Bistros in Oceanside, CA

“Twas the night before Mother’s Day and a great night to celebrate double birthdays in the fam. Some wanted Mexican, some (me) craved French. This restaurant offers a French-Mexican fusion in Downtown Oceanside so everyone’s a winner. But first - Cocktails! Margarita ooh-La-La ($14) topped with lilikoi guava foam - yum! Tales of Culiacan ($14): roasted pineapple mezcal, rum, strawberry campari Lemon Drop Martini ($14) just coz it’s my appetizer Ordered several small plates: Pomme Frites ($7) with BOMB garlic bourbon aioli Elote Corn Fritters ($14): Oaxaca cheese, roasted corn, chili lime aioli (wasn’t my favorite) Ceviche ($14): shrimps, prickly pear, chayote, avocado & taro chips Duck Tacos ($16): didn’t like this ~ meh ~ nothing great (nothing great and overpriced) Birria Short Rib ($31): braised, herb pasta, corn, chayote Black Cod ($29): group favorite with braised leeks, roasted beets, herb chimichurri Mexican Hot Pot ($27): braised chicken, adobada broth (Filipino adobo with a mex flair?) It was just an OK dinner. We expected more from the reviews I guess? The location 3 blocks to the water in the center of revitalized Downtown Oceanside is fantastic. It was a lot more Mexican than French. We recommend the ceviche, black cod and mayyyybe the Birria short rib if the pasta wasn’t so dry. Will we return? Not sure actually. For pix & vid on IG: @i_therefore_conclude“