Modern Mexican/SW Restaurant Needed

[Raboi]

We are coming in from out of town for a vacation in LA. I am planning out our dinners and we are looking for a great contemporary southwest or mexican restaurant.

We are a family of 4 with 2 kids ages 7 and 8 who love food. We are blessed in that we can afford most restaurants. We like big flavors and lively restaurants. We will be touring all over the area but are based in Beverly Hills. Restaurants could be almost anywhere in the area from the coast as far east as Downtown. Please Help!!! What can't we miss!!!

[Servorg]

Modern Mexican sounds like either Red O on Melrose or Rivera in downtown LA.

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Rivera Restaurant
1050 S. Flower Street, #102, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Red O
8155 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

[Burger Boy]

Moles La Tia in East L.A. on Caesar Chavez.

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Moles La Tia
4619 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022

[Raboi]

The initial revews on this restaurant are fantastic dating as far back as 2008 however lately, the reviews have not been that good. Looks like the mole chef is no longer cooking for them. Do you know otherwise?

[Das Ubergeek]

I can confirm that the initial chef at Moles La Tía, Rocio Camacho, is no longer there; she's the executive chef at La Huasteca in Lynwood and is implementing a pre-Columbian menu there.

That said, I've been to La Tía recently and while it's not quite as sublime as under Camacho, it's really still very good.

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La Huasteca
3150 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262

[Das Ubergeek]

Rivera, definitely Rivera. Don't go to Red O. The food is fine, though not special, and the whole "door host" (a.k.a reservations-checking bouncer) thing leaves me cold.

Another suggestion, though out of your way a little bit: La Huasteca.

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La Huasteca
3150 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262

Red O
8155 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

[Servorg]

I agree that the whole bouncer / doorman thing is silly. On the other hand some of the food is both very good and certainly seems contemporary to me...Things like the beef short ribs sopes and the cazuelas that they do show real promise for the long term development of the menu.

[ipsedixit]

Yup, Rivera.

Maybe consider Yxta as well?

Avoid Red O.

[Das Ubergeek]

I like Yxta, but it's not in the same league as Rivera. Still, if you want a jamaica margarita and some good squash blossoms, it'll do you just fine.