I’m a part of a certain 13,000 member “private group” for women in LA on Facebook. While I’m not technically allowed to say what the name of the group is (total “Fight Club” situation), I will say that I have met some great women from it. The group ranges in ethnicities, ages and occupations, so I have become friends with all different types of women. I am fortunate to have met Laura Guerrero, who owns Tlayuda LA (along with her husband), which is still in a soft opening phase in East Hollywood. It’s so interesting to watch a small business blossom and hers is no exception. We’re very excited for her, especially since there doesn’t seem to be enough restaurants in LA with girl power to behind them.

Tlayuda LA

5450 Santa Monica Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90029

818-458-0776

http://facebook.com/TlayudaLA

Let me start with the guacamole and chips. Not enough places allow the avocado to really be the stand out of this dish but Tlayuda LA does. There strong elements of tomato and cilantro but the chunky, buttery avocado really shines through. The giant blue and white tortilla chips that are served with this dish are crisp, crunchy and fresh as well.

This is the Tlayuda (proper pronunciation is TLAH-YOO-DAH), the famous Oaxacan dish that Laura named her spot after. I’ve never experienced this before, it’s like a Mexican pizza. Approximately 10 – 12 inches wide, the crunchy blue corn tortilla acts as the crust, there is a light bean spread that acts as sauce, then it’s topped with shredded lettuce, Oaxacan cheese, fresh sliced tomato, onion, avocado and a meat of your choice. We got half chilli marinated pork and thin sliced carne asada, which was a brilliant pairing. If I had to stick with one, I would pick the carne asada, I loved that it was lean, thin and buttery. I am also now obsessed with Oaxacan cheese because of this dish. It reminds me of string cheese but it’s saltier and stringer. I also loved the freshness and ripeness of the tomato. This is such a fun dish to share with guests.

Left: Chorizo Taco Middle: Vegetarian Right: Chicken Mole

The tacos here are so fantastic. What separates Tlayuda from other Mexican spots is the corn tortillas for the tacos are made in house. There is a fluffiness in the texture of the tortillas the other Mexican spots just don’t have. All three of these tacos were delicious for different reasons. The vegetarian has mushrooms to beef the taco up. The chicken mole taco is a very decedent one. The sauce has the traditional chocolate base with with enough chilli and spices to not make it taste too sweet.

The chorizo taco was my favorite. I loved the spiciness from the chilli it’s marinated in and rich texture of the ground pork sausage. Again, I’m obsessed with the Oaxacan cheese and it plays beautifully with the meat and bean puree. The sliced avocado on top is also always a win for me.

If you’re in LA and you love Oaxacan Mexican food, you have to stop in. Everything here is made with love, from the food to the tables Laura’s husband constructed himself. I’ve always felt that the best food comes from love and this place proves that point.