On the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Park Lane in Moorpark rests Don Cuco, a famous Mexican food restaurant in the area. The tall, modern building and large, almost obnoxious sign, grabs onlookers’ attention.

The epic proportions of Don Cuco’s infrastructure casts a shadow over the immediate area, keeping nearby smaller businesses hidden from view just because of their size. unnoticed in the darkness of their mediocrity. These small businesses are the real heroes of the area.

The small, family-owned restaurants right across Park Lane fight to survive in such a competitive location. There are three modest restaurants adjacent to the massive building. These include a doughnut shop, a pizzeria and the bravest of all, a Mexican food restaurant – Guttierez.

Guttierez Mexican Restaurant is in direct competition with Don Cuco considering its location as well as their menus. Similar as these restaurants may seem, they are on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of presentation.

There is nothing outstanding or epic about Guttierez; it is a hole in the wall with a grand total of six tables – 24 people could fill the place. The decorations are authentically Mexican. Photographs of Mexican people in traditional attire ornament Guttierez’s central image of Yahualica, a city inside the state of Jalisco.

The ambiance of the restaurant shifts with a T.V. screening a Mexican sports channel. The conversation from the T.V. competes with the ethnic music piping into the restaurant from the kitchen.

Between the music and the broadcaster, what should feel like a quiet meal turns into a cacophony of noises. The din is only magnified by the loud jokes between the staff.

The employees, as well as the owner, reflect the laid-back loud atmosphere of the restaurant. They are all friendly and willing to help as well as make conversation. Talking with the Guttierez staff feels more like a chat between buddies than a conversation in a formal environment. The staff might call a costumer “boss” with a familiar tone.

Guttierez does not have the type of staff or air to make anyone feel like they are in an upscale environment, but it does make everybody feel at home.

The restaurant is clearly old, or at least worn down. The ceiling is brown from grease stains and accumulated dust. The white tiles of the floor contrast against black lines where the grease has gathered.

A layer of grime is evenly dispersed throughout the restaurant. This is not to say that the place is not looked after; the staff makes a genuine attempt to take care and keep it clean, but basically it is a restaurant in dire need of a thorough scrub.

However, it is easy to forget all about the cleanliness when the food arrives. Thick, crunchy tortilla chips introduce the meal with an authentic South American flavor complimented by the full salsa bar – making it feel all the more genuine.

The plethora of salsa options open the gateway to varying levels of heat. It does not hit the taste buds immediately. The smoky flavor gradually takes charge and lends to the lingering heat in the back of the throat. The spice hits after a few bites leaving anyone to reach for their drink.

This feeling is consistent throughout Guttierez’s food. The rich fulfilling meals satisfy both the taste buds and the stomach, but they are a certain kind of spicy that makes it difficult to keep eating after a while.

Guttierez Mexican Food is a good place for a casual lunch date, and a great spot for a quick bite. Keep a pack of mints handy to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.