Good Times at Tempo Urban Kitchen

By Erin

Tempo Urban Kitchen in Brea, California is marching to its own culinary beat and creating some amazing dishes that are not to be missed. I knew right from the start that we were in for a fun evening the second we walked through the door (you’ll see what I mean once you see the pictures below..) I was invited to attend a media tasting last week here to check out not only the amazing eats, but also the very eclectic atmosphere, some behind the scenes action in the kitchen and meet not only one out of this world chef, but 3! All of the invited guests were treated to 3 outstanding local OC chefs who each prepared a special dish for our dining extravaganza. Check out what these talented chefs are cooking up here at Tempo Urban Kitchen! You are in for a very enjoyable dining experience here.

The ambiance of this dining haven is very friendly, welcoming , urban, chic and very eclectic, with lots of colorful contemporary artwork on the walls, that I noticed were also for sell. I think it’s pretty safe to say we were all super excited to see this new bar and eatery from owner, Jorge Cueva and to finally get to taste the Latin American offerings that we have all been seeing pictures of leading up to this night. It was awesome to be back to taste some of Chef Chris Tzorin’s crazy delicious creations as well since late last year we were all treated to an amazing dinner by Chef Chris Tzorin. Chris has been on several Food Network shows and is one amazingly talented and inspirational guy. He never gives up and keeps going for his dreams.

Ok, so NOW you see why I said earlier this is such a super fun place? THIS is what you see the second you step into the door! The bar greets you full on with this beautiful setup! They have a very nice selection of tequilas and spirits offered. 🙂

Make sure you look up when you walk in as well. I love all the natural light and the other creative lighting hanging throughout the dining area.

Chef Chris Tzorin had us start off the evening with a tour through the kitchen and to meet the other chefs and staff who were diligently preparing dinner for us. The owner of Tempo Urban Kitchen Jorge Cueva; hand picked and brought in these three awesome and talented young Chefs: (from left to right) Executive Chef Salvador Carrillo, Chef Chris Tzorin, & Chef Charly Perez.

Chef Charly Perez cooking up the deconstructed Korean tacos we were about to devour and enjoy.

Once seated, we were greeting with these sweet things. Some Mango- Serrano Infused Margaritas with a Tajino rim. Sweet and spicy and so refreshing.

Our first bite of the night was the Marinated Grill Octopus, Created by Chef Chris Tzorin. Made with guajillo chili oil, a creamy Serrano sauce, lime cream and chipotle mayo, and topped with microgreens. Served on wood planks to make it easy to dip into the Chipotle Aioli and greens. Oh my, so good. I did not want to share this. With anyone!! A very enjoyable dish, you will want to savor every last morsel of these bites of pure joy.

Our second course was created by Chef Charly Perez, which was some delicious Slow Roasted Pork Belly served with a soy lime glaze on top of a tortilla puree and red cabbage kimchi with a crema sauce. Garnished with a thinly sliced mango roll. Described as a deconstructed Korean taco, this slow roasted pork is cooked in a traditional cahachina. It was so tender and flavorful.

The last dish we had was created by Chef Salvador Carrillo, Executive Chef at Tempo Urban Kitchen. The Slow Cooked Short Rib served with vegan caviar (mustard seeds), with juice-pickled carrots wrapped in New York style ham and a beet sauce. The short ribs are slow cooked for 28 hours and covered in a meat juice sauce and beet marmalade. So juicy and so much flavor! Each dish was so good, I couldn’t even pick a favorite! I loved them all!

Of course, we could never forget about dessert, now could we? 😉 Dessert was just as impressive of a production as the rest of our meal and experience had been so far. Chef Chris Tzorin and Chef Salvador Carrillo presented us with table-side ice cream cones. Yum! Created right at your table, the ice cream is made with liquid nitrogen with a hint of ginger. Made in minutes at your table, it is the perfect way to end the evening! So light and fluffy, some major melt in your mouth goodness right here.

Special thanks goes out to Executive Chef Salvador Carrillo, Chef Chris Tzorin, Chef Charlie Perez, owner Jorge Cueva and the Gigasavvy Social Club!!! 🙂

Tempo Urban Kitchen

1060 E Imperial Hwy
Brea, CA 92821
Phone: (714)-529-2900

BUSINESS HOURS
*Closed On Mondays*
Tuesday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 12:00 am
Saturday Dinner – 2:00pm – 12:00 am
Sunday Dinner – 2:00 pm – 10 pm

*Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10:00am – 2:00 pm*