"TV Dinners" from Momocho and El Carnicero

Something new is coming soon to your freezer.

Chef Eric Williams of Momocho and El Carnicero and his team have developed six Mod Mex Frozen Dinners that come in microwavable one-serving containers that can also be reused. All six come with sides of cilantro rice and beans, and the packaging includes easy heating instructions. 

We had the opportunity to sample them during the development phase to provide feedback. 

They include a Mexicola Pork Belly Rice Bowl (pictured frozen).

Mexicola Butternut Squash Rice Bowl (pictured frozen).

Chile Poblano Relleno

Pork Carnitas Enchirito Rojo (our personal favorite!).

Machaca Beef Enchirito Rojo

And a Roasted Chicken Enchirito Rojo (not pictured). 

Since we sampled them, a few final tweaks were made and all dishes now come with Black Beans instead. Other changes were made to perfect the cooking and presentation. 

The Cenas Televisiones will be priced at $10 each or 3 for $25. The frozen dinners will be available for pick-up at both restaurants and can be ordered through the regular online portals on their websites and combined with hot food orders (and margaritas to go!). 

This new concept is not only perfect for meals for one, an easy after-work option, or a quick lunch...they will also be an important revenue stream to get these restaurants through the next several months until outdoor dining can open back up in Ohio and vaccinations roll out that lift pandemic restrictions.

We genuinely liked each one, and plan to personally purchase some right away to stock up our freezer with. They are expected to go live with sales sometime this week. Stay tuned to their social media!

Momocho

1835 Fulton Road

Cleveland, OH 44113

(216) 694-2122

El Carnicero

16918 Detroit Avenue

Lakewood, OH 44107

(216) 226-3415

Disclosure: We were provided sample meals during the development stage to provide feedback on. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

El Carnicero

Last month's Cleveland Dinner Club event took the group to Eric Williams' El Carnicero in Lakewood. Just one reason why I love these monthly outings, it sometimes takes Mr. H and I to new-to-us restaurants that we've been meaning to try.

We were greeted by walls of lucha libre masks...

...and Happy Hour at the bar. 

Chef/Owner Eric Williams was on hand, but gave Chef Daniel Garcia most of the credit for our menu that evening. We started with a Smoked Tomato Soup with blue crab, sherry, jalapeno, and cilantro.

I don't even typically like tomato soup, but this was shockingly good. The layers of flavor that had been developed were surprising, and I happily slurped this down.

Next, we had a Cauliflower Salad with oaxacan chocolate mole, raisins, orange, and agave candied pecans.

Again, cauliflower is not usually something that I gravitate towards, but this was nicely prepared with interesting seasoning and a light char. 

The star of the meal was the Jalisco Style Pork Shoulder for Taquitos. This family-style platter had us all clamoring to take pictures, and then digging in. 

Just like Williams' famous Momocho restaurant, these taquitos did not disappoint. 

For our last course, we had a Blood Orange Flan. A light, refreshing way to end the meal. 

All of this for $40, the standard Dinner Club fare. If you haven't joined Joe's email list for this group yet, what are you waiting for? I enjoy that we see familiar faces each month, but yet always meet interesting new people that have a common love for local, good food. 

El Carnicero's food will typically run you $10.50 - $17 for Tamales or Taquitos. Other menu options are available, but come for what they are known for! 

El Carnicero

16198 Detroit Avenue

Lakewood, OH 44107
216-226-3415