La Esquina has been on my must try list since it first opened. I’m actually glad I waited a bit to try it because it’s not exactly in the best location for visiting at night. It’s on the corner of Venice and National in the same strip mall as Goodwill. In time, the area will be gentrified as Apple and HBO will be moving in the office buildings across the street but for now, there are some questionable loiterers in close proximity. Luckily, it was a bright sunny Sunday afternoon and there was a father and son eating outside so it seemed safe.
It’s a very casual restaurant where you place your order with the cashier and the two person kitchen crew puts the orders together in plain view.
I ordered a carne asada bowl which was delicious and without tax was under ten dollars. The beef was tender and citrusy and it sat on a bed of lettuce with rice and black beans underneath. The onions, salsa and guacamole rounded out the flavors, with each bite getting better and better as all the various flavors began to blend cohesively.
La Esquina is an easy recommend for its value, quality and close proximity to home. I’ll definitely be back!
La Esquina
8905 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
https://laesquinaonvenice.com
One would be hard pressed to find fault with Don Chuy’s Taco Tuesday special. I did a search of the best Taco Tuesday special and discovered that Don Chuy’s, a mere 5 minute drive from home, offered 99 cent tacos!
Since it was mid afternoon, the chances of the restaurant being busy were fairly slim, I leaped out of bed like a kid on Christmas morning and made my way out the door. I got there, parked in the first parking space in the very small parking lot, went in and ordered my 3 tacos: carnitas, al pastor and carne desebrada totaling $3.25 with tax. In less than 5 minutes, with soft tacos, chips and salsa in hand, I made my way home to indulge in my afternoon treat.
Each taco delivered a unique story, taste and tribute to Mexican cuisine. The al pastor was quite lean and tender with the small chunks of meat having a slight tomato aftertaste. The carnitas screamed pork juices and the pork bits were silky and unctuous mixed with a bit of citrus. The shredded beef was lean and tender like the al pastor but was a bit drier with a hint of onion.
Taco Tuesday at Don Chuy’s is definitely one to be applauded and celebrated. The food has always been sensational but the added bonus and bargain of Taco Tuesday makes it a true winner!!
Don Chuy’s Restaurant
11800 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90230
http://donchuysrestaurant.com/
I’ve driven by this restaurant and its adjoining market every evening on my way home from work. Occasionally, I’ve seen smoke rising up from the building and recently made a mental note to check it out sometime soon.
I was actually attempting to try Asia Kitchen’s super cheap lunch special but despite the sign saying it was open at noonon Saturdays, the lights were off and the door was locked at 12:12.
I looked for cheap eats on Yelp and saw this place listed. I realized it was the market I had seen previously. I drove by and drove into the first residential street west of it and parked. I walked through the alley and made a quick turn right into the restaurant.
It has 4 four tops and 3 deuces and an aquarium and is immaculate. Since several yelpers raves about the carne asada, that’s what I ordered.
To say that this is the best carne asada I’ve eaten in my life is an understatement. The beef is so incredibly tender, lean and moist. The black beans and Spanish rice are the perfect accompaniment and though the portion is quite large, I somehow accidentally and yet deliberately ate all of it, except for the cactus salad because it seemed far too healthy. I did taste a bite of it and it had a slightly sour taste. Maybe when I’m feeling the need to eat a more balanced meal with greens, I’ll sample more of it. Right now all I’m focused on is the amazing quality of this beef which is now promoting me to visit the adjoining market to browse their offerings.
This place is definitely on my neighborhood gem list and I will be a frequent visitor going forward. Thanks for a delicious meal!
Don Felix Taqueria
3987 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
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