It's not often I'll go into a part of L.A. where I am more afraid of the cops than the gang bangers. But if I'm in the area, I'll risk a run-in with the LAPD Rampart Division and MS-13 to get to Pescado Mojado Seafood Grill for their Camarones a la Diabla-- which in gringo means shrimp she-devil style... spicy and a little on the naughty side.

Okay, even though LAPD has run amok in Rampart, and Mara Salvatrucha-13 calls the area home, it is not very likely that you'll come into contact with either of these criminal elements. But you will get exquisite Sinaloa-style seafood at a great price, in a very clean (and safe) restaurant.

The only real problem you'll have at Pescado Mojado is deciding what to order. For starters you can't beat the Levantate Lazaro, which is a fish and shrimp soup in a broth that is so heavenly you'll swear it's made with angel tears. The fresh fish ceviche on a half avocado could be a meal in itself, but don't stop there. Order a double play plate, which comes with two hearty brochettes of grilled fish, shrimp, beef or chicken, and a side of rice, beans and tortillas. You will  be making excuses to be back in the ‘hood just so you can score some more; you may even become addicted.

Pescado Mojado is family owned, and these people know what they're doing. They're the folks responsible for bringing Pollo Loco to America. Humberto and Giannina Galvez, along with their two smokin' hot sons, Dave and Bert, have three locations, so if you're closer to Echo Park or Silver Lake, you can go to the one @ 1701 Sunset Blvd, or if you're near the Valley, head over to 15233 Roscoe Blvd.

What could be better than great food served up by handsome green-eyed muchachos at three different locations? How about those same muchachos bringing the food to your house or your office? Pescado Mojado also caters.

For the past few years instead of buying our friends gifts for Christmas, we have hosted a party and served Pescado Mojado. There is no better way to show people you care about them than opening your home during the holidays.

Think about it: No mall frenzy, no Made in China crap, nobody calling you a "ho, ho, ho" because you got their parking spot.

Invite your best friends and their kids, call Pescado Mojado, make a pitcher or two of margaritas or some sangria and your holiday shopping is done.

We like to serve the ceviche for an appetizer with chips, guacamole and salsa. The soft tacos and quesadillas are always a favorite with the kids and the grown-ups can't get enough of the camarones a la diabla or the chicken fajitas. We also order brochettes of chicken and fish. The rice and beans are cooked to perfection and round out the meal when served with a great big salad. But I have to admit, the salsa is so incredibly good, I am often tempted to tip my head back and pour it strait into my mouth when our guests aren't looking.

The food will come piping hot in a hot box, ready to be put into a warm oven until you're set to eat. If you want to be a little fancier, have your platters or chaffing dishes out and transfer the food before serving. Otherwise if you don't stand on ceremony, everything comes in heavy duty aluminum roasting pans you can recycle when you're finished.

This year we had an early holiday party with ten adults and six kids for just about two bills. One of my girlfriends brought the sangria, another brought dessert, and we enjoyed a stress free evening. It was money well spent, and nobody had to pay for a babysitter- our gift to our friends. Happy Holidays!

Pescado Mojado
Sun-Thurs 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
610 So. Rampart
213.480.6620

1701 Sunset Blvd.
213.413.8712

CATERING
David 213.422.0850
(single and gorgeous)

Bert 213.458.1210
(spoken-for and gorgeous)

kat@la2day.com