385349 Mon Mar 26 21:13:22 -0700 2007 49 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2424009 Guelegetza Monte Alban Antequera de Oaxaca Juquila etc. Ok, who does what item best? Why do you like x over y? Mon Mar 26 21:13:23 -0700 2007 14086 kare_raisu 1 2424106 Having only been to the first two, I prefer Guelaguetza. The food seems deeper in flavor and also has more traditional items on the menu. The only time that Monte Alban has for me, exceeded Guelaguetza in terms of the depth of its mole is in the tamal, so it's not a complete shutout. That being said, they're both very good, so I recommend either based on the neighborhood in question. Mon Mar 26 22:06:35 -0700 2007 2424009 50350 SauceSupreme 2 2424187 Hi Folks, I heard abouth Guelaguetza being authentic but what is it's must try specialty and where in LA? Mon Mar 26 22:51:10 -0700 2007 2424106 85737 frugalgourmet 3 2424271 I haven't been to the restaurant so I can't help you on any must haves, but Guelaguetza is in Koreatown on Olympic Blvd. near Normandie. (Actually I've always wondered about the restaurant; at least now I know that they serve Oaxacan food!) Tue Mar 27 00:06:58 -0700 2007 2424187 20300 cgfan 4 2425677 There's another Guelaguetza on Palms and Sepulveda in West LA. Anything with one of their mole sauces, and if you're really adventurous, chapulines. Tue Mar 27 11:25:59 -0700 2007 2424271 10811 Das Ubergeek 5 2425948 There is also another Koreatown one, on 8th. This is the one I've been to, a couple of times. I do agree with one of the other posters that some of the non-mole items were not all I'd hoped for, but I didn't know whether that was the restaurant's fault or simply that I'm not crazy about that dish - this does happen once in a while. The clayuda I found really dull, but then big thick masa things aren't very high on my want list anyway. Tue Mar 27 12:23:20 -0700 2007 2425677 11478 Will Owen 5 3212587 the one in Koreatown on 8th. is the first and the best. very small but worth Sun Dec 16 10:06:11 -0800 2007 2425677 50978 mazusc 6 3228431 I respectfully disagree. I prefer the one on Olympic. It also gets bonus points for having a parking lot and a liquor license. Fri Dec 21 09:37:53 -0800 2007 3212587 50350 SauceSupreme 3 2427280 Ordering empanadas de huitlacoche with cecina followed by the mole negro worked for us. Do note, I believe the 8th St location is BYOB, so plan accordingly (and don't get me started about parking in this area!). Tue Mar 27 18:41:05 -0700 2007 2424187 67783 TheDescendedLefticleOfAramis 1 2424306 only been to gueleguetza and monte alban...i enjoy gueleguetza...especially their black mole (with chicken tamale).....at monte alban, I usually get the carnes plate for lunch......great stuff....i should go there this week (Monte Alban is convienient for work lunh) Tue Mar 27 01:11:40 -0700 2007 2424009 10620 Xericx 1 2424899 I've been to all the places on the list. Monte Alban and Gueleguetza are definitely a step above the other two. Guelaguetza's mole is better, but I prefer Monte Alban for most everything else on the menu. The service at Monte Alban is better, the food is fresher (some things at Guelaguetza feel like they've been sitting under a heat lamp), and the appetizers on their menu are better. In particular, the queso fundido, tortas, and clayudas are much better at Monte Alban. And the Monte Alban breakfast is unbelievably good. There is also a decent Oaxacan restaurant on sunset in Silver Lake called Alegria. I thought their mole was really good, maybe even better than Guelaguetza. Tue Mar 27 08:22:30 -0700 2007 2424009 13350 glutton 2 2424936 Have you been to El Sazon Oaxaqueno and tried their tlayuda / clayuda (tomato / tomatoe) before? I think they are even better than the version at Monte Alban - although I love Monte Alban too (along with Guelaquetza). I guess I just love Oaxcan food, (Not that their is anything wrong with it). 