58988 Thu Mar 11 23:03:53 -0800 2004 83 2 Los Angeles Area 0 309867 I seldom see the LA Times but came across yesterday's food section and was entertained by the article on being a regular at restaurants-- why people fall into the habit, what frequency of patronage qualifies 'regulars', how restaurants respond differently to repeat customers. Anyway, I know I patronize the same set of places frequently, and yet some of them, paradoxically, are not places I would rate as my favorites (some of them I hate). I am curious about where other LA chowhound regulars frequent--regularly-- and why. In the interest of partial disclosure and in proximate order of frequency (from multiple times per week to once a month), moderated by expectation of recognition/welcome, I will reveal: DT Palm, Sushi Gen, Bentara, Sa Rit Gol, Lucques, Yang Chow, AOC, Water Grill, WH Palm, Josie, R23, Amuse.... Thu Mar 11 23:03:53 -0800 2004 0 Dbird 1 309871 Wow, wish I was a regular at Josie and AOC. Ok, here goes, with the caveats that I have two kids who are fairly picky eaters and not much time or money to eat out: Mae Ploy (Thai food in Silver Lake) Pazazz (sushi in Silver Lake) Zankou Chicken Coffee Table Algemac's Coffee Shop In 'n Out Baja Fresh Black Dog Coffee Sushi Gen Mishima Doughboys Gumbo Pot Loteria Grill Malo Torung Rambutan Ruen Pair Hard Times Pizza Places I plan to get to more often: Chung King and assorted other Szechuan places Auntie Em's Thu Mar 11 23:38:03 -0800 2004 309867 0 Chowpatty 2 313126 Here is where I'm a regular, and my order Fast Taco (Ocean Park) Chicken burrito, with beans, mild salsa, Large Coke In N Out Cheeseburger Animal Style Extra Pickles Patty's Pizza (Beverly Hills, now closed, so must hit Santa Monica) Meatball Sandwich Juanita's Eagle Rock (sort of a regular) Chicken Burrito Moishe's Vegetarian Platter - Hummous, Spicy Hummous, Moumorrah, Tjatziki, Potato Salad Zankou - Tarna Sandwich and/or Hummous with side of tomatoes. Medium Coke with extra ice. The Coop - Meatball Sub Belwood Bakery - Double Mocha, Ham and Cheese Croissant, Coke with ice, or Orange Juice Porto's - Potato Balls Only Manahttan Bagel - Poppy Seed Bagel Toasted with Cream Cheese, Large Coke Peet's on Beverly - Small Coffee only Tito's - Meat and Beans Burrito, with extra salsa inside the burrito, extra cup of salsa for chips, Large Coke Fri Apr 02 18:58:59 -0800 2004 309871 0 Scooty 1 309872 I am a regular at: Tustin brewery, Hollingshead, Bev n More......hold on, this wasn't about good beer. Pina's Bistro, The Golden Truffle, El Gallo Giro, Burrell's BBQ, Sushi Island, Frenchy's Bistro, El Champian, Taco Mesa, Mr. Stox, Stubriks, Hero's, The Cellar and Sasoon Chicken. Thu Mar 11 23:39:13 -0800 2004 309867 0 oc boy 2 309914 How are the sandwiches at Hollingshead? IIRC, I thought I saw a Boar's Head sign there. Fri Mar 12 12:46:33 -0800 2004 309872 0 Kriss Reed 3 309942 Hollingshead's sandwiches are good in a down home kind of way. Simple good ingredients with everything freshly sliced makes perfection in small things. You won't find huge portions, nor will you find fancy salads. Hollingshead is simply about good simple food and great beer. Which reminds me, I'll be there in a few hours. Fri Mar 12 14:19:52 -0800 2004 309914 0 oc boy 1 309873 A very interesting thread for two reasons: 1) Any LA Chowhound that replies will now have their lifestyle/wealth in full view (in fact, Dbird, your own list had a number of impressive places ennumerated---with the full understanding that no one should be judging you or anybody else by divulging such info). But more importantly: 2) Why is it that some of us frequent places we don't necessarily admire? Seems inordinately strange to me, especially for anyone who is a self-respecting Chowhound, but I am as guilty of this as anybody... My own list: PLACES THAT ACTUALLY HAVE GOOD FOOD: Nishimura El Cochinito Campanile (although no one recognizes me, to be sure) Loteria Grill Pho Cafe (Silverlake) Zankou (Grumpy counter people manage to give me a slight nod of recognition sometimes) PLACES THAT ARE SO-SO Chosun Galbi (less hassle than Soot Bull Jeep) La La's Gumbo Pot PLACES THAT SORTA SUCK, HONESTLY Cafe Figaro (Los Feliz Village) El 7 Mares (Silverlake) East India