Foodie Fridays: Guelaguetza

Abby and Shevin initially bonded over their mutual love of boba during their freshman year at USC and have since been together and enjoying all of LA's wonderful culinary offerings. They both love to travel, explore, and most importantly eat!

It seemed like a great idea for FoundTrack to introduce a food column. Let's face it, those of us who enjoy art, film, fashion, and music usually have a soft spot for great dining experiences as well. So now, these two young Angelenos will have the chance to share some of their favorite tasty spots in LA with all of you fun people through Foodie Fridays.

If you have any recommendations you think should be considered for the column, plese send an email to foodiefridays at foundtrack dot com. Eat on!

Guelaguetza
3014 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 427-0608
Map


Holy mole! In celebration of Abby's birthday, we headed to Guelaguetza in K-Town for a very special fiesta edition of Foodie Fridays. This time we were joined by an enthusiastic group of friends who were excited to try out the restaurant's delicious Oaxacan cuisine.


We began with a round of cocktails with which we toasted the birthday girl.


Abby enjoyed a refreshing mojito, while the mango margarita was another hit. For a non-alcoholic option, opt for a seasonal agua de fruta or a delightful horchata con tuna y nuez, a sweet rice-based drink containing nuts, cantaloupe, and cactus fruit (don't let its pink Benadryl-like color scare you away!)


Complimentary chips topped with red mole and cheese are brought out right away and certainly provide a more interesting alternative to the standard chips and salsa served at most Mexican restaurants.


We decided to order family style for the table so everyone could sample Guelaguetza’s mouthwatering dishes. The restaurant’s moles are what keep diners coming back, so the festival de moles is a must for any first time visitor. The appetizer consists of four unique moles, served along with sliced chicken, rice, and a homemade tortilla for dipping.


We also ordered a veggie clayuda, essentially a “Oaxacan pizza” made of a crisp tortilla covered with black bean paste and topped with cheese, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. If you’re a diehard meat eater, you’ll probably want to opt for the clayuda de choriqueso—essentially the same idea, except topped with shredded chorizo and cheese instead of the bean paste and vegetables.


Additionally, we enjoyed a meat sampler consisting of chicken, chorizo, and tasajo (thinly sliced beef) and an enchilada topped with red mole and Oaxacan string cheese.


The restaurant also offers a wide selection of tasty treats at its in-house bakery. Here I am, peering down at my options like a kid in a Oaxacan candystore.


But the food at Guelaguetza is only half the fun. The live music and dancing is what really makes this place come alive. After watching the band play and the dancers twirl, we naturally decided it was time to throw the birthday girl in the spotlight.


A special birthday ballad was dedicated to her, and as always, she was a hit with the crowd. A huge beer and a shot of tequila were brought out, and after Abby downed both, they spun her around and then started chanting to her. Whatever gets the job done!


For some unbeatable mole and energetic live entertainment, Guelaguetza hits the spot. Feliz cumpleaños, Abby!

TIPS:
Ask to be seated in the back room if possible. As great as the live music and dancing are, having a conversation can be difficult when all the festivities are taking place just a few feet away from your table!
The restaurant has three other locations as well, one of which is literally next door to FoundTrack’s favorite laidback lounge, R-Bar.

NEXT TIME on Foodie Fridays... stay tuned!

Photos by Jennifer Saracino.