Guatelinda (4161 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90004) has opened with about fifty seats, a cozy bar and a karaoke corner. It’s a nice oasis from the rest of the rough looking street. The owner, Ruben Umaña is known as El Chapinísimo, (the big daddy Guatemalan) among the Guatemalan community in Los Angeles. Since the 1970s, Umaña has run a successful business importing Guatemalan goods to the US, serving the Los Angeles community that thrived after the Guatemala’s civil war.
He and his wife, Violet, daughters Cheryl and Fritzie, son Ruben and sons-in-law have all helped in the soft-opening Guatelinda last Saturday. This Saturday, February 23 is the restaurant’s grand opening party. Have a taste of the extensive Guatemalan menu, which includes garnachas (Guatemalan-style tacos), enchiladas, tamales, chiles rellenos and sweet buñuelos.
