S1E4: Un Solo Sol

“
Un Solo Sol is “one sun”

bringing all cultures together under one sun through community and healthy food

In the words of the owner of Un Solo Sol, Carlos, the simplest way to define his restaurant is unity. The translation of Un Solo Sol is “one sun”, which ties perfectly to Carlos’ vision - to bring all cultures together under one sun through community and healthy food. After my initial meeting with him, I realized Carlos embodies his own vision for the restaurant. His genuine nature and charisma made working with him very fulfilling, in more ways than one!

Green Pozole

In this episode, we feature the Green Pozole and the Veggies Mix Enchiladas. Both entrees are very tasteful, nutritionally potent, and have that homemade touch to them. In the Green Pozole, Carlos incorporates the traditional Mexican pozole but from a much healthier mindset. He uses a vegetable broth that has a green leafy vegetable salsa, and combines that with tofu, which is a leaner source of protein in comparison to the traditionally used pork. The Veggies Mix Enchiladas are one of the most nutritious entrees at Un Solo Sol, and they are excellente! Per my special guest, Jeff aka El Jefe, salsas are vital to the overall taste of enchiladas, and the house made salsa at Un Solo Sol definitely surpasses the standard.

At Un Solo Sol, Carlos not only provides food from his own culture, but he also brings in healthful dishes from Mediterranean, Persian, and Chinese cuisines. According to my special guest in the episode, Fernando, these options are hard to come by in the East LA/Boyle Heights area. Carlos is essentially bridging the gap by providing more healthy food at affordable prices to people who might not have as much access to it.

The Veggies Mix Enchiladas

Un Solo Sol is walking distance from the Arts District of Downtown LA, but is also fairly close to the heart of downtown, University of Southern California (USC), Dodger Stadium, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo. Instead of spending over $15 for one can of beer at a Dodger game, you can easily spend less than that at Un Solo Sol for a replenishing and filling meal (and maybe a cerveza) after a game.

Carlos recently shifted Un Solo Sol to be more vegan and is planning to provide this same idea in his native country of El Salvador; in fact, he plans to open an Un Solo Sol there in the near future. If you are ever in Downtown LA or Boyle Heights, be sure to go support Carlos’ vision of unity at Un Solo Sol for some traditional dishes with a healthy spin!

Scientific Resources for Un Solo Sol

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