Grill (You're talking "lesser evils" when it comes to Indian food in Hollywood) El Coyote (WORST Mexican food ever, but a fun wind- down on a Friday night) In re-reading this post, I must sheepishly admit that I frequently patronize sub-par joints. Hopefully my Houndish credibility has not been forever destroyed... Thu Mar 11 23:53:00 -0800 2004 309867 0 Eric Archer 2 309881 Hey, I resemble that remark. My income has nothing to do with my bad taste. Rather, it is my ghetto up bringing that has great influence. I remember the time that the neighbors were slaughtering the goat in the front yard for the taco bbq... Fri Mar 12 01:36:22 -0800 2004 309873 0 oc boy 3 309883 "I remember the time that the neighbors were slaughtering the goat in the front yard for the taco bbq..." WOW. Those were probably some damned good tacos, my friend. You're right. Any person's "regular" list is not necessariy indicative of how much money they make. However, if you're "NORM!" at: 1. Spago's---tasting menu, Wolfie... 2. L'Orangerie 3. Valentino's---create a meal for me! 4. Matsuhisa .then---well---let's just say that you're living comfortably. And if you do have a little extra $$$ to throw around, then what better item to splurge on than food??? Fri Mar 12 02:09:08 -0800 2004 309881 0 Eric Archer 4 309943 I have one word for you: Russkar! It's Russ' world, we're all just livin' in it. ;) Fri Mar 12 14:22:12 -0800 2004 309883 0 Kriss Reed 5 310043 Goats in the front yard? I don't think so? Chino Wayne has all the cows , we have the Seagulls. I had to fight the Pigeons off during lunch today, it's never easy just to have a simple 3 hr meal at Splashes Restaurant(Surf and Sand Hotel) Laguna. Sat Mar 13 00:29:42 -0800 2004 309943 0 russkar 5 310044 amen Sat Mar 13 00:50:17 -0800 2004 309943 0 Dbird 2 309888 For what it's worth, Eric, you're writing is thought-provoking. My list: Bel Air Country Club (Because I want everyone to know I'm a member.) Nate and Al's (cheaper than Barney Greengrass) Poquito Mas (Is king.) Whole Foods Santa Monica Bulk Section (I graze) Mastro's (They pour a stiff drink.) Fri Mar 12 03:17:54 -0800 2004 309873 0 Frank 2 309924 You're right, we sometimes find ourselves eating at "places that sort of suck." I can't tell you the amount of times I've found myself at Mexico City because 1) it was the only place everyone could agree on 2) the food isn't that bad 2) the drinks are good 3) the atmosphere's kind of fun. If I always ate by myself, it would nearly always be about the food. But my kids find Sizzler and Mimi's Cafe to be the height of fine dining, I have friends that are scared of spicy food, etc., and there are only a few pathetic places within walking distance of my office. When Baja Fresh first moved in, we were so excited because it was a total wasteland before. Now we're completely sick of it. It's just hard to find places that fit all the requirements on any given night. Fri Mar 12 13:27:29 -0800 2004 309873 0 Chowpatty 1 309876 It's not a totally complete list. And I know some will find fault with it. But it's mine and I love it. Komasa (Little Tokyo) Pho Cafe (Silverlake) Alejo's Casa Bianco (Eagle Rock) Samalanluang (or whatever it is, on Hollywood) Tacos Villa Corona (Atwater) I would gladly be the regular of a good Chinese place and have been looking for awhile. But alas, my lazy butt tends not to want to drive all the way to Monterey Park. Yang Chow just doesn't cut it. I'm wondering if we could all chip in and bring out one of those take-out places from New York City. Just a thought. Fri Mar 12 00:50:35 -0800 2004 309867 0 blitzy 1 309880 i am a regular at sushi ryo and saigon annies in studio city. Fri Mar 12 01:35:29 -0800 2004 309867 0 jaydee 1 309885 Baja Fresh The Shack Zankou Chicken California Chicken Cafe The Kettle Sharkeez Hooters Panini Cafe (MDR) Uncle Darrows Titos Tacos Blue Marlin Shershah (MDR) Wahoos Fish Tacos Sorry guys, I usually just grab "quick bites to eat". :) Fri Mar 12 02:23:30 -0800 2004 309867 0 Xericx 1 309886 Echigo (only for lunch) Marouch (mezze for two or four, always) The Corner Place (better than many expensive Korean bbq places, although not the best) Zankou Mai Thai (for delivery) Cafe Los Feliz (for cappucinos & croissants) Ruen