El Pueblo Viejo

Why haven't I been to El Pueblo Viejo? It's a mystery to me. I've been driving past this place for over 30 years! It's on my way to and from everywhere!

I must have read a blurb on this American-style Mexican restaurant online or in some newspaper recently, because I'd written the address down and put it in my purse. On Saturday night, Larry and I drove over there. It's right across the street from Sony Studios, just east of Motor Avenue. The surrounding businesses are car repair places or other small industrial shops. This is NOT the trendy end of Culver City!

Chile Relleno Plate

Machaca and Scrambled Eggs

El Pueblo Viejo is just my kind of place for old-fashioned, yellow-cheesed up Mexican food. The food is fresh, predictable and tasty...definitely NOT nouvelle. The portions are large and the prices are small. The atmosphere is old-time L.A. funky. It's a very comfortable place with friendly service. At 7pm on a Saturday night there were only about 4 other people in the place. El Pueblo Viejo's decor is typical of vintage, family-run restaurants in old L.A. Indoor-outdoor carpet, red leather booths, Mexican murals on the wall, lit beer signs and excellent accoustics...certainly nothing fancy. Remember, you cannot eat atmosphere!Parking was easy, right in front and free. Thank you. This is now my favorite classic,go-to Mexican restaurant on the Westside. See you there!

Pueblo Viejo, (310) 842-9733, 10309 Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232

Mariscos Chente

Twice in the past month Larry and I have eaten at Mariscos Chente. I read about it in the L.A. Times. The restaurant is located at 4532 So. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista. This is a stretch of Centinela that I frequent quite often. We go to Paco's Tacos, up the block, across the street....close to Hotcakes Bakery, where they make divine, multi-colored macaroons. Also on this street is Taqueria Sanchez (excellent) and the Angel Maid Bakery where we ALWAYS buy our creampuffs!

Lime Salsa and Fresh Corn Chips con Cerveza

The first time we ate at Mariscos Chente was for dinner on a Saturday night, after an art opening. The place was crowded, but we only waited a few minutes for a table. This gave us a chance to look around and see what others were eating. Lots of whole fish, served family style with vegies and other acoutrements surrounding the fish. People were also ordering huge plates of fresh ceviche. Everything looked extremely tasty.

Ceviche

The second time we ate here was for a quick lunch. We ordered ceviche and split it. It was a bit spicy for our tastes, but really good.

Spicy Tlapia

Beady-Eyed Shrimp a la Diabla in Red Sauce

We'll definitely visit Mariscos Chente again.