THE VELVET MARGARITA (AY CARUMBA!) REMEMBERS ITS CHICANO ROOTS in Los Angeles, California

“I have to admit, the outside of The Velvet Margarita on Cahuenga Boulevard is a bit startling with its flamingo pink name embroiled on black. But I was curious. So one night we opted to walk through the single black industrial-strength door to find ourselves facing blue curtains. As we parted the drapes, our mouths dropped at the spectacle before us. We were definitely in a time warp – a mixture of Chicano Hollywood crossed with hot Tijuana whorehouse red ”” black-flocked wallpaper, candlelit chandeliers, and an atmosphere bustling with tequila, laughter and sensory overload.

A Bar’s Eye View at the Velvet MargaritaWe were greeted by manager, Ali Sarraf, whose grandmother was Pancho Villa’s cook.(I kid you not) Seating us in a retro blue velvet booth where the lighting was so dim, it was miraculous we were able to see each other”¦let alone our food! We did, though we knew at once that this was not going to be an ordinary evening of Mexican cuisine, this was going to be an experience!”

Stumble it! | |