Speak Out C1-C2 3rd ed. Unit 2D. BBC Programmes

LA was part of Mexico until 1847 and ever since there's been an enduring legacy of immigration. A stones throw from the glitz of downtown, there are neighborhoods where up to 94% of the residents come from Latin America. Okay, this is a whole other world.

Mexicans are the largest ethnic group in the city, but there are also millions from Central America, and they have brought with them their unique cuisine. One of the most authentic places to try it is said to be a night market that sprung up in a Latino neighborhood in Westlake. I've asked chef Wes Ailla to show me

around. >> Hi Wes. >> How you doing? >> It's wonderful to meet you. Nice to meet you. It's great this place, isn't it? >> Fantastic. It's one of my favorite places to come and eat. This whole street right here is covered with food vendors. It goes down about a block when it's really really busy. What's cool

about here is you have the Central American stuff. You got El Salvador, Honduran, you got Guatemalan food. So you'll find things that are a little more unique. >> I want to taste LA. I want to know what it's all about. This is a bit of an assault on my senses. Just it's so bright and colorful

and vibrant. I can just hear that slapping. >> It's pretty overwhelming. You'll hear that all the way up. People either doing the papooseas or tortillas. >> This place is full of intriguing smells and there are loads of amazing looking dishes I've never seen before. >> So, this is what I wanted to show you.

We've got some chileno. It's a stuffed publano chile. >> Yeah. with potato, green bean, and carrot. >> This is the Guatemalan take on the stuffed chili. It's fried in batter and loaded with spicy salsa, stacks of seasoned onion, and chopped parsley. >> Where are you from? >> Hate. >> Guatemala. That looks really good.