If you're an Eastsider, you assume that nothing is better than the food in your hood; because, of course, Latinos have long made the Eastside of Los Angeles their home....so the "assumption" is: If you want to eat good Mexican food avoid any restaurant west of WeHo.
But my how things have changed...
I grew-up in the valley and have lived in the Westside for more than fifteen years. I have also lived in Mexico, and well, my family owns restaurants and culinary schools. So I can definitely call-out good Mexican food when I eat it...and I promise you, good Mexican food can be found West of East Los Angeles. Trust me.
Angelinos that have a claim or interest in Mexican food, have probably heard, read and watched the many raves and reviews about La Casita Mexicana in Bell, which has emerged as one of the leading Mexican Food restaurants in Southern California, if not the entire U.S.If you're anything like me, you just look with wide eyes at the beautiful food photos, but never make the trek east, because, well BELL.
But now you don't have to dread the drive to a part of town completely unfamiliar to you...because Chef Jaime and Chef Ramiro the opened their newest restaurant ambassador of Mexican cuisine: Mexicano!
Just a short drive from the Westside and even closer from Downtown LA Mexicano is located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
The gorgeous space is anchored with an outside patio reminiscent of the many indoor/outdoor restaurants found in Guadalajara, while the indoor bar and restaurant, tastefully brings together Mexican decor and art, while leaving out the kitsch that we have all wrongly been accustomed to.
You can go to Mexicano to just stare at any one of the several beautiful paintings, admire the Tlaquepaque-style glass bowls adorning one of the walls, or gaze at the "Angel" long associated with El D.F., which all compliment the stars of the restaurant: the food and drinks.
On my first occasion dining at Mexicano, my friend and I started with a Raspado "adult" drink. One was Jamaica and the second coconut, both, as the "adult" title implies were liquor-infused raspados.
And although both were the perfect start to an otherwise hot and unusually humid day, the coconut raspado was by far my favorite.
After our first drink the staff brought us their special "Chapulines" appetizer coupled with mezcal chasers. Chapulines for my non-Latino friends are grasshoppers that are fried and cooked with garlic or other spices for flavor. You can eat them by themselves or roll them into one of the handmade tortillas that come with the order.
If that wasn't enough, right before dinner was served, we were presented with "totopos," which is the Mexican-version of chips and salsa - but like everything else at Mexicano: elevated and authentic: Home-made chips topped with refried beans, queso fresco and verduras en vinagre (pickled jalapenos, carrots and onions).
Before I get into the dinner portion of our evening, I would be remissed if I didn't share how absolutely fantastic the service at Mexicano is. Nothing, and I mean nothing, was ignored to ensure that our experience was that: an experience.
From the way we were greeted, to how we were seated, to the attentiveness of the waiters and the entire staff...which basically means that by the time you're actually presented with your dinner you have experienced what it's like to dine in Mexico.
Now let's move on to dinner:
Plates, as you can imagine, are hearty but not overwhelming - and everything I tasted was not only reminiscent of my meals in Mexico, but presented with such gusto and flair that even before you took a bite of whatever you ordered, your eyes filled with the beauty of the colors and textures of the food you are about to eat.
Desserts are a big part of Mexican meals - so it always surprises me when Mexican restaurants offer a dessert selection as an afterthought and not as part of the experience.
Not at Mexicano.
Ending your meal with the three-cheese flan doesn't weigh down your meal, but elevates your entire experience. It is, in essence, the perfect ending to an otherwise wonderful meal.
Mexicano offers Happy Hour Monday to Thursday with complimentary appetizers, and daily specials.
Mexicano also schedules mezcal and tequila tastings throughout the month. Make sure to check their Facebook page to schedule your visit - which doesn't require reservations.
Mexicano is located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008Phone:(323) 296-0798
Ana Lydia
