the reason we strolled along hollywood boulevard was because we suckered LCR into going out for crazy jonathan gold food with us again. this time, mexican, and in his ‘hood so he didn’t have to travel far. our gustatory exploration led us to loteria grill, a soaring modern space with skylights, a tequila wall, and five different agua frescas on the counter. i must admit, i was hesitant to go here at first. last year, we had loteria grill tacos at the “farmers market” at the grove, and i was less than impressed. m kept gently suggesting, she read the jgold description, and i happily acquiesced when i found out it was walkable from the theatre. (i can’t explain it, but don’t you ever get hesitant about something and then suddenly the hesitation goes away?…sometimes with prodding, sometimes not.) in a splendid example of eco-friendliness, loteria grill was also a walkable destination for LCR. and something happened that almost never happens: we arrived early and actually had to wait for someone else.

despite my disappointment with my previous loteria grill experience, i ordered the probaditas sampler (All 12 of our Tacos served on Mini Hand-made Tortillas). i wouldn't order it again, but it did give me a wide sampling of the different flavors offered. and the hand-made tortillas are good, but you can, obviously, get these without ordering tacos.

m ordered the fideo (sopa seca de fideos - Mexican Fideos Pasta) which was essentially a dry soup of noodles in sauce. (barcelona also has a fideo paella...i wonder if it is any relation?)

i wanted the nopalitos salad (Fresh Cactus paddle with tomato, Chile Serrano, Onion and Cilantro in a light lime Vinaigrette). had nopales in cancun and i'm addicted

which left LCR with huitlacoche: corn fungus

the problem with blogging too late is that i forget things. like what the corn fungus tasted like. i remember liking it, but can’t describe it. m says it reminds her of sea urchin. it’s probably nothing like sea urchin (not orange and doesn’t taste like sea water), but you catch her drift, yes? as you can see from the above photos we also partook in excellent guacamole. everything at loteria is “finished with Salsas, Guacamole, Chopped Onion, Cilantro, Queso Fresco or Crema Mexicana.” mmmmm, my kinda place.

i would be remiss if i didn't mention the chipotle chip dip. just as good as the harissa @ AOC. per m: i could eat it with a spoon. i think i did.

the second entree was enchiladas (De Pipian - In our Red Pumpkin - Seed and Peanut Sauce). came with excellent seasoned rice!

our third entree (which looks like a big burrito (not pictured-sorry…ran out of battery!)) was basically a big burrito. the homemade tortilla contained: Carnitas en salsa Morita – In a Spicy Chile Morita Sauce Served with slices of Fresh Avocado and Finely Chopped Onion and Cilantro.

last but not least, i had a beet + tuna (not the fish...) agua fresca

we finished up our meal with: Mexican-style ice cream studded with the sweet, curdled-milk cheese known as chongos

highly satisfied diners...we will come back again

loteria grill | 6627 hollywood blvd 90028 | 323.465.2500