Los Angeles - Olivera (sp?) Street, etc.

If you're into local quasi-dives:

For the best barrio Mex in L.A., try El Tepayac, a/k/a Manuel's.  It's in East L.A. on Evergreen, off the Soto offramp on the 10.  Yes, it's in East L.A., but the area (tho not charming) never struck me as unsafe.  People from all over L.A. line up at lunchtime and Sunday brunch.  Try the Machaca burrito - you'll need two people to finish it.  They make menudo on weekends, which I've always wanted to try but never timed it right.

The best Thai food I've ever had is in L.A.  Jitlada, on Sunset or Hollywood Blvd. maybe near Western or so, I can't remember the exact address.  It's in Zagat's.  Not a great area, but the restaurant is incredible and always full of Thai people.  We go every time we're in town.

Regina L. wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm about to make my first trip to Los Angeles in more than 20 years.  I
> recall from my 1979 trip that there was a section of town called
> something like Olivera (sp?) Street that was famous for having lots of
> Mexican restaurants.  I may have butchered the spelling of this place.
> Anyway, Mexican food was not my style back in 1979, but now it would be
> something I'd possibly be interested in having one day or evening during
> my stay.  Is this still a place that tourists would go to to get Mexican
> food?  (And while you're at it, what's the correct spelling?)
>
> I also remember a restaurant in downtown L.A. called The Original Pantry
> (and again, I'm going back nearly 21 years to remember this name).  I
> recall waiting in a line that stretched around the block, but both the
> food and prices were worth it.  Is this restaurant still around?
>
> I may be going to a Saturday night game at Dodger Stadium (7:05 p.m.
> start time).  Any recommendations in this area for a late afternoon
> early dinner?  (It's not going to seem that early to me because it will
> be my second night there, and I live in the Eastern Time Zone.)
>
> Finally, our base will probably be in Santa Monica for most of the
> week.  Does anyone have any recommendations for this part of the area?
>
> Thanks in advance.

NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 21 May 2000 07:26:45 PDT
Xref: usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu rec.food.restaurants:50249

Someone wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I'm about to make my first trip to Los Angeles in more than 20 years.  I
> recall from my 1979 trip that there was a section of town called
> something like Olivera (sp?) Street that was famous for having lots of
> Mexican restaurants.  I may have butchered the spelling of this place.
> Anyway, Mexican food was not my style back in 1979, but now it would be
> something I'd possibly be interested in having one day or evening during
> my stay.  Is this still a place that tourists would go to to get Mexican
> food?  (And while you're at it, what's the correct spelling?)
>
> I also remember a restaurant in downtown L.A. called The Original Pantry
> (and again, I'm going back nearly 21 years to remember this name).  I
> recall waiting in a line that stretched around the block, but both the
> food and prices were worth it.  Is this restaurant still around?
>
> I may be going to a Saturday night game at Dodger Stadium (7:05 p.m.
> start time).  Any recommendations in this area for a late afternoon
> early dinner?  (It's not going to seem that early to me because it will
> be my second night there, and I live in the Eastern Time Zone.)
>
> Finally, our base will probably be in Santa Monica for most of the
> week.  Does anyone have any recommendations for this part of the area?
>
> Thanks in advance.

My fave Mex hang near the stadium is Mexico City in the Los Feliz district.  I think it is on Vermont...not sure though (moved away a couple of years back).

Well worth seeking out!

Another one that I can highly recommend is Serenata De Garibaldi.  On 4th outside downtown bordering East LA.  Not the greatest part of town, but they have valet parking and are across the street from the police station.  Stellar food with an emphasis on seafood.  Incredible sauces, the mark of any great chef.  They just reopened after a lengthy remodel and the place is gorgeous.

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