But, if you haven't, allow me to introduce you to a reliable local Cuban chain -- I have yet to eat a bad meal here.
I've been to three of the five locations. And, although I frequent the one on La Cienega, on this particular night, I went to the Culver City outpost with L.A. and OC Foodventures and Wandering Chopsticks.
Funny how I've never blogged about Versailles until now.
Famoso Pollo Versailles -- Versailles Famous Garlic Chicken ($10.95).
Roasted half chicken marinated in garlic sauce garnished with sliced onions.
This is Wandering Chopsticks' favorite. It's my second-favorite thing on the menu. Always juicy and sure to please even your pickiest friend.
Macitas de Puercos Fritas -- Fried Pork Chunks ($10.95).
Tender lean chunks of pork marinated in garlic mojo sauce topped with onions.
Amazingly, this was L.A. and OC Foodventures' first time at Versailles. His dish was tasty enough, but I think the frying of the pork dried it out a tad.
Lechon Asado -- Cuban Style Roast Pork ($10.95).
Classic Cuban roast pork marinated in garlic mojo criollo sauce and accompanying beans.
This is my favorite dish at Versailles. It's hard for me to order anything else.
I don't eat all the onions, but I adore the flavor they leave all over the plentiful pork. If you like garlic, you'll fall in love with my favorite dish, too. Every single moist and tender bite is steeped with glorious garlic. The flavor is so strong that I always make a barrier of rice to block the juices from running into the beautiful golden plantains. Then there are the beans. Slightly smoky and perfect with my garlic-juice-laden rice.
Simple. Flavorful. Filling. What more could you ask for?
Funnily enough, I was introduced to both Apple Pan and Versailles by the same person - a college friend's friend who lived in Palms at the time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had good Cuban food since I've been in San Diego
ReplyDeleteHaven't been to Versailles in ages since I'm an eastsider now, but it used to be a staple when I was a westsider! Everytime I walk out of there I smell like B.O. from all the onions & garlic though.
ReplyDeleteVersailles is one of the things I miss most about living in LA. Love the garlic even though it stays with you for days. This place is like the Zankou of Cuba.
ReplyDeletesadly, I don't think I've heard of this place? and I love me some cuban food!
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, garlic chicken.... Jim's old apt used to be a 5 minute drive from the La Cienega location. Guess where we ate weekly? ;)
ReplyDeletecuban food makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteYum. I love cuban food. That chicken looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI have to try those pork dishes next time. Last time I ventured outside the usual garlic chicken and got the sauteed lamb. Delicious!
ReplyDeletehaven't been in years.
ReplyDeleteI was there last month after going to the Hello Kitty Fest at Royal T. I loved it because after living in Tampa for 10 years, one thing I miss is Cuban food & I'm glad this place exists. Very filling!
ReplyDeleteHi weezermonkey,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review on Versailles. I haven't been there for years! I'll have to stop by again and try some of your recs. :)
Sweet Jesus, I miss Versailles. I miss living walking distance from the location on La Cienega.
ReplyDeleteMy food didn't look that good last time I went to Versailles. Now I'm craving it.
ReplyDeleteTip: Order your plantains on the side. It keeps them from getting tainted with pork juice.
ReplyDeleteVersailles is such a curious name for a Cuban restaurant! I went to a Versailles in Little Havana in Miami. I wonder what the history/fascination is?
ReplyDeleteWhy does a Cuban restaurant have a French name?
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've been to Versailles. I love their beans. Maybe it's time to pay them a visit.
ReplyDeletePoor Mayumba feels left out now.
ReplyDeleteThis is like a trip down memory lane for me. I used to live in Palms and would frequent Versailles at least once a month. The onions stay with you for days but the food is consistent.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the last time I had Cuban food. You're really lucky that you get to try so many different types of cuisines.
ReplyDeletei have fond memories of going with you guys to that location. :)
ReplyDelete