The 21 Best Dishes Eater LA Editors Ate in 2021, Mapped

There’s a motive why Tamales Elena y Antojitos is so particular that it’s going to put me within the automotive to battle visitors at any time for chef Maria Elena Lorenzo’s Afro-Mexican restaurant is among the extra distinctive finds in Los Angeles, all of California, or your complete United States. Her barbacoa tacos, burritos and tortas, and moles are distinctive, whereas the pozoles topped with queso fresco, chicharrones, spices, chiles, avocado, shredded cabbage, chopped onions, and radishes are heavenly (vegans can discover one of many metropolis’s greatest and mushroom tamales right here). Whereas having fun with each flavorful chunk of her chilaquiles, I remembered the household’s story and their presence all through Los Angeles for many years earlier than opening in 2020. Lorenzo began as a road vendor all through Watts and South LA the place she offered tamales within the 90s, and was lovingly referred to as “Mama.” That is really an LA story, and the meals is such an exquisite addition. However these chilaquiles with crimson salsa, two fried eggs, black beans, bitter cream, queso fresco, onion and cilantro are really particular. Don’t take chilaquiles to-go, they’re greatest consumed instantly. —Mona Holmes