what i ordered: La Fogata
January 19th, 2012 § 4 Comments
If I were a celebrity chef, and they asked me to go on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” and the episode had a Mexican theme, I would probably say the flauta plate La Fogata. (Though this might come in at a close second).
La Fogata is a Bralley family favorite. My parents have been taking us to this Sherman Oaks eatery literally our entire lives, and they’ve been frequenting it for even longer. And as you know, we Bralleys are quite particular about our Mexican fare, so whenever we make a trip out to the Valley (which we did on our most recent trip to California), we pay a visit to La Fogata.
Every time I came here growing up, I ordered the #16: the Two Flautas plate. It comes with two shredded beef flautas and is topped with sour cream, fresh guacamole, a tomato slice, and served alongside rice and frijoles. The shredded beef is something you must try if you go to La Fogata—it’s one of their signature items.
This time, however, I insisted that James order the flautas, while I ordered their tacos, just to shake things up. While my tacos were absolutely to die for (a crispy fried corn tortilla shell, juicy shredded beef, fresh tomatoes and lettuce) I looked longingly at those flautas. So James gave me a bite. The fried flour tortilla is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the shredded beef is hot and flavorful.
Also, La Fogata serves the best horchata I’ve found anywhere. Hands down. All others I’ve tried anywhere else have so far paled in comparison. But this might have something to do with the comfort factor of La Fogata’s sweet combination of rice, milk, and cinnamon.
So if you’re ever in the San Fernando Valley, I strongly and passionately urge you to visit this down-home Mexican restaurant.
Related post— what I ordered: Pinches Tacos
mmmm man. I wish I had known about it while I was there. Oh well, a special trip for when I’m there in July!
Brett!! You’re killing me… I’m a witness that what you say here is true! I’m thinking about shutting down the office and heading over there right now. Don’t forget that they have a great selection of Mexican and domestic beer as well, my personal suggestions to go with the shredded beef flauta plate would be either Dos Equis Amber or Negra Modelo. love, Dad
I had just finished reading this post at my work in Sherman Oaks when I had to leave and ended up driving right by this place! Now that I know where it is I’ll have to try it out. Thank you!
Chantal—that is awesome! You have to try it… maybe get it to go on your way home one night!