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Business & Tech

Bites Nearby: Viva La Cabanita, Que Rico!

Enjoy authentic Mexican food at this Montrose eatery.

Finding traditional Mexican food in Montrose is easier than you'd think thanks to La Cabanita. They offer traditional Mexican dishes worthy of a satisfied "que rico." Francisco and Patricia Jimenez opened La Cabanita almost 30 years ago at 3445 North Verdugo Road.

Francisco still uses his mother's recipes for their meals and the whole establishment is a family affair. While dining there, I met brothers, sisters, cousins, and nephews, all relatives in  the Jimenez family. The restaurant has a wonderful feeling, like you're welcomed into their family, from the time you arrive, until you have finished your meal.

With the painted fresco of a Mexican village on the walls around me, I instantly felt like I was transported south of the border. Smoky jalapeño and tomatillo salsas accompanied by warm tortilla chips are brought out while I peruse the drink menu, which is expansive and includes several different of varieties of margaritas such as traditional, mango, peach, strawberry, green  iguana and blue Curacao, as well as imported Mexican beers.

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Traditional Sangria is made fresh daily and can be enjoyed by the glass or carafe. La Cabanita offers several non-alcoholic drink options, too, such as traditional soft drinks, iced teas, jamaiaca, horchata, and tamarindo. I personally love the jamaiaca, which is an iced tea made from the petals of hibiscus. My children love the horchata with its sweet cinnamon sugar taste; they call it a "liquid churro."

Daily reasonably-priced lunch specials ($7) are available, including caldo de pollo, flautas, tacos, enchiladas, and tostados, to name a few, and all come with beans, rice, and a soft drink. The black beans are spectacular and are not your run of the mill "fast food" canned beans, these are simmered fresh with onions and garlic and topped with cotija cheese.

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Classic entrees such as pozole, tamales, carne asada, and enchiladas are popular among regulars to La Cabanita. There are several new additions to their menu including ensalada de nopales which is a chilled cactus salad with tomatoes, cheese, jalapeños, onions, and a corn tortilla. The puerco en salsa verde is a unique pork dish combining flavors of tomatillos and pablano peppers with corn and potatoes.

At La Cabanita, you can also start your weekend mornings off right with a traditional Mexican breakfast that will keep you stuffed all day! There are over 25 different breakfast combinations to choose from and my favorite is the chilaquiles migas with chipotle sauce and scrambled eggs. Breakfast is served Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon and on Sundays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

La Cabanita features a great kid menu and they also offer catering. If you have a private party or function, reservations are available in their large overflow dining area, complete with an additional full bar. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. -10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays until 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Call them at 818-957-2711 or friend them on facebook.

 

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