12131 Washington Place, 310-391-4721 Mar Vista Tue Mar 27 08:31:46 -0700 2007 2424899 63713 tony michaels 3 2425246 Yes, I've been to El Sazon. I agree that their food can be really good. But I've also had not-so-great meals there, too. I think it very much depends on who is in the kitchen and from what I can tell, it is not a particularly consistent group of cooks. But, it's definitely a fine option and you might get lucky with a really good meal there some days. Tue Mar 27 09:49:51 -0700 2007 2424936 13350 glutton 2 2425047 Service at Monte Alban is better?! Uh oh -- they haven't exactly impressed me in that department. On a tangential note, is it just me, or are the waitresses there unusually beautiful? Anyway, I'm psyched to learn the breakfast is so tasty as I've been meaning to try it for some time. Any particular favorites? I haven't been to Guelaguetza yet, though it's on the list of places to try. I have been to Juquila's and was unfortunately disappointed. Clayuda was like a stale water cracker and the mole negro had a funny aftertaste. Tue Mar 27 08:58:30 -0700 2007 2424899 18466 a_and_w 3 2425258 I wholeheartedly agree with your tangential note. They are from the same family, I believe. I've never had anything but good service at Monte Alban. They are very generous and helpful. Some dishes do take a little while to prepare, but I don't usually notice because we're usually knee-deep in the queso fundido while waiting for our entrees. And we're happier than pigs in mud... Tue Mar 27 09:52:15 -0700 2007 2425047 13350 glutton 4 2425282 LOL! I usually get takeout and they've messed up my orders a couple of times -- nothing major. Any breakfast recs? Tue Mar 27 09:59:43 -0700 2007 2425258 18466 a_and_w 5 2426847 Their pan dulce are excellent. I liked their huevos con chorizo and the memelas. Tue Mar 27 16:27:23 -0700 2007 2425282 13350 glutton 6 2443879 Tried the huevos con chorizo at Monte Alban this weekend -- awesome food at a reasonable price. Thanks for the tip, glutton! Mon Apr 02 14:20:35 -0700 2007 2426847 18466 a_and_w 2 2426654 I am not sure if Alegria is Oaxacan ? Why do you say that ? I think the have a mole, but not any other traditional Oaxacan dishes. Tue Mar 27 15:29:49 -0700 2007 2424899 11279 Burger Boy 3 2426844 You might be right. I was making the leap from mole to Oaxacan. In retrospect, that might not be a safe leap. Tue Mar 27 16:26:21 -0700 2007 2426654 13350 glutton 3 2434009 Alegria is not Oaxacan, but tasty food comes from their kitchen none the less. Oaxaca is the home of 7 classic moles, but doesn't own the status of sole producer of them. There is the famous mole Poblano from Puebla, for example. I believe that the mole at Alegria is the Poblano variety (neighboring state to that which contains DF) Thu Mar 29 18:29:41 -0700 2007 2426654 10652 venicekeith 1 2425703 The mole at Guelegetza is really great. I think they have four kinds and I've tried them all. However, anything else I've gotten there has been mediocre. And I took a vegetarian friend there and he was greatly disappointed in his options, and not thrilled with what he ended up eating. Tue Mar 27 11:29:30 -0700 2007 2424009 76025 mojoeater 2 2426409 In addition to the moles, I also like the goat at Guelaguetza (Palms). Tue Mar 27 14:18:54 -0700 2007 2425703 10728 New Trial 3 2427115 Barbacoa de chivo is a wonderful non-mole alternative at Guelaguetza. Tue Mar 27 17:47:01 -0700 2007 2426409 50350 SauceSupreme 1 2426023 Having been to the top two listed... here's my take on it... Guelegetza GETS mole. It gets the spicing, it gets the texture, it goes the accompaniments. Monte Alban GETS the cuisine. It uses fresher ingredients, really makes an effort in it's other dishes (GREAT nopalitos!) and always makes a great meal. BUT it lacks the soul of Guelegetza... Both places make a great dinner. But when it comes to Mole, in all it's forms... Guelegetza wins... --Dommy! Tue Mar 27 12:42:40 -0700 2007 2424009 10659 Dommy 1 2426238 I'm a big fan of Antequera de Oaxaca. Their botano plates, which are really the specialty, are great and I think their mole, cecina and chorizo give Guelaguetza a run for the money. Tue Mar 27 13:32:37 -0700 2007 2424009 10132 sku 2 2426658 Where are they located? Tue Mar 27 15:30:31 -0700 2007 2426238 11279 Burger Boy 3 2426952 i think off melrose near the red pearl Tue Mar 27 16:57:51 -0700 2007 2426658 14086 kare_raisu 3 2427014 Melrose and Wilton. Tue Mar 27 17:16:00 -0700 2007 2426658 10132 sku 2 2431555 Anyone recommend a great place for authentic chille rellano in LA/Orange County. I couldn't remember a place