Saturday, November 08, 2008

Felipe's replaces Villa Sombrero in Highland Park

Before, margaritas and guacamole... (photo from NELA Live)

After, new paint job, shutters and palms...but will there be tableside guac?

Here's a before-and-after of the transformation from the colorful Villa Sombrero into Felipe's Restaurant - "Fine Cuisine," reads another sign. That doesn't sound too specific, but they've got some nice brand-new trees with the tags still on them out front. Felipe was nowhere to be seen, so other than Fine Cuisine, we're not sure what the focus will be.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

i will sincerely miss the depiction of a tank top with the "forbidden" circle with a line through it drawn on the side of the building.

Anonymous said...

True Story..
Villa Sombrero was famous for their guacamole. So famous, that when a Pico Rivera woman was shot to death several years ago in the parking lot, the estranged husband, (who is a person of interest but never charged) said that a masked stranger shot her, and the reason they were 15 miles from home to eat dinner was because of Villa Sombrero's fantastic guacamole.

Anne said...

Hm, would love to know what this new place is all about. Although I agree that Villa Sombrero's guac was golden, the rest of the food was bleh at best. Hope something good is coming!

Anonymous said...

Yep, the guacamole was great. But Felipe better know how to mix and pour an awesome margarita if he wants to make it in this town.

PAX said...

We ate at Villa Sombrero 2 to 3 times a week. Yes, their guacamole was great but the Grande Margarita on the rocks with salt was superb. Felipe will need the
Sombrero recipe if he hopes to get all the old customers to come back. They were perfect and you knew you had one.

Anonymous said...

when i see taupe paint and "fine cuisine", i think "lots of sauces and gravy"...

Anonymous said...

just had dinner at Felipe's for New Year's Eve. They do still have table side guacamole! No liquor license yet, though. Service was very friendly. Many of the same from Villa. Food was delicious!! I was never too impressed with Villa's food, but this I will go back for. Has camarones al diablo. Worth a try. 7 days a week, 10-10. Oh, the soup before the meal, nice touch.

Anonymous said...

We ate at Felipe's last night. It was disappointing. The food is only so-so and overpriced. The guacamole is still great! Service was very nice, almost to excess. Still no liquor license--which led to two large parties leaving immediately after entering. We don't plan on a return visit until we hear better things.

Anonymous said...

We ate at Villa regularly and were heart broken when it closed. Best guac and margaritas a s everyone has already mentioned, but also the atmosphere was great. Red booths, cool paintings and great service. When I pass by now that bland paint job and stiff wooden chairs just turn me off. They've taken all the personality out of the place and it looks like they're paying the price for it...its always empty...Does anyone know of a good substitute to the old Villa?

Unknown said...

I was two days old the first time i went with my family for dinner to Villa Sombrero. I was born on 28/06/89. TO THIS DAY IT IS THE BEST FOR ME. IT WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST.

Anonymous said...

El Arco Iris, Fine Mexican Cuisine is just as good or better than Villa Sombrero. Just down the street. Located @ 5684 York Blvd. Nearest cross street is Ave 57. Same great atmosphere plus wonderful strawberry margaritas.

Anonymous said...

That woman anonymous talked about was killed by her husband which is a cop and the reason I know is because she happens to be related to me...... It is so sad to see cops get away with Murder you would think that after OJ Simpson things would be better but I quess not!!!!!!!!