http://www.chow.com/boards/2 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:18:16 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/462512#3143528 Are you new to Chowhound? Or just to the Los Angeles board? Perhaps visiting from out of town? We've got some tips to help you get started. If you're brand new to the site, you should read our Site Etiquette http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367605 so you don't break any rules or step on any toes. This board is focused on discussing chow in the greater LA area. This includes LA, Orange and Ventura Counties and Southwestern San Bernardino County. If you'd like tips on chow in Southern California outside of LA, please see our California board: http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/3 . For a complete list of boards available, click on the down arrow next to the word 'Chowhound' in the navigation bar. HAVE A HOT TIP? If you've got a great tip or a recommendation for someone, dive right in and post it. 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Here are just a few of the subjects that are common on the Los Angeles boards, and some suggestions on how to find that information: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE LOS ANGELES BOARD: Where should we eat in Hollywood? Santa Monica? Downtown? West Hollywood? the San Gabriel Valley? Any other Neighborhood? Search terms to try: neighborhood name (Hollywood, Downtown, etc) or abbreviation (Hwd, SM, etc). Where should we eat near the Pantages? Disneyland? Dodger Stadium? Angels Stadium Search terms to try: the name of the attraction you want to eat near (Disney, Pantages, etc), or the neighborhood it's in Where's the best brunch/sushi/burger/etc? Search terms to try: title:best and the name of the food you're looking for Also, check out the Los Angeles Hub on Places: http://www.chow.com/places/regions/2 Choose your cuisine of choice from the list for local Places tagged with that cuisine, then check out the threads to find out more about them. Where should we go for our special occasion? Search terms to try: anniversary, "special occasion", proposal, romantic, birthday These might not all apply to your particular occasion, but they generally turn up the same kind of recommendations. Where should I plan my group dinner? Search terms to try: "private room", "buy out", corporate, group, "holiday party", "large group" Where can I find New York (or Chicago) style pizza/chinese/bagels? Search terms to try: New York plus the type of food, "east coast" If you end up asking about these, please be nice--don't disparage the local food scene when asking about the stuff you remember from back home. For information on more advanced search options, see the Search FAQ: http://chowhound.chow.com/faq#find STILL HAVE A QUESTION? LA chowhounds are a great resource, but help them help you by including some important details. Tell them: - What part of town you'll be in. - How far or how long you're willing to travel. LA traffic can really make a difference at different times of day. Locals will assume you have a car available unless you say you don't. - What your budget is. Descriptions such as 'expensive', 'moderate' and 'cheap' mean different things to different people, so use dollar values. - What types of cuisines you're interested in. - Any other special circumstances (traveling with kids? vegetarians? non-chowhounds?) that will help If you've done some of your own research, mention what you found so hounds can help fill in the gaps, rather than rehashing what you already know. AFTER YOUR MEAL Most importantly, after your trip or your meal, thank the LA hounds for their help by reporting back. Tell people which suggestions you used and how the meals turned out, plus add tips about any great places you discovered on your own. This helps maks the board more useful for everyone who visits after you. LA SPECIFIC TERMS Here are some things you might see referred to on the Los Angeles board that are unique to this board: BH = Beverly Hills SGV = San Gabriel Valley DTLA = Downtown LA SM = Santa Monica WeHo = West Hollywood OC = Orange County VC = Ventura County SFV = San Fernando Valley LB = Long Beach Hwd = Hollywood LINKS LA Regional Hub: http://www.chowhound.com/places/regions/2 Digest posts about LA: http://www.chow.com/digest/tag/los+angeles+area Add a new topic to the LA board: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/new?board_id=2 LA CHOWHOUND MEETUPS Hounds love to eat, and they love to eat together. Anyone can plan a chowdown and announce it on the board, (see the Etiquette for more: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/367605#2975390 ) but there are a couple of established groups of hounds who dine together, so you might want to get on their mailing lists: SCARF: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SCARF-So_Cal_Assoc_of_Radical_Foodies/ PleasurePalate: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PleasurePalate/ FEEDBACK If there's something you think is vitally important for new members of the board to know that we've missed, please comment on this Site Talk thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/458604 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:18:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/462512#3143528 http://www.chow.com/topics/573430#4184875 Ok, I've been to a lot of delis in my 49 years; Arts, Jr's, Nate N