in Costa Mesa that served great chille rellano made to order from scratch, not one of those premade and reheat in the micro wave. Thu Mar 29 07:29:26 -0700 2007 2426238 85737 frugalgourmet 1 2427319 I can't say much about the moles since I am allergic to peanuts, but I think Monte Alban trumps Guelaguetza in non-mole items, food quality, and service. They have excellent tortilla soup -- I have to get this every time I eat there. Their cecina adobada is terrific -- tender pork with a flavorful chile marinade. Great as a torta, with the enfrijoladas, chilaquiles, or as an entree. I've almost always had very friendly and prompt service at Monte Alban. I don't dislike Guelaguetza, but I find Monte Alban more remarkable. I've been to Juquila a few times and find it mediocre compared to Guelaguetza and Monte Alban. Tue Mar 27 18:56:41 -0700 2007 2424009 18914 Skorgirl 2 2467258 Finally branched out from the moles and tried the enfrijoladas and chilaquiles at Monte Alban. Both were excellent, esp. the enfrijoladas, which were yet another taste revelation. Who knew such a humble looking dish could taste so unbelievably delicious? Tue Apr 10 11:09:25 -0700 2007 2427319 18466 a_and_w 3 2467265 The Enfrijoladas is what I ordered there as well and was VERY nicely surprised by how much flavor they added to the dish. --Dommy! Tue Apr 10 11:12:11 -0700 2007 2467258 10659 Dommy 4 2468015 Yes, VERY flavorful. Have you tried the black bean paste by itself? That's up next for me. I also almost forgot -- got some Sopa de Azteca to take into work today for lunch. Equally delish! Tue Apr 10 14:09:04 -0700 2007 2467265 18466 a_and_w 1 2433563 Any recommendations for Oaxacan food in orange Co.? Thu Mar 29 16:05:36 -0700 2007 2424009 87027 Sander 2 2433574 I have not been there but there is a chain of three Oax restaurants in the OC called El Fortin - Chino, fullerton and Santa Ana I belive. Also in Santa Ana is Mocetzuma which is Oaxacan as well - but again I have not been to these. Thu Mar 29 16:10:02 -0700 2007 2433563 14086 kare_raisu 3 2433885 Just to be nitpicky, the television show to the contrary, Chino is not in OC, it's in San Berdoo County. Thu Mar 29 17:49:02 -0700 2007 2433574 10811 Das Ubergeek 1 2434016 At MA I love the sopa de pollo. I eat it wheniver I get a cold. Haven't been to the Palms Guelaguetza in a while, loved their pork chops. The Olympic site has live music on weekends and killer Margueritas. I think the 8th St and Olympic sites cater mostly to expats and the food at both seems to better than the Palms site. I've noticed people drinking Mezcal at the 8th St. site, and thought that they sold it but could be wrong. The best Oaxacan food I've had has been in Oaxaca, a must see place, very special! Thu Mar 29 18:34:59 -0700 2007 2424009 10652 venicekeith 1 2443893 LOL ... I eat in El Texate. Mostly for convenience and because I like the owners. They are nice. I also like the food there. Had breakfast there yesterday, as a matter of fact. Mon Apr 02 14:23:30 -0700 2007 2424009 10914 PaulF 1 2468498 If you call this a Oaxacan battle then you have to hit all the fronts. I have eaten at all of the above with the exception of Antequera de Ozaca. I have also eaten at El Sazon Oaxaqueno. Monte Alban was good, but not as good as several of the moles at La Casita. Guelaquetza on Palms is OK in a pinch, but 8th Street is the better of the two. If nothing else, they serve their chicken drenched in that dark rich mole, while Palms Blvd. doles it out a tablespoon at a time. Juquila was okay, but didn't taste freshly made. It was like they bought the imported paste from Oaxaca. It's still good, but fresh is better. Mole negro, red mole and pipian are best at La Casita in Bell. Plus their tortillas are the freshest. Here's a link to our last visit there: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/388437 sassille@verizon.net Tue Apr 10 16:35:37 -0700 2007 2424009 10493 sassille 1 3202225 El Sazon Oaxaqueno I was in L.A. on Monday and was hoping to get a huarache for breakfast at Tacomiendo (Inglewood Blvd)... but it was closed so I hit El Sazon (which in my experience has been inconsistent... I used to live in the neighborhood). No huaraches but I finally got to try the Salsa de Chorizo... which turned