Toni Isn't Home

 This is one of the most infrequent occasions that I get to go out with friends and get a piece of singleness for a mere three hours. Karisma and I have been planning this trip for months and last night was the culmination of our common love for food. We had our first taste of Mo-chica last year. Thanks to BlackboardEats, a website that sends out discounts and promotions to selected restaurants in Los Angeles and New York.

For me, Mo-chica is a sophisticated Peruvian restaurant that sits in the busy downtown LA. All the while, we thought it's cafe or a single building restaurant. We were surprised and delighted to see them in a food court at South Grand Avenue. And the major bonus? Food is reasonably priced! I don't quite remember what I ordered for lunch but the Causa (Peruvian potato salad) is something lingering (I can still remember what it tasted until now). And it is also through this that we found out about their Tasting Menu every third Thursday of the month. So, as soon as Karisma landed in LA early this year, we made a reservation.
It was still early when we arrived. But it didn't take that long for the tables to filled up. It may lack a more private, uptown ambiance, but the place for me is just perfectly fine - casual and  fit for a girl like me... for girls like us!

Our "foodscapade" started with some non-alcoholic Peruvian drinks, a small plate of toasted corn (that up until now I wonder how they cooked it), and the soothing Brazilian sound of the band. (I wish I'd asked their name as I'll gladly give high credits to the wonderful renditions of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Getz and Gilberto). 

Toasted Corn

Anyway, we had a six-course meal that I believe  was satisfying on the palate and the wallet. A big round of applause goes to Papa Rellena - the classic Peruvian stuffed potato, with tiger prawn and an awesome black mint sauce. The best is yet to come on the next meal - Tiradito, the younger brother of the ceviche in Peruvian cuisine. The coordination of the flavors of the spicy lemon dressing and the crunchy garlic on top made this succulent dish a top in my list. The excitement for us is just getting started when the Pisco Sour came (another famous Peruvian cocktail drink). I'm not a big fan of it or should I say, I graduated from it years ago. But getting a few sips pushed my palate even more in this delectable experience.I just wish I can have Lenguado (the next course) every week in my plate. The fish with that mouthwatering creamy sauce is a sin so hard to resist, along with the Arroz Con Pato - a Peruvian style confit duck with cilantro rice. 

Papa Rellena

Tiradito

Pisco Sour

Lenguado

Arroz Con Pato

 Save the best for last. That's what it is with their dessert. We were all smiles when the Suspiro A La Limena came - a great classic Peruvian dessert made of dulce de leche. It was a sure winner especially for Karisma who asked for another order. 

Suspiro A La Limena

 It was a night of great food, great place and great company. I told my husband how I want to spend a Tasting Menu with him next time because it's not only about being fed and getting full, but it is a joyful experience of eating. Something worth to try once or twice in your life.