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Entering El Gran Moctezuma, I immediately felt like I was immersed in a walk-in museum of vibrant wall murals and relics. The exterior of the restaurant itself was an interesting display of Aztec-inspired art.

Upon sitting down, I received a fresh and generous serving of homemade chips and salsa. The salsa was very light and tangy with a strong spicy kick at the end. The chips were simple tortilla chips, but strangely addictive.

I ordered one of the KokoChé deals, a burger combo that include house-cut fries and a drink for only $3.50.

The burger included a savory charbroiled patty with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pickles, and thousand island sauce, all held together by a nicely toasted sesame seed bun.

No burger is complete without the fries. These are the types of fries your mom would make at home. They were fresh, lightly salted, and a perfect complement to the burger.

Overall, if you are looking for a place that serves up a scrumptious burger at an extremely low price, El Gran Moctezuma is for you.

Located on the main street of Eagle Rock, the Coffee Table is a popular spot amongst locals and Occidental College students. With such an extensive menu, the Coffee Table is a restaurant that everyone can enjoy. It is the kind of place you go to knowing that there will be something on the menu for any person, not matter what their tastes.

The Coffee Table has everything from breakfast items, served all day, to salads, to pasta and burgers. I personally love the breakfast. When I stopped by I ordered the French country breakfast, which comes with a massive serving of honey, cinnamon, and vanilla battered French toast, two eggs served any way you like, two slices of bacon, ham or sausage, and a side of fruit salad to top it all off. Needless to say, this breakfast is not for the faint of heart.

The French breakfast is a perfect meal after a long night out, or while going to brunch with friends. The French toast is perfectly sweet and fluffy, and my over-medium eggs were cooked perfectly. This huge meal is a bargain at only $9.50, and will keep you full well into the afternoon. Along with my meal, I ordered an iced Chai tea to drink. As a lover of Chai tea, I have to say that the Coffee Table has some of the best in all of Los Angeles. It is rich and creamy, with lots of cinnamon. They also offer many different options of milk to go with your Chai, such as whole, skim, fat free, almond, and soy milk, perfect for those looking for a healthier option.

The Coffee Table is a great spot to go if you are looking for an easy restaurant that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a quick snack, the Coffee Table will fill you up without emptying your wallet. With healthy options as well as more indulgent meals, KokoChé users have plenty of items to chose from with this Eagle Rock addition to our app.

The Coffee Table: 1958 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock, CA 90041 (323)255-2200

Image courtesy of: https://mycsula.calstatela.edu

Life as an urban dweller often has its challenges, especially when it comes to finding a cheap and healthy alternative to the convenient fast-food chains that surround us 24/7. College students in particular often struggle to stay both social and healthy when they’re under a strict budget. As an anthropology major whose interest lies in current social trends and their impacts on local communities, I can’t help but notice that today’s college students seem to be more health conscious and concerned about environmental and social issues than has previously been the case. Among these students–who lead long days and struggle to find a balance between work, school, and time to socialize–the use of smart phones is becoming more and more common… Meaning KokoChé is only a tap away. KokoChé provides its users with a live stream of local deals ranging from cheap yet healthy meals to inexpensive entertainment. Not only is it incredibly convenient and easy to use, but KokoChé also specifically supports local businesses. I have no doubt that smart phone apps like KokoChé will be a vital tool to those of us invested in fostering the sense of community that so many of us long to preserve.

Image courtesy of: https://mycsula.calstatela.edu

Nancy is a third year anthropology student at CSULA who has lived in both northern and southern California. Early exposure to the vast cultural diversity and beautiful natural landscape of the state have inspired her to pursue a greater understanding of human beings and environmental concerns. When she’s not spending 12+ hours indoors, she’s out taking evening walks and making friends with the neighborhood cats.

If you are like me and unfamiliar with authentic Salvadorian cuisine, the first thing I recommend you do is make your way to El Salsabor Restaurant and order yourself a beautiful dish called Pupusas. It is a traditional dish made of thick, corn tortillas, and is filled with all types of delciousness.

At the waitress’ suggestion, I decided to try the Pupusas Revueltas. I also tried the Veggie Pupusas, which very soon became my favorite.

