Guaca Mole

Poblano Mole from Guaca Mole

Oh my goodness! I have been in the mood for some El Pollo Loco (gulp, a quick service chain in LA) with fire-grilled chicken, beans and rice, but I can't seem to find anything similar locally.

Then a friend asked me to join her at Guaca Mole on Ormsby Station Road. What a delicious surprise! This is the Poblano Mole: roasted chicken with queso fresco, crema, and cilantro, with a side of rice and refried black beans, and decadent plantains. WOW!! I decided against showing the after picture. Beans and rice were stirred into the juices of the chicken, and plantains were dipped in black beans. I LICKED that plate clean, well, in a nice lady-like way!

No, it wasn't El Pollo Loco; it was like 100x crazy good chicken!!

Click here for their website.

Artesano Spanish Tapas and Wine

Ensalada Peral

I know it may be hard to believe, but sometimes I do order a salad, with vegetables and such. I am especially pleased to share this beauty from Artesano. Full disclosure requires that I admit to sharing a charcuterie and cheese board beforehand. But I CHOSE this salad over other very-decadent entrees!

This is the Ensalada Peral, with baby spinach, blue cheese, pear vinaigrette, carmelized walnuts, d'anjou pears, and golden raisins. The pears definitely added a surprise twist, and I felt ultra-healthy with the spinach surging in my veins. Delicious and nutritious! Hmm, I should make the smart choice more often!

Click here for their website.