chile rellenos on the westside.

[Baron]

Can any of you chowhounds recommend a good place to get some great chile rellenos on the westside- culver City, Palms, Marina, Westchester, etc? I know they're out there. Please help.

[cant talk...eating]

I order them a lot and am usually not disappointed - I love them but don't really consider them that variable in terms of taste/quality (at least the cheese-filled type; some places use poblano, others Anaheim). Have you tried the various taquerias in the Mar Vista area, like Tacomiendo, Pepe's, & Taqueria Sanchez? Even Paco's has a pretty good relleno as I recall.

If you're looking for a big plate of them, I wonder if the Top Value supermarket (Braddock/Inglewood) in the same area would have them in the hot food area.

[Jwsel]

I like the ones at The Talpa on Pico, west of Barrington. Normally, I'm not a big fan of chile rellenos, but I really like Talpa's. I think they use poblanos, the egg is pretty light, and the sauce is basic, but very flavorful.

[Jeryy]

They have terriffic ones at El Abajeno.

[Sam D.]

I would second the rec for chiles rellenos El Abajeno.

[Bob Brooks]

The Talpa would be my recommendation, too. Their salsa is also terrrific.

[Phurstluv]

I've had the ones at Tacos Por Favor. Pretty decent, since I really like their sauce. But the are pretty standard, not like ones made with fresh pasillas.

[JPomer]

Yes, they're old school but El Cholo in Santa Monica...

[a_and_w]

I'm addicted to the chile relleno burrito at Tacos Por Favor. I think you're right that liking the sauce is key -- it seems to turn some people off.

[Phurstluv]

Never had it in a burrito....hmmmmm...may have to check that out, thanks!

[a_and_w]

You're very welcome. I'm among the secret cult who think that burritos are actually the ideal way to enjoy the chile relleno. Ooey gooey goodness in a tortilla -- I'm not kidding when I say I'm addicted lol!

BTW, I hear amazing things about the chile relleno at Tacomiendo. Unfortunately, the menu doesn't list it as a burrito option. Does anyone know if such a thing is possible and/or any good there?

[JBC]

At Tacomiendo ? But at The Talpa (mentioned above) I believe it's been a favorite off-menu item for some time.

[a_and_w]

Thanks for the tip! Is it knife-and-fork, or can you eat it with your hands?

[JBC]

I'm not sure, I never had it there, or anywhere else - but mentioned it as others I know have ordered it there over the years.

[Scotty]

The BEST way to have a chile relleno is in a burrito!!

I'd think if a place has a chile relleno they would be happy to whap it up with some beans and rice even if not on the menu.

[a_and_w]

It's true, but wrapping a burrito generally, and chile relleno burrito specifically, takes skill and practice. I find that asking places to do something they don't usually do can be a recipe for disaster where burritos are concerned.

[Phurstluv]

Let me ask you, friend, the c.r. burrito, is it the battered relleno or do they just stick some canned peppers, cheese & sauce in it? And, I'm not a big burrito eater, mainly b/c I don't want the rice & beans, too much filler. What else is wrapped with it , if I order it with no rice & beans? Thanks.......

[a_and_w]

I believe it's a full battered relleno. The only stuff besides rice and beans in the burrito is cilantro, onion, and salsa. I suspect it would be too greasy and gooey minus the rice and beans, but you never know.

[Phurstluv]

Yea, good point. I may just stick with the plate. And some tacos al pastor on the side, my standard order. Thanks!!

[DiveFan]

All of the Diana's locations have chile relleno burritos, IIRC $3. Not the gut bomb MB size. Usually served with choice of beans OR rice (latter not reco'd).

[DiveFan]

Correction - I meant RAMONA'S.

[Servorg]

Anyone on this thread (or reading along) ever try the relleno at Monte Alban? I have never had it so can't offer an opinion, but wonder what it's like.

[a_and_w]

Wow...I didn't even know they had one on the menu. I'll let you know...

[Servorg]

Let's hope serendipity is rearing its delightfully whimsical head here... ;-D>

[Dommy]

Never had it Monte Alban, but have had it Guelaguetza, and the Oaxacan version of the Chile Relleno is absolutely DELISH!!

--Dommy!

[Servorg]

Thanks for the info Dommy. I'll have to give it a try next time. Since the Palms Guelaguetza closed I don't get to the other branches as often as I would like.

[Dommy]

Is it still closed!! I talked to the sisters that run it on early November and they had hoped to open with a few weeks.... They seemed very frustrated about the whole situation. :(

--Dommy!

[a_and_w]

Interesting...is the Oaxacan version different? Like maybe the cheese?

[Dommy]

So sorry! I should have explained... the Oaxacan ones typically are stuffed with a very tender ground meat mixture. It's amost like a Chile En Nogaga, but without the En Nogaga sauce, instead it's a thin tomato sauce on top. They are hearty... absolutely STUFFED... Delish... :)

--Dommy!

[a_and_w]

Thanks -- sounds delicious!

[Dommy]

Yup! Although I just checked the on-line Menu at Monte Alban, and the Chile Rellenos are served "A la Carte" which means they could also be the typical limpy cheese filled ones... I'd call before getting my hopes up, or swing over to the Guelagetza 6th St. local which does them right...

--Dommy!

[Servorg]

I found this description of the version at Monte Alban on Yelp from December 2008 "...their Chile Relleno de Piccadillo. The later dish I chose while being quite adventurous and it consisted of a chile stuffed with shredded chicken, spices, almonds, and raisins. "

[Dommy]

WOW! That's some good detective work! Then yes, it is probably JUST like the Guelagetza one. :DD

--Dommy!

[Servorg]

"WOW! That's some good detective work!"

Nah, that's google and word search making me look like I know what I'm doing for a change! ;-D>

[JBC]

From their Menu:

Chile Relleno de Picadillo O Queso (you get a choice, either or..)

Picadillo defined as --> "Made of shredded chicken breast, tomato, garlic, raising and almonds."

[Scotty]

Thanks for this post--I really like chile rellenos!

I used to live in Riverside and went to a place (now closed) that must have cooked the chile rellenos in a deep fat fryer. They were a golden brown and crunchy, a little like a corn dog. I've also had them almost omlet like-very eggy.

Anybody run into a place that serves them golden brown and crunchy??

[Scotty]

I just remembered the name of the place was Gay and Larry's. I know it's closed now.

Anybody-crunchy chile rellenos??

[Moose]

As other posters has mentioned, the chile relleno at the Talpa is excellent. I get mine covered with their spicy tomatillo sauce instead of the usual Ranchera; it is absolutely divine.

[Phurstluv]

That place must be tiny, I drive by there ALL THE TIME and never noticed it. Was even "next door or across the street for a smog test and still never heard of it. Have to look closer next time!!

[Servorg]

It appears (almost) to be part of Don Antonio' and the doorway is almost invisible. It shares a common wall (and for all I know it shares a kitchen) with Don Antonio's.

[Phurstluv]

Okay, great. I will be trying them shortly, now that I have a WICKED craving for chile rellenos!!!

[Baron]

Thanks folks. Glad to here that the Chile Relleno is alive and well in Los Angeles. I cant wait until Hatch chile season comes at the end of summer. I had some in Sante Fe that were outstanding.

[Skapesx2]

Guys, seriously, Best Chile Relleno I have ever had. Of course, to each their own...I like mine thin, with minimal egg and a tangy sauce with cheese. YUM..God reading this stuff makes me hungry.

Leo's Mexican Food
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16006 Inglewood Ave
Lawndale, CA 90260-2510
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