Al, Jerry's, Frommins, Brents, to name a few. That being said, I was not ready for what I got at BG. Maybe I'm too low brow or maybe they do it differently in NY but when I asked for a sandwich combination of Nova and Sable and was told by my not too knowledgeable server it would not come open face I was a little miffed. So, I ordered the "combination appetizer" which was essentially the same thing; a bagel, cream cheese, capers, onion, tomato, pickle, olive (for $18) minus the side salad that you would have gotten for the same price had I ordered the sandwitch. As an "appetizer you build the sandwich yourself, which is what I would have done at any other deli I've been to if ordering it as a sandwich or 1/2 & 1/2. What I got was 2 generous slices of Nova which was fine as it covered a bagel nicely but the amount of Sable I got was ridiculous for the price. I got 3 smallish slices plus it had several large bones! My friend ordered the pastrami ($17). Our server asked if she would like it on the standard rustic roll or would she like it on rye? I told her to order it on rye. What she got was a sandwich on rye but It wasn't a Jewish rye. It was sort of brown and the bread was square which they cut on the diagonal. How cute. The best part is the slices looked like a bunch of under cooked bacon. The taste of the pastrami was delicious but it had way too much fat and the connective tissue was still connective. Now, I love fat but there were hunks of fat that had to be manually extracted from the sandwich. Not only that, it wasn't even cut across the grain. It was a very difficult sandwich to eat gracefully with having to pull out the connective stuff that you couldn't bite through. I mentioned something to the server after the bill was paid that the taste was good but the pastrami was disappointing because of aforesaid mentioned complaints. All he could say was at least it tasted good. That being said, the people watching was fun, the view was great and I ate in good company. I was thinking of bringing my in-laws from MA when they came out. Not a chance! Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:16:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573430#4184875 http://www.chow.com/topics/572951#4184871 I second Pete's Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:14:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572951#4184871 http://www.chow.com/topics/573158#4184864 I think they sell them at the cheese shop as well. I have also seen them at C'est Cheese on Hyperion. It is a great chocolate bar to spring on the unsuspecting... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:11:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573158#4184864 http://www.chow.com/topics/573426#4184861 Well I went to this hoody landmark bakery only to find a fence around the premises perimeter and a shuttered door. Someone please tell me they just moved someplace else please. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:11:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573426#4184861 http://www.chow.com/topics/510218#4184818 Koreans pronounce it SamGyupSal Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:53:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/510218#4184818 http://www.chow.com/topics/50998#4184809 5 Crowns is of course a part of the Lawry's restaurant family. And perhaps, six and half years ago when this thread was written, the atmosphere was less pretentious and the staff a tad less snooty? One can always hope. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:51:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/50998#4184809 http://www.chow.com/topics/573409#4184805 there are a few places in the area that you might consider. "Bloom" on Pico is minutes away and has good salads, sandwiches, eggs etc. Go north on La Brea and there is a decent Japanese Izakaya called Sake House ( but no outdoor seating). We also found a fabulous new Korean BBQ place on Wilshire near Highland I think it's called Genwa(?) which is a hidden gem. Finally there's a brand new Cuban place just opened on Pico very near La Brea. Can't vouch for it but looks like the real deal : ) Hope that helps. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:47:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573409#4184805 http://www.chow.com/topics/51242#4184794 My favorite so far are Tommy's Chili Cheese Fries. The Hat gives you a lot of Fries -- It's one of the largest I've seen. I actually have a collection of Chili Cheese Fries photos on Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog. It includes pictures of The Hat, Tommy's, Carl's Jr., Del Taco, and a lot more. It's the best of OC's Chili Cheese Fries. Thanks, Shelly http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:43:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/51242#4184794 http://www.chow.com/topics/573131#4184778 I'm sorry I should clarify one thing, the reception would be post dinner, (say around 9pm) so it would be later than happy hour. Would if make sense to target places that might be busy early in the evening and less busy post/ during dinner? Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:38:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573131#4184778 http://www.chow.com/topics/573205#4184723 Just to play devil's advocate here, "taking one for the team" is one thing, but why would anyone let one person's reaction to a first-night menu keep you from tasting/trying the same things or going at all? What if you liked bacalao, which kevin did not. Would you not try because he said the bacalao fritters weren't good because they had cod and not some other fish (when that's exactly what bacalao is = dried salted cod)? Do you have exactly the same palate as his? Do you know you that eat the same exact way he does? How about if the kitchen takes some of these early critiques and tweaks the dishes to make them better? What if some of these things he said were awful actually turn out to be stellar in a few weeks or months, the time it usually takes for any kitchen to get their bearings together? Wouldn't you be so disappointed if you didn't try the best things in the house because all you're remembering is his first review? I think Kevin's review is very thorough and an interesting read, especially with the photos It's admirable he wanted to try everything on the menu, but at some point it was too much, so (like tasting too many wines in one day), could that mar his views? I was there last night too and tried some of the same dishes he did; some he didn't like and I did. Even at my table, some dishes I liked (the fideo paella) and my dining guest did not (at least as much as I did). We had some scallops that had far too much salt on them rendering them inedible, although they were cooked perfectly and the accompanying sauce was delicious. We loved the spinach, a perfect lingering balance of salty and sweet, with pine nuttiness. Our pork cheeks were a little overcooked, dry. I thought the sausage with white beans was delicious, the meat juicy and fatty at once. And of course the liquid olives taste like olives but the hype is that THEY AREN'T. To those who won't go or who won't order the same dishes that Kevin did, isn't there something to be said for thinking for yourself, testing the waters, finding out what you do and don't like? There's a lot to that menu, there are a lot of items, and my guess is they will in fact see what works and what doesn't. I can't wait to go back, especially when Jose Andres is in the house. He wasn't last night, but he will be. Just sayin.... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:16:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573205#4184723 http://www.chow.com/topics/573290#4184668 If you consider Spago, go for the tasting menu. It is phenomenal and included three courses that I would rank on my top 10 of all time. They will accommodate vegetarians; one of our party was vegetarian and her food was excellent. If you do not do the tasting menu, rave to your vegetarian friend about the agnolloti with truffle. I don't think it is normally part of the tasting menu, but one of my friends began raving about it when we sat down, so they included it as a course in the tasting menu. It was absolutely outstanding. (In the summer, they make the agnolloti with sweet corn, but in the fall, they do it with cauliflower. I was told the sweet corn is better, but I can't imagine a dish better than the cauliflower.) Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:49:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573290#4184668 http://www.chow.com/topics/572135#4184656 We checked it out last night and loved it. Beautiful produce and seafood, great looking prepared food such as deep dish pizza, calzone, sushi, and seafood bar. They must have 200 or more types of cheeses, an olive bar, a Peet's coffee, and a bakery with luscious looking everything! I bought some ambrosia apples and seedless grapes- wow- so much better tasting and looking than regular super market produce. We also sat at the cafe and had coffee and a cranberry orange scone. I will definitely be back and do some real shopping... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:46:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572135#4184656 http://www.chow.com/topics/570014#4184648 Interesting story - I was in the area today, so I popped in to tell Santiago, the chef, that I really enjoyed the meal I had and mentioned the review (if you could call it that) that I wrote here, mentioning that I may have turned another dozen or so people on to the place. Interestingly, a diner - P, we'll call him - overheard what I was saying, and came up to tell us that he was here for this very reason - he read the review, and was interested enough to come out and try the place. He had great things to say about the meal - so excited was he, in fact, that he said he was thinking about bringing his family back in for dinner there that very evening (he was dining alone, I think). I think he also had the striped bass - and enjoyed it. Anyway - glad I could turn a few more people on to this place. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:41:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570014#4184648 http://www.chow.com/topics/570297#4184587 Bloom Cafe is not far from the Indulge, so you might want to ask Arnaud Palatan, its owner, if he knows anything. He is generally quite aware of things going on in his neighborhood, be it at his former place, Pastis on Beverly, or now at Bloom. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:16:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570297#4184587 http://www.chow.com/topics/572140#4184582 My wife and I were also there Saturday night (mixed couple in the back) and we loved the chicken rice soup it was awesome. Also the chicken wings were perfectly done. My wife loved the giant rice ball (I didnt get a bite). We had a large Kubota Senju Saki that was the perfect compliment. I wish it was closer...... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:14:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572140#4184582 http://www.chow.com/topics/572843#4184553 Looks like if it weren't for me, the mods would be out of a job... from their actions, it seems that as respectable folks that we are, I guess we can agree to disagree. You were in Nicaragua doing good, I shouldn't have to mention this but since we're showing merit badges, I was in Belize. You were in New Guinea, I was in Fiji and the Solomons. You're good, and I like to think I try to be good. I was humbled by my experiences, and I hope you were too. And this is why in my eyes, money has no bearing, no threshold to achieve. Personally, the amount of money spent on any date never was a benchmark for me. And if times have changed that much to where it now is perfunctory, then I'm that much more happy that I'm out of the singles scene... :) Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:05:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572843#4184553 http://www.chow.com/topics/573330#4184549 I think Lupes in Montebello has a ground beef burro as does the place on Hacienda Blvd. that is famous for their tacos and burros with sour cream and fresh grated jack cheese. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:04:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573330#4184549 http://www.chow.com/topics/573398#4184548 I'm meeting my cousin for dinner tomorrow night in Long Beach where her hotel is located. Any reccomendations for "not to miss" restaurants down there? We both like a place with atmosphere and, of course, excellent food.. but not a party scene. Thanks! Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:04:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573398#4184548 http://www.chow.com/topics/572050#4184547 actually i just realized there is a kosher hot dog joint at the grove entitled All American Sausage Co., which a rendition of the american flag plastered across the tiny shack. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:03:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572050#4184547 http://www.chow.com/topics/573384#4184544 Yong su san is definately over rated..but the traditional korean course meal is definately worth trying atleast once. Check out So Hyang, one of the newest up and comers in Ktown. They offer course menus and also have good selection on other dishes, including KBBQ. So Hyang http://www.ktownlove.com/zbxe/63796 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:02:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573384#4184544 http://www.chow.com/topics/570680#4184539 I got that almost. All I need now is the dough, and also make sure you can eat Raw Beef Liver (not necessarily steak tarttare). Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:01:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570680#4184539 http://www.chow.com/topics/573369#4184532 The specialties include (in season) fresh peach and fresh strawberry donuts. Otherwise, he has all of the usual suspects plus a couple of not-so-usual ones, including what's called a tiger tail - a long, twist donut that has chocolate chips to create the stripedy effect of a tiger's tail. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:59:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573369#4184532 http://www.chow.com/topics/570904#4184504 As I mentioned above, I was a little underwhelmed with my Meyer lemon/blueberry pancakes and El Parador, but it's not even one week since they've opened so I'll cut them some slack. On the other hand, the "Grandma's French Toast," and the Veggie omelette were quite good. Plus I'll give them style points for trying a few different things right off the bat. I think if eaters can offer constructive criticism to the new place, it can turn out to be what you're hoping it to be... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:46:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570904#4184504 http://www.chow.com/topics/570407#4184462 Curry means a lot of things. I tend to think of it as a turmericky yellow stew. I would say the best dishes I've had in LA called "curries" are those on the Southern Thai menu at Jitlada. For instance, the tea leaf curry. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:30:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570407#4184462 http://www.chow.com/topics/573356#4184443 Jonna's pecan pumpkin pie is a masterpiece. She has won awards for her pastry skills for many a good reason, so Josie definitely! A good list of a few TG ideas here http://losangeles.metromix.com/restaurants/article/suck-it-up-and/768654/content Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:22:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573356#4184443 http://www.chow.com/topics/573237#4184415 I really like Saudi Arabian food and think it's distinct from "Middle Eastern" and Persian, but the only place I've ever had it is Bangkok (where Saudis go to holiday or naughty ones go to stay). I've never seen any of these other cuisines at a standalone restaurant anywhere in the world. