Mo-Chica
This outlet is located in a warehouse food court next to a stand that sells unlicensed UCLA shirts. From strictly a space standpoint, it ranks slightly above a hospice care facility as a place I would like to show a first date. This is assuming that people still “date”. I have no freaking clue, as I spend my Friday evenings watching “Star Trek: The Next Generation” reruns. Yeah you go Deanna Troi, you sexy thing you. Rowr.
But I digress. If you want kickass Peruvian food at ridiculously reasonable prices, then come here immediately. Come alone or bring a friend you want to impress with your knowledge of low-key, “under the radar” places that simply focus on the food. It doesn’t matter. It’s a freaking cafeteria setting. And if your “friend” doesn’t appreciate the novelty of this place, then with all due respect: your friend sucks.
While the quinotto (peruvian risotto) was a little bland and the causa del dia’s flavor was overshadowed by its delicate construction, the all-star of this show was the seca de cordero. Upon picking up the lamb shank, the meat immediately fell of the bone in all of its mouth-watering glory. FELL…OFF…THE…BONE. Not to be outdone, the canary white bean sauce was incredible. The sauteed cilantro rice that came with the chicken breast was very tasty and I want to stress that the chicken was both incredibly juicy and tender. The ceviche was a nice starter - chunks of scallop, seaweed and peruvian corn. While the cod special wasn’t overwhelming with respect to the flesh and skin, it was worth getting for the puree alone. The lomo saltado was also a respectable changeup to the seca de cordero.
So come on down to this place. And wear whatever the hell you want. - H. Lee
Mo-Chica. 3655 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007. (213) 747-2141.
