Mamita Restaurant: Hidden Peruvian

I want to say that I discovered this small Peruvian restaurant on Brand Blvd, nestled between the hulking BMW and Mercedes deaderships, but it's been here for a long time. Exactly how long, I can't say, but I was the first to post a review of the place on Yelp a few years ago and now it has 33 mostly positive reviews. But don't let that validate this place, instead see for yourself: I like to start my meal here with a nice cold Inca Kola, which I came to love at Porto's Bakery just down the street. This bubble-gum like soda is the bane of my girlfriend Christine, but I love its candy-sweetness and its uber yellow color. A squirt of this spicy green called aji, made from ground lettuce and chiles.

The star of the menu is the saltado de mariscos, a bursting plateau de mer comprised of fresh octapi (plural octopus), squid, and shrimp atop thick french fries sided with onions and tomatoes. Wonderful seasoning embellishes the plate as the luscious sauce soaks the fries and rice.

A chicken milanesa is another excellent dish at Mamita, a crispy, seasoned crust on a moisture-laden pounded chicken breast. My mother used to make this for me (Brazilians love milanesa too).

Prices are reasonable and service is quick at this no-decor locale, but when it comes to ethnic cuisine and especially at this Peruvian joint, it's really all about the food.

Mamita Restaurant
714 S Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 243-5121