Chichen Itza brings Yucatecan delicacies to South L.A.



Chichen Itza Yucatan Restaurant will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary in February.

Located in Mercado La Paloma, a food court that abuts the 110 freeway near the University of Southern California, the establishment is a family affair. Owned and operated by Chef Gilberto Cetina, his son Gilberto, Jr. and his wife, Blanca, the restaurant serves up Yucatecan delicacies such as Cochinita Pibil and Panuchos.

Yucatan food is a blend of Mayan, Spanish, Lebanese, and Dutch influences, says Cetina.

The chef, whose mother taught him to cook as a child, said he takes pride in bringing his Yucatecan recipes to patrons in the United States.

Watch Cetina describe his food.

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons