Los Angeles - Mo-Chica Contemporary Peruvian Restaurant

Mo-Chica is my first encounter for Peruvian cuisine. It’s located in an unfamiliar part of LA, tucked inside one of the most random food courts. Amidst totally inconsequential Asian and Latino food stands, it stands out with the most crowds, like the only fire pit in the wild. At Mo-Chica, you get to dress casual and still be served with upscale presentation.

Though the menu is not gigantic, with the specials, we were running out of space on our table with all the plates. At Mo-Chica, the chicas on the floor are friendly and efficient. Two $2 authentic Peruvian drinks (below), CHICHA MORADA (purple corn ice tea) & CEBADA (barley ice tea, ginger & herbs), were served before i took off my jacket.

For starters, we had ordered almost everything although the calories in yellow did pause our hearts for a few seconds. PAPA A LA HUANCAINA was more spicy than it looks yet it paired with the eggs and salad well.

CEVICHE of the day was the sea bass - 7. The ingredients were all fresh and made sense. The crunchy toasted corn and the acidic bass and the tender sweet potato work beautifully in a bite.

Lamb Belly Special - 13. The lamb was ridiculously tender and its slightly burn edges added that smoked depth - an instant favorite.

Below, ARROZ CON POLLO (chicken, sauteed rice, cilantro) - 13. It’s consistently cooked to perfection out the three times we had it. The chicken is juicy and the rice is seasoned unforgettably. It’s a must order dish at Mochica and a staple on my list, regardless of its top ranking calorie count of 650.

Chef owner Ricardo Zarate not only is a master of putting savory ingredients together and makes it tasty. His passion fruit creme brulee has got the right touch of acidity and sweet creamy goodness that will make you ask for it every time.

Mochica is a hidden gem and hopefully it will be relocated to downtown as rumored in the near future. I know I will be going back no matter where they go.

Mo-Chica
www.mo-chica.com | 3655 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90007 | (213) 747-2141

Hollywood - Susan Feniger's Street

LA is a fun place to live. Being able to go to the restaurant owned by a prestige contestant after watching a few episodes of Top Chef Master is both fun and special. How often do you get to do that with your favorite show!?


Street's crew were attentive, friendly and entertaining. Curry flavored corn snack (on the house), citrus refreshment and poured Hong Kong milk tea were served in no time.

Above, BABY BEETS AND LOLA ROSSA aged sherry vinegar and grain mustard vinaigrette - 5. The sweet and tangy salad brought up the appetite in a good way.

BROILED SCALLOPS ON THE HALFSHELL with Peruvian aji amarillo cream, chorizo breadcrumbs, lime and fresh picked cilantro - 12. The combination of these wonderful bites were memorable and left me wishing for more though the serving size were perfect for two people.

BABY BACK RIBS in spicy Korean miso glaze with scallion ginger cream - 14. There was no Asian cow. What I am trying is say is that I did not taste the Korean miso nor the scallion and ginger in the cream. That said, the short rib was cooked to perfection and will sure be well qualified as “comfort food” for the most part.

TATSUTAGE FRIED CHICKEN marinated with soy, mirin, and sake crispy fried in rice batter and topped with spicy kewpie mayonnaise sauce - 15. First, you bite into the hot oil fried crispy and tender chicken with the rich spicy kewpie mayo. Then have a slurp of the cold sweet and savory soba. Then add a little spicy and sour from the kimchi. Heavenly!

Just as I have portraited Susan Feniger in my head, her food is just like her personality. She wants you to have a full belly with the generous portion and if you had brought some friends to share, you should have the big smile like hers when you walk out the Street. You will not need Susan there to confirm it.


Susan Feniger's Street
www.eatatstreet.com | 742 N Highland Los Angeles, CA 90038 | (323) 203-0500