Mariscos Chente's: Pescado Zarandeado

Mariscos Chente's is the current home of Chef Sergio who Bill Esparza of Street Gourmet LA made famous through his chronicles of Pescado Zarandeado, the chef's signature dish.  The grilled Snook, a fish which I was not previously familiar, was served with cucumbers, oranges and onions.  The Imperial Highway location in Inglewood is the original location and after much moving around is where the Snook can be found.  The interior is currently being renovated, but there is a comfortable patio in back.

The fish ceviche is only $12 and was plentifully served on a large square platter.  Onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, citrus juices and a little jalapeno peppers for kick flavor the raw fish.  The flavors are bright and the ceviche is attractive and tasty.  More than enough for 2-3 people to share as an appetizer or for someone to eat as a main course.

The main attraction of the meal was the Pescado Zarandeado which we were warned takes half an hour.  It was more than worth the wait and was also portioned for sharing ($20 per kilo).  The fish is served whole and is accompanied by freshly made tortillas, the better to make tacos with.  After hearing about this dish for years, it lived up to my expectations.  I'd certainly recommend a visit to Mariscos Chente's.

The Imperial Highway location that I visited does not have a liquor license, but has a nice selection of jarritos. Another table had brought a case of beer with them, so if you want a cerveza to wash down your meal, plan on BYOing.  Fortunately for me, I have reason to be in the neighborhood on a regular basis.  Even if you do not, the Zarandeado is worth a detour.

Mariscos Chente's: 3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood. Phone: (310) 672-2339

Stone's Market

Continuing on my quest for goat, I visited Stone's Market, a small takeout operation attached to a Jamaican grocery in Inglewood near the intersection of Crenshaw and Florence. The market is pictured and the restaurant is in a shack to the left.

The menu consisted of 5 items: fish brown style, jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and brown style chicken. Beef, chicken and veggie patties were also available.

I believe the food is prepared in large batches in the kitchen as my food was delivered in a to-go container within 5 minutes.

Portions were large so I got a small order of goat curry and some beef patties. The patties were good but not as flaky as those at Naturaliart, which continues to be my pinnacle for Jamaican cuisine in Los Angeles.

The goat was plentiful and was served with rice and beans, plantains, salad and a banana. Some of the goat curry was on the bone and some was off the bone. The curry gave the rice a savory flavor.

Overall recommended if in the area but as mentioned above, Naturaliart is the superior option overall both due to the quality of the food and the availability of tables to eat at. Centinela Park is located nearby and has picnic tables, so is a good spot to eat takeout from Stone's Market.