Back to all Eats

hugo’s mexican Kitchen

Kelowna, British Columbia

Dear Ventures:

This week, Peter and I ventured to Hugo’s Mexican Kitchen on Lakeshore in Kelowna—a little corner of Mexico tucked away in our backyard. The moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted by the lively hum of conversation, the sizzle of skillets, and an irresistible aroma that promised something special.

We dove straight into their tacos, which were nothing short of a masterpiece. Each bite felt like a celebration of flavors—tender, seasoned meat topped with fresh cilantro and onions, all brought to life with a zingy squeeze of lime. Peter went for the carnitas, while I couldn’t resist the al pastor. As always, we shared (well, mostly), and by the end, we were debating which was better. Spoiler: they were both incredible.

The warm, festive atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Mexican fiesta. It’s a place where the food nourishes not just your stomach, but your soul—a reminder of the beauty of gathering, sharing, and indulging in life’s simple pleasures.

Food for Thought:
Relationships, much like tacos, are about balance. It’s the blend of bold and subtle flavors, the give-and-take of spicy and sweet, that creates something unforgettable. Whether it’s sharing a plate, a laugh, or a quiet moment, every little ingredient adds to the bigger picture. So here’s a thought: don’t just cherish the big milestones in your relationship—celebrate the everyday flavors, too. They’re the ones that keep life interesting and full of zest.

Until next time,
Joy & Peter

Love isn’t just found in grand gestures; it’s woven into the quiet moments, shared laughter, and the simple joy of being with the one who feels like home.

What We Had

😍 Al Pastor; Chicken Tinga and Pork Carnitas

What We Thought

Imagine biting into tender slices of pork loin, marinated to perfection in a rich achiote adobo. The flavours are a symphony of smoky and spicy, balanced beautifully by the charred edges from the grill. Each piece is topped with fresh cilantro and onions, adding a burst of freshness that complements the savoury pork. But the true star of the show? The grilled pineapples. They bring a subtle sweetness that ties the whole dish together, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavour. It’s no wonder Al Pastor is a beloved street food classic in Mexico.

The Chicken Tinga features succulent pulled chicken, simmered in a mildly spiced chipotle tinga sauce. Each bite offers a delightful mix of smoky and tangy flavors, with just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming your palate. The chicken is served with a generous drizzle of creamy crema and a sprinkling of crumbled queso, adding a luscious, velvety texture. The pickled onions provide a zesty contrast, while the fresh cilantro and slices of ripe avocado bring a refreshing, vibrant touch to the dish.

The Pork Carnitas features braised pork shoulder that’s been meticulously seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection. Each bite of the pork was tender and juicy, with a depth of flavor that spoke to the hours of careful preparation and the authentic Michoacan spices used in the seasoning. The carnitas were served with fresh onions and cilantro, adding a crisp and aromatic freshness that balanced the richness of the pork. Grilled pineapple slices were a surprising yet delightful addition, their sweetness providing a perfect counterpoint to the savory pork. A squeeze of lime over the top brought everything together, adding a zesty brightness that elevated the dish even further.

 

 

🥰 Beef Barbacoa, Carne Asada and Pollo Asado

What We Thought

The Beef Barbacoa; this dish features succulent braised beef shoulder, seasoned Michoacan-style, which is tender and rich with deep, smoky flavours. The barbacoa is served with a medley of fresh onions and cilantro, adding a crisp and aromatic contrast. Grilled pineapple slices provide a sweet balance to the savoury beef, while a lime wedge offers a zesty burst that ties all the flavours together.Each bite of the Beef Barbacoa was a delightful fusion of savoury, sweet, and tangy, making it an unforgettable experience. If you’re at Hugo’s, this dish is a must-try for a true taste of Mexico.

Carne Asada; This dish features grilled sirloin marinated in a flavourful chile ancho adobo, creating a symphony of smoky and spicy notes. The sirloin was grilled to perfection, each slice tender and juicy, with the chile ancho adobo adding a rich, earthy depth that enhanced the natural flavours of the beef. Topped with fresh onions and cilantro, the Carne Asada offered a refreshing crunch and a burst of herbal brightness. A squeeze of lime over the top added a zesty finish, balancing the smoky and savory elements beautifully. Each bite of the Carne Asada was a delightful experience, showcasing the perfect harmony of flavours and textures.

Pollo Asado, This dish features succulent grilled chicken marinated in a rich chile ancho adobo, resulting in a perfect blend of smoky and spicy notes. The chicken was grilled to perfection, each piece tender and juicy, with the chile ancho adobo imparting a deep, earthy flavour that made every bite a delight. The Pollo Asado was topped with fresh onions and cilantro, adding a crisp, aromatic touch that complemented the savoury chicken beautifully. A squeeze of lime over the top brought a refreshing zest that balanced the robust flavours of the adobo. The combination of the tender chicken, vibrant toppings, and zesty lime created a harmonious and satisfying dish.

 

How to get there

Also Visit