Lori, one of the founders of the Mango Cafe, has opened her own restaurant in El Centro. Same "nuevo Isla" approach to cooking - and a lot of traditional dishes served just a little better.

Had a couple of breakfasts - Chiliquitas above - a baked tortilla caserole with red sauce and queso fresco and topped with a fried egg and sour cream. On my return trip, chili poblano, stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, onions and cheese.

My dinner started with a mango cilantro margarita and coconut shrimp. The entre - pan seared sea bass with coconut rice and tamarind soy ginger sauce. On the side, freshly baked jalapeno corn bread.

The only stress at Lola Valenina is figuring out what to order. The good news - no matter what you choose, it is going to be great.

February 2012