In this section, you can read the reviews that The Mexican Village has received. To view the reviews, simply click on the review title listed below.
In this section,
you can read the reviews that The Mexican Village has received. To view the
reviews, simply click on the review title listed below.
(To view
article above, click on image)
|
The
Beverly Hills Courier
July 21st, 2000 |
On
The Town
March 22, 2000 |
The Mexican Village
Restaurant
3668 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tel. (213) 385-0479 Fax. (213) 385-1830
mvillage@sbcglobal.net
Read the review by Lorraine and Phil
Shapiro from the July 21st, 2000 issue of The Beverly Hills Courier
CHILE CUISINE
By Lorraine and Phil Shapiro
California and
Mexico share more than a common border: an appreciation for a diverse cuisine
full of flavor and color that goes beyond tacos, tamales and tortillas.
For 35 years, the Olivares family-run Mexican Village Restaurant at Beverly
Boulevard near Virgil has been a destination for home-style Mexican food and
good service at reasonable prices. Says owner Abel Olivares Sr., "I've
spent all my life in the restaurant business, starting as a cook at the Windsor,
where I became one of the first Mexican chefs at a continental restaurant."
Although Olivares no longer heads the kitchen at Mexican Village, south-of-the-border
classics, contemporary dishes and regional specialties still are cooked with
care by his stall: Second-generation Diana Olivares confided, "Shrimp is
popular with Camarones al Mojo, Garlic-sauteed Shrimp (like scampi) on a bed
of Spanish Rice, my favorite selection," at $10.95. Shrimp also are made
with Creole Tomato Sauce for Camarones Rancheros (recipe given), as Fajitas,
and with Cognac, from $10.25.
You might start with a bowl of Albondigas Soup with fresh Vegetables and tiny
Meatballs, at $2.50 or share the Botana Grande appetizer platter with Camarones
al Mojo de Ajo, Grilled Came Asada, Quesadillas, Cheddar Cheese Sticks and Beef
Taquitos to dip in Guacamole, from $12.50.
Although tile food is prepared without lard and less oil than formula Mexican
restaurants, forget counting calories. Burritos, Tostadas and Enchiladas make
hearty low-cost entrees, from $5.25, but the lunch specials such as Carne Asada,
Chicken and Spinach enchiladas are more interesting and also a value, from $7.25.
Since Spanish settlers whipped up the first custards, Flan has been a popular
Mexican dessert. Mexican Village's rich, creamy version is set off by Kahlua-Caramel
Sauce, Whipped Topping and a Maraschino Cherry, at $2.50.
A hot spot in the '70s and '80s for dining and dancing, the restaurant burned
down during the civil disturbances in 1992 and was rebuilt as an inviting hacienda.
Now a Spanish-speaking DJ plays salsa and merengue evenings from 9 p.m. until
the wee hours ($5 cover charge weekends), Margaritas and 42 different kinds
of tequila are poured.
|
MEXICAN VILLAGE CAMARONES 1 pound (about 24) jumbo black tiger shrimp Shell, devein and butterfly shrimp. In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until very hot, add shrimp, saute 2 minutes, turn and cook 2 minutes longer or until just done. Remove and set aside. Add tomato, onion, bell pepper, chile and garlic. Cook and stir until softened. Add salt and pepper. Return shrimp and heat through. Sprinkle with cilantro. Served with rice beans. |
MEXICAN VILLAGE STANDS THE TEST
OF TIME
By Linda Sands
March 22, 2000
The American dream is very much alive at The
Mexican Village Restaurant, which has been serving its loyal clientele for 35
years. In fact, this restaurant has become a tradition for folks who crave authentic
Mexican food at reasonable prices.
The food is well-prepared, fresh and delicious. The decor and ambiance are authentic, and clearly reflect a professional touch. Above all, this establishment is very entertaining and is sure to lift your spirits.
Mexican Village is family-owned and operated. It was founded by Abel Olivares Sr. He began working in a small fast food business and in time became the head chef at some of L.A.'s top rated restaurants. Olivares' hard work and dedication paid off. In 1965, he took ownership of the Mexican Village. With the help of his son Abel Olivares Jr., and daughter Diana Olivares, history was in the making.
Although the restaurant was destroyed during the 1992 riots, Diana Olivares, an interior designer, and her family were determined to rebuild. Today, the great food and service continues in the new millenium.
Lunch and dinner are served six days a week. There is an extensive menu, with all your classic favorites as well as chef specials. Recently, I went for lunch with a few companions and immediately felt the warmth and hospitality of the Olivares family. The ambiance is enjoyable and relaxed, the service is attentive and caring.
For lunch, I sampled and delighted in one of the classic dishes, fajitas de pollo, grilled chicken breast on a bed of fresh onions and bell peppers, which was served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and your choice of tortillas. The other dishes were equally flavorful. The Mexican combination plate of a cheese enchilada, beef taco and chile relleno was delectable with just the right amount of seasoning. It is served with fried beans and Spanish rice. The third dish was camarones rancheros, shrimp sauteéd ranch style with rice and beans. Perfect for shrimp lovers.
The menu selection is huge, and there is something for everyone, including appetizers, soups, salads, numerous entrees and fantastic desserts.
Speaking of desserts, Mexican Village is well known for it's mouth-watering flan, a thick rich custard brushed with Kahlua caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. (worth the extra minutes in the gym) Also, I loved the creamy cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce and recommend the chocolate cake which was moist and delectable.
Let me remind you, Mexican Village is also a great place for nightly entertainment. Dance lessons featuring salsa and merengue are on Thursday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A DJ spins Latin sounds which are sure to make you want to move. There is a large and inviting bar to serve you fabulous margaritas, beer or 42 different kinds of tequilas. There are non-alcoholic beverages as well. Happy hour, featuring free appetizers is Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. So if you are looking for good times and good food, you don't have to go south of the border. The Mexican Village has it all.