In recognizing the budding cultural scene on the greater east side of Los Angeles, I pitched the concept for this iPhone app which highlights the the best restaurants, markets, and eateries in Hollywood east to Boyle Heights, including the now famous Silver Lake and Echo Park. I wrote, edited, photographed, and marketed this iPhone application, which has received an average 4-star rating through Apple.
A few sample reviews...
MENDOCINO FARMS
Market-fresh and locally grown ingredients, an energetic staff, and sandwiches inspired by sophisticated entrees such as duck confit and vegan Mediterranean plates have made Mendocino Farms one of the most titillating downtown lunch destinations of late, known pushing diners’ palates beyond the basic turkey and avocado sandwich standby.
Meat eaters will suffer regular hankerings for MF’s juicy and biting take on the Vietnamese banh mi, made with supremely tender cuts of meat and freshly-baked ciabatta. (Another type of bread would work better, but MF bakes their own bread fresh daily; sometimes limited choices is all in the name of quality.) The Highway 128 with shaved chicken, Herbs de Provence marinated goat cheese and ancho chili cranberry chutney is a regular favorite, too. Vegetarian and vegan options are numerous and inventive, and include the white bean vegan schawarma with cool cucumber tsaziki, and the Veggie BLT with soy bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and vegannaise. Check by every season for a rotating list of seasonal-inspired features.
For those looking for lighter lunches, you can turn nearly every option into a salad, or opt for one of their daily side salads or soups. Because of the fresh ingredients, you’ll spend a bit more at MF than you would at the dozen and a-half sandwich shops within a half-mile radius, but it’s usually worth it. Place your order over the phone or schedule your lunch strategically: the line at noon is always long, though swift-moving.
ATLACATL
Atlacatl’s is one of those restaurants that makes street food deserving of its place setting. Their pupusas are thick, doughy disks of subtly sweet masa flour stuffed with cotija and cheddar cheeses, sautéed veggies and shredded meat imbibed in an earthy sauce singing of adobe, chipotle, cumin and peppers. The pupusas are then grilled to add crunchy, charred stripes to the surfaces while still preserving the the cornmeal texture inside. The proportion of meat to cheese to corn is perfect, the chef is not aiming to skimp or skew any one element.
Most of the servers don’t speak English well but will do their best and be their sweetest when helping you place your order. And at $2 a pop (and an insane $1 each on Mondays and Tuesdays) go ahead and be a little adventurous. The pork is the best meat they offer, and the cheese and beans combo is wonderful.
The tamales, yucca frita and chili rilleno are great compliments or additions to your meal, too, as are the egg dishes like huevos rancheros. Atlacatl’s take on horchata adds a little chocolate to the mix, which some will find a bit chalky, and others will find absolutely divine.
TOMATO PIE
Some pizza joints hold your attention for the inventiveness and creativity of their pies. But when you want a Friday night, beer-and-movie pizza, nothing beats a few simple, seasoned toppings layered over gooey cheese, a supportive sauce, and the perfect crust. Tomato Pie’s Grandma pizza is this standby.
The crust is crispy on the edges, dusted gritty with cornmeal on the bottom, and chewy near the center. The sauce is robust and jives well with the layers of mozzarella, garlic and basil. And the chunks of tomatoes have been marinating in olive oil and salt before being added to the pizza, allowing their flavors to stay distinct and meaningful. Actually, most of Tomato Pie’s pizzas can surprise you by their unfussiness – all of the featured pies carry typical ingredients, but the cooks behind the counter have season, sauté, and marinate each element with consideration and restraint.
While most patrons carry out their dinner, there are some tables and chairs in the back of the patio to enjoy your pie on site, and the service is beyond friendly.
CACAO MEXICATESSEN
You can get a finger licking cochinita pibil, well-dressed calabacitas, and other traditional
favorites. But it’s likely that the most fun thing about Cacao Mexicatessen is seeing what happens when Mexican food gets a little fancy.
Duck confit tacos. Squash blossom burritos. Portabello torta. Chipotle citrus shrimp and house-made chorizo with fried potato.
Cacao Mexicatessen does the ingredients justice by packing them into thick tortillas made
upon being ordered. Not every item on the menu delivers, but parking yourself in the festive
and sterile space and browsing the retail shelves of rich Mexican chocolate packets, fresh tortillas, unique drinks, and other fun Mexican food items makes this an
entertaining stop for all foodies, and really for anyone interested in fun and approachable
meal. You can’t BYOB, but they’ve got a liquor license on the way to complete the experience.
