Your guide to dining in L.A. -- and off the beaten path

Diners enjoy the food at the communal table at Rivera.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

ON THE MENU: Rivera’s maya puerco pibil sous vide: Braised pork shoulder served on a banana leaf with Peruvian potatoes.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

ON THE MENU: Chinese doughnut roll with rice, served with sesame paste and hoisin sauce at Silver & Gold Amazing.  (Nancy Pastor / For The Times)

DIGGING IN: Destiny Tai, 4, of Arcadia eats her lunch at Silver & Gold Amazing in Monterey Park.  (Nancy Pastor / For The Times)

AT YOUR SERVICE: Chef-owner Simon Elmaleh of Simon’s Cafe in Sherman Oaks takes time to explain dishes to his patrons.  (Christine Coller / Los Angeles Times)