The Community’s Hidden Gem: Mercado La Paloma
By Maddie Walsh ‘20
If you’re growing tired of going to the same fast food places on Figueroa over and over again, then it’s time for you to check out Mercado La Paloma. It’s a food court-style market with a number of restaurants and small shops offering everything from vegan Ethiopian food to traditional Yucatan cuisine, and it’s only two blocks away from campus! The food isn’t even the best part. Mercado La Paloma is a project overseen by the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation whose goal is to “promote business-ownership opportunities” and “living wage jobs” while building a stronger community. On the second floor of the building there are non-profit offices and spaces for classes and community meetings. So, when you go to get some delicious food, you’ll be supporting a great cause, as well! Keep reading to learn more about the restaurants waiting for you there.
Azla Vegan
The menu at Azla Vegan is inspired by Ethiopian cuisine and, obviously, is 100% vegan friendly. Not only that, but this particular restaurant strives to use organic ingredients, so by treating yourself to some of their yatakilt soup or keysir salad, you’re really doing everyone a favor.
Burger Plaza Grill
Grab any one of your favorite American dishes at the Burger Plaza Grill. You’ll have a hard time choosing from their long list of options as they have EVERYTHING. Double chili cheese burger? Check. Grilled steak sub? Check. BBQ ribs? Check! You can even add a baked potato to your meal. Burger Plaza Grill is extremely well-priced and offers the cheapest breakfast food around. Head there on a Sunday morning for a $4 breakfast combo or omelette.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is run by nationally-famous chef Gilberto Cetina and is considered one of the top 100 restaurants in Los Angeles. It focuses on Yucatan cuisine and offers all the traditional plates such as banana leaf wrapped tamales and papadzules. My personal favorite is the side of fried plantains. Not only is the food delicious, but it is beautifully prepared. Definitely worthy of being your next Instagram post!
Holbox
If you like Chichen Itza, you should check out Holbox. Holbox is run by Gilbert Cetina Jr. of Chichen Itza and is also inspired by Yucatan dishes, however it serves mostly seafood. The menu includes some pretty mouth-watering options like fried octopus and fish-stuffed chiles.
Oaxacalifornia
Oaxacalifornia is a cafe and juice bar specializing in Oaxacan and Californian fusion. They offer a huge range of agua frescas and smoothies to go with one of their beloved tortas. Don’t miss out on the fruit sorbets, either. They come in some unique flavors like guanabana and mamey!
Taqueria Vista Hermosa
Taqueria Vista Hermosa is considered one of Los Angeles’ top Mexican restaurants. When you go, be sure to try the tacos al pastor– the chef is famous for them! The menu also includes some traditional Michoacan favorites like huaraches, flautas, and chile rellenos.
Thai Corner
Thai Corner claims to mix old family recipes with “new Asian fusion flavors.” You don’t want to miss their pineapple fried rice or sweet sticky mango rice. The best part about Thai Corner? They deliver! So you can skip the walk and and give them a call instead.
The food at Mercado La Paloma will transport you to the region its inspired by without breaking that broke-college-student budget, AND you’ll be supporting local business. It shouldn’t take you long to get there – just head down Jefferson Blvd and turn right on S Grand. The address is 3655 S Grand Ave #240, Los Angeles, CA 90007. It’s open every day from 8 am to 9 pm, so don’t wait– grab your friends and go today!
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