The area of West Hollywood is always changing due to a multitude of reasons, and
the latest venture in a well-situated spot-on Santa Monica Blvd that has seen a lot of changes opened on May 5th to little fanfare. We were alerted to this place by a local resident who lives just up the street, and I could not help noticing that the two restaurants across the street were both closed, probably for good. Blame the pandemic, high cost of labor, the riots a couple of years ago, or the fickle local crowd who are struggling to pay the exorbitant rents they are being forced to deal with.
The restaurant is part of a family affair of five eating establishments in the general Hollywood area, and owner Onesimo even has his uncle as the chef, although unfortunately, we did not meet him at the tasting. Zarape is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and I have to say the atmosphere and food is pretty authentic. Authentic Mexican music spices up the sedate
atmosphere and the pace is nice and easy.
Breakfast which is generally priced at $14 with the exception of steak and eggs ($18)
consists of Chilaquiles which is a crisp corn tortilla sauteed in a signature sauce and
topped with two eggs. Omelets are served with home made potatoes and
seasonal fruit, and of course Huevos Rancheros and Breakfast Burritos are also
very popular items at Zarape.
Unfortunately, at the moment Zarape only has a beer and wine license, so diners will
have to wait for the tequila cocktails that are sure to come. Regarding the food. The
menu is a work in progress, but a certain starter has to be Ceviche ($12) with Mahi
Mahi fish in a zesty and citrus filled dish that was incredibly tasty. The home made
corn tortilla chips were as fresh as you could get and everything was a perfect build up to the best seller of the restaurant so far, the Fajitas with sauteed tomatoes, green pepper, onions, zucchini served of course on a succulent and sizzling platter.
Chicken Mole ($22) comes in a sweet and spicy sauce, and another must try on the
next visit will be the Cochinita Pibil, a slowly roasted pork dish from the increasingly
popular Yucatan region.
ZARAPE COCINA CANTINA
323-798-5983
8351 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
Open 7 days 9am-10 pm
Happy Hour 3-7 pm