Frida Restaurant is the brainchild of Vicente Del Rio, a native of Mexico’s central valley. Vicente moved to Los Angeles and brought with him the authentic cuisine of his home region to Beverly Hills. Throughout the years this restaurant has gained a loyal following prompting Vicente to open a second and larger Frida at the Americana in Glendale. His third Restaurant is located in Westwood and is formerly known as Casa Azul.
I have had the pleasure of eating at the three restaurants, However, I will focus on my last visit to the Westwood location. The decor is a nice fusion of colonial and modern Mexico. Nice color hues of blue that pay homage to the legendary Casa Azul(Blue house) in Coyoacan, Mexico City, where Frida Kahlo lived and is now the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Once you've been transported visually, as you take a seat, you get welcomed by a serving of chips in the three colors of the Mexican flag accompanied by two dipping salsas: red and green. The salsas are some of the tastiest I've tried this side of the border. Not only are they flavorful, they are very approachable to those with low-to-no tolerance for spicy food.
The Mexican dining experience is just not the same without a refreshing alcoholic beverage to accompany it. Aside from the standard full bar, Frida is very well equipped with some of the best Tequila's available. One thing to remember: not all tequila is meant to be shot. Try sipping on one of their selections and enjoy the sangrita that comes along with it. You will be surprised at the complexity and variety found in each one. Among their mixed drinks are such Mexican classics like, the Michelada Cubana, Paloma Especial, Sangria and, of course, the Margarita.
The service has always been wonderful. The staff is knowledgeable and apt for suggesting dishes that cater to one’s taste and diet. On one of my visits I arrived with two friends of the Vegan persuasion who were given a very tasty option, they were served veggie fajitas with no animal ingredients. Truth be told, it was delicious. I personally have favored their Mole Tasting which featured four moles: green, poblano, black and pipian over shredded chicken and served with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans.
If you can't decide on dessert, try the Dessert Platter. It comes with crepas de cajeta, flan napolitano and churros. I recommend the café de olla or espresso to enjoy alongside the sweetness that your tastebuds will experience.
The check average, per person, seems to be roughly $35 USD without alcohol.
Ambience: 5/5
P.S...
These restaurants have successfully entered into the casual plus standard of dining. That being said, when one thinks of Mexican food it is hard not to imagine accessible street food like tacos and Vicente has this covered as well. His other venture is, Frida Tacos, a more laid back “Taqueria” style concept that serves better known dishes like tacos, burritos and tortas. He currently has three locations: Melrose, Brentwood the Westside Pavilion.
Once you've been transported visually, as you take a seat, you get welcomed by a serving of chips in the three colors of the Mexican flag accompanied by two dipping salsas: red and green. The salsas are some of the tastiest I've tried this side of the border. Not only are they flavorful, they are very approachable to those with low-to-no tolerance for spicy food.
The Mexican dining experience is just not the same without a refreshing alcoholic beverage to accompany it. Aside from the standard full bar, Frida is very well equipped with some of the best Tequila's available. One thing to remember: not all tequila is meant to be shot. Try sipping on one of their selections and enjoy the sangrita that comes along with it. You will be surprised at the complexity and variety found in each one. Among their mixed drinks are such Mexican classics like, the Michelada Cubana, Paloma Especial, Sangria and, of course, the Margarita.
The service has always been wonderful. The staff is knowledgeable and apt for suggesting dishes that cater to one’s taste and diet. On one of my visits I arrived with two friends of the Vegan persuasion who were given a very tasty option, they were served veggie fajitas with no animal ingredients. Truth be told, it was delicious. I personally have favored their Mole Tasting which featured four moles: green, poblano, black and pipian over shredded chicken and served with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans.
If you can't decide on dessert, try the Dessert Platter. It comes with crepas de cajeta, flan napolitano and churros. I recommend the café de olla or espresso to enjoy alongside the sweetness that your tastebuds will experience.
The check average, per person, seems to be roughly $35 USD without alcohol.
Ambience: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Authenticity: 4/5
P.S...
These restaurants have successfully entered into the casual plus standard of dining. That being said, when one thinks of Mexican food it is hard not to imagine accessible street food like tacos and Vicente has this covered as well. His other venture is, Frida Tacos, a more laid back “Taqueria” style concept that serves better known dishes like tacos, burritos and tortas. He currently has three locations: Melrose, Brentwood the Westside Pavilion.
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