LA Fusion Restaurant Buzz

Tirzah's Mexi-Terranean is the evolution of owners Tirsa and Steve Farah's culinary journey, both of whom are Le Cordon Bleu graduates. They previously operated Tirsa's Mexican Cafe in downtown L.A., known for its creative and colossal dishes like a torta served with a steak knife plunged into its center and sopes dusted with Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The current El Sereno spot represents a more personal fusion, blending Tirsa's Mexican roots with the Egyptian home-cooking of Steve's family. Steve has been meticulously learning his mother's recipes, which are now integrated into the menu, creating a direct link to his family's heritage. This blend results in unique creations like the "Habibi Burrito" with grilled kebab and garlic sauce, and Egyptian nachos layered with feta, hummus, and tzatziki alongside traditional nacho toppings. Their menu also features an "El Arabic Taco" with hummus and garlic sauce on a handmade corn tortilla. Meanwhile, in Long Beach, Selva's chef Carlos Jurado is applying his fine-dining pedigree to Colombian food. A native of Cali, Colombia, Jurado’s resume includes stints at high-end establishments like Vespertine and a stage at The French Laundry, influencing his sophisticated approach to soulful flavors. Jurado's background is evident in dishes that elevate Colombian staples, such as arepas praised for their exceptional texture and nuanced rice and beans with a distinct umami note. He also hosts "test kitchen" dinners to experiment with and push the boundaries of Colombian cuisine, creating innovative dishes like plantain gnocchi and complex crudos. This culinary hybridization is part of a larger trend across Los Angeles. Establishments like Pijja Palace in Silver Lake offer an Indian-American sports bar experience with dishes like green chutney pizza and malai rigatoni. Other notable fusions in the city include Oaxacan-Lebanese at X'tiosu Kitchen and Filipino-American BBQ at Park's Finest.