Khrystyne Haje, left, and friend Antonio Rodriguez enjoy a meal at Mofongos, a Puerto Rican restaurant in North Hollywood. (Christina House / For The Times)
Shrimp mofongo with tostones as served at Mofongos in North Hollywood. (Christina House / For The Times)
Carne guisada with arroz con gandules and tostones served at Mofongos. (Christina House / For The Times)
Bistec encebollado with arroz con gandules. (Christina House / For The Times)
Regular customer Richard Jimenez, right, dines at Mofongos, as server Yaritza Betancourt removes dishes. (Christina House / For The Times)
Pastelillo de guayaba served at Mofongos, a Puerto Rican restaurant in North Hollywood. (Christina House / For The Times)