Every plate that comes to your table reveals his experience, whether it's the fiery aguachile raw shrimp or scallops, the grilled snapper with tart, ruby-red hibiscus flower sauce, beef tenderloin ( solomillo) encrusted with Spanish cabrales blue cheese and finished with a brandy reduction, or generously large shrimp smothered in a delicate tequila, mango and guajillo chile sauce.
More casual items include sopes de pulpo -- handmade masa boats filled with tender sliced octopus and queso fresco. He gives cemitas, the iconic Oaxacan sandwiches, his own twist by serving them on toasted buns and saucing them with black mole (though you can ask for the pipian sauce, which I recommend).
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday, December 18, 2011 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 4 News Desk 1 inches; 31 words Type of Material: Correction
Curry Up Cafe: In the Dec. 15 Food section, an information box about restaurants along Ventura Boulevard said that Curry Up Cafe is closed on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Thursday, December 22, 2011 Home Edition Food Part E Page 2 Food Desk 1 inches; 31 words Type of Material: Correction
Restaurant hours: In the Dec. 15 Food section, an information box about restaurants along Ventura Boulevard said that Curry Up Cafe is closed on Saturdays. It is closed only on Sundays.
Even the house-made brownies with ice cream for dessert are served with flair. But if appetites are sated, there's always the French press coffee. (When was the last time you saw that in a modest restaurant?) It's better than a good-enough way to end an El Chile Grande meal.
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food@latimes.com
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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)
On Ventura Boulevard
BISTRO ORIENT
21799 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, (818) 456-4564. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Credit cards accepted. Beer and wine. Lot parking.
CURRY UP CAFE
21912 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, (818) 347-4116. Open 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed Saturday. Credit cards accepted. No alcohol. Street parking.
EL CHILE GRANDE
19321 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, (818) 708-8087. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Credit cards accepted. No alcohol. Lot parking.
