Walk into Guelaguetza in Koreatown, and the first thing you see is a gorgeous altar for the Day of the Dead.
Decorated with the traditional marigolds, it's a tribute to a holiday that is celebrated with great reverence in Oaxaca. As a matter of fact, the Lópezes, who own Guelaquetza, are there now for the festivities.
Despite this attention to the dead, the restaurant was full of life Sunday night. Perhaps the most uproarious section was that set aside for the birthday celebration of Street Gourmet LA's Bill Esparza.
The special drink and food menu on each table was Bill's handiwork.
From the drinks, I followed Bill's recommendation and ordered a shot of Tapatio blanco, with a side of spicy sangrita.
But we all drank mezcal too, because Bricia López (above) showed up at the table with a bottle of Alipus mezcal from San Andrés, Oaxaca.
Any food curated by Bill has to be good, and there were plenty of choices.
Above are molotes stuffed with potato and chorizo, accompanied by guacamole.
Queso fundido--melted cheese topped with chorizo--was another winner, brought to the table in a searingly hot black iron skillet with a pot holder over the handle.
Chips with sweet red mole were on the table too. Someone ordered a tlayuda, the huge Oaxacan "tostada,'' with what looked like all the toppings available. Bill asked for a sampler of memelitas, small masa circles with chorizo and other toppings.
A bottle of fruity, citrusy raicilla, another agave spirit from Jalisco, appeared later. And the party grew even merrier. Happy birthday, Bill. And please have many more of them.
Guelaguetza restaurant, 3014 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006. (213) 427-0608
Wouldn't be a party without you, Barbara! Gracias.
Posted by: Streetgourmetla | November 07, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Good job of capturing the scene, Barbara. Glad to see you at Guelaguetza for Bill's celebration.
Posted by: Food GPS | November 05, 2012 at 11:59 AM