By Request: Puerto Nuevo-style Lobster Night at Coni’Seafood

You might be acquainted with Coni’Seafood, and maybe even Chef Sergio Penuelas’ former affiliation with Mariscos Chente. You probably have had their pescado zarandeado (grilled snook), and most certainly their raw preparations such as the Shrimp aguachiles. If you were ever aware of the need for one, it has become your go-to spot for Sinaloan specialties – right in Inglewood.

But what you probably didn’t know is that Connie Cossio also prepares lobster Puerto Nuevo-style, when given appropriate notice – a week, that is. While my dining companions (Bill Esparza of Street Gourmet LA and Fiona of Gourmet Pigs) and I didn’t get the actual spiny lobster they use down in Baja, Mexico, we really couldn’t complain about the results of the Maine lobster. Each of us got one whole lobster, with delicious, lard-battered-and-deep-fried results.

That’s not to say that Connie won’t be able to get the spiny lobsters in the future; just be sure to clarify with her to see what specimens are available to her – and you – at the time of your request. It’ll run about $60 per person, and you get refried beans, homemade flour tortillas and clarified butter with your platter.

And then, dig in. Get your hands dirty. And enjoy the labor of chasing each glob of wonderfully spiced and encrusted, tender meat.

Just remember not to fill up on those wonderfully fried chips and deceivingly spicy salsa beforehand.