La Casita Mexicana La Casita Mexicana

La Casita Mexicana

4030 E. Gage Ave. (Bear Ave.)
Bell Gardens, CA 90201
323-773-1898
Map
Cuisine: Mexican
Located in a forgotten corner of South L.A., this colorful restaurant is producing some of the most ambitious Mexican food in the city.
Openings: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Tues.-Sun.
La Casita Mexicana, Bell Gardens, CA


La Casita Mexicana Restaurant Review:


When Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu debuted La Casita Mexicana in a forgotten corner of South L.A. in 1999, their affordable, seasonal Mexican food was well received. Spanish tiles and stained-glass windows create the façade of a casita, or little house. Walls are brilliant orange and blue. Complimentary tortilla chips come drizzled with three uniquely flavorful moles: burgundy-hued poblano; pepian verde, made with Serrano chilies; and burnt-orange pepian rojo. Start with queso Azteco, plantain leaves containing a slab of four Mexican cheeses, poblanos, nopales (cactus strips) and mushrooms. Top entrées include roasted poblano peppers stuffed with ground meat, dried fruits, walnuts and candied cactus, topped with pecan cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. Previously, La Casita Mexicana only offered fish during Lent. Thankfully, del Campo and Arvizu have added fish to the regular menu. Green ceviche, shrimp with mezcal, and fish filet in a zucchini blossom are some specialties. Entrées come with the soup of the day, which could be cream of chicharrones or tortilla soup with herbs and shredded cheese. Semi-sweet lemonade contains tiny glutinous chia seeds, which add texture. Desserts include fresh guava enhanced with eggnog. Breakfasts star chilaquiles with mole poblano.