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/668768#5201201 Breakfast is always good. Salads are kinda rough. Get a steak, have them toast the bread with it and you're gonna leave happy. I sometimes go in and just get eh set-up (bread, butter, coleslaw and veggies). The coffee's okay, it never closes, it's a connection to a time when guys wore hats and women wore gloves... and now, a little rant. If the food were abysmal or below average, I could understand the whole 'ick' response. The truth is, the food's okay- but it's more than a steak or a sandwich. It's part of L.A.'s history. This city often seems intent on wiping out its past- and then, when something's gone, everybody says 'aw, I liked that old place!' A lot of fathers took their sons there, who in turn took their sons there and so on. Two more sentences and I'll quit, okay? We don't need another Starbucks; we need places where we can go and sit and smile. Then, when you say 'this is like the old days', I can respond 'these ARE the old days'. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:45:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668768#5201201 http://www.chow.com/topics/667700#5201198 so true! i would go to the westside for french, italian, new american, high-end sushi, gastropubs, indian, ethiopian, middle eastern... but i would no go there for vietnamese. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:42:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667700#5201198 http://www.chow.com/topics/668283#5201191 I'm reading this too late to help for your weekend, but if you go back to Long Beach, try Modica's at 455 E. Ocean Bl, 562-435-7011. It is just a few minutes from the aquarium. They specialize in Italian sandwiches, but also have some pastas, salads and non-Italian stuff. It is very casual, good for take-out (if you want to picnic on the beach) and kid friendly. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:40:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668283#5201191 http://www.chow.com/topics/668924#5201150 Liborio Market makes a good one. I think there is one in the Huntington Park/Bell area. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:23:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668924#5201150 http://www.chow.com/topics/668934#5201143 I had it, I think four times, and believe it was a whole duck not 1/2. However, it was a fantastic dish. Interestingly, it was always at lunch, and not many diners were there; was it crowded at dinner? So sorry they closed, one of the few Old Town restaurants that were truly good. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:19:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668934#5201143 http://www.chow.com/topics/662321#5201100 Sounds like PF Chang's is better than Chow's. At least it isn't as expensive. I don't understand both reviews. It was like people are expecting amazing Chinese food from a place that is probably more well known to the paparazzi. But, certainly ANY meal that costs almost $300 should be excellent. This is where I defend PF Chang's: I drive to the SGV all the time. When I used to travel on business a lot, sometimes I would eat at PF Changs. I didn't go in expecting something close to SGV Chinese food, but it was fine. If you are eating Beef w/ Broccoli or Cashew Chicken, PFC's is probably OK. I read a great book called Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in America. If you like Chinese Food, it is required reading. Sounds like this is the kind of place to have a drink and maybe see a couple of stars. I wouldn't go in expecting cutting edge Chinese food. If you go to the bar, you can avoid the 'sticker shock'. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:56:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662321#5201100 http://www.chow.com/topics/669024#5201062 Skip Bouchon - inconsistent and underwhelming. It very much depends upon the environment you want. Bazaar is VERY different from Melisse. I'm not sure how old you are either, which may or may not influence the vibe you are seeking. We're doing a company Holiday dinner at Bazaar. I think the nice thing is if you want to stay to hang out the hotel/lounge/bar you can... Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:38:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669024#5201062 http://www.chow.com/topics/668656#5201059 Went there today and it really is a nice place. Good Creme Brulee. Didn't try the coffee. The SGV really needs a place like that. A place with coffee and desserts where you can have a snack and chill out. Boba Bars just don't cut it all the time and I'll probably get lung cancer from drinking coffee at VN coffee bars since people smoke so much. I give them points for having the best pastries within walking distance to Elite Dim Sum. By the way, when I was there today, it was crowded. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:37:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668656#5201059 http://www.chow.com/topics/668931#5200967 Yea. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:37:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668931#5200967 http://www.chow.com/topics/540093#5200938 Mori's omakase seems to run around $90-140. Start buying sake and it could get expensive. I went there on a date about a month ago - we both got omakase, a bottle of wine, and then four glasses of wine. (should've just bought another bottle of wine). But with tip it came in around $450-$460. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:20:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/540093#5200938 http://www.chow.com/topics/528938#5200933 There is a great new cake decorating shop that opened up on Pico called NY Cake West. They offer cake decorating classes there for kids and adults. They also do kids birthday parties. Call 310-481-0875 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:18:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/528938#5200933 http://www.chow.com/topics/639831#5200903 I went the last time, they give away lots of freebie stuff like drink and food samples to take with you, not little bite size samples you eat there. I find the gas at the Commerce location to be 5-10 cent's/gallon cheaper than the Alhambra Costco and that's checking the same day a few times within the same hour. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:59:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639831#5200903 http://www.chow.com/topics/667336#5200898 Wurstkuche in downtown LA has the best hot dogs in LA, period. And also the best Belgian, or any other, Fries. 