I have been going to this restaurant since it first opened a couple years ago. While the husband/owner was surly, the food rivaled anything I ever had growing up in Little Havana in Florida. It was hands down the best Cuban food I ever had. Over time, the quality slipped a little, but was still pretty decent as of last year. After not going for about six months, I went tonight and was shocked. I don't know if there has been an ownership change, but for some reason there was a big "Grand Opening" sign. When asked, they claimed there was no change.
However, it was the most disgusting food I have ever had. Next to the Chinese Restaurant, Hu's, this is now the second worst meal I have ever had in Los Angeles (and with all the bad restaurants in this town, that is saying a lot!). The rice and beans were grotesque, the pork tasted like it had been cooked a week ago and reheated every day till it was dry and tasteless. The quality of pork was also quite nauseating. Even the green plantains were mushy and tasteless. And the sangria tasted like it was 10 percent wine and 90 percent Sprite mixed with cinnamon. Really, truly Gross.
Add to that the incredibly bad service, and you have a really nightmarish experience. No one came to take our drink orders, so the manager finally came over and took them. There were two waiters and some six busboys (a number that should be reversed to ensure service). We waited 20 minutes for someone to take our order and that only happened when I stopped the waitress and asked her if we even had a waiter. It took 10 minutes to get the check after I asked, and despite us surrendering 1/2 to 3/4 full plates, no one bothered to ask if anything was wrong. They obviously know there IS.
Never going back. If you're thinking of going, do yourself a favor and head to EL FLORADITA on Vine/Fountain. The food is way superior. Hell, even the chain Versailles is now preferable to this disgusting dining establishment. AVOID!
Pros: The tap water was the best thing there
Cons: the food and the service - GROSS!!!
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