Message: | Random thoughts about Central and South American food in your neighborhood:
The most popular item in Salvadoran cooking in LA is probably pupusas, fried corncakes stuffed with cheese and pork or vegetables. These are typically served with a very vinegary cole slaw, and the combination is great with a beer or three. I also remember a really good oxtail and vegetable stew that had an intense, rich broth. Check out Atlacatl, which is in your area - It's a nice place but the English fluency of the serving staff varies widely. Address is 301 N. Berendo, Phone number 213-663-1404.
I tried Nicaraguan food at a place called Tegucigalpa on Vermont, and I don't remember the names of the things I had, just that it was one of the heaviest meals in my life. There was a casserole-type-thing that had beans and plantains in it that was pretty good, though.
There are a couple of Peruvian places in your neighborhood, and of all the cuisines of South America this is the most interesting. The cuisine is a blend of influences from the native traditions and Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian food, reflecting the various waves of immigrants. Yep, Japanese and Chinese, came to build railroads and never left. As a result you can get a great Chinese stir-fry, called a saltado, that contains potatoes and has a Peruvian garlic sauce. There was a Peruvian Chicken thread on this board a while ago... What makes Peruvian chicken special is that it is generally marinated in chicha before being roasted. Chicha is a purple corn and citrus punch with spices added, vastly refreshing stuff to drink and a darn good marinade. Also try papas Huancaina, cold boiled potatoes in a spicy cheese sauce. Heck, try everything, Peruvian restaurants tend to be cheap and good.
I visited a restaurant in Lima called Chifa Lung Fung and had excellent Peruvianized Chinese food. Anybody on the board know any Chifa restaurants in LA? I heard that they exist but haven't ever found one. |