Laura D.
Yelp
AY caramba! This is one great Mexican restaurant. Love this place. It's one of those old fashioned Mexican restaurants, very simple, friendly, charming. It sits right on Ventura Blvd in Studio City so there is great people watching from the windows at the front.
Their menu is more sophisticated than some Mexican places, with very interesting choices, not just tacos and burritos.
My friend had the carnitas plate, shredded pork with black beans and rice. Simple but he said it was great, the meat was very tender and flavorful.
I had the Mexicali Shrimp and Chicken dish and it was . . . FABULOUS! Often chicken comes out really dry but this chicken was terrifically juicy, paired with 2 huge shrimp, with some sauteed spinach at one side, and a bunch of nicely sauteed veggies, including parsnips! Who puts parnips on the plate? Very courageous choice, as some people may find them unappealing. I happen to LOVE parsnips and was so pleased to see them added to the other vegetables. Adds a particular flavor that ramps up the sauteed veggies.
And then there was a side of black beans and delicious, soft, flavorful Mexican rice. A huge plate of food, but I managed to do pretty well, and took a chunk of the chicken home.
The flan had a delicious taste, but it was a little soft and liquidy. I am used to flan that is more like custard that holds its shape. But oh well, it tasted great.
The servers are so friendly, the place is fun, there's a full bar, and I'll bet it's hopping on weekends!
I'll definitely be back.