I live in an area that is undergoing cultural changes. From the city to our south, people with money are moving north, into a poorer neighborhood. Gentrification is common in Southern California. But along with the difference in financial status, there are ethnic concerns as well. I think the clash of the two cultures is most evident to me in the restaurants that are within a two block walk of my house.
On Corner 1, we have the ubiquitous liquor store, then Paco’s Taco’s. Next is Nena’s Cantina which plays music with a lot of horns and barking dogs in it for men in plaid shirts, bolo ties, and cowboy hats. But at the end of the strip mall is a little stand alone place called Wok Veggie Delight, Asian vegetarian food that draws people all the way from Los Angeles.
On Corner 2, we have an all you can eat sushi place, a Chinese food shop that also makes donuts and serves ice cream, a crawdad and shrimp eatery and Tres Amigos Tacos. We have always been suspicious of a cafe that makes sweet and sour chicken in the same oil that they fry donuts.
On Corner 3, we have a Himalayan Restaurant, serving Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese cuisine, whatever that may entail. I have not been there, it is mostly for large events for the Indian community. It is next door to a Flame Broiler, teriyaki beef and chicken and Brooklyn Pizza. The pizza place is new and I brought home a pepperoni pizza for lunch today for me, lil zen and Cliff. Yummy.
On Corner 4, we have Don Jose’s, a chain Mexican place that makes white guy Mexican food, and Wok and Tandoori, a fusion Chinese/Indian restaurant. This building has had a checkered history, going in and out of business quite a few times in the 30 years we have been here. It remains to be seen if they can draw enough patronage to stay open.
The Mexican population has been here for a long time. The various Asian groups have been massing south of here and pushing out into the surrounding area. The Indian community has been in the process of solidifying their clout in the neighborhood between. It is interesting to smell the cooking aromas in the early evening, along the main drag.
Bon Appetite!
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