Kelly Greene
Google
It’s hard to be completely objective when reviewing this little Mexican joint just off Santa Monica Boulevard.
Like a lot of places that have been around for many years, and once were a bright shining star –
Eduardo’s began as a fresh idea – healthy, outstanding southwest/Mexican fair that was made fresh on the grill right in front of you – kind of like a street cart vendor turned into a small, upscale hole in the wall.
When it first opened, the place was decorated in that pseudo southwest style with lots of turquoise, orange, and yellow – all the rage during the late eighties/early 90s. Everything was brand new, and one of its most outstanding features was a salsa bar with over 10 different freshly made salsas that were replenished on the hour.
You had to wait forever for one of the 6 tables to open up, or politely share with other singles and couples – or you could stand at the table railing with other commuters.
Sometimes I would just get it to go and eat in my car – a few minutes a blissful gorge-out on my lunch hour.
The pricing was very reasonable, and they had the novelty of an icebox with every flavor of Jarritos!
I recall there being at least three grill chefs, choreographing all of the orders, and two folks at the counter, taking orders and wrapping to go.
Since the late 90s, I have returned from time to time when over on that side of the hill, and each time a little bit sadder at how far from its original glory it seems to have fallen.
The inside is stripped bare, no real upkeep or pride put into decor; the food is still good, but not exceptional – the beans and rice in my burrito were undercooked, but still good.
The salsa bar was not made of pretty giant glass bowls, but restaurant catering tins that look very much out of place- are they really that lazy or broke they cannot afford plastic bowls?
Of course, presentation isn’t always an indicator of excellence – but if you’re spending upwards of $14 for a burrito, or $16 for a quesadilla, it would be nice if you felt like they cared about a bit of a nice experience, rather than phoning it in.
When I arrived about two hours before closing – 7 o’clock on a Friday evening, it was about two tables occupied, and only two people working the counter and grill.
There weren’t a lot of GrubHub or‘s or delivery folks coming in and out - in fact, I think I spotted only one, and I just kind of sat there sadly, remembering how pretty and upscale the place used to be, and while thankful that the salsa bar was back open since Covid, acutely aware of how stingy it seemed with those little tins.
Also worth noting: the napkins were silk-thin-
At one point I spilled a bit of salsa and tried to clean it up with the napkins, but they were so ridiculously thin and Tissue-y that I went through about 30 of them just to clean up a little spill.
All of this adds up to an experience that just feels kind of chintzy and not all that appealing. Like they’re just barely getting by and you’re watching it suffer.
The lovely gentlemen – Eduardo – who had opened it back in the late 80s… I hope he’s still around and healthy; he created something special, and while he may not be a part of it anymore, I’m still grateful for all those memories of indulgent dinners to go, and quick yummy lunches on the fly.
I’m kind of hoping some aspiring entrepreneur or a restaurant here takes it over, and spiffs it back up and brings it back to its former glory – it certainly would be welcome.
Thank you.
