La Perla

Vaya! Finally a place to get good Puerto Rican (Boricua) food, regularly, other than my friend Rico's pop up. I always test a PR spot for authenticity by ether ordering Lechon or a Pastele, because only a real PR chef can get these right. (Believe, me I have seen many try and all fail except someone with a Puerto Rican Grandma, and lots of patience this is one cuisine than cannot be gentrified) I ordered the Pastele because I was in a rush, and it did not disappoint. Pasteles for those who do not know what one is, are chewy, savory sweet, and pretty much world class comfort food, it was PERFECT. The Masa, (I forgot to ask what was i it) did taste like the traditional Yautia/calabaza mix with annatto oil. the meat was perfect, and my only regret was that I didn't have more time. Check them out on Fruitvale, just one block down from MacArthur, and discover this rare treat from "La Isla Del Encanto" La Perla!

I ordered the combination: CAMARONES a la CRIOLLA (Shrimp Stew) with the Puerto Rican rice, maduros (ripe) plantain, and a KOLA Champagne Soda. This was a hearty meal, much needed after a 6 mile hike. The portion size was OK, but it could have been more for the price. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal as we listened to the entertaining playlist of music. I absolutely love fried plantain, so I ordered a side to go and enjoyed it later at home as my dessert 😋 😊

This was an amazing experience. The food was amazing, especially the Mango Habanero Sauce, but more than that the hospitality, warmth, singing lol it felt like I was in a coming home for the holidays situation. I will definitely be back with friends and family, and this will definitely be my constant recurring sanctuary of great food and good times.

I don't know what authentic Puerto Rican food tastes like, but one thing I know is that their food is damn good compared to most of latin american food spots I've been around this area. I especially liked their empandilla that was juicy, fragrant and had a nice subtle kick to it. I will definitely be coming here again.

Can I just tell you how hard it was to share the Plantains or the Mofongo or the or... ?! If I didn't have to make room on my plate for the Arroz con Gandules and the Chicharrones, which I was not about to miss, there would have been no plantains for anyone else 😏 #plantainlove. And the Shrimp Camarones is a whole meal in itself. I recommend going with friends/family and sharing. 😉 And all this goodness inside of a liquor store! 😮🏃🏿‍♂️😄There is seating, though so it's all good.