Sizzling fajitas, tomatillo salsa and crispy tortilla chips — need I say more? Let’s be real here. It would be terribly indecent of me to write restaurant reviews without first paying culinary homage to my relatives across the border. My familia Mexicana knows how to cook it right, my friends. Fresh ingredients. Pungent chiles. Powerful spices. Que bueno!
While Taco Bell may seem like a little slice of heaven at 2 a.m., you have to treat your taste buds to the real deal. And how could you do otherwise? Mexico is the rich cultural threshold for some of the world’s finest little gems like guacamole, pinatas and Mario Lopez. Think about it. Would watching the latest sports game really feel the same without the usual mouth-watering tortilla chips and salsa by your side? Absolutamente no.
Luckily for us Angelenos, authentic Mexican cuisine is fully within our reach, and I know just the place that would have my abuelita beaming with pride. With bold flavors, beautifully plated food and great prices, Loteria Grill transports you right to the heart of Mexico.
Located on 3rd Street Promenade, the Loteria Grill offers savory bites that will keep you coming back for mas. Imagine cascading pinatas, a man playing la guitarra and blown-up Loteria game cards hanging on the walls. This chic place gives each traditional dish a new twist, bringing Mexican cuisine to a whole new level of delicioso.
Now this may sound a little outlandish, but I can always tell a good authentic Mexican restaurant by the initial chips and salsa. Think of them as first impressions. They’re the precursor to the rest of the meal. One oily chip or bland bite of salsa, and I’m out of there.
OK, not really. My life isn’t a soap opera. I can’t walk into places acting like I’m Chef Aaron Sanchez. But still, the point is, I’m not coming back. Trust me when I say Loteria Grill passed the test of first impressions. Start off with a warm basket of crispy house-made tortilla chips and fiery roasted salsa. You’ll know you’re in good company.
Moving on to the main event. My favorite dish, you ask? It’s definitely the “carnitas en salsa morita,” which are pork carnitas, Michoacan-style, in a spicy and smoky chile morita sauce served with slices of fresh avocado, onion and cilantro, white rice and black beans.
Another dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Try the “quesadillitas de plaza,” which are fresh corn masa turnovers filled with a seasonal selection of fresh squash blossoms, huitlacoche corn truffle, strips of chile poblano and Oaxaca cheese. Top that with crema mexicana, salsa verde cruda and queso fresco. The combinations of different flavors are sensational.
However, the most coveted items on the menu are the savory soft tacos filled with your choice of seasoned meat and fresh toppings. Let’s not forget that every traditional dish is spiced up with something new that’s exploding with flavor. Ladies and gentlemen, these aren’t just your average tacos. You can choose from meats prepared in a variety of ways.
My absolute favorite are the “mole poblano tacos,” which are soft corn tortillas stuffed with chicken in their original mole poblano sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped onion and queso fresco. For something new and different, try the “albondigas en chipotle tacos,” which are meatballs in a tomato chipotle sauce with finely chopped onion and cilantro also served in a warm corn tortilla. Que rico!
Let’s say you’re not really in the mood for red meat. Well amigos, you’re in luck. Loteria Grill offers plenty of seafood options as well, infusing the best traditional tastes of the Mexican coast. One of my favorites is the “huachinango o camaron a la veracruzana,” which is a choice of either pan-seared red snapper or shrimp served in a tomato, onion, olive and caper sauce and accompanied by white rice, black beans and plantains. Another great choice is the “sea bass al morita,” which is pan-seared sea bass in a smoky and spicy chile morita sauce with spinach and white rice on the side.
The Loteria Grill gets its name from the popular Mexican game “Loteria,” which is similar to what we Americans call “Bingo.” This little restaurant will make you a winner every time! Aye caramba!
Visit their website at:
loteriagrill.com
Santa Monica Location: 1251 3rd Street Promenade
Hollywood Location: 6627 Hollywood Blvd.
