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/665522#5164485 Unbeknownst to me this restaurant was featured 2 nights ago on Food Network. No parking in their 10 car lot so, I had to park across the street at the coin laundry. Not too bad tonight cuz there was no traffic on the Blvd and it's well lit in front of the laundry. When my friend and I arrived about 6:45P, folks were hanging out the front door. Inside it was rather chaotic and very noisy. We ended up eating outside to avoid the mess indoors. The restaurant ran out of the signature meal, Mambo's chicken so, I had the chicken breast. He had the breaded steak. Very pleasant staff but, neither of us were impressed enough to choose this place again. Why? Bland food, slow staff, too many people in a very small space and too cold to eat outside. (no heaters) It's ok if you're in the area but, not worth a special trip. I give it 2 1/2 stars (We spoke to folks who had driven in from Downey - Don't do it. You'll be disappointed! ). Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:20:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665522#5164485 http://www.chow.com/topics/665362#5164469 Maybe the bread is a clue. Not a sub bun. More like Armenian bread. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:52:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665362#5164469 http://www.chow.com/topics/665516#5164457 There used to be Pizza shop by the name of Pizzaro. It was in Marina Del Rey near Jerry's deli. Is that place still there? I can't find it online. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:41:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665516#5164457 http://www.chow.com/topics/665504#5164450 Go to trader joes, you can get pop in the oven pastries like pain de chocolate and inexpensive truffles... just put on nice plates and if all that booze you bought works, no one will be the wiser... --Dommy! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:36:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665504#5164450 http://www.chow.com/topics/665405#5164448 If I recall lunch break was 2 hours. I had no problem walking to Chinatown and getting back to the court room in plenty of time. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:35:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665405#5164448 http://www.chow.com/topics/665304#5164414 even though it's a chain, Lucille's BBQ is surprisingly good. Smoked turkey is juicy and tender. The baked beans are sweet and smoky and the pulled pork is excellent. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:58:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665304#5164414 http://www.chow.com/topics/656042#5164386 Okay, finally got to try it this week... the truck is actually Yadiz and I don't think it's the same one because I found the Cemita Meh... http://www.flickr.com/photos/dommichu/4084974310/?editreplace=1 Now, I will say he did everything to order, it's just it didn't come together... I much prefer the Smart and Final truck for sure... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:28:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656042#5164386 http://www.chow.com/topics/663565#5164382 Inspired by the posts to this thread, the wife and I went to Perdue's tonight. We were very, very pleased!!! Finally there is really good BBQ in the SGV! My wife ordered the brisket of beef sandwich, which had lots of tender and tasty thin-sliced beef piled in a Kaiser roll. I ordered the baby back dinner, which came with Texas toast and two sides. I chose the mac cheese and greens. The ribs were excellent. Really meaty and tender, and obviously smoked a long time with TLC. They didn't really need the sauce, but the sauce added another dimension. Nicely smoky with just the right amount of sweetness, it was very good. The mac cheese had plenty of cheese and also just the right crustiness. The greens were tasty too, with a nice kick to them. All in all the food was great. The young lady that was at the counter was very friendly and provided excellent service. We were lucky enough to find a parking space right in front. In my opinion, this place is well worth a visit - great BBQ, and finally at a place where we don't have to drive across town! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:24:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663565#5164382 http://www.chow.com/topics/369331#5164327 hands down it has to be EL Indo in northridge area. with some of their yummy salsa Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:47:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/369331#5164327 http://www.chow.com/topics/664462#5164324 Whatever you choose just be-careful so they have a health permit! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:45:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664462#5164324 http://www.chow.com/topics/665257#5164312 i'm a fan of The Alcove. personally, i think square one is overrated. have yet to have a decent order of hash brown potatoes there. to be fair, though, they do make a mean french toast. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:40:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665257#5164312 http://www.chow.com/topics/55329#5164307 Just stopped there, asked for "the most authentic" dish on the menu, the guy said knowledgeably "lamb curry" and then proceeded to give me a gloopy, brown-curry with green peppers in the worst tradition of americanized "chinese" garbage. not recommended. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:39:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/55329#5164307 http://www.chow.com/topics/665207#5164173 Thanks for the heroic feat in advance! Over 25 Urasawa Spago Providence Bazaar Church and State Under 25 (this is even tougher and two make it for frequency...) Monte Alban Mariscos Chente Jitlada Thai Nate'n'Al's (a weekly dinner...) Greenleaf Chop Shop (lunch multiple times a week...) