May in LA usually means gray days (the prelude to June Gloom) and the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl. So far, the skies have been clear and blue and my first Bowl experience more than expected.
This annual event highlights food in the City of Angels (and environs) through special events including panel discussions, restaurant deals, film and more. Casita del Campo’s participation entitled “Dinner Dessert and a Movie” promised chocolate margaritas, Mexican chocolate ice cream and a screening of “Like Water for Chocolate.” We didn’t expect such an attentive the staff, nor such flavorful, well-prepared food.
The margarita is something I never imagined. Tequila and chocolate, really? It works. The secret was the addition of Abuelita Mexican chocolate and Godiva chocolate liqueur. The rim of the glass was coated with chocolate sugar. In addition to chips and salsa, our meal included a plate of sliced avocado and three more salsas, a choice of albondigas soup or a salad, and chicken mole or chile en Nogada. All of the food was featured in the film.
It’s been years since I last saw the film; it was as equally captivating as my first viewing. The restaurant was packed but only a few of us in the dining area for the dinner/movie event.
As if we didn’t have enough to appeal to our palates, we had a choice of flan or ice cream for dessert. The chocolate ice cream was overshadowed by the fried, cinnamon-coated tortilla accompanying it.
More bowling to come …
Casita Del Campo
1920 Hyperion Ave.
Los Angeles
The Blue Page Special 