by guest blogger @iam_robot
Los Angeles might be a beautiful melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, but its diverse residents all have one thing in common: we’re all suckers for good Mexican Food. Being a Los Angeles transplant the last 15 years of my life, I’d think I have tasted all the greatest Mexican food this world has to offer. But after trying out new places every week, I’m still constantly flabbergasted with the infinite variations, craftsmanship and dedication from all these great taqueros/ taqueras. Sure I have my favorite joints for certain Mexican food but when I discovered a new place with less predictable menu, I can’t help but thinking how many more bewildered moments like this I’d encounter living in this city.
Just for good measure, I’d like to share my brunch experience at Cocina Condesa in Studio City.
Situated strategically on Ventura
Blvd, this bright yellow Restaurant features hearty Mexican street food and modern
libations crafted by David Rubin..
No, this place is not your typical
Mexican Food – you won’t see tacos-bean combos or brick size burritos with
enchilada sauce. Instead, Executive Chef Eddie Garcia features finer specialties we rarely
get enough of – ceviches, aqua-chiles, sopes, street corn, machaca, questo
fundido, and braised chicken mole. But
Brunch is the way to go! I can’t specify a genre but the lineup leans towards a
Cal-Mexican cuisine with some emphasis on healthier eating.
The vibe inside Cocina Condesa is festive and vibrant. Huge red-framed windows are featured in the
dining room to circulate the evening breeze while the wooden table and high-chair
suggests a significant landmark (bar or saloon) you’d see in Mexico or other
South American countries. Love how eclectic and kitschy the wall décor is – so
many random things to look at: old Mexican hero sepia pictures, bullhead
skeleton, antique guitar, Day of the Dead dolls, wooden Mexico map, sombrero, etc
– you’ll always have a topic for conversation.
Back to the brunch menu. My absolute favorite item is the
Mayan Chocolate Pancakes. Three hearty warm fluffy pancakes topped with seared
plantains and crushed Mayan Chocolates and Sugar.
And instead of drizzling the pancakes with ordinary maple syrup, you’re given Piloncillo Syrup, a homemade maple syrup made with brown / white sugar, cinnamon, and water. Definitely lower in calories!
