CLBRUNELLI wrote: > > I also forgot El Cholo on Wilshire. That's more west L.A. (Santa Monica) This must be an la.eats FAQ, but is that one related to the famous one on Western? ObFoodRave: carnitas at El Cholo on Western. Oh---My----GOD that was good. The waitress says it involves butter and orange juice; I believe it. Some of the best pork I've *ever* had. If you haven't tried the carnitas, please do; they were delicious.
Los Angeles, CA
Opinions: West LA Mex
The results are in. We went to Mi Ranchito.
The good news: I thought it was awesome. I had the abalone, octopus, and shrimp burrito. My wife had a ceviche tostada and we shared a goat taco. All excellent.
The bad news: said freshman niece has, in her own words, "the gastronomic sophistication of a four-year old." She was okay with the decor, but pretty freaked out by the menu, and positively repulsed at the clipping of a Jonathan Gold review under the glass tabletop, which featured photo of a grinning octopus. She ordered a bean and cheese burrito ("no onions, please") and a cheese enchilada, which she complained to the astounded waitress was "too sweet."
In retrospect, Paco's probably would've been the safer bet. Fear not, though; I plan to let UCLA educate her mind, while I take personal responsibility for her palate.
Thanks for all your assistance and suggestions.
> >>:> : When I was at UCLA, I ate at Mi Ranchito (the
> >>:> : original one, on Washington and Helms) more
> >>:> : often than I did at home. Authentic Veracruz
> >>:> : dishes, great carnitas and chiles rellenos,
> >>:> : seafood for when you're in a splurgy mood and
> >>:> : cheesy, slightly risque, decor. How could you
> >>:> : lose? Paco's is just Cal Mex.
> >>:>
> >>:> Might his niece be offended by the decor (I assume
> >>:> that the risqueness involves nude women)?>niece has, in her own words, "the >gastronomic sophistication of a four-year old." She was okay with >the decor, but pretty freaked out by the menu, and positively repulsed >at the clipping of a Jonathan Gold review under the glass tabletop which featured photo of a grinning octopus. There is a QSR Mexican restaurant in West LA that you niece would probalby like. Its at Ohio (Santa Monica Blvd). & Bundy, in a mini-mall (next to 7-11 & across from Blockbuster Video), called Taco Plus. It has healthy, non MSG mexican food and seems to be fairly authentic. Beef, Chicken and Fish - nothing too odd. They do have the authentic Mexican soft drinks and various side dishes. It is inexpensive and has absolutely no atmosphere, but the food is great. There are a few tables, but it is mostly take-out.