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:12:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573237#4184415 http://www.chow.com/topics/573375#4184366 This Thursday's episode of Kitchen Nightmares features the makeover of Sante La Brea. Apparently, this was done over the summer. Has anyone been recently since the redo? If so, how is it? Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:51:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573375#4184366 http://www.chow.com/topics/573374#4184361 Looking for Monkey Bread in Los Angeles- or any area is fine. Any favorite places? Thanks! Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:49:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573374#4184361 http://www.chow.com/topics/573096#4184340 Fantastic! Now I've got to try this place! I more or less agree with your assessment of the other Indian places you've name-checked, so it's great to see where you are coming from in your rave for this new place. I'll be sure to post again once I've checked it out (but that might not be for a few weeks...) Thanks again for this post -- the dramatic title especially caught my eye! Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:41:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573096#4184340 http://www.chow.com/topics/573296#4184327 hmmnn - I suspect great minds think alike... I will be doing a Chinese-style duck & rice-wrap/roll thingy for Thanksgiving appetisers for 11 peeps. I already did a bit of a trial run and obtained some decent BBQ Duck in NoHo. I don't think it's exactly the same as "Peking Duck" but it's close and may be what you are after. BBQ Unlimited is on Sherman Way, W of Coldwater, before Ethel. BBQ Unlimited 12980 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, CA - (818) 765-7725 I believe they are open 7 days a week from 10am to 10 pm. ***Bangluck Thai market is in the same little strip mall. (That's where I obtained the rice paper wraps.) Whole duck = $20 (approx) 1/2 duck = $10 Hope this helps. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:36:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573296#4184327 http://www.chow.com/topics/563484#4184319 My report: In short, wow!! I really think their food gives Yuzu a run for their money, and it is a heck of a lot cheaper. THe quality of the ingredients is exceptional, as is the technique of preparation. Plus, everyone loves the pier. After you stuff yourself silly you get to walk around and look at the boats. Here is what we ordered: Ricotta Tofu - Cool, creamy, delicate, delightful Agedashi - Fried Tofu in broth - The broth is rich, the tofu has a nice crust on the outside and is moist and light on the inside. THis is not that greasy stuff you get at other asian restaurants Pork meatballs in broth - one of my favorites. Rich, flavorful...they really know how to do a proper stock. Fried gizzards - I still prefer them yakitori style, but the crunch does have a certain allure spicy chicken wings - A table favorite. Not your daddy's buffalo wings to be sure. A second order was procured Kimchee pork - Flavors were more savory then either sweet or spicy. Almost like a stew cherry tomatoes wrapped in bacon - Better than chocolate and peanut butter. Pork Belly - Layers of succulent meat and fat that just melts in your mouth Stuffed Lotus Root - (With Chicken, that is. ) I really love the soft 'crunch" of lotus contrasted with the savory/sweet ground chicken. It makes my mouth happy. shrimp in mayo - Everyone liked this but me. I just don't like mayo on japanese food. takowasa (Raw octopus and wasabi) - Addictive flavor and texture Zouisi - chicken and rice broth - I was sick recently and really wished I could send my husband out to just pick up some of this for me. It might even be better than Jewish Chicken Soup I can't wait to go again... ExileKiss, I give you full credit on my blog. http://foodandwineblog.thefoodietraveler.com/2008/11/01/yakitori-binchu-now-izakaya-binchu---amazing-authentic-japanese-on-redondo-pier.aspx Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:34:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563484#4184319 http://www.chow.com/topics/567867#4184298 I know this won't help, but when in San Francisco, check out Tartine Bakery. Great pecan pie. I'm a fan of Pecan Pie and a food lover. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:28:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/567867#4184298 http://www.chow.com/topics/573322#4184297 AAAAYYYY-men to that. I'm a mayo guy, too, and this is some of the best lunch-counter potato salad I've ever had. Besides the excellent seasoning, the potatoes are cooked properly, neither mushy nor rubbery, which is not easy to do when you're making big quantities. If you're looking for some to take home, check out Bristol Farms. It's usually about that good, and they'll give you a taste to let you know what you're getting. Not cheap, but not bad. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:28:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573322#4184297 http://www.chow.com/topics/573204#4184284 Bob, Thanks for the tip. Sounds very interesting and definitely within budget (how can they do that???!) Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:26:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573204#4184284 http://www.chow.com/topics/572846#4184272 Funny you mentioned Jose Andres' new place. We are going to trying it very very soon! Mrs. J.L. hails from Madrid (AND on top of that, she's a molecular biologist!!! hehehe), so I will place the emphasis on her opinions. