On the rare occasion, I brunch. In this instance, I decided to try Elena's in West Portal, an upscale Mexican spot from the family behind Original Joe's.
The vibe: The restaurant itself is in a remarkable setting — bright, airy and vibrant, with an open kitchen and stunning foliage throughout.
What I ate: The pozole ($23), an ancestral stew made with braised pork and hominy in a smoky guajillo-ancho chili broth that's topped with shredded cabbage, radishes and a generous amount of lime.
My thought bubble: Sure, it's not like my mother's — or my grandmother's for that matter — but it's warming and satisfies a craving, even if it doesn't fully live up to the traditional flavors we Mexicans are used to from back home.
Pro tip: Opt for a seat at the bar for quicker service. The margaritas go down dangerously fast.
If you go: Open from 11:30am-10pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30am-11pm Friday and Saturday at 255 W Portal Ave.