 Pictured (left to right): Revueltas and Veggie

Stuffed with cheese, cooked pork meat, and beans, this Pupusa is a hearty and tasty afternoon treat. Upon looking at it I thought the chef forgot the pork, but I soon realized that the pork was actually ground to make a thick filling to spice the dish up. Pupuas are commonly eaten with fermented cabbage slaw, red chilies, tomato salsa, and, my favorite, Tapatio hot sauce.

As a devout carnivore, I was hesitant to order the Veggie option, but this Pupusa turned me into a believer. Packed with spinach, squash, onions, cabbage,  and cheese, this dish helped me fall in love in Salvadorian cuisine. The Veggie Pupusa now has a permanent place in my heart. The way the tortilla, cheese, and vegetables interplay with each other to deliver this delectable dish is heavenly.

With a stimulated appetite, I was ready to take on one of the main dishes. I don’t usually order fish dishes at restaurants, but my waitress recommended that I try the Filete de Pescado (Filet of Fish). This dish was not only filling and flavorful, but everything on my plate, from the rice to the beans, was superb. I used to think of rice and beans  as just filler food, but they definitely complemented the savory flavors of the fish.

So if you’re hungry and excited to indulge in some superb, extremely affordable Salvadorian cuisine, I hope my raving will have you considering a trip to El Salsabor Restaurant. Your taste buds will thank you!

Whether its time for breakfast, lunch, dinner or sometime in between, everyone needs a dose of caffeine to get through the day. While it may seem easy to stop at the nearest Starbucks, I find it particularly rewarding to take the time to go into Swork, a local favorite, for my caffeine fix.

On the corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado, Swork, whose deals have been newly added to Kokoché’s live stream, serves as a perfect place for locals to grab a coffee or snack. Their philosophy is “Made Fresh Daily,” a motto by which they clearly run their business. While the menu may seem fairly standard to newcomers (mochas, lattes, and the like), Swork has managed to master simplicity. Each sip of coffee is infused with mouthwatering flavors. They also have an assortment of snacks, including a variety of chips and pastries. They even serve freshly made oatmeal for those in search of healthier options.

Swork is known, not only for its tasty foods and drinks,  but also for its extremely friendly atmosphere. Incredibly spacious, there are chairs and tables throughout the entire shop, providing many places for people to get some work done or catch up with close friends. In addition, there is a kids play area filled with toys, making a trip to Swork fun for the entire family.

Whether you need a quick snack or a trendy but cozy environment, Swork is the perfect place to stop.

Swork Coffee: 2160 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041               (323) 258-5600

With a fast food drive-through around every corner, it’s easy to grab a quick bite to eat without ever leaving your car. But, while convenient, it’s not always healthy. Big chain establishments have realized customers are becoming aware of what’s in their meals and have tried to get ahead of the curve and serve healthier options. But here at KokoChé, we favor restaurants that have always valued good, fresh, and healthier food. One such restaurant is Tony’s Subs and Salads located at 4507 Valley Boulevard in Los Angeles. They don’t need to move ahead of the curve because they are leading the curve.

This family owned restaurant has been servicing the greater Los Angeles area since 1979. Their sandwiches, salads and soups have been showcased on several media channels such as Jay Leno’s Tonight Show and ABC’s news segment, Eye on LA. Using the KokoChé app, they offer spaghetti and meatballs with a side of garlic bread for $4.99 between 4-7pm. The spaghetti and meatballs meal is made in front of you as you wait. There are no gimmicks with any of Tony’s meals. They are all made fresh and that’s why they all taste amazing. The sandwiches are phenomenal. Tony’s Subs and Salads takes the ordinary sandwich concepts and turns them into delicious and mouthwatering deliciousness. They take different types of meats and cheeses and combine them into double-decker meals that will have you ordering another before you finish your first.

Tony’s bakes their breads daily and makes their soups and salads from scratch. You can taste the freshness in every bite. Plus, the service is great. When I visited the first time, I was waited on by the owner’s younger son, who couldn’t have been more than thirteen. I asked him what he thought about the place and if he ever got sick of all the sandwiches and salads and he smiled and shook his head. Tony’s is known for their “Tony’s House Special” sandwich and I couldn’t help but buy one during my visit. It’s a double decker sandwich with several types of freshly cut meats, lettuce, tomato, cheese, house dressing and pickles. I enjoyed it so much that a week later I found myself buying another one and chatting with the owner.

