After several months of economic ups and downs, most of us are fed up with sensationalist news that the economy is in the dumps and what not. While it’s true that the situation is not as prolific as it once was… la neta es que la situación no está tan mal así como pa’ echarse a llorar. In fact, this is the perfect time to take a break on being so tight with le moola and start indulging yourself aunque sea un poquito. If you want a nice dinner en compañía de tu peor-es-nada or some of your closest cuates, there’s perfect little spot que te dejará con el ojo cuadrado y con el paladar más que satisfecho. Se trata de “Babita Restaurant” en San Gabriel. La comida de este restaurante está tan deliciosa que la neta es que igual y te puede dejar hasta babeando.
Looks lie
Si quieres cenar en un lugar chido y con mucho caché in the SoCal area, you’re most likely to head over to either Downtown El Lay, Hollyweird, or Poseadena. Sure, there are a gazillion joints that serve scrumptious food, but lack that je-ne-sais-qui that makes having dinner a memorable experience.
Well, you don’t need to go too far to get that anymore. “Babita Restaurant” is located in San Gabriel, right by the 10 FWY and Valley Blvd., in the corner of heavily-transited San Gabriel Blvd.
Even though the SGV is categorized by many as a sketchy area, you’ll be absolutely surprised by this hidden gem.
If you happen to simple drive by “Babita”, most likely you’ll pay little or no attention to it since it blends with the surroundings. It actually looks like just another little mom-and-pop shop with $1 tacos and gringo-friendly burritos. Aunque por fuera no parece nada del otro mundo, as soon as you step incide, “Babita” will literally blow your mind… what you see is not always what you get.
“Babita Restaurant” is a quaint and cozy little joint que a simple vista can’t fit more than twenty peeps… it’s that small. Upon entering you’re welcomed by the aroma of the many delicacies being prepared in the adjacent kitchenette.
You feel like you’re entering someone’s living room, you’re greeted by the Chef, which makes it seem like you’re visiting a friend and in true Mexican tradition, the first thing he does is offer you something to eat.
Mexicuisine y más
While “Babita” is labeled as a Mexican food restaurant, you’ll be hugely disappointed if you’re looking for traditional dishes. Sure, the entrees on the menu might sound familiar, but be prepared to get more than just the usual… at “Babita”, chef-owner Roberto Berrelleza switches it up a bit. At this joint you’ll find not just Mexican food, but Mexican cuisine with a French flair.
La neta es que en “Babita” it’s better if you skip the appetizer and go straight for the entrees. Beware of normal-sized portions. Si eres un glotón de primera, you’re not gonna be to happy… it’s not that the portions are tiny, they’re just petite but satisfying.
It’s hard to choose from one particular entrée since it all sounds yummy, luckily for you, the chef goes to your table and recommends you stuff and clears any questions you may have.
Si no te quieres pasar horas viendo al menú, con el filet mignon and scallops no hay pierde. The filet mignon and scallops are cooked, seasoned, and flavored to perfection… to add even more flavor to the already savory dish, the filet mignon and scallops are topped with a mouthwatering triple-cooked garlic sauce.
Ahora, si quieres algo más “tradional”, the chiles en nogada are the way to go. Take all preconceptions of what you know chiles en nogada are, and leave them out the door. At “Babita” they’re anything but traditional, they look the part, but the taste is beyond words. “Babita’s” chile en nogada consists of a chile huajillo stuffed with a delicious concoction of fruit, pork, and vegetables, all showered with a creamy sauce with sprinklings of pomegranate. It’s spicy, it’s bittersweet, it’s everything and then some more… literally mind blowing. Definitely a must when visiting “Babita”.
Of course, tu visita no puede estar completa without having some postre. Si te encanta lo dulce, you’re in for a heck of a treat, since there’s a lot to choose from the dessert menu at “Babita”.
If you love flan and you love chocolate, you can have a slice of heaven with their scrumptious chocolate flan. This delicacy has: layers upon layers of goat milk, rich and high quality chocolate, caramel, cream, and a tasty blueberry puree que te dejará en las nubes.
Even though “Babita” is a tad on the expensive side, vale la pena. Remember it’s ok to spoil yourself and your peor-es-nada de vez en cuando.
Babita Restaurant1823 S San Gabriel Blvd.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626.288.7265