3rd & Traction, just east of Alameda, and a few blocks south of Union Station. Forget Pinks even exists. Fabs Dogs if you want a traditional one, but otherwise.... And a great selection of beers, btw. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:54:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667336#5200898 http://www.chow.com/topics/658885#5200889 Foster Farms FAQ's http://www.fosterfarms.com/faq/raise.asp Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:47:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658885#5200889 http://www.chow.com/topics/668908#5200873 Forgot...here's a picture of the Entemann's box. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:43:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668908#5200873 http://www.chow.com/topics/665207#5200685 I've never really had much + $25 meals, so here's my under-$25: - Umami Burger - Mendocino Farms - Mr Pizza Factory - Langer's - In-N-Out Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:16:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665207#5200685 http://www.chow.com/topics/669061#5200636 Hi 'Hounds My birthday is the 30th and I was all set to go to Grace with the family (4 of us) on our Blackboard Eats! coupon (3 course prix fixe for $38), but Grace is not open on Monday. I then thought of Upstairs 2, but it is also not open on Monday. I'd like to go somewhere new, so no Fraiche, Rustic Canyon, Saint Amour, Spago, JiRaffe, Hatfields, Riva, Wilshire, AOC, Lucques or the Foundry (our Dine LA meal there was the best meal I've had in LA in years). I have not been to Ortolan -- I'm worried it will be somewhat too stuffy for my 12 and 9 year old, who have enjoyed many of the above restaurants with us. So looking for very good food in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere. All suggestions welcome! I have of course considered delaying the dinner until Tuesday...that is still a possibility. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:52:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669061#5200636 http://www.chow.com/topics/668271#5200614 Most larger Chinese restaurants offering set banquet menus have different grades of food options. For example, when we went to Elite in Monterey Park for dim sum last time, I noticed they also offered 7 different set dinner banquet menus, priced at (per table) $398, $488, $588, $688, $888 (most auspicious), $1688, and the "Gold Medal Winner" menu: $2288... What does $2288 per table buy you? Here is the menu: 1. Roasted suckling pig with pate foie gras 2. Mixed supreme mushroom & bamboo pitch with special sauce 3. Elite pan fried lobster two style 4. pan fried king's clams & sea cucumber 5. House special shark's fin with crab meat 6. House abalone with special sauce 7. Steam fish with ginseng rice soup 8. Mixed vegetable with fish soup 9. Fried rice with crab meat & minced vegetables 10. Golden cream bird's nest 11. House pastries Assuming a table of 10, each person eats for a price of $228.80 (I assume tip is included, given a party that large). Hope this helps. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:40:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668271#5200614 http://www.chow.com/topics/668746#5200590 Hands down, best breakfast I've had in the valley is Nat's Early Bite, 14115 Burbank Blvd., in Van Nuys @ Hazeltine. Lots of great specials, check the blackboards (whiteboards, actually.) You may have to wait, it does get crowded. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:27:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668746#5200590 http://www.chow.com/topics/578114#5200565 I've seen it at the butcher department at the top of Beverly Glen. I've seen it at Whole Foods too - but I'd call first. And the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:15:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578114#5200565 http://www.chow.com/topics/667376#5200520 Actually, the similarity to gnocchi did subsequently occur to me. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:54:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667376#5200520 http://www.chow.com/topics/651466#5200488 What other bread are people used to being served at Arabic restaurants? My waistline wishes I agreed with you, Omatosando. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:33:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651466#5200488 http://www.chow.com/topics/668948#5200391 I agree with Carter. Bouchon Chicken Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:45:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668948#5200391 http://www.chow.com/topics/393591#5200338 Better (really) late than never but as I was cleaning my home office's paperwork I found the charge note for the Birria in Escondido. It was at Tortilleria Santa Cruz at 485 N Rose St, Escondido, CA. And by the way, I was back at El Parian this summer and I thought it was even better than the last time. And I have to add that the Pan dulce at the Panaderia about a block and a half away on Pico is also the best I've had outside of Michoacan. Cheers... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:20:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/393591#5200338 http://www.chow.com/topics/668842#5200209 While my lads like Coldstone, I find the ice cream to have an artificial chemical taste/aftertaste. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:12:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668842#5200209 http://www.chow.com/topics/627724#5200208 I think you described them perfectly. I like the pork burrito with NO cheese or egg. Didn't know about the kimchee, but will definitely be ordering that on the burrito in the future. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:10:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627724#5200208 http://www.chow.com/topics/668964#5200184 We were there last night as well. But only party of two. Agreed those sweetbreads were excellent. Really pleased with the service, wines & food. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:59:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668964#5200184 http://www.chow.com/topics/663303#5200183 Haven't been there yet myself and I think the name is dorky, but this place looks like it may fit your requirements. http://chicwinebar.com/ Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:59:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663303#5200183 http://www.chow.com/topics/508070#5200120 It may be dutched, but it's disgusting. They had a dutch processed cocoa powder they sold for a few years that was fabulous. The "Special Dark" is definitely dark, it turns your cookies and cakes BLACK Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:16:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/508070#5200120 http://www.chow.com/topics/668681#5200094 here here. i live five minutes away, and love it... but i want it just busy enough to stay open and have turnover of product, but never busy enough for me to have to wait... