Rate-A-Restaurant, #55 in a series

Restaurant: Mamita

Location: 714 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale

Type of restaurant: Peruvian

They stipulated: Wanna use the bathroom? Take a short hike out back... the restrooms are located in a separate, rest stop-like building.

What we ordered: Maria: Lomo Saltado (beef strips stir-fried with french fries, onions and tomatoes, served with rice) $8.50; Mike: Saltado de Pollo con Vegetales (chunks of chicken stir-fried, with zucchini, mushroom, tomato, onions and rice) $9.75

High point: We were hungry and it was late... and not only was Mamita's close by, but it's open until 10 on a Saturday night. We were craving rice and meat, and Mamita fit the bill.

Low point: Mamita isn't much for decor... the restaurant is bright (the lights were on full blast), and wall decorations consist of cheesy murals and head shots of local Spanish language celebs (such as Nueva 101.9's Piolin -- you know the guy, his billboards are everywhere around town)

Overall impression: It's almost impossible to describe Peruvian cuisine. There's a strong Asian influence, thanks to a large number of Peruvians of Japanese ancestry (hence the "Teriyaki de Pollo" on the menu). As for the Lomo Saltado... beef stir fried with french fries? You're kidding, right? Believe it or not, it works. Meanwhile, gotta love that Mamita serves Inka cola.

Chance we will go back: It's been years since I last visited El Pollo Inka, but I remember better food and service at that westside establishment. Still, Mamita is close... I could see us one day visiting again, but I'm not in a rush.

For a complete archive of our Rate-A-Restaurant reviews, check out our companion ratearestaurant.blogspot.com website.