Hey Readers.
This week I'm doing something a bit different. For those of you who follow me on Snapchat (if you don't..... DO! Username: amanda_please6), you know how big of a foodie I am! So, being the foodie that I am, I just had to get to my top restaurant critique, the comparison of two widely loved Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. The first is the trendy, best-of-LA Broken Spanish and the less-acclaimed, yet more authentic, El Cholo. To add to the contrast I've already set up.... The two are ironically across the street from one another.
Broken Spanish is located in the hipper, more upscale side of the street. It's that restaurant that has crazy long lines and wait times, unless you make a reservation a full month in advance at 10 AM. Like I said, it is pretty snooty.
It. Had. INCREDIBLY. SLOW. SERVICE. Ugh, pet peeve. First, we had kale juice cocktails that were pretty good, but that was ruined by the bad service because they took about 30 minutes to arrive. Then, we had Chile Relleno as well as some sort of tortilla-and-beans dish. Both were way overpriced and fatty. Not even yummy. We had the oxtail queso, but it was cold! What the f is wrong with this place?
Next, we had the famous Chicharron Elephante. It was disappointingly fatty, soggy, and cold. And it was $39! For one tiny, disgusting slap of pork with fennel on top! Cray. The food was not even filling at all, sure it was pretty/aesthetic concept food, but it wasn't food in a conventional, or even barely edible, sense.
Despite the ridiculously expensive, fatty food and condescending waitstaff, the decor was quite authentic and reminiscent of Mexico. I'd give it 0.5/5 stars, because the decor was worth 0.5 stars. Don't listen to anyone who recommends you go there, because it's not worth your time or money! You could see the dope and tasteful decor for free !
El Cholo, located on the less nice side of S Flower, was a delight. Right when you walk in, there is a distinct authentic Mexican vibe to the whole place.
The hostess and waiter were lovely and warm, the margaritas were amazing, the carne asada tacos were cooked to perfection, the chips were flawlessly crispy, the queso at a precise sharpness and warmth, the guacamole chunky and fresh, just like how it should be, and the flan not too sweet.
Moral of the story: never judge a restaurant by its reputation- the supposedly astounding establishment is terrible while the lesser known one blew me away. I hope you all can get a chance to have a great dinner at El Cholo like I did! It would definitely be worth the trip to L.A.
XOXO Over and Out,
ARW
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spotify: @arwxo