05 Dec Eating: Peruvian Cuisine at Mo-chica Downtown LA and more!

I remember when Mo-chica first opened in the La Paloma Mercado near USC. It was a rather unique experience to go to Mo-chica.  It was located in a super mercado where you could buy your quincinera dress, your Lakers shirt or select from the food court offerings. And there in a very unassuming position sat Mo-chica, next to a row of other food stations. Despite the lack of asthetic appeal, the food was delicious. Chef Ricardo Zarate’s Peruvian comfort food with a modern twist included Arroz con Marisco, Lomo Saltado, Oxtail Risotto, Seco de Cordero and Ceviche Mixto, all at very affordable prices. Now the original Mo-chica has closed and moved to a new, larger, more central location in Downtown LA.  No longer in a food court, Mo-chica is a modern Peruvian eatery that offers many of the original dishes as well as new dishes that are similar to what can be found on the always-popular sister restaurant Picca in Beverly Hills. CEVICHE MIXTO  Halibut, prawns, scallops, squid, red onion, rocoto leche de tigre, camote ANTICUCHO DE PULPO  Grilled octopus, roasted potatoes, jalapeno sauce GRILLED ARTICHOKE ESTOFADO DE ALPACA Alpaca stew estofado, tagliatelle, aji amarillo sauce, fried organic fertile egg CARAPULCRA  Peruvian sun dried potato stew, crispy pork belly, peanuts, chimichurri LOMO SALTADO  Sautéed beef filet, roma tomatoes, red onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, banyuls vinegar, Kennebec fries While I am sad that the original Mo-chica is closed, I am happy Mo-chica is still here. Offering the same tasty food it is now in a better location and, with a liquor license, offers wine and cocktails as well. And soon Chef Ricardo Zarate will be opening a third Peruvian restaurant, a ceviche-only concept called Paiche.  You can get a sneak peak into the newest restaurant on two upcoming Sunday nights this month. WHEN: Sunday, December 9th COST: $85 per person, $12 beer flight WHAT: Uni Night will feature four ceviches and one dessert by Josiah Citrin of Melissa. Beer pairings from New Belgium Brewing. WHEN: Sunday, December 16th COST: $75 per person, $16 beer flight WHAT: Six ceviches and one dessert from Bryant Ng of The Spice Table and Kris Yenbamroong of Night + Market. Beer pairings from Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Seatings available at 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. Mo-chica  514 W. 7th Street Downtown, Los Angeles, 90014 213-622-3744 www.mo-chica.com