The 21 Best Dishes Eater LA Editors Ate in 2021, Mapped - Eater LA

"There’s a reason why Tamales Elena y Antojitos is so special that it will put me in the car to battle traffic at any time for chef Maria Elena Lorenzo’s Afro-Mexican restaurant is one of the more unique finds in Los Angeles, all of California, or the entire United States. Her barbacoa tacos, burritos and tortas, and moles are exceptional, while the pozoles topped with queso fresco, chicharrones, spices, chiles, avocado, shredded cabbage, chopped onions, and radishes are heavenly (vegans can find one of the city’s best and mushroom tamales here). While enjoying every flavorful bite of her chilaquiles, I remembered the family’s story and their presence throughout Los Angeles for decades before opening in 2020. Lorenzo started as a street vendor throughout Watts and South LA where she sold tamales in the 90s, and was lovingly called “Mama.” This is truly an LA story, and the food is such a wonderful addition. But these chilaquiles with red salsa, two fried eggs, black beans, sour cream, queso fresco, onion and cilantro are truly special. Don’t take chilaquiles to-go, they are best consumed immediately. —Mona Holmes" - Eater Staff