When I worked from the office, I enjoyed eating lunch in restaurants near El Segundo. I typically wandered into nearby Lawndale and Hawthorne because the food was more diverse and exciting to me. One such restaurant was Pupuseria El Cerro Verde. During the pandemic, they closed down and recently re-opened as Tata’s Cafe.
The owner of Pupuseria El Cerro Verde passed away during the pandemic, and one of the kids, Luis Vanegas, partnered with Jeff Bovon to re-open the restaurant. Instead of a pupuseria, they opened an American breakfast/lunch restaurant with Vanegas’ Salvadorean heritage influences.
Parking in front of the restaurant is rather challenging. Since it was Sunday, my wife and I parked next door at the bank parking lot. We later discovered that Tata’s Cafe has a parking lot in the back of its restaurant; the entrance is there.
The owners renovated the interior. It is bright, clean, and welcoming, with many positive messages throughout the restaurant. Unlike when it was a pupuseria, the tables are now socially distanced, the laminate flooring is new, and the pendant lighting beautifully adds to the decor.
My wife is partial to chilaquiles. The fried tortillas were crisp, topped with two fried eggs and the red sauce was thick, complex, and delicious. I had a taste of it, and I agree that it was one of the best chilaquiles I’ve had.
I was thrilled with the French Toast. It was perfect. The exterior was crisp, and the inside was soft and tasty. The drizzled dulce de leche sauce took this dessert to a new level! The French Toast can also be ordered with nutella, blueberry sauce, cheesecake sauce, or cinnamon sugar.
Huevos Ahogados is another popular item. Chorizo Ragu served with Pickled Onions, Chile Toreado and topped with two poached eggs. Breakfast Burrito fans can select one made with Chorizo and Potato, a Meat Lovers made with bacon, ham, and sausage, or the Veggie made with peppers, onions, tomato, mushroom, and spinach.
Salvadoran Quesadilla is a popular breakfast item or snack enjoyed throughout El Salvador. It is similar to a pound cake, unlike its Mexican namesake. In El Salvador, chefs often add cotija cheese, giving it a sweet and salty taste.
The next time I visit Tata’s Cafe, I will drop by for lunch. I’m curious to experience their take on a Monte Cristo Sandwich, ham, turkey, swiss, cheddar battered, and fried. It is topped with powdered sugar and strawberry dust and served with a strawberry/orange sauce with a hint of rosemary.
Their complete menu is located here.
And if that isn’t enough, Co-owner Jeff Bovon uses the Cafe for his upscale food orgasmic dinner creations during the weekends. He recently hosted a Spanish dinner featuring Roasted Suckling Pig, Double-cut Tomahawk, Shrimp Gambas, Serrano Jamon, Basque Cheesecake, and more!
Tata’s Cafe, 12627 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne; 424.675.4168; aguasloscipotes.godaddysites.com