Mere Mortals' Ultimate LA Restaurants 2006
For those of us who haven't yet achieved the fiscal liberty to hobnob with the gods at Providence, Urasawa, and Cut...
What are your top 5 of 2006?
(still setting the bar high, but say walk in and walk out with $30 less in your pocket... and please keep it to restaurants i.e. places with waitservice)
ps. this survey is not officially sanctioned by chowhound.com :)
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rantsnravesnreviews
Jan 31, 2007 05:57 PM
How about Seasame Grille in Monrovia? And their corkage fee is only $5. Menu appetizers are $2 when you order an entree (try the salmon roll), the specials are always pricey but he menu has lots of options in this budget.
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SauceSupreme
Jan 30, 2007 10:00 PM
I clicked on this thread hoping someone had finally tabulated it. :(
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A good idea for a post. My list consists of where I would go if I had $30 to spend on dinner (food only, tax & tip excluded, because that's the path many of the other lists have taken) and that has a decent website (which excludes Monte Alban where you could be out the door for way under $30) - In No particular Order:
1) Warszawaw - Polish - Santa Monica
http://www.warszawarestaurant.com2) Alcazar - Lebanese - Encino
http://www.al-cazar.com3) Jagerhaus - German - Anaheim
http://www.jagerhaus.net4) Frida - Mexican (Upscale) - Beverly Hills
http://www.fridarestaurant.com5) Nook Bistro - American - W.L.A.
http://www.nookbistro.com›4 Replies-
re: JBC
What's the consensus on Frida? I am skeptical of high-end Mexican food in Beverly Hills, but I am willing to admit that my skepticism is perhaps based on stereotypes or irrational thoughts. What is the food like at Frida? For those of you who have been to Chicago, does it compare to Frontera Grill or Topolobampo?
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re: glutton
chica
Dec 20, 2006 12:47 AM
I love it. Here's a summer post of mine: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/31315...
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Reeter1
Dec 19, 2006 11:31 PM
1. Din Tai Fung - Arcadia
2. Mission 261 for dim sum - San Gabriel
3. Monte Alban - W. L.A.
4. Daikoyuka - Little Tokyo (that black pork soup!)
5. Barney Greengrass (top floor of Barney's) - Bev. Hills (brunch!)You know, I wanted to list Opus but it seemed unfair. Yes, the cheapest tasting menu is $30, BUT unless you're in AA, you're going to drink wine and the tab will double. I put it on the "no budget" list already...
AND if you're up for a "cheapER" (not cheap thrill), hit Patina after a show at the Disney Hall/Ahmanson and just order the cheese service with a glass of less-expensive wine. The cheese man there (Andrew, I think it is?) is SUPERB. He's got an incredible selection and is very knowledgeable and is SO much fun to dish with about cheese! BTW, the cheese plate is $20. We love to go late cuz the restaurant is empty and Andrew will spend a good 15 minutes giving you the grand tour of his cheese cart!
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Das Ubergeek
Dec 19, 2006 01:50 AM
Hm...
Green Village, Monterey Park (OMG THE PORK WITH BEAN CURD)
Spumoni, Van Nuys (OMG THE CALAMARI AND THE GNOCCHI)
Thai Nakorn, Garden Grove (OMG THE MANGO SALAD WITH CATFISH)
La Serenata de Garibaldi, Boyle Heights (OMG THE HUITLACOCHE)
Granville Cafe, Burbank (OMG THE AVOCADO MELT) -
Amandine... I love for starting this FANTASTIC post!!!!!!
I was trying to raise the bar even more by only listing places open for dinner as well. There are many great deals for lunch but, dinner deals on an everyday basis (not just Monday specials!) are harder to come by :)
Hakata Ramen
Pho So 1
Nanbankan
Din Tai Fung
Taiko›14 Replies-
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re: amandine
Mr Taster
Dec 20, 2006 05:22 AM
No it isn't... there's only one item to order. The pastrami sandwich (remember to hold the thousand island/coleslaw glop which drowns out the flavor of the pastrami) and just spread on a thin layer of the deli (brown) mustard. Heaven on a plate.
