The story behind DAEJA VU Shrimp Tacos
Some places leave footprints on your heart, and this one has stayed with me for nearly ten years.
During a wonderful visit with my dear friend Valerie Gilb in Southern California, we joined her longtime friends Sheri and Mike for a drive down the coast to the historic cottages at Crystal Cove State Park. Nestled between the bluffs and the Pacific Ocean, this little seaside village immediately stole my heart.
Originally built in the 1920s and 1930s as a rustic beach colony, the colorful cottages welcomed generations of families looking for a simple escape by the sea. By the early 2000s, many had fallen into serious disrepair and faced an uncertain future.
Thankfully, an ambitious restoration project carefully brought these beloved cottages back to life while preserving their vintage charm. Today, visitors can once again stay in many of these beautifully restored seaside cottages (41 restored at the time of this writing) , and it’s easy to understand why Crystal Cove has also been featured in countless movies, television shows, and commercials over the years.
When I visited, only a handful of cottages had completed their remarkable facelifts, while others were still patiently waiting their turn. Walking among them felt like stepping into a California postcard from another era.
That trip also introduced me to a very special Chow Chow named Daeja…the namesake of this recipe, who owns Valerie’s heart and soul!!. She was just a young girl when I met her, full of sweetness and curiosity, and she completely stole my heart.
Over the years, Daeja has inspired many of my paintings, becoming one of my most cherished Heart Chows. When I began creating this Travel Collection, I knew she simply had to be the welcoming face of The Beach Cottage.
After exploring the shoreline, we enjoyed lunch at the little café overlooking the beach. I ordered the ahi tuna tacos, and they were unforgettable—fresh, bright, and bursting with coastal flavor. Years later, those tacos were still calling my name….I have recreated them dozens of times at home.
Such great memories. Ventura is where my own family vacationed in the 1970s
TASTE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
For this recipe, I wanted to create something everyone could easily make at home, so I substituted grilled shrimp while keeping the crisp slaw, creamy chipotle aioli, California Avocados and sunny So. Cal. spirit that made that meal so memorable. Every bite brings back that beautiful afternoon with Valerie, Sheri, Mike, and, of course, sweet Daeja.
DAEJA VU SHRIMP TACOS
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Chipotle Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo finely chopped
- 1 tsp adobo sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of sugar to balance the heat and lime
Tacos
- 8 small yellow corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 cup guacamole
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro optional
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Make the Chipotle Aioli
- Mix mayonnaise, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and lime juice until smooth.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Season the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Grill
- Grill shrimp over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Warm the Tortillas
- Warm tortillas on the grill, in a dry skillet, or over a gas flame until soft and pliable.
Assemble
- Spread each tortilla with chipotle aioli.
- Top with cabbage, grilled shrimp, Cotija cheese, guacamole, and cilantro.
- Serve
- Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
- Fresh Pacific shrimp are ideal, but any large shrimp work well.
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the tortillas briefly over an open flame.
- Serve with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a lime vinaigrette.
- Fresh chopped mint is also a great addition to the cilantro
BRING HOME A SOUVENIR FROM YOUR CALIFORNIA COTTAGE ADVENTURE
The new recipe card featuring this delicious recipe is now available with much more down the trail ahead!! Thank you for traveling along
I would love to get your comments if you have ever visited Crystal Cove State Park. Also if you make this super fast and delicious recipe!!