Pair Rodeo Cafe (cheap Mexican breakfasts) Fri Mar 12 02:55:55 -0800 2004 309867 0 Bluemonster 1 309894 #1 my Armenian mother-in-law's home (last night was fatoush and grape leaf/cabbage dolma. Currently the list is: Ruen Pair Tacos Villa Corona Madamme Matisse Maroush Pollo a la Brasa Tips La Buca Elena's El Buen Gusto Beaujolais Boulangerie Fri Mar 12 10:03:21 -0800 2004 309867 0 Grog 1 309895 Great Thread. Here are mine : Lucques Taylor's Musso and Franks Polka Edendale Grill Vert The Grill at Hollywood & Highland The wine bar at Paseo Colorado The Pantry Costco's Hot Dogs Burger King for their Sausage Biscuit (great biscuit for fast food) Fri Mar 12 10:31:50 -0800 2004 309867 0 Tom P 1 309906 Maki Yaki (Studio City) Papa Cristos Cho Cho San (Tarzana) Teru Sushi (Studio City) Hugos (weekend breakfast) Carnival Melisse (anniversary dinner, does once a year count?) Fri Mar 12 12:20:26 -0800 2004 309867 0 SpongeBobSquarePegs 1 309911 Places were I am recoginized as a regular. Includes "Hi Norm" greeting: Campanile Lucques Wa Sushi AOC Hirozen Bar at the Hotel Bel Air (can't actually explain this one, we really don't go there often enough to rate it) Du Vin Cheese Store of BH Several Vendors at Farmer's Market I wish we had a good regular local Chinese place but we don't. Fri Mar 12 12:42:17 -0800 2004 309867 0 JudiAU 1 309913 These places, are the standard list I come up with when trying to think of a restaurant on the spot, which is mostly how I choose where to eat: Locanda Veneta Sushi Roku Tokyo Fast Food (West LA. Udon soup that makes me smile) Eat-A-Pita (Fairfax.) Rosalinds (Ethiopian. I love it and I don't know why.) El Compadre (West Hollywood. The food is growing on me.The margaritas had me at hello.) Electric Lotus (Los Feliz) Porta Via (B'Hills. The one place they actually know me.) Cholada (Thai food with a view, Malibu) Cafe 101 (Late night...mmmm) Fred 62 (Brunch only) Newsroom (Brunch) The Rose Cafe (Brunch. Love my brunch) Astro Burger (Hollywood. Weird but good for a hangover.) Whatever that burrito place in the farmers market is called. I LOVE that place. and Chaya (Happy Hour) Fri Mar 12 12:46:12 -0800 2004 309867 0 LittleRN 1 309916 My favorites/regular places: Michael's Room at the Hollywood Hills Cafe (for drinks and appetizers Il Capriccio in Silverlake Yamakasa in Hollywood Figaro in Silverlake (for breakfast) Z's sushi in Alhambra and Blair's in Silverlake will definitely become a regular for me... Fri Mar 12 12:54:42 -0800 2004 309867 0 Clare K. 1 309919 A Westside-heavy list (and a mix of places with excellent and so-so food): -Rocca -Sawtelle Kitchen -Blue Marlin -Hide -Musha -Spumoni (hey, it is 9 on Wednesday and I'm tired and its a block away...) -Il Dolce (usually weekend br/lunch) -Boba places (Volcano, Lollycup and the Bobapioca in the food court in the K-Town Galleria) -Chan Dara (although I've never been there - they deliver to me like 1X a week) -All India Cafe (wish I could get better on the West side - Akbar just does not cut it and Pradeeps is weaker than that - I'd love to be a regular at either Woodlands location) -Wahoos -Ocean Star -Royal Star (for when a drive to the SGV is just not on) -Native Foods -and I hope soon to be a regular at Wat Thai in the Valley Fri Mar 12 13:03:49 -0800 2004 309867 0 igj 2 309926 You could try Nawab on Wilshire for Indian delivery. They are SUPER good. (IMO) :-) Fri Mar 12 13:32:16 -0800 2004 309919 0 LittleRN 1 309923 The S.O. & I eat about twice a month at Don Felix (Peruvian) on Beverly & Virgil. They recognize us when we walk in, they remember our regular order (all the way down to the Inka Cola)...I didn't think we stood out that much, but I guess so... Another place that has our orders memorized (anymore) is Elena's Greek/Armenian on Glendale Bl in Glendale. It's not 'haute cuisine', but it's out favorite Chicken in California. Maybe 3 times per month, we're going there tonight! Fri Mar 12 13:24:40 -0800 2004 309867 0 Ron Kane 2 309987 I have passed both of these places many times! I am exicted to try them. Any info you can give me? Fri Mar 12 17:40:57 -0800 2004 309923 0 Tom P 3 309989 I was not entirely won over by Elena's, but I know it's a board favorite. Their chicken and lamb kebabs