I was invited back to the newly named ChicoJulio (previously Orale Mexican Kitchen) to sample their new coastal Mexican seafood menu. I’m so glad I did.

I tried my margarita made with Mezcal, the smoky spicier cousin of tequila. If you like smokiness, do try a Mezcalita ($12).

Be prepared for some unusual flavors and textures. We began with a bright yellow bowl of gazpacho – gazpacho de jaiba, made from yellow tomatoes and topped with crabmeat ($7); tasty but in need of a bit of seasoning from the five bottles of hot sauces placed on the table.

The unusual pickled octopus, though, (pulpo en escabeche, $13) was perfectly seasoned. The cephalopod is first poached then brined with herbs, lemon and olive oil and served with bread crisps. Shrimp lovers will enjoy the Las Banderitas, three large coconut-crusted shrimp skewered and served with a finger-lickin’ pomegranate-chipotle dip ($9).

Even more unusual are their fish balls (las chintas, $9) — a serving of three, made from ground tile fish, swimming in a ginger-peanut flavored fish broth.

Don’t miss the unusually tasty tacos. The aco gobernador (three for $15) are filled with grilled shrimp, cooked Chihuahua cheese and veggies, all on a refried bean-spread flour tortilla. The taco el jinete (three for $15) contain skirt steak with scallions on a corn tortilla. My favorite was the taco san pancho (three for $12), with  fresh (not-fried) fish, tomato, red onion and scallions on flour tortilla spread with yogurt cucumber dill salsa.

If one of the group is not in the mood for south of the border fare, try the shrimp burger with large pieces of shrimp held together with egg white and a touch of flour, then grilled. It’s served on a sesame seed bun topped melted Chihuahua cheese, fresh avocado slices, lettuce and sliced tomato, along with a hefty serving of large fries.

We couldn’t resist an order of churros ($7) for dessert.

I suggest stopping by to sample the fare when you’re in the Upper West Side.
– bonnie

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ChicoJulio – Bodega de Mar
768 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY
(212) 749-2929
Chico Julio on Urbanspoon