mo-chica

last month ricardo zarate was voted food & wine magazine's best new chef of the year (there are 10 chefs picked nationwide each year).  5 months ago, his restaurant mo-chica was chosen as one of the 99 essential los angeles restaurants by jonathan gold. 
so in keeping with our commitment to try all 99, we headed downtown yesterday to the mercado la paloma and the little food court were mo-chica is located.

ceviche del dia (yellowtail)

causa del dia (crab)

lomo saltado

we shared the three dishes pictured above, all of which were amazingly fresh and delicious.  the fact that mo-chica is located in a little latin market south of downtown with no pretension or famous chef attitude just adds more reasons to try this true find.  zarate has been a chef in both french and japanese kitchens for the past 15 years and those influences are perfectly represented on mo-chica's peruvian menu. his next venture is a new restaurant, picca on the west side, opening next month. I predict high praise, ratings and demand for this second restaurant and a mention on next years essential 99 list.  delicioso!
3655 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 747-2141