Knowing that Tony’s family owned gives the restaurant a sense of comfort that you cannot find in a big chain establishment. Big chain establishments make you feel like you’re a part of an assembly line. You order, get your food, and leave. At Tony’s Subs and Salads you don’t feel rushed. You can sit and watch television and chat with the cashier or the other patrons and not feel uncomfortable. Tony’s is the whole package. The food is delicious and healthy, and the company is great.

Tony’s Subs and Salads located at 4507 Valley Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90032  (323) 226-0126  www.tonysubs.com/

For current deals near you check out Kokoche on Android at www.app.kokoche.com.

KokoChé recently sat down with Dave himself to talk about his Eagle Rock restaurant, one of the newest additions to KokoChé’s live stream. A local favorite, Dave’s Chillin & Grillin has one of the best sandwiches in Eagle Rock, and stays open “till the bread runs out.”

KokoChé: How did you get into the restaurant business, and why did you decide to open up Dave’s Chillin & Grillin?
Dave: Years ago I worked for a hotel in Boston for, like, five years. They gave people the opportunity to come out to LA, but it took them a long time. When I was out here I couldn’t get a good sandwich anywhere. So I went back to Boston and opened up sandwich shops. When I was twenty six I sold everything I owned and went to Maui, took a year off, and then came back to Playa del Rey, spent eight years there, moved to San Diego and worked at a resort. A friend of mine told me about Eagle Rock, so I spent every penny I had to open this place up. Eight years later, I’m here.

KokoChé: What do you love about running Dave’s Chillin & Grillin, a local business?
Dave: Not having a boss. It is more responsibility, but it is nice. It’s like the old saying, “why work eight hours a day for someone else when you can work sixteen for yourself?” Eagle Rock is a community that is saturated with restaurants. You have to do a good job to get a piece of that pie.

KokoChé: What do you do better than anyone else?                                                         Dave: Sandwiches. We have the best sandwiches in the area. We just got our Zagat rating in, and we got a 9.3, which is extremely high. The food you eat here is fresh, everyday, and you are safe eating here. You aren’t eating processed food here.

KokoChé: What are some of the healthy options at your restaurant that KokoChé users would appreciate?                                                                                              Dave: Everything on the menu is healthy. I buy the leanest meets, the pastrami is only six percent fat, and most are thirty- to thirty-five percent. We have the healthiest versions and sell chemical-free, real food. We also have vegetarian options, like grilled tomato and cheese with humus on rosemary bread.

KokoChé: Last question, what is the best product you offer?                                     Dave: Our meatballs. And turkey on wheat with tomato and mayo. I crave an Italian about once a week, too.

Dave’s Chillin & Grillin: 2152 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041                                                   (323) 490-0988                                                                                                                        http://daveschillingrillin.com/sandwiches.html

From the second you walk into Gogo’s Bistro on 2415 E Cesar Chavez Ave in Lost Angeles you feel like you’ve walked into a Disney film, or something equally magical. For me it was like walking onto the set of Disney’s Princess and the Frog. You know the scene where the audience sees Tiana working at Duke’s restaurant, and she personally knows all the customers and their usual orders? Well, Duke’s might as well have been Gogo’s.

The walls are a comforting burnt sienna with a bright red strip that runs across and highlights the various other shades of brown. We took a seat at the booth and spotted a small stage that overlooked the dining area and noticed a couple of musical instruments. The whole atmosphere seemed to envelop you and make you very comfortable. Our waiter took our order, and with our Kokoché app, we were able to get spaghetti with zesty marinara sauce and salad for $4.50 instead of the regular $8.95 (a 50% discount available Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4:30pm-7:00pm); and their chicken waffle (2 wings and belgian waffle) for $4.99, original priced at $7.00 (a 29% discount available Mondays and Wednesdays between 4:30pm-7:00pm).