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:22:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572846#4184272 http://www.chow.com/topics/573285#4184265 You're not the first person to ask. A quick search yields: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/572580 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/383885 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:18:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573285#4184265 http://www.chow.com/topics/573025#4184189 Wow, I never experienced that - nor would I want to, regardless of how good it was (and it was pretty darn good). Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:42:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573025#4184189 http://www.chow.com/topics/566404#4184149 on another korean tip, if you are adventurous try the denjangchigae, it's a spicy fermented soybean paste and tofu stew that is not only delicious but good for you too. Add a little kimchi and you are in active enzyme heaven. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:26:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/566404#4184149 http://www.chow.com/topics/573182#4184093 Thanks for the feedback, exilekiss and burumun! I'm not sure how big your parties were...how many dishes would you order at Bazaar for a party of 2? Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:07:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573182#4184093 http://www.chow.com/topics/572152#4184057 For cheap, I liked the fried chicken at Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken & Donuts, up on Lake north of the 210. Nothing refined, and not something you could eat everyday, but it was spicy and tasty. I work in Pas and often take the quick drive through San Marino for some Vietnamese or Chinese takeout in San Gabriel on Las Tunas. Not sure if that's feasible from your location. Is a quick drive into Eagle Rock do-able for you? Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:55:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572152#4184057 http://www.chow.com/topics/566996#4184023 I've always had a great experience at The Wine House. Wally's is good too, but I find the selection and service and prices at the Wine House to be generally better. I have a relationship with two sales people there and find that they have come to know my palate and always recommend great stuff. The knowledge of the staff at the wine house is the best I've found in LA and the service they offer trumps Wally's and the rest. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:45:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/566996#4184023 http://www.chow.com/topics/572612#4183977 Porto's - Glendale or Burbank (wonderful prices) Jongewaard's Bake and Broil - Long Beach (I'm crazy about their old-fashioned chocolate layer cake) Heirloom Bakery - South Pasadena (I had their red velvet cake at a restaurant, one of the best I've ever had. But I've never seen it in the bakery case, you may have to order in advance) Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:59:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572612#4183977 http://www.chow.com/topics/573033#4183946 I like the waffles there, thin style, I found them buttery and light. but I may also have been distracted by the fried chicken. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:53:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573033#4183946 http://www.chow.com/topics/497874#4183937 Make sure to ask for your pastrami hand sliced at Langers -- they used to all come that way, but they recently switched to using a mcahine so you have to ask for hand sliced now. It makes a difference! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:51:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/497874#4183937 http://www.chow.com/topics/572428#4183924 Urth cafe, going to order that and their ginger crusted pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:47:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572428#4183924 http://www.chow.com/topics/573311#4183745 I will have some family in town and was looking for a place to have a nice dinner? Nothing over $100/person, but $50 - $80/pp should be perfect. I'm looking for places from West Hollywood to West LA (Santa Monica is fine also) Thanks! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:57:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573311#4183745 http://www.chow.com/topics/369857#4183736 Found it at HK Market in Glendale off Pacific Ave and they had heaps of it for about $2 a pack. They are larger sheets that can easily be cut into 4. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:55:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/369857#4183736 http://www.chow.com/topics/573168#4183663 they called the soup Aush...forget the eggplant name but it was fantastic...it was pureed a bit--though not a creamy dip like bagaganoush...the eggplant retained it's identity. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:33:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573168#4183663 http://www.chow.com/topics/573032#4183655 good fresh cookies. packaging is quaint and homemade but I think that makes them unique and old fashioned. my son loves them. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:30:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573032#4183655