DOWNEY -- Guacamaya Oasis is one of the latest businesses to join the gastronomic movement in Downey and throughout Southeast L.A.

This new restaurant brings something new to the community: food that is fresh, healthy, unique and most of all, delicious.

Guacamaya Oasis is home to culinary creations unlike anything ever made: torta sandwiches with soy chorizo, natural aguas frescas, and salads with all-organic ingredients. Since its grand opening in February, Guacamaya Oasis has been met with overwhelming success, according to restaurant owner Andrew Vizcarra.

Vizcarra said, “The city of Downey has really been looking for something like this, and the community has been supporting us; it’s been a hit ever since.”

The restaurant began as an idea by Vizcarra and his family, with the vision to bring a culinary experience from his family’s native home of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico to Downey. Their vision turned into a business revolving around one particular dish: the Guacamaya.

Named after the native bird of the region, the Guacamaya torta is a type of sandwich that features pork rinds, both fried and pickled, and a trademark salsa, created by the Vizcarras daily. “You really can’t find a dish anywhere else, which is why I wanted to bring something new to Downey and to all of Los Angeles,” Vizcarra bragged.

For those looking for healthy fare, Guacamaya Oasis also offers organic salads. Customers have the option to choose from several of their creations, or have the ability to create their own, with ingredients including chicken, shrimp, and tofu. Cooks at the restaurant are constantly preparing ingredients throughout the day, tirelessly working to ensure freshness and quality, without compromising taste or cost.

Above all else, Vizcarra is proud to share this experience with his family; he shares day-to-day operations with his mother, two sisters and his girlfriend.

Regarding the business being a true family affair, Vizcarra said, “Every single person in my family has a specific role in creating this; right now, I feel closer together because we’re on a mission to share our flavors to the world and share our lifestyle.”

Guacamaya Oasis is located at 8826 Imperial Hwy. It is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

Southeast Eats explores: Guacamaya Oasis