Tlayuda LA: East Hollywood’s New Answer to Oaxacan Food

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I’m a part of a certain 13,000 member “private group” for women in LA on Facebook. While I’m not technically allowed to say what the name of the group is (total “Fight Club” situation), I will say that I have met some great women from it. The group ranges in ethnicities, ages and occupations, so I have become friends with all different types of women. I am fortunate to have met Laura Guerrero, who owns Tlayuda LA (along with her husband), which is still in a soft opening phase in East Hollywood. It’s so interesting to watch a small business blossom and hers is no exception. We’re very excited for her, especially since there doesn’t seem to be enough restaurants in LA with girl power to behind them.

Tlayuda LA

5450 Santa Monica Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90029

818-458-0776

http://facebook.com/TlayudaLA

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Let me start with the guacamole and chips. Not enough places allow the avocado to really be the stand out of this dish but Tlayuda LA does. There strong elements of tomato and cilantro but the chunky, buttery avocado really shines through. The giant blue and white tortilla chips that are served with this dish are crisp, crunchy and fresh as well.

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This is the Tlayuda (proper pronunciation is TLAH-YOO-DAH), the famous Oaxacan dish that Laura named her spot after. I’ve never experienced this before, it’s like a Mexican pizza. Approximately 10 – 12 inches wide, the crunchy blue corn tortilla acts as the crust, there is a light bean spread that acts as sauce, then it’s topped with shredded lettuce, Oaxacan cheese, fresh sliced tomato, onion, avocado and a meat of your choice. We got half chilli marinated pork and thin sliced carne asada, which was a brilliant pairing. If I had to stick with one, I would pick the carne asada, I loved that it was lean, thin and buttery. I am also now obsessed with Oaxacan cheese because of this dish. It reminds me of string cheese but it’s saltier and stringer. I also loved the freshness and ripeness of the tomato. This is such a fun dish to share with guests.

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Left: Chorizo Taco Middle: Vegetarian Right: Chicken Mole

The tacos here are so fantastic. What separates Tlayuda from other Mexican spots is the corn tortillas for the tacos are made in house. There is a fluffiness in the texture of the tortillas the other Mexican spots just don’t have. All three of these tacos were delicious for different reasons. The vegetarian has mushrooms to beef the taco up. The chicken mole taco is a very decedent one. The sauce has the traditional chocolate base with with enough chilli and spices to not make it taste too sweet.

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The chorizo taco was my favorite. I loved the spiciness from the chilli it’s marinated in and rich texture of the ground pork sausage. Again, I’m obsessed with the Oaxacan cheese and it plays beautifully with the meat and bean puree. The sliced avocado on top is also always a win for me.

If you’re in LA and you love Oaxacan Mexican food, you have to stop in. Everything here is made with love, from the food to the tables Laura’s husband constructed himself. I’ve always felt that the best food comes from love and this place proves that point.

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Julianne

Actress and Founder of Girls on Food: I was born and raised in the suburbs of Sacramento, California. I grew up a typical “McDonald’s kid”. I was very picky about what I ate and refused to try new foods. No fun, I know. My Mom started taking me on trips to Europe when I was a teenager and that’s when my palate for finer foods began to develop. Some of my most memorable favorite meals include Veal Bolognese in Rome, Gyros in Athens, Paella in Lisbon and Duck L’Orange in Paris. While this helped me grow out of a fast food phase, I still eat out quite a bit. I know I should be at home cooking, but I love dining out. I started working in restaurants in various front of the house positions at age 15. Since my start, I’ve worked in every casual restaurant setting you can think of: a teriyaki stand, brewery, sushi nightclub, trendy Mexican, family-style Italian, American diner, pizza parlor and even a BLT themed food truck. I can't help but notice that many of the LA food bloggers don't have any sort of background working in a restaurant. A lot of my perspective on food and dining out comes from my years of experience in the biz. Since starting this blog, I have shot appearances on a couple of cooking competition shows as a taster (including MasterChef Junior and another upcoming show). We have also started producing a Youtube Channel. IMDb page here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2023647/ For this site I contribute content from all over Los Angeles (and the world) to showcase my favorite fine-dining spots, steakhouses, exclusive supper clubs, Hollywood nightlife and our very own #GOFx events, which I plan and coordinate.

2 Comments

  1. Vin

    July 28, 2015

    What a great review! Chorizo is also my favorite meat at the restaurant! The guacamole is so good, I don’t think I can go back to Chipotle’s version of it! Oh and those blue tortilla chips! Mmmm! I may have to go there today again!

  2. Marji

    July 30, 2015

    Wow, this review makes it a must visit on my next trip to LA.

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