Orange County’s Descanso Brings Elevated, Street-Inspired Food and Plancha Dining to LA
Descanso, a high-end taqueria from Orange County, is expanding its presence to Los Angeles with its second location set to open on January 23rd at 5773 Wilshire Blvd. The sprawling 9,000-square-foot restaurant will offer a unique dining experience inspired by Mexican street vendors.
Elevated Street Food
Head chef Sergio Lopez, behind the kitchen at the new location, emphasized the goal of bringing the experience of a taco stand to a higher level. "We’re bringing the experience of a taco stand to a higher level here in Los Angeles," he said. The chefs prepare multi-course meals on a grill in front of diners, similar to teppanyaki restaurants, but with a focus on showcasing the potential of street food.
Plancha Dining Experience
The Los Angeles spot will feature plancha dining, where chefs cook meals on a grill in front of diners. Lopez explained that this experience is more like a food class, where diners can learn about the ingredients used in the dishes. "It’s an education, we talk to diners about the ingredients we’re using, why they belong in certain dishes. It’s an education," Lopez said in Spanish.
Innovative Menu
The Los Angeles menu includes highlights such as the Enchiladas de Langosta, made with butter-poached lobster in tortillas, and the Taquitos de Camarón, made with marinated shrimp, blue corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, morita aioli, and mango-habanero salsa. Lopez recommends the Short Rib Estofado, which is braised with beer for about five hours and made with Guajillo chili and Serrano pepper. "It’s a traditional way it was done by natives who lived around Lake Xochimilco (in Mexico) as they cooked the fish they caught in the lake, and it’s delicious," he said.
Impressive Space
The 240-seat restaurant has a modern and culturally rich interior, featuring vibrant artwork showcasing Mexico’s cultural heritage with bright murals and colors. The new spot has a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios, the Plancha room, and a private plancha room designed for up to 10 people.
Conclusion
Descanso’s second location promises to bring an exciting and elevated dining experience to Los Angeles, combining the best of street food with a unique plancha dining concept. With its innovative menu and impressive space, it’s a must-visit destination for foodies and those looking to experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
FAQs
Q: What is plancha dining?
A: Plancha dining is a type of cooking where chefs prepare meals on a grill in front of diners.
Q: What is the inspiration behind the menu?
A: The menu is inspired by Mexican street vendors and the desire to bring their flavors and dishes to a higher level.
Q: What sets Descanso apart from other restaurants?
A: Descanso’s plancha dining concept, combined with its focus on street food and fresh ingredients, sets it apart from other restaurants.
Q: What are some popular dishes at Descanso?
A: Some popular dishes at Descanso include the Enchiladas de Langosta, Taquitos de Camarón, and the Short Rib Estofado.
Q: Where is Descanso located in Los Angeles?
A: Descanso’s second location is set to open on January 23rd at 5773 Wilshire Blvd.