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:03:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668681#5200094 http://www.chow.com/topics/668932#5200090 Susina Bakery has an apple tart w/ vanilla hazelnut crumble that comes in various sizes. it's listed with the Thanksgiving menu. http://www.susinabakery.com http://www.susinabakery.com/pdfs/thanksgiving_menu.pdf Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:01:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668932#5200090 http://www.chow.com/topics/668196#5199918 I haven't, but I read a review recently that echoed your sentiments. They even supposedly have pickled jalapenos in the pico! You think it's worth a schlep across town? Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:26:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668196#5199918 http://www.chow.com/topics/668809#5199912 I've tried Costco's in-house stuff and was not a fan at all. Luckily, they were classy enough to give a refund when I expressed my dissatisfaction Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:24:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668809#5199912 http://www.chow.com/topics/585334#5199624 Thanks for sharing jacknhedy.I had an aguachile the other day served in a molcajete, even better with the volcanic notes. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:20:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585334#5199624 http://www.chow.com/topics/668526#5199594 http://www.homeboy-industries.org/homegirl-cafe.php Don't know if they'd do it for that price, but the restaurant is great - both food and atmosphere. And, it's a good cause. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:47:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668526#5199594 http://www.chow.com/topics/661712#5199519 Was at mellise the other night and was told it's still avaialble...... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:18:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661712#5199519 http://www.chow.com/topics/637110#5199516 open now, haven t eaten there yet..... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:17:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/637110#5199516 http://www.chow.com/topics/667727#5199515 Vicenti is my all time favorite in Brentwood. Service is great and the food superb. I eat at the bar all the time and it is also great. This is great birthday place and have taken my family there for such an occasion more than once. While there are many italian places in Brentwood this is upscale and the real deal. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:14:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667727#5199515 http://www.chow.com/topics/668920#5199467 Lots of places sell a whole Turducken, but are there restaurants that actually serve it as an entree, e.g., a Turducken dinner with all the fixins? Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:21:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668920#5199467 http://www.chow.com/topics/667453#5199308 oops! Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:53:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667453#5199308 http://www.chow.com/topics/662591#5199277 How about Leroy's on Huntington Bl in Monrovia? Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:28:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662591#5199277 http://www.chow.com/topics/667073#5199255 Triple clementine. (I had one this morning!). I dream about them. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:02:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667073#5199255 http://www.chow.com/topics/668901#5199199 Surfas in Culver City has lobster base. But it's not the South Bay. Call to confirm, but I've seen it there before. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:27:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668901#5199199 http://www.chow.com/topics/668673#5199165 Folks- The fresh vs frozen fish in sushi digression has been split off to its own thread here:FC http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/668898 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:04:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668673#5199165 http://www.chow.com/topics/668894#5199127 Everybody said I had to try this; that it's the best around. So today I went well out of my way to Gelson's because I knew they carried Broguiere's milk. It was $7 a bottle but I gamely bought 2. Next stop was a Henry's much closer to my house and on my regular shopping route. $5.50. Can we say *%&#^#U ?! Make sure if it's in your plans that you find a Henry's. I haven't tried it yet but even the check out clerk and the bagger at Gelson's were agreeing that there's nothing else like it. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:44:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668894#5199127 http://www.chow.com/topics/667992#5199120 I hate to break it to you but maybe you are and maybe you aren't. I put my name on the list at the last 2 events I went to there. No such thing as a notification yet. Consequently, I missed this one. Drat! Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:39:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667992#5199120 http://www.chow.com/topics/666520#5199062 LGB,,,Long Beach.. But I met a new neighbor and she had been eyeing the tree for weeks...so I got rid of two bags full. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:56:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666520#5199062 http://www.chow.com/topics/668808#5199000 Thanks for posting this. This truly is a little gem in the neighborhood. I will add that their store made salsa and guacamole are fantastic and they sell great quality tortilla chips. Also, they carry the most elusive Dr. Bob's Strawberry, Brown Sugar and Sour Cream ice cream. I've also gotten great deals on herbs and other fresh produce. The owner keeps a list and is wonderfully receptive to customer requests. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:14:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668808#5199000 http://www.chow.com/topics/668876#5198893 What are the current dinner specials/menus out there for dining on tuesday night? We're in the valley but will travel to the westside. No Los Feliz/Hollywood/West Hollywood please - it's too far to travel. Thanks. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:05:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668876#5198893