There are a slew of Mexican restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area, but if you want truly authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Amaranta in Canoga Park. Instead of Americanizing their menu, like so many other Mexican restaurants do, Amaranta offers traditional dishes that reflect the many diverse regions of Mexico.
Combining ingredients, textures, aromas and colors typically found in Mexican kitchens, Resmex Group founder Sylvia Rallo, created a menu offering both simple and complex items.
To start my Amaranta experience off, my very friendly and knowledgeable server George recommended that my friend and I try the guacamole, which is made fresh at every table with ingredients such as serrano, white onion, tomato, cilantro and lime juice. Even though I was definitely tempted by the delicious smell of it being prepared at the table next to us, I am not a fan of the popular dip; so instead, George suggested we try the Quesos Fundidos. A mix of melted Oaxaca and jack cheeses with chorizo or roasted poblano strips, this delicious cheese spread is perfect when accompanied with their soft, warm, hand-made tortillas. Needless to say, we were more than satisfied with this choice.
With the many options facing us for our entrée, such as enchiladas, tostadas, flautas, tamales and pozole, we settled on the Cochinita Pibil, which George noted was an Amaranta favorite, and the Pollo En Mole Poblano. While the Cochinita Pibil, consisting of shredded marinated pork served atop banana leaves and served with habanero salsa and corn tortillas, was good, I definitely preferred the Pollo En Mole Poblano. Although I was originally skeptical that the traditional Puebla style sauce made of chilies, nuts, spices and Mexican chocolate would go with chicken, my doubts were quickly laid to rest. As soon as I tasted the dish, I immediately found that chicken and chocolate do in fact compliment each other nicely.
Ending our meal on a sweet note, we chose the brownie served with ice cream and the Arroz Con Leche, which is Mexican rice pudding. The frosted brownie was pretty standard, but I definitely recommend ordering the rice pudding, as it is served warm and is bursting with cinnamon and citrus flavors. Other dessert options include crepes, churros and coconut flavored flan.
Of course we couldn’t ignore the over 400 selections of tequilas Amaranta offers. Trying their tasty, yet potent hand-shaken margaritas made with fresh fruit, we quickly realized we needed to pace ourselves if we wanted to be able to drive home.
If you consider yourself a tequila connoisseur, you’ll definitely want to get in on Amaranta’s tastings, as each month they present a featured tequila line for sampling. To ensure the tequila doesn’t go straight to your head, a buffet-style tapas menu is also served. If interested contact Amaranta at [email protected] or call 818.610.3599.
Aside from the tequila tastings offered, Amaranta spices things up by featuring live music every other Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. – 10: p.m. and a DJ every other Thursday.
Located in the Topanga Canyon Westfield Shopping Centre at 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Canoga Park, Amaranta also offers a private dining room, a special to-go menu and a carryout store, which features Mexican candies, soda, aguas frescas, traditional stone molcajetes, and an ever changing selection of regional Mexican cookbooks.
For a truly unique and authentic Mexican experience, check out Amaranta and enjoy all the traditional and delicious plates they have to offer. www.amarantarestaurant.com
Read more about Amaranta’s background and tequilas here.
Photos by Howard Wise
