|
LA
HUASTECA RESTAURANT
3150 East Imperial Hwy, Suite
100, Lynwood (310) 537-8800
Review
by Alisha M. Rosas Cuisine: Traditional Mexican.
Rating * * *
Executive Chef Alfonso
Ramirez is a storyteller. He enjoys detailed
moments, sharing the origins of things. He is
scrupulous in finding the right words to use
in every story he shares. After tasting the
food at his restaurant in Lynwood, one can only
imagine how meticulous he must be when selecting
ingredients. If he is careful with words that
merely leave the mouth, he surely strives to
perfect every meal he prepares to enter it.
La
Huasteca is truly hidden in the heart of Lynwood.
Near the back of Plaza Mexico, one must look
around to find the restaurant. A little over
two months old, it offers a fine menu selection
featuring authentic Mexican cuisine including
Pollo En Pipian, Camarones al Tequila and Pollo
En Mole Poblano.
I
recommend that any meal be complimented with
a Caesar Salad, $5.50. If Ramirez is nearby,
he will tell of how the salad originated from
Tijuana and not Italy as many may assume. The
Pollo En Pipian, $8.95, consists of chicken
served with traditional Pipian, which is a sauce
made up of chiles and nuts, including peanuts
and pumpkin seeds, along with various spices.
Such a combination neutralizes spiciness and
replaces it with a smoother flavor to experience.
The
Pollo En Poblano, $10.95, offers taste buds
authentic mole poblano, made with dark chocolate
for color and peanuts for taste. All meals are
served with Mexican rice and beans. Traditional
dessert included Flan de Coco, $3. With prices
that seem almost unreal, La Huasteca offers
a friendly-staff, beautiful atmosphere and top-quality
food for the entire family to enjoy. The Children’s
Menu includes Cheese Quesadillas, Tacos and
Burritos for $2.49.
Decorated
with beautiful murals depicting Mayan women
and filled with furniture from different states
in Mexico, La Huasteca not only provides high-quality
cuisine, but also as Ramirez hopes, a sense
of nostalgia for people familiar with Mexico,
his home country.
People
ask me why didn’t we open this place up in a
city like Pasadena,” he said. “Why shouldn’t
we expose this type of dining to the Lynwood
community? For years, I was almost resentful
regarding the Mexican food served in the United
States. I wanted to provide a truth – a taste
– of what is beyond Americanized Mexican food.
”I
cook because it’s in my blood. I cook from the
place within my heart that will never die. It
is from my parents, my family, my country, and
it is beauty. I want to share my roots and my
history through my restaurant. What you taste
here, you will not find anywhere else.”
La
Huasteca
Ambience: Authentic Mexican Cuisine food
in beautifully designed atmosphere located in
Plaza Mexico, Lynwood.
Service: Warm and professional.
Best Dishes: Taco de Cochinita Pibel,
Ensalada La Huasteca, Pollo en Pipian, Pollo
en Mole Poblano
Price: Dinner appetizers, $4-$5.50. Main
courses, $8.95-$13.95. Rating is based on food,
service and ambience, with price taken into
account in relation to quality.
* * * * Outstanding on every level.
* * * Excellent.
* * Very good.
* Good.
No Star: Poor to Unsatsifactory.
|
