crudo: Ahi poke style blue fin tuna, roasted corn, fresh mango, cilantro, roasted red peppers, chile oil, guacamole, and crisp taco shells. Sounds yummy at Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach.

Chef Thomas Ortega and close friend Demi Stevens recently opened Ortega120 in Redondo Beach, specializing in modern Mexican food and a tequila list that runs 120 bottles deep. The space hosts a tortilleria (where fresh tortillas are made), a patio with water features and a black-top bar with models of low-rider cars. Old Mexican movies play on a water wall. Ortega apprenticed at Water Grill, Lucques, Spago Beverly Hills and Patina. The massive menu at Ortega120 features dishes like braised beef short rib enchiladas with red chile guajillo sauce and cotija cheese; a roasted half-chicken with house-made mole; and pan-seared red snapper in a sauce of onion, tomato, peppers, garlic and white wine. For dessert, fresh-made churros come with chocolate dipping sauce. To drink, The 120 Margarita features tequila, fresh-squeezed lemon and lime and a “double top secret ingredient.” Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ortega120, 1814 South Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, CA 90277, 310-792-4120.