Southern, California has every kind of cuisine imaginable. Sometimes Los Angelinos just want a place to relax and some good food at a reasonable price. Gilberts El Indio Restaurant in Santa Monica is one of those classical family dining spots that serve authentic Mexican cuisine at very reasonable prices. It’s the kind of place that you can come as you are.
Recently, Tom Hallick, former star of “The Young and Restless,” and his wife Yin Jiang, a concert violinist with Andrea Bocelli joined me in a fun evening of dining.
While we were waiting for our table, we all noticed the various pictures of celebrities and friends who have dined at this popular spot for years. The family owned restaurant, is managed by Elizabeth Chavela Safron, the daughter of Gilbert Chavela who started the restaurant over 40 years ago.Elizabeth also has the help of her brothers who wait on the customers.
The cuisine we ordered is as authentic as it gets, when you enjoy Mexican cuisine. We started with a couple of appetizers, Guacamole and Chicken Quesadillas. Our main entrees were ordered off the main menu, Tom Hallick enjoyed the Steak Picada with vegetables and tender beef mixed with peppers and tomato sauce, while Yin had Chili Colorado, consisting of tender pieces of beef in a mole sauce and I had Valencia Chicken, white chunks of chicken in a Spanish sauce, with salad and tortillas.
All that comfort food with a good beer and a Margaerita made the evening fun with some added jokes. Monday nights are Margarita nights were you pay $5.00 for a Margerita. Tuesday nights are $1 Taco nights after 4pm.Saturday and Sunday are Birra Mexica style barague lamb with 11 items for a mere $12.50.El Indio is located on 2526 Pico Blvd. just past Santa Monica College.
Their hours of operation are from am to pm, except on Friday and Saturday, when they close at 12 am.To make reservations or order out call (310) 450-8057.Tom Hallick stated, “a great palce for reasonable, authentic Mexican food.”
Celebrity Scene News awards 3 stars for Gilberts El Indio.
