LAReview
photo credit: La Flama
La Flama
Included In
There are two La Flamas in Los Angeles, except the Santa Monica one is mostly a carnecería. That’s great if you need to pick up flank steak, but if you’re looking for excellent Oaxacan antojitos, head to the Culver City location. This minimart has an outdoor patio where you can snack on potato-stuffed molotes hidden under a pile of lettuce, frijoles, and cotija cheese, and football-sized memelas topped with whichever cut you’re feeling from the carnecería, including Oaxacan chorizo, strips of tasajo, and pleasantly spicy cecina.
Food Rundown
Molotes
The combination of masa, beans, and cheese has never failed us, and it certainly doesn’t fall short here. These corn croquettes are filled with a chorizo and potato mixture that’s spicy, oily, and full of interesting textures. The heat gets cooled down with a bean paste and queso fresco topping, but keep in mind that they're definitely a bit on the heavier side.
Memelas
These soft memelas come fresh off the grill and receive a spoonful of savory asiento before getting layered with silky smooth bean paste, salty quesillo, and queso fresco. We love the spicy adobo marinade of the cecina on top that dyes the whole thing a bright red, as well as the heat from the chorizo that pairs great with the hidden layer of asiento.