Más que Tacos
Cultural differences can blur as people migrate and adapt to American society. Yet, some individuals strive to preserve their heritage, sharing their traditions, values, and food with their new communities. Chef Jimmy Shaw embodies this with his gastronomic restaurant concept, ¡Lotería Grill!.
¡Lotería Grill!, a small California chain named after a popular Mexican game, serves true regional Mexican cuisine. The ingredients, techniques, and dishes are primarily inspired by Mexico City, Chef Jimmy’s birthplace. Starting as a taco stand in 2002, ¡Lotería Grill! has grown into multiple locations, with plans for further expansion.
Chef Jimmy’s journey from personal chef to culinary success story is inspiring. He has stayed true to his founding principles: “Don’t hide my chef, date with tacos, and never wrap a taco in aluminum foil.”
Don’t Hide My Chef
The open kitchen design at ¡Lotería Grill! allows diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand, creating a connection between the chef, the food, and the customer. It’s a fun, interactive, and educational experience.
Date with Tacos
In Mexican culture, a “taco date” is a common and appropriate first date. It offers romance without sacrificing practicality or intimacy, often lacking in the LA dating scene. ¡Lotería Grill! provides the simplicity of a traditional Mexican date with the ambiance of a trendy LA eatery.
Never Wrap Tacos In Aluminum Foil
Chef Jimmy, like me, dislikes the common practice of wrapping tacos in foil. He believes tacos need to breathe. Eating a taco, especially at ¡Lotería Grill!, is an experience. Everything matters, from preparation to the way you take your first bite. Trapping heat and moisture ruins the flavor, and the aluminum taste is unpleasant.
My lunch with Chef Jimmy Shaw was an unforgettable culinary experience. It was educational, inspiring, and I believe I made a lifelong friend. Sharing a passion for food creates a unique bond. We both learned from each other as we talked and dined.
Everyone in Los Angeles should experience ¡Lotería Grill!, even if just for a quality first date spot. It’s not just a meal; it’s an immersion in culture and experience.
