Yuca's

Socorro "Mama" Herrera opened Yuca's on Hillhurst near Ambrose in 1976 with her husband Jaime.   When I first ate here a few years ago there was already a glowing write-up from the New York Times posted on the window.   Couldn't argue with that.   My cochinita pibil burrito was delicious, sublime.   Many, many burritos later (always pibil, carnitas, chile verde or machaca) I marvel that I am delighted each and every time, that I never tire of this place.   I always feel sustained, nourished and grateful.   Little wonder then that Yuca's has earned loyal local fans and also been lauded in print by USA Today, Sunset, Vanity Fair, GQ, Elle, Travel & Leisure and the L.A. Times.   The latest recognition of achievement for this pint-sized cocina comes from no less than the James Beard Foundation.   Note the snapshots from the awards ceremony in May to the right of the window.   Yuca's was honored as one of four "American Classics" for 2005, a restaurant with "timeless appeal, beloved for quality food that reflects the history and character of its community."   Beloved is exactly the right word for Yuca's.