Dinner

A Taste of Latin America at Xiomara

Xiomara is one of those restaurants that I’d been meaning to try for a while. I think I’ve eaten there once or twice before, but that was years and years ago. I can’t even recall if I liked it or not. Today, I had no choice. I was trying to meet an old college buddy for lunch. First we tried Marston’s, which was closed. Next we tried Holly Street Bar & Grill… which was closed. Then we tried Cafe Bizou, and… well… as you can guess, they were closed. We were hungry and needed food. As we wandered four feet up the street, wondering where to go, the valet parking guy told us Xiomara was open and suggested we eat there.

Walking into Xiomara, we were immediately greeted and given a small table next to the window. The server was very friendly and helpful, though at times a bit aggressive with his suggestions. Many things looked very tempting on the menu, including the Chilean Sea Bass on Corn Guizo ($24.50) and Pa’canton Giant Prawns ($23.50). Usually even though I’m really hungry, I can decide fairly fast. The server came around a couple of times before I decided on the Poblano Risotto with Tomatillo, Chile, and Lime Jus ($14.50).

Now, before I start lavishing praise on the risotto… I have to forewarn hungry eaters that it took Xiomara a while to get the entrees out. Even though my friend and I were hungry, it didn’t really both us. Why not? For starters, I had one of Xiomara’s mojitos. I’m finding many bars and restaurants use vodka instead of rum, which is what should be used. Xiomara sticks to the original recipe and uses Bacardi rum with real sugar cane juice. In fact, right on the bar were several large sugar canes… whether they are just there for decoration or to be used, I don’t know. The mojito was also served in a slanted glass. Think Leaning Tower of Pisa. The drink looks like it’s sitting at an angle, but it’s not, and not a drop gets spilled. While drinking my mojito, I was snacking on the complimentary appetizer, a frittata toast. I have no idea what the sauces served with the frittata are, but they definitely emote a Latin flavor to the dish. The frittata itself is just a bit eggy, which is how it’s supposed to be. I’m not sure what else were actually used in the frittata, as I was in a rush to get food in my stomach as opposed to actually tasting to decipher the ingredients. I can only say I’m glad it was served.

The entrees looked really good. I have to admit I initially had a bit of plate envy of my friend. My risotto looked a bit plain. Just rice and vegetables covered with a few slices of manchego cheese. After one bite, however, I was very pleased with my order. The risotto was simple but flavorful. I loved the amount of garlic used in the risotto - enough to enjoy, but not too much that it overwhelms and drives my lunch companion to the door. There was a bit of a kick to it, which I’m guessing was the lime juice. While this risotto was not better than the best risotto I’ve ever had, I had no problems whatsoever finishing every bit of this dish. The amazing thing, too, is even though I felt full afterwards, I didn’t feel like I had overeaten. The risotto is not as heavy as some of the other ones I’ve had.

My friend ordered the Seafood Chupe with Aji Amarillo ($18). She really seemed to enjoy this dish. I watched, trying not to salivate, as she plucked out large pieces of mussels from their shells. Also included in her entree were clams, shrimps, calamari, and scallops. She had her doubts about this dish at first, as there is nothing accompanying this entree. As she started eating it though, she realized no side dishes were needed afterall. A few pieces of the bread that came with our lunch more than satisfied.

One slight problem we had while dining… We ordered a chocolate souffle to split before we even placed our actual lunch order. We had to place the order ahead of time because it takes 40 minutes to bake. After our entrees, we forgot about our souffle. Then it came… and it was huge. Even after the server deflated our souffle to fill it with some fresh vanilla cream, it was still very big. My friend and I stuffed ourselves, but each bite was so wonderful. Aside from the company of my friend, I think the chocolate souffle was probably the best part of the entire meal.

Xiomara
69 N. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA. 91103
626-796-2520

Also at:
6101 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA. 90036
323-461-0601

By Pauline (see more of her posts).

© 2005 la.foodblogging.