The food was delicious. When they brought out our orders, my mouth dropped. I was speechless. This food looked so perfect that I thought it wasn’t real. It couldn’t be real. Real food doesn’t look this mouthwatering. I’ve had spaghetti before and it has never looked this perfect. Honestly, it looked like it belonged in a Martha Stewart magazine. It was a shame to ruin its beautiful presentation, but I was hungry and it smelled good! Feeling gluttonous, my friend and I decided to split both the spaghetti, the chicken waffles, and even a salad so as not to miss out on any dish.

The spaghetti was amazing. Disney’s Lady and the Tramp have nothing on their spaghetti. The noodles are perfectly cooked and the marinara sauce tasted so fresh, I never wanted to buy it from ready-made again. A visit to Gogo’s also convinced me that chicken and waffles should always be served together, like always. Whoever thought of pairing these two flavors together was really onto something. The chicken was crispy and delicious and the waffles are a thousand times better than any waffle from the frozen isle. I kid you not. I love Eggos and these waffles kicked their butt. The waffle was the size of my face and I ate half. It was soft without being too soft or undercooked, but not too crispy where it was burnt. It was like a fluffy pillow that smelled like cinnamon. Even their salad was delicious. Yeah, and it looked liked it was made by a salad angel or something because…look at the picture. Just look at it. It is perfect.

Everything about this place seemed to outdo the last thing we saw, heard, or smelled. The warm colored walls were outdone by the beautiful tables and menus; and that itself was outdone by the amazing smell that came from the kitchen; and all that was outdone by the service we received. We stayed a while after we ate our meal and chatted with RJ, one of the owners of Gogo’s Bistro. He gave us a little history about the newly opened place. They opened in March of last year after finding success in a previous catering business. RJ and his mother took their experience and opened Gogo’s Bistro; and have found it to be very rewarding. The welcoming atmosphere I keep describing is something they really wanted to get right, especially by means of music. When we arrived, they were playing classic rock and my friend knew every song that came up. We complimented their taste in music and RJ smiled and mentioned that the music always changes depending on the tone of the restaurant. On any given day you can walk in and hear jazz, classic rock, or R&B. We thanked him for the incredible meal, and just as we were heading out, my friend decided to buy a slice of their famous cheesecake. Now, I won’t name any names, but this cheesecake rivals that from a certain factory, famous for a certain cheesecake.

With our wallets and bellies full, we headed to our car. It was then that we noticed that they offer curbside service to go (call (323)980-0632 to place your order) and boxed lunches for $5.99. Just when I thought their restaurant couldn’t become more dreamlike, they pull out one last sprinkle of magic dust. So if you’re ever in or around Cesar Chavez, I suggest you go to Gogo’s Bistro. And even if you aren’t nearby, I suggest you make your way there, anyway, because their food is better than any place that’s within five miles of where you currently are. Wherever you are. If you do decide to stop by and try out their amazing chicken waffle, make sure you wish them a Happy Birthday, because Gogo’s Bistro turns one this month.

For current deals near you check out Kokoché on Android or iPhone www.app.kokoche.com.

McDonalds has two golden arches. In-N-Out has a couple of palm trees. Wendy’s Tortas has the entire outside of their building painted yellow.  Some restaurants decorate to catch your attention, but most of them do so more subtly. Others go above any beyond and grab your attention from the outside. Wendy’s Tortas does just that. They painted their restaurant a bright yellow to catch the attention of passers, but if you ask me, the flavorful food they offer is attractive enough. Even with the bright yellow building, I was somehow able to miss the restaurant completely on my way to try their tasty chicken sandwiches from my Kokoché live stream (p.s. It was only $4.99). After finding the right place, my friend and I grabbed a table and perused the menu. I knew what I was getting ahead of myself, but I everything looked so good that I planned my order for my next visit, too.

I had a chicken torta a la plancha (a chicken sandwich warmed using a Panini grill) and a soda, while my friend had two sopes for only $2.49 each (they look like a thick tortilla with vegetables and meat on top), and a sangria. The dining area was nice and spacious and had several flat screen TVs airing different sports games. While handing back our menus, I noticed that they even have karaoke nights on Thursdays, beginning at 7:00. My friend and I agreed that we would definitely go back to belt out a few numbers on karaoke night. I’m no Adele, but even if I get booed off the stage, I can comfort myself by eating a torta, sope, or any of the other delicious meals they offer.

