86 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM Neighborhood Nosh at Estrellita Mexican Bistro & Cantina Los Altos had reason to celebrate when Doña Maria Bustamante lost her Victorian’s lease in 1958. She went from home chef, selling burritos from her living room, to cafe owner, just by renting the building next door. Her new digs allowed for dine-in guests, who have never stopped coming. In 1978, the restaurant passed to immigrants from Chiapas, who faithfully upheld Maria’s original menu, while also bringing delightful seasonal dishes to the table. Inside, colorful tiled tables, emphatic yellow, pink and orange walls, and papel picado garlands hint that Estrellita’s cuisine is as festive as the atmosphere. Guests rave about the chiles en nogada, a roasted chile poblano stuffed with vegetables, fruits and nuts, topped with pomegranate-walnut cream, then sprinkled with nuts and pomegranate seeds. Estrellita’s distinction is its rare dishes, inspired by food from Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula. Estrellita's quenches thirst with Mexican favorites such as jamaica, horchata and hot chocolate. For adults, sangria and margaritas complement the fare. Raise a glass to Doña Maria, still a great neighbor. {food coloring} A
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