In The Spotlight:

For Joaquin Lopez, owner of recently opened Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa, the seafood he serves is a direct representation of his diet growing up in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

The restaurant, at 401 W. Los Feliz Road in Glendale, finally held its ribbon cutting earlier this month after being postponed by rains, said Tiza Atanque-Manoukian, Glendale Chamber of Commerce member service administrator.

At the grand-opening ceremonies, a spread featuring a sample menu was placed at the center of the restaurant, including delicacies such as spicy lime shrimp, she-devil shrimp, and shrimp shish kabob, along with refried beans and rice to complement the dish.

“This food is typical of Sinaloa,” said Lopez, whose menu boasts about 50 original shrimp recipes, with the menu items rotated from time to time. “The rest are home recipes.”

Lopez decided to open his first restaurant when, as a shrimp distributor, he heard about someone who wanted to sell his restaurant. So in 2003, he bought it, and the restaurant in Paramount was born.

“That’s where we started,” Lopez said.

Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa’s Glendale location marks Lopez’s fourth restaurant in Southern California; all are named Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa. Lopez said that opening a restaurant in Glendale proved to be a bit more difficult due to the city’s strict regulations, but he says it was worth it, especially when he hears customers compliment his menu.

“I think it’s great that we have another authentic Mexican restaurant,” said Amy Navarrete, vice president of the Glendale Latino Assn. “The food they provide is very traditional — the flavors, the way it’s served, the way they actually prepare it. Seafood is very delicate. Obviously you want to make sure it’s fresh.”

Over time, Lopez has melded the authentic with the original. That is, for some recipes, he has chosen to give it his own personal touch, or “to the satisfaction of my palate,” he said. This makes his restaurants unique, setting them apart from other seafood restaurants of its kind, he said.

Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero said the restaurant will be a commercial boost to the area along Los Feliz Road.

“People come here to eat, and they may decide to stop at some of the local stores,” said Quintero, as he prepared to fill his plate with shrimp.

Glendale Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Judee Kendall said Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa will contribute greatly to the redevelopment of the south Glendale. Most of the activity, she said, is concentrated in the center of town.