My chicken sandwich was a lot bigger than I expected. In fact, it was big enough that I was able to save half of it for a later meal. Using my Kokoché  app, I was able to get my chicken sandwich and drink for $4.99 instead of the normal price of $7.49. (This deal is available Mondays-Thursdays between 2-6pm.) So I basically got two meals for under $5.00 You could tell that the sandwich was made carefully from its freshly cut lettuce, fresh chicken, and the finely toasted and pressed bread. It’s served to you right off the grill and tastes wonderful. It had just the right amount of beans, onions, and tomatoes. The sopes looked just as great. You have the option of having a sope with pork, beef, or chicken, but I suggest you order all three. Heck, I suggest you order anything and everything on their menu.

Wendy’s Tortas is more than just a bright yellow building. It’s a place to get excellent and affordable food. The staff is friendly and happy to help you decide on a dish if you’re not sure what to order. I don’t know how I missed this restaurant the first time I passed it, but I know I won’t miss it again. And if you’re like me and have trouble finding the bright yellow building the first time around, don’t worry, they deliver within two miles of their establishment so long as you purchase supersedes $15.00. So if you’re looking for a great deal in Los Angeles, I propose you skip going to the golden arches and try Wendy’s Tortas.

Wendy’s Tortas is located on 2603 N. Main Street in Los Angeles. For more information check out their website www.wendystortas.com.

For current deals near you check out Kokoche on Android or iPhone www.app.kokoche.com.

Los Angeles is full of great and undiscovered treasures, and when you find a really good treasure you do one of two things. You either keep it to yourself or share it with other people and gloat about the fact that you found it first. I wish I could walk around gloating that I found an amazing place that serves delicious Mexican food and has incredible service, but sadly I didn’t find Zamora Brothers first. I can, however, tell you more about it, and share my experience with you all in hopes that you too find Zamora Brothers to be as incredibly delicious as I did.

Although I pass by it almost every day on my way to school, I had never been inside Zamora Brothers. When I finally did walk in, I was greeted by two different employees who asked me how my day was and how they could help. Right away, I was reminded of what a friendlier environment a restaurant like Zamora Brothers has compared to fast food restaurants. Most of the time I walk in, wait in what seems to be a short line that somehow takes forever to get through, and while waiting notice that the floor is sticky, like someone spilled a soda and didn’t bother to tell anyone… So, yeah, this greeting was a nice change.

I ordered a chicharron burrito for two bucks and a small piece of flan for another a dollar. I didn’t know how long it was going to take to make my order so I made my order to go and sat the dining area. I didn’t even have the chance to sit down before my order was up. Two minutes, that’s all it took for my food to be made. I grabbed my food and since I had extra time I sat at a table to eat my under five dollar meal. I smiled when I noticed the tables decorated with loteria cards and Mexican blanket patterns. The whole place is decorated to feel homey and pleasant. The history of the restaurant and carniceria is all over the walls and the colors and food are so vibrant and full of life that you wonder how you missed this hidden treasure.

I unwrapped my burrito and immediately dug in. I wasn’t starving, but this burrito looked so good I had no choice. I usually don’t finish restaurant meals no matter how good they are, but this time I did. I ended up eating the whole burrito and the flan. And I’m not even usually a huge fan of flan. The rice and beans in the burrito add a nice taste that you wouldn’t have thought to add. It’s so simple, you can’t believe that it works. The flan was a perfect combination of sweet succulence. The piece of flan adds so much to the undeniable deliciousness of the meal.They also offer four pedazos de capirotada (four pieces of bread pudding) for $1.49 with KokoChé deal.

I regret that it took me so long to find Zamora Brothers’ delicious kitchen. With such incredible food and such a hospitable staff, Zamora Brothers is one hidden treasure to which I’ll definitely return. And once you check it out, I’m sure you will, too!

Zamora Brothers is located on 1503 E Cesar Chavez Avenue in Los Angeles.

For current deals near you check out KokoChé on Andriod or iPhone www.app.kokoche.com.