Cha Cha Cha

Though the West Hollywood location recently closed, the original Cha Cha Cha in Silver Lake lives on, serving up its wonderful Caribbean tapas to all. This is a fun little joint, decorated in Caribbean gear, which seems a little a-typical for Silver Lake, but that's what makes it charming. While they do offer full entrees of Caribbean specialties, such as jerk chicken and their own variations on paella, it's more enjoyable to come with a group and do a tapa sampler. There's a tapa for any appetite, but I most certainly have my favorites. On the top of the list - the goat cheese and guava quesadilla topped with a dollop of homemade guacamole. Unfortunately, this is pretty small being that it is a tapa, but it is mouthwatering! Speaking of the guacamole, the dirty chips and guac is also worth mentioning. And no, dirty chips does not imply that the chips are dirty, but rather are covered in yummy Caribbean spices. White fish, shrimp, and salmon chemically cooked in citrus is served in a coconut for the ceviche tapa, with a basket of dirty chips for dipping. A few pizzas also live on the tapas menu, including a juicy jerk chicken pizza with just the right amount of spicy. I know there was a goat cheese pizza at the WeHo location, but I think the menus were slightly varied from shop to shop, so no guarantees. And don't forget the fried plantains with crema fresca! More traditional appetizer-ish foods like fried calamari and coconut shrimp also sprinkle the menu. It's worth noting that drinks are pretty reasonable at Cha Cha Cha and they make their own sangria which is just as delicious as you'd find in any Spanish cafe. I believe they offer a happy hour, though I have never been, as well as a brunch menu and a prix fixe that includes drinks. If you are coming for the regular dinner menu, anticipate spending $20-$30 per person, plus the extra few dollars for the valet. While I am incredibly sad to see the West Hollywood location close, though I guess not all that surprised since you never needed a reservation, I can take comfort in the fact that some of my favorite dishes in LA are just a hop, skip, and a jump away over in Silver Lake.

http://www.theoriginalchachacha.com/