Mr Taster
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re: Mr Taster
Das Ubergeek
Dec 20, 2006 12:18 PM
And, with the entire chorus of LA Chowhound behind me, "MAKE SURE YOU ORDER IT HAND-CUT!"
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re: amandine
Mr Taster
Dec 21, 2006 06:38 AM
Rather than answer your hand cut/machine cut question directly, I propose that you take the...........
MR TASTER PASTRAMI TASTE-OFF CHALLENGE (tm)
-- On the day you decide to go to Langer's for the first real pastrami sandwich of your life, stop at any Ralph's along the way.
-- Go to the deli counter and ask for a taste of whatever supermarket pastrami they have. They will slice a bit for you on their big metal deli machine.
-- Notice the smooth texture of the pastrami. Sometimes it is so smooth that you can see the flourescent supermarket light reflect off of it.
-- Now, bite. Notice the chewiness of the meat. (You may not notice it at this point, but I promise by the time you finish the challenge, you will). Really bad pastrami can be like chewing on rubber bands.
-- You may want to save a piece of the Ralph's pastrami for later comparison.
-- Now, quickly!! While this memory of Ralph's is fresh in your head, go IMMEDIATELY to Langer's on 7th and Alvarado. Park in the lot that is one block east of Alvarado, on 7th. (Langer's will validate for 1 hour).
-- Order the basic sandwich on rye and ask that they hand cut the pastrami (if there's two of you, it's a better value to order the pastrami platter, which comes with fresh veggies, french fries, chopped liver (pate) and 6 pieces of rye bread, all for the cost of 2 sandwiches).
PLEASE NOTE: Ordering on rye bread is critical-- not just because it is the traditional way to eat pastrami, but because they "steam toast" the bread in a special way which makes Langer's a totally unique experience and edges it out over the famous Katz's deli in New York as best pastrami sandwich in America.
(One time I saw a guy order his sandwich on white bread and I wanted to cry.)
-- If you ordered the platter, all you'll need to do is pile a nice inch thick (or more) layer of pastrami, and a light spread of Gulden's deli mustard (brown mustard-- not the yellow kind, nor the sweet kind). Sometimes it is on your table... if not, be sure to ask for deli/brown mustard! Accept no yellow!
!!!WARNING--WARNING--WARNING--WARNING--WARNING!!!
>>>>> BEWARE OF "FAMOUS" SANDWICH No. 19 <<<<<
!!!!!PELIGRO--PELIGRO--PELIGRO--PELIGRO--PELIGRO!!!!!If your server suggests any of the blasphemous russian dressing/coleslaw sandwiches (such as the infamous "number 19" monstrosity which they wallop you over the head with when you first walk in the door) or if they suggest that you pile ANYTHING ELSE on top of your sandwich aside from a light spread of brown mustard, please, dear god, please just say no. Langer's pastrami is so wonderfully flavored, so delicately textured, that it is really important that you enhance its key assets and not cover them up with globs of mayonnaise and ketchup.
-- Now take a piece of Langer's pastrami out of your sandwich. Bite into it. Roll your tongue around it. Feel the texture. Compare it with your recent experience at Ralph's deli. If you saved a piece from your recent visit to Ralph's, eat it side by side with Langer's pastrami. All your questions will be answered.
And report back to us here.
Mr Taster
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re: wilafur
Mr Taster
Dec 22, 2006 07:03 AM
Agreed, to each his own. However my opinion is that for someone who has never eaten a proper pastrami sandwich, it would be ruinous to have their virgin taste of Langer's pastrami smothered in mayo, ketchup, pickled relish and cole slaw.
In my opinion the beauty of Langer's pastrami sandwich is in its simplicity and needs no embellishment. The no. 19 sandwich is like a colorized version of Casablanca. Like lipstick on the Mona Lisa. Some people might think it's better. I disagree.
