Ludo Lefebvre Names His Top L.A. Mexican Haunts
Classically-trained French chef Lefebvre started a pop-up craze in L.A. in 2010, when he launched his fried chicken concept, 'LudoTruck' — which became his first brick-and-mortar location, LudoBird at the Staples Center. In 2013, he debuted the 24-seat tasting menu hot spot Trois Mec in Hollywood with Vinny Dotolo and John Shook; and in 2014, he opened popular French bistro, Petit Trois, next door. A Michelin star and James Beard Award nom followed — as did a second location of Petit Trois, in Sherman Oaks, in 2018.
Last summer, the famed chef and TV personality partnered with the Delphine Day Club at Costa Palmas in Los Cabos (delphinebaja.com), where he serves his Nicoise cuisine to beachgoers over lively DJ beats. In honor of the club's second summer season, chef Ludo names his favorite Mexican dishes in Los Angeles.
Table-Side Guacamole Casa Vega 'Casa Vega is a neighborhood icon in the Valley and it's right down the street from Petit Trois in Sherman Oaks. A true classic spot loved by all. It's always busy, the energy is amazing and it's just really fun. It's a MUST to start with the tableside guacamole, and they have one of the best margaritas in town.'
$19, 13301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, casavega.com
MoleGuelaguetza
'Guelaguetza is another classic. Bricia and her family have owned the restaurant, located in the middle of Koreatown, for over 30 years. They focus on Oaxacan food. I always get one of their moles. Sometimes I add chapulines [grasshoppers] to my tacos for a little extra protein. Don't forget to order one of the famous micheladas [cocktails].
Moles start at $22, 3014 W. Olympic Blvd., Harvard Heights, ilovemole.com
Prawns a la Parrilla Damian
'Damian is from Michelin-starred chef Enrique Olvera, who is really talented. The food here is a modern, refined take on Mexican. It combines ingredients and traditions from Mexico as well as California. Prawns a la Parrilla is one of my favorite dishes: [It's] fresh, light and full of flavor, with perfectly grilled prawns finished with flaky sea salt.
$60, 2132 E. 7th St., DTLA, damiandtla.com
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