were superb, but unless I missed something, it all just seemed too plain. There was no sauce for the meat, and although it was very flavorful and not dried out, it just seemed to need something else. And there didn't seem to be much of a selection of side dishes, either. And no beer. It's a very basic, plain little room, so don't take anyone there who expects "fine dining." This place would be great with appetizers, yogurt sauce and beer added to the mix. Fri Mar 12 17:53:40 -0800 2004 309987 0 Chowpatty 1 309932 Farmer's Market SM Taiko BH Cheese Store Sushi Mori Hiko Sushi LA Wine Co. JiRaffe Axe Vicente Foods Lucques SM Seafood Brentwood Country Mart Reddi-Chick Real Food Daily Campanile A Votre Sante Locanda Portofino Le Petit Cafe Apple Pan Clementine Le Saigon The Newsroom Peet's Coffee - Montana Avenue Fri Mar 12 13:56:48 -0800 2004 309867 0 Fidelixi 1 309934 Hmm. Well, I recently moved from Los Feliz to Pasadena, so most of the places where I used to be a regular are now seriously inconvenient, and I haven't been in my new neighborhood long enough to really be a "regular" too many places. I suppose it also depends on what defines "regular." Is it 1X/week? Once per month? 4X/year or more? I think there are really at least 2 sub-categories of "regularity." There are the places from which I might get dinner during the week, which I might frequent at least 2x/month. Then there are the places where I eat out on weekend nights with my girlfriend (and, every other weekend, her 12 y.o. daughter). Then, there are places where I go when I want a specific kind of food, even if it's only a couple of times a year (e.g., if I want Hungarian, I go to Hortobagy, even if only 2 or 3 times/year; but it's the only place I go for that kind of food, so it is my regular Hungarian restaurant). That said... Former regular haunts: Sanamluang Pattaya Thai (esp. for delivery) Zankou Los Burritos The Kitchen Palms Thai Carrousel Palermo Osteria Nonni Home (weekend breakfast) Mustard Seed Cafe (best breakfast sandwich ever) Crest on Sunset Astro Family Restaurant Algemac's others... New Regular Spots: Yang Chow Fu Shing Pie 'n' Burger Still Regular: Dino's Italian Inn La Paloma (La Verne) Mi Ranchito (La Verne) Cafe Allegro (La Verne) Du-Par's Then there's the list of places for a specific food or even just one dish, which include some of the previous as well as: Tama Sushi Casa Bianca Langer's I refuse to reveal regular lunch spots except: Grand Central Market Fri Mar 12 13:57:39 -0800 2004 309867 0 Jack Flash 1 309936 - what a fun thread. Also, in response to the comment about viewing class differentials by the lists, I would argue that one could just know that a higher percentage of the poster's income is spent on food that is ordinarily justifiable. (BTW Where's russkar? Love to see his list) Here's my list: I Like the Food Akbar Fritto Misto Paco's Tacos Cantalini's Rajun Cajun La Paella Cora's (great little Mexican on Washington Blvd) Literati Cafe James Beach (brunch) Lulu's Blue Plate Hide Sushi Koo Koo Roo and of course My dining room. Good Scene/Fun C&O Trattoria Baja Cantina Duke's Malibu - the bar mostly Monsoon Cafe because my man likes King's Head pub Ye Olde Ship pub Hop Li Chez Mimi El Terasco Pick up Stix Father's Office Like a lot, but don't want to spend the money often enough to be a regular Joe's (in Venice)!!! Chloe Lucques Michael's Fri Mar 12 14:07:59 -0800 2004 309867 0 Elissa 1 309939 Places around home where we eat (or get takeout from) as frequently as once or twice a week to once a month or so (this can vary when I'm out of town on business, but then I'd have to list my regulars in New York and that's a different topic): Iwata - #1 by far El Rancho Weiner Factory Solley's Jinky's Fatburger (takeout only) California Wok (delivery only) Pho So 1 is approaching regular status Places around work where I go regularly if I'm not eating at work (we have a variety of food options at work too): Eduardo's Border Grill (Westwood/S.M. Blvd.) Clementine Johnny Rocket's at Century City mall (yeah, I'll cop to this) Sisley at Westside Pavilion (chopped salad only) And a deviation from the topic - place I've been frequenting for the longest: Campos Famous Burritos at 20th and Pico in