out to be a rich tasting but thin caldillo made of Puya chiles (I believe)... then they simmer the smallest chorizo balls (obviously artisinal) I've seen (about 1 1/2 inch diameter) in the sauce lending its complex flavors of Oaxacan oregano, allspice, achiote, cinammon, cloves & garlic... in addition there is a few scoopes of Frijoles Sanchocados (part mashes, part whole) also sitting in the sauce... served with factory tortillas (order a couple of plain memelas instead). I also really enjoyed the Champurrado (their version is more like masa thickened hot chocolate... then atole with a bit chocolate)... and while I was there... one of their Pan Dulce suppliers showed up with a basket of warm custard stuffed Empanadas Hojaldradas (pastry layers instead of bready) & Custard Filled Horns... I went with the Empanada and it was quite good. Wed Dec 12 12:11:14 -0800 2007 2424009 42572 Eat_Nopal 2 3212503 This dish sounds amazing - i have never heard of Salsa de Chorizo. I think the smallest chorizos I have seen are the central american corn husked tied ones - but they are hardly that small. I searched salsa de chorizo - and could not come up with any pictures though it is listed in Gueglegetzas menu but not in Puya caldillo but tomato and jalapeno sauce. The puya caldillo is intriguing... Puff pastry empanadas! Never have I seen those. Sun Dec 16 09:33:55 -0800 2007 3202225 14086 kare_raisu 3 3212975 Check your e-mail.... maybe we can hit one of these places tomorrow... Sun Dec 16 12:32:25 -0800 2007 3212503 42572 Eat_Nopal 2 3215254 Eat, what do you order at Tacomiendo? Mon Dec 17 09:47:43 -0800 2007 3202225 18466 a_and_w 3 3216343 Chile Relleno (side order with extra sauce, no chips) + Home made Tortillas House Salad (with Oax style Cucumber-Basil-Lime "dressing") Apple Lemonade & Vegetable Licuados Adobada & Carnitas Tacos Beef Stew Mon Dec 17 14:57:26 -0800 2007 3215254 42572 Eat_Nopal 4 3216737 I'll add b/c I'm there once a week, usually. I like the place a lot. The location on Gateway near Pico is a bit more roomy and has better parking. But I'm usually at the one on Inglewood as it's much closer for me. Their corn tortillas are really great, so tacos or platos are a big draw. Asada or Adobada tacos, burritos, tortas Pollo tacos (simple and clean for my toddlers) Taco Salad with Pescado (nice grilled fish, pretty healthy) Caldo de Res (beef stew) when I'm eating in and crave it Mon Dec 17 17:05:49 -0800 2007 3216343 14582 CulverJack 5 3229580 Thanks to both of you. I've tried the tacos and burritos and have been pleased but not floored. I'd like to branch out and give the rest of the menu a try, so these recs are helpful... Fri Dec 21 16:50:47 -0800 2007 3216737 18466 a_and_w 6 3231174 I should mentino that Tacomiendo makes one of the very best versions of Jalapenos en Escabeche I've ever had (and I say this coming from a family of escabeche makers... my Uncle whom built a small fortune selling Mexican style Club Sandwiches featuring his homemade escabeche in a norther industrial suburb of Mexico City)... its a must on the Adobada tacos (a long with a little bit of the brick red salsa). Sat Dec 22 13:30:19 -0800 2007 3229580 42572 Eat_Nopal 1 3227552 What about El Texate (I think that's the name) on Pico in Santa Monica a couple of doors down from Vidiots? I've had some very good meals there. When it's good it's very good in a refined way that doesn't necessarily fit with the atmosphere. The mole verde used to be stellar there, but lately it has been just good. The black mole tamale is up there with guelaguetza and monte alban to my tastes. The chicken soup iis stunning. Of the restaurants listed I prefer Monte Alban overall, in particular the very savory barbacoa. The green sauce they serve with it is terrific (is there mint in it?) and the goat meat is delicious. I like the clayuda but somehow no matter where I order it it never feels like enough of a meal! Fri Dec 21 00:28:56 -0800 2007 2424009 12539 NeNePie 2 3228211 Texate was the first Oaxacan place I spotted back in the days when I first started working in the Westside in the late 90s... I don't know if its been improved since but after I tried Guelagetza... I never went back. Fri Dec 21 08:39:30 -0800 2007 3227552 42572 Eat_Nopal