Has anyone tried any of the new-ish places on Pico between LaBrea and LaCienega?

[PinotPlease]

I drive down Pico from Miracle Mile to the Westside a few times a week and it seems like every other day there's a new joint. I've tried Bloom Cafe and of course, Roscoe's is an institution in it's own right, but what else is worth checking out?

[pamm5959]

It's not on Pico and it's not new, but it is good. There's an El Salvadorean restaurant on Venice and Redondo that has great pupusas! It's inside a shady shopping center, but the restaurant is clean and has an slight charm to it.

[tannazie]

I believe that place is called El Salvador Con Sabor, and yes it's delicious.

Also not new but good, CJ's on Pico and Hauser -- their huevos rancheros are the best I've had.

[roastingjoe]

Yes, Con Sabor (also one on Adams near Redondo). They make solid papusas, but the pollo soup will cure any cold and the arroz con camarones is a rice and shrimp dish that is out of this world. Also, try the ensalada, a very refreshing fruit based drink.

[PinotPlease]

I went to Indulge. Good veggie burger but it was a little weird because the cook kept telling us how the veggie burger was "Our worst burger." I was liking it, as was my dining companion and she was really making a point to say how bad it was (She also said their beef was the best. ) Strange. It was very "meaty" some veg burgers are more mixed grains, almost like a falafel vibe like the one at M Cafe I like, but this one was more for someone looking for the meat experience but not wanting to have beef,vegetarian etc. I'm not a vegetarian, just try not to knock back too much cholesterol. The fries seemed fresh but were way too thick and thus floppy for my crunchy thin fry taste.

[highforpie]

you should try skyy tacos. mmm!

[sel]

I haven't been to Sky Tacos for over a year but great tacos etc. from an African American perspective. House made Lemonade and Cheese Cake was very good and the lady that owns it is really sweet!!!

[PinotPlease]

What does "From an African American perspective" mean? I'm not getting offended or anything, I just wonder, is there a soul food swing or something African or is it just the ownership and vibe? I've driven by Sky for years and never stopped in, are there taco stand outs? What's different then the other 9 million taco joints in LA?

[sel]

The owner is an African-American women and the flavors are just different than any Hispanic run place that I've been to. Hard to explain but I find her fare really tasty. She and her son used to do all of the cooking but he was killed a few years back and now like just about every restaurant in this area she has Hispanic kitchen workers. Plus the House made Lemonade and Cheese Cake taste more like what you would be served in a soul food context rather than a Hispanic one. Haven't been there for quite sometime though, been distracted by La Maison du Pain recently.

[Burger Boy]

That is to bad about the son. I only went a couple of times, but I liked it.

[PinotPlease]

Tacos, lemonade and cheesecake. Sounds so wrong, I don't wanna be right! Thanks for the info!

[Burger Boy]

How was Bloom, what did you have?

[PinotPlease]

I've had the veggie burger, good, but better at M Cafe, my favorite veg burger in town. The mac and cheese is over the top but quite tasty. I've had a couple soups that were good. It's good, better than average lunch grub, esp. if you're looking for something relatively healthy (except the mac n cheese, natch!) But not mind blowing. But in that location it certainly stands out which is why I was wondering if any of the more modest looking joints are really hidden gems.

[bad nono]

Indulge Cafe and Chef Marylin, on Pico & Redondo, and you may want to try Wi Jammin in the same vicinity.
I'm not sure what you refer to as "newish", since Bloom has been here for 1 year or two. I'm a big fan of La Maison du Pain for example, but they've been there for almost 3 years.

[Burger Boy]

Indulge Cafe, that's what I was thinking of. How do they compare to the old Mo' Better Meatty Meat Burger, is it as good?

[gado_gado]

La Maison du Pain. I LOVE IT.

[PinotPlease]

Is Indulge Cafe the one that advertises all the different burger styles? Have you had the veggie? Is it worth it? Any standouts?

I tried Maison Du Pain for baguette a couple times and found it kind of airy and not very "Frenchie" but are there other things they excel at?

[Burger Boy]

Yes, Indulge is the folks that did Mo' Better Meatty Meat burgers, so I am told. The cinnamon rolls and the almond croissants at maison Du Pain!

[JudiAU]

They choose the boring name "Indulge" over the classic Mo' Better Meatty Meat Burger? What a crying shame...

[Burger Boy]

I wonder if there is a reason why they did not use the name that everyone knew so well?

[bad nono]

you want the pastries (look at the pastry case on the right with the operas, royal, fruit tarts, etc) at La Maison du Pain, and they do great macarons. I love their walnut/raisin baguette and I buy my ficelle everyday. This is the closest thing I've found to a certain type of French baguette that are airy, because we do have that type back home, yes.

I love Indulge Cafe but cannot compare to Mo' Better etc. as I wasn't around at the time. I always have the beef burger and so far it's my new craving!

Now the place to avoid is the pseudo Cuban restaurant (can't remember the name), it's atrocious.

Has anyone tried the FroYo place near La Brea? Mulberry Hills I think it's called.