Broken Spanish

As always, you certainly don't need to twist my arm to get me excited about enjoying Mexican food -- and I had been eager to try Los Angeles-born Chef Ray Garcia's ever-packed and elegant Broken Spanish for ages (and just needed to make an excuse to head downtown to dine!). As the restaurant's website proclaims, Chef Garcia's menu is "Unique, Characteristic, and Beautiful," and it's evident with every bite the tradition, culture, modernity, and elevation with which his food is infused. Even the simplest dish of tortillas with whipped carnitas fat carries the weight of Garcia's culinary sensibility, and the tamales, quesadillas, and larger dishes like duck mole are equally crave-worthy and utterly delicious. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere makes it a destination I would readily venture back downtown to re-visit anytime.

Top: Burger & Friends Bone Jour Tank (old)
Skirt: Pinup Couture Jenny Skirt in Black & White Stripes (discontinued)
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Ebony

Broken Spanish Margarita with tequila blanco, lime juice, and agave

Tortillas with whipped carnitas fat

Tamale with lamb neck, king oyster mushrooms, and queso oaxaca

Mushrooms with black garlic, chile de arbol, verdolaga, and griddled masa

Quesadilla with oxtail, plantain, habanero, and salsa quemada

Duck with grapes, peanuts, mole, and chile tepin