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:15:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665207#5164173 http://www.chow.com/topics/663820#5164167 Silverlaker -- this is my pet gripe about our hood, too!!! NO GOOD SOUP!!! Victor's on Franklin and Bronson makes a good chicken soup. If you can stand to hop on the 101 and get off at Gower or brave the side street traffic, it does the trick. I like to add some dill to mine and just a pinch of salt. But seriously, this is a real problem, the lack of decent soup. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:13:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663820#5164167 http://www.chow.com/topics/665465#5164136 Yes, a total letdown after a buildup that lasted for months! There is nothing there that you don't see in everywhere else. Blah, blah and blah. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:58:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665465#5164136 http://www.chow.com/topics/664925#5164086 Ah, I've been to OB Bear so many times in the past few months, but the goods are the spicy fried chicken there. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:30:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664925#5164086 http://www.chow.com/topics/665028#5164038 About Valley Blvd. late night, stay tuned on that :-) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:54:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665028#5164038 http://www.chow.com/topics/665348#5163982 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/504137 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/419603 You can find discussion of making your own hot fudge on the Home Cooking board where all things recipe are talked about. Here is one such thread on a recipe for the elixir: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/600808 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:22:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665348#5163982 http://www.chow.com/topics/665467#5163973 QUICK...I NEED AN ANSWER ASAP DRIVING ALL THE WAY TO ANAHEIM FOR A DUCKS GAME> IS THER ANY PLACE CLOSE BY TO EAT THAT IS REALLY GOOD? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:19:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665467#5163973 http://www.chow.com/topics/664843#5163937 Fat Fish on Robertson. You can use the back lounge area for small party/meetings. They also have happy hour in the lounge everyday from 5-8. Great food and drinks. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:52:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664843#5163937 http://www.chow.com/topics/665024#5163931 Vinoteque has a nice outdoor patio although the food sucks. Tasca is always a hit or miss. If you dont mind driving I would say tasting kitchen or Gjelina on abbot kinney Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:49:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665024#5163931 http://www.chow.com/topics/665036#5163925 LA k town has the best korean food in the whole US so I would suggest checkin out a couple spots there. Kobawoo is known for their pork belly wraps. All their food is good but you definitely want to go for this. They also have this for a lunch special which is only 10$ including all the sides and soup. Honey Pig also a pork belly but its BBQ on a grill with veggies and kimchee you grill together. At the end they make a spicy fried rice on the same grill you cooked the meats. For a traditional Japanese experience Shinsengumi in Torrance has chicken parts skewers and pub style (izakaya) tapas dishes Chinese dim sum in Chinatown Emperors Palace. Theres usually a long wait but thats a good sign for dim sum. If you dont mind traveling a little further Monterey Park is filled with good dim sum spots. You cant go wrong with any of them. Gjelina is a really good restaurant but its not Ethnic Mexican Food go to King Taco or El Taurino. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:46:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665036#5163925 http://www.chow.com/topics/381823#5163890 I just had my first at Zaatar Factory in Burbank today. These things are damn delicious. Very friendly people. They gave me a sample of a very thin flat bread with house made sausages. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:28:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/381823#5163890 http://www.chow.com/topics/664852#5163841 Thanks. Didn't know they carried it there, since it's not out in the meat display. After asking a couple of people, they finally figured out what I was looking for and I was able to get 10 lbs of pork fat for $2.90 (total, not per #). After rendering it, I got about 3 quarts of lard and lots of cracklings. I guess it's time to make cornbread. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:03:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664852#5163841 http://www.chow.com/topics/665399#5163828 I hate to disagree but I had Umami the other day, small, not juicy and was not impressed. I did like, like not love, the pork burger, fries needed to be crisper and the onion rings were very greasy, almost like the temperature on the fryer was to low. Had to keep asking for iced tea to be refilled. I will try the Los Feliz branch and check out 2 other burgers, the hatch and mabe the truffle or turkey. The beer selec tion at Los feliz sounds interesting also. We shall see but so far not impressed. I would maybe grab some panini sandwiches and salad and some desserts at LaBrea Bakery and enjoy yourselves. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:53:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665399#5163828 http://www.chow.com/topics/665288#5163812 You can ask them to adjust the seasonings, esp. on the Lobster and Crab, and even dishes like the shaking beef (ie. beef loc lac). Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:43:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665288#5163812 http://www.chow.com/topics/665452#5163797 The are featuring some new special ramen dishes at Ramen California in Torrance. One was a new broth that was 1/2 chicken and 1/2 fish broth. We didn't try but I will need to go back. The other specials were I believe called "Banmen" which we were told was a different style dish. It came with Chashu pork or Chicken. They also had homemade hard boiled eggs you could add to dishes. We ordered the Chashu with egg. We watched the chef pull out a nice big piece of pork and pull out his special knives and slice the pork very thin. The dish soon came out and indeed the pork was much more thin than usually had with Ramen. The dish had a really nice smoky smell that seemed to be from the pork and was infused in the noodles. The sauce was very light and sort of just dressed on the noodles rather than a soup. The eggs were really nice. Much better than the normal boiled egg. The yolk still was custardy and mixed in with the noodles and broth. Really liked the dish. Need to go back and try the chicken and other new stuff. They have also now added Japanese Asahi and Kirin beer. We were told before that the owner only wanted American beer so just had Miller and other stuff we don't like. So we were really happy. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:27:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665452#5163797 http://www.chow.com/topics/664752#5163784 Thanks for the Bottega Louie idea, but we go for something light and non-Thanksgiving-y for lunch. Our tradition is mass, lunch, put turkey in, go out to movie, home for cocktailing, dinner, jacuzzi, dessert, charades or some similar game, then collapse! I think dim sum will be perfect and I appreciate the suggestions. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:17:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664752#5163784 http://www.chow.com/topics/663763#5163780 EK: Good review and good rec. Went to the Highland Park location today and ordered the $7.50 special of pork butt/shoulder carnitas...lean and tender. You get a pound of carnitas with onions, cilantro, and a dozen tortillas. Plenty for three of us. The restroom was impressive too, nicely tiled, roomy with upgraded fixtures and immaculately clean. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:15:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663763#5163780 http://www.chow.com/topics/664566#5163711 I would suggest Jar.. (beverly and sweetzer) The bar stools are very comfortable (ok, I am officially an OLD LADY for noting such a thing) and the drinks/wine choices are great. Plus they bring out complimentary warm potato chips with ranch sauce for dipping and have a great nut combo for nibbling. ok, officially..OLD LADY OUT. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:37:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664566#5163711 http://www.chow.com/topics/665231#5163604 I was at Upstairs 2 last night, and one of their dishes was escolar with a chipotle-pumpkin "pot du creme," i.e., a flan. It was an odd dish. The escolar alone tasted too strongly of lemon and the flan alone tasted too strongly of cinnamon. But when I tried them together, the flavors worked. (I will say that my dinner colleague hated the dish with a passion.) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:38:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665231#5163604 http://www.chow.com/topics/665089#5163480 Hard to replicate their sauce and those cheap soft buns come in a 24 or 36 pack. Unless we are doing a BB party at your house for a dozen people I do not have the freezer space. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:35:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665089#5163480 http://www.chow.com/topics/664164#5163448 He was at the other place mentioned in the thread Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:17:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664164#5163448 http://www.chow.com/topics/664435#5163418 I am a big fan of Monte Alban but they are known for their mole, not their red sauce enchiladas. I would suggest either Gilbert's El Indio or Lares. They are both on Pico Blvd in Santa Monica. Not a Don Antonio's fan. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:54:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664435#5163418 http://www.chow.com/topics/664984#5163338 I fourth Break of Dawn Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:56:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664984#5163338 http://www.chow.com/topics/665083#5163257 The Yard is another place for great cheese selections because it's all from Andrew's Cheese Shop - so you can have that great cheese with wine. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:03:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665083#5163257 http://www.chow.com/topics/612332#5163022 Also in OC, Greek Island Grille on Bristol and Sunflower, across the street from South Coast Plaza, has darn good gyros. The pita is fresh and fluffy, and the tzaziki is plentiful and tasty. This is larger than many others I've had, and quite filling. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:51:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/612332#5163022 http://www.chow.com/topics/664371#5162961 I thought the actual Shanxi noodle was good, definitely better than JTYH's attempt, but the stir fry was leaning to the bland and a little too homey for me--sloppy pork butchering notwithstanding. Has anybody had better luck with a different topping/flavor than the pork? Incidentally, they listen to KUSC, which is a welcome change from the usual cloying pap SGV places play. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:01:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664371#5162961 http://www.chow.com/topics/665211#5162817 Have you considered Union Station? I recently attended a wedding/reception there and felt that it was a really unique place to have a wedding. The ceremony and cocktail hour was in the courtyard and the reception was in the "restaurant" section of Union Station. I don't think that it is an actual running restaurant anymore, but you can hire a caterer of your choice. Our friends chose a local Mexican restaurant and had it as a buffet. Overall, it was a great, memorable wedding. Very different from your typical hotel ballroom type of reception. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:40:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665211#5162817 http://www.chow.com/topics/665071#5162812 I'd also recommend Eva's. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:25:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665071#5162812 http://www.chow.com/topics/651974#5162781 Take the DASH to downtown L.A. McCormick and Schmick's is in the Library tower. Try them for happy hour. $1.99 will get you a 1/3 lb. cheeseburger with fries. Minimum drink order will be required, but it will be well worth the $0.25 trip. I've had many a happy times there as an undergrad. However, do skip Chano's and Pasta Roma. Not my faves. There's a Tapioca Express nearby if you ever want to go liquid diet. Boba, egg pudding or both in your drink might cover your short-term nutritional needs. I enjoy the lychee and almond snow bubbles. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:06:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651974#5162781 http://www.chow.com/topics/665317#5162773 Really? It's finally open. That's about 10 mins away from my office. Will have to try it for lunch one day this month. Thanks for the tip...and I will report back. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:55:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665317#5162773 http://www.chow.com/topics/663937#5162760 I'd be interested in knowing more about all of these... I'll have to check them out. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:37:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663937#5162760 http://www.chow.com/topics/664565#5162751 So start a second list and link it to the first... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:24:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664565#5162751 http://www.chow.com/topics/539948#5162573 Yes, La Cachette Bistro is definitely more comfortable, with good service. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:37:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/539948#5162573 http://www.chow.com/topics/665229#5162516 The Culver Hotel's Lobby Lounge/Bar has been low-key on a couple of visits this past year. "The Lobby Bar offers a signature cocktail menu, single malt scotches and an eclectic wine selection. It is the perfect place to unwind after a long day or celebrate a special occasion with friends. Open every day from 3:00pm-Close." The Culver Hotel 9400 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 558-9400 http://www.culverhotel.com/ http://www.culverhotel.com/accomodations.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:58:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665229#5162516 http://www.chow.com/topics/663566#5162486 For Main Street in Santa Monica I'd recommend a very small restaurant called 'Amelia's' for wonderful sandwiches, soup and salad...my favorite for cappuccino. You could also take them across the street to our local, regional museum, The Heritage...the most current exhibit featuring Skateboarding. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:34:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663566#5162486 http://www.chow.com/topics/665216#5162255 Hi Carly, Wondering if you ever broke out of the Columbia Chinese buffet mentality and have explored the glories of the Chinese food in the San Gabriel Valley http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/564715#4111724 Faves in Little Tokyo: 1. Daikokuya for their tonkatsu ramen (if you still think of ramen as $0.25 dehydrated packages of noodles, you have to try the real stuff). Also their gyoza are phenomenal, but Tokyo Cafe around the corner sells excellent ones for cheaper. Get your gyoza appetizer there while you wait for a table a Daikokuya. 2. Sushi Gen for lunch - $16 gets you a really nice quality sashimi lunch. This would be $30-50 in other restaurants. (this deal is not available if you sit at the sushi bar) 3. Sushi Go 55 in the top floor of the mall on Alameda and 3rd. Also really good quality fish for a bargain price, and 10% off if you use this coupon http://www.japaneserestaurantinfo.com/sushigo55/coupon/index.html Mr Taster Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:11:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665216#5162255 http://www.chow.com/topics/664244#5162135 Fratty is right. There really is something magical happening around the Hollywood Big Wang's. I walk by there all the time, and in the past couple of years the area immediately around Wang's has acquired a smell I've only smelled previously on Bourbon Street in N.O., a sour-beer-vomit-urine bouqet, that's the most unappetizing smell in town. I miss the simplicity of the neighborhood's original, mostly-urine smell. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:15:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664244#5162135