Mr Taster
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re: Mr Taster
This is SO funny; I just went there today and I have to concur; it's just fantastic pastrami, and it's really a shame to drown it all out with the glop.
The service absolutely sucked. Guess they're striving for that authentic NY experience. I actually had serial set-tos with both the owner and subsequently his daughter, independently; both similarly bizarre. Oh well. The pastrami is still fantastic. I wish I had the fortitude to say "I'll never go there again", which they probably deserve, but I know I don't...
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re: Mr Taster
choctastic
Feb 1, 2007 01:28 PM
omg i had no idea you could get white bread at langers. i need to order me some of that next time, and i need some mayo too, that meat is too dry.
KIDDING! haha
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1. Nook Bistro (this is on my regular list too)
2. Taiko Brentwood
3. Sokongdong
4. Sushi Bei
5. Guelaguetza›2 Replies -
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re: Newkie
Your right, you couldn't do dinner; but you could do lunch with a salad and an entree under $30 real easy but nothing from the "Turf" (meat) section.
http://www.boasteak.com/balboa/menu/s...
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re: calabasas_trafalgar
SauceSupreme
Dec 18, 2006 11:29 PM
Trafalgar - It always seems like you and I are the only fans of La Paz on the boards. Clearly no one's been there on a Sunday morning and seen the spread. Part of me wants to spread the gospel of La Paz, but I kind of like it being this secret spot.
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re: glutton
La paz is in Calabasas, on Los Virgenes south of the 143. Its Yucatan style Mexican food. For me its the freshest, tastiest mexican food i've ever had. The trick there for me is to order a la carte. I usually get 2 tacos(made with grilled onions and bell peppers yum!) and 2 enchiladas, which is enough to feed a small army(or me).
I haven't been on Sunday so i can't comment on what Sauce is referring to, but I've never been disappointed, and I'll go out of my way to go there anytime.
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re: calabasas_trafalgar
WildSwede
Feb 1, 2007 12:01 PM
Is this the same as the La Paz that used to (or is it still there) on Victory 1 block east of Canoga? Do you know if they are one in the same?
I have been to the one on Las Virgenes, but that was many years ago, and cannot remember much about it.
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re: markn
Das Ubergeek
Dec 19, 2006 05:55 PM
Well, paella isn't exactly a Yucatecan dish -- maybe try a Mexican dish instead? I haven't been so I can't pass judgment.
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- La Serenata di Gariboldi in Boyle Heights for upscale Mexican
- Pho 999 in Van Nuys for straight-up good noodle bowls
- Thursday night at Campanile for grilled cheese (all under $20)
- Jack & Jill's in Beverly Hills for breakfast/lunch
- Nyala Ethiopian on Fairfax›5 Replies-
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re: glutton
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re: Diana
Das Ubergeek
Dec 20, 2006 12:18 PM
Ooooh, no, can't put Rahel above Meals By Genet, nope... but I do like Rahel!
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re: Diana
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amandine
Dec 18, 2006 06:50 PM
amandine enjoys:
1) Saladang
2) Literati II
3) Fatty's (Eagle Rock)
4) Nyala's (Fairfax)›2 Replies-
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re: banquisha
amandine
Dec 20, 2006 02:30 AM
It's probably cutting it close, but the appetizers are generous enough (and delicious enough) to make a light dinner (HUGE bruschetta!). That's what I always get when I go there. I'm guessing that if you add wine to an entree, you'd top $30, but you could be satisfied ordering under $30.
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3 Course Tasting at Opus = $30, ok tax+tip is more, but still, not a bad deal.
Langer's = I know, I'm the first of many who thought of that one.
Renu Nakorn = when they open back up
Lot's more. But it really depends on how much you eat.
›3 Replies-
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re: Mr Taster
Das Ubergeek
Dec 19, 2006 01:46 AM
Renu Nakorn's closed until February or March for remodelling. Thai Nakorn is a worthy, worthy substitute.
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