Okay, talk about a legitimate hidden gem. We almost didn't find La Española Meats, that's how…read morehidden it kinda is. Follow your GPS and don't just start winging it at the end because if you miss the turn onto Doble Avenue, you're going back around the block.
It's in Harbor City in a warehouse, which makes a lot more sense once you know what the place actually is. La Española has been importing Spanish foods for more than 40 years, and they also make their own Spanish-style charcuterie right here in California. Being tucked into a warehouse near the Port of LA somehow makes the whole thing feel like a miniature local adventure.
When you first walk in you have to acclimate for a second because every inch of the place is filled with something. Oils, olives, vinegars, paprika and other seasonings, wine, cheeses, meats, paella pans, and then random specialty things like soaps and room sprays. The neroli ones smelled fantastic, btw.
I went in with a list because we were heading out to the desert and had decided we were making paella. We already had a carbon steel paella pan at home basically begging for the job, so this was happening.
We left with sweet and smoked paprika, Spanish chorizo, a couple different oils, sherry vinegar, and several cheeses and meats from the refrigerated section. Plus, of course, some things that were definitely not on the list.
Also, if you go on Saturday, they make paella in a gigantic pan behind the building and offer several varieties to go or to eat on the patio. We happened to be there on a Saturday and somehow stayed committed to making our own, even though theirs smelled delicious. I did get the skinny though, and they recommend ordering ahead.
Side note: not only did they have everything we needed, we were clearly set up for success. See image for proof of concept.