u/EyImWalkinHere

Not an ad or paid or anything, just sincerely enthusiastic about Spanish food.

There's a quietly known dearth of Spanish food in LA. Many a debates can be had of the authenticity and quality of what we do have. Either way, they aim for the easy targets: paella this* tortilla that.

I found out about Casa Leo, a new spot, a few weeks ago. Chef Joshua's resume at Jose Andres Bazaar piqued my interest. Then the acknowledgement to Martin Berastegui in the menu propelled my ass from Pomona to Los Feliz.

I sat at the bar alone and chatted with him for a bit before realizing it was even him. We commiserated over Spanish food and my eyes progressively bulged out as he acknowledged meeting a series of Spanish chefs I mouthed off.

Of course, the food. The mushroom coca was pleasantly crispy with the meaty bounce of garlicky mushrooms. The oil drizzle, the real weapon of choice here, lifted everything.

The pan con manchego harkens to the principle of simplicity in lots of Southern European food. The tomate surpassed any sad red pulp I could grate at home.

I wanted to, but unfortunately did not love the Caesar. The flavor is there, but awkwardly large and somewhat bitter greens victored over the breadcrumbs, cheese, and dressing.

Now the trout...buddy I was the smuggest man in the world after chef told me I scored the last one. That fish remained a delicate unity even when coated in its punchy oil-vinegar spring.

If I loved closer I'd be a regular. Nevertheless, I'll try to come as much as I can from my neck of the woods.

* The place does monthly paella drops. They're normally one seating but I was told this month, for mother's day, they'll do 2.

Edit: tough crowd here huh? You can take a wild guess as to my socio demographic background and upbringing based on being from Pomona. So yes, I knew what I was getting into. I'm just enamored by stellar food and don't mind sparing the cost. You all know the chef isn't going to just ctrl c ctrl v a restaurant from Spain here right? These places also make a point of supporting local producers which is fair. Anyhow many of the comments are this basically https://youtu.be/lVaKFU_lWow?si=PU2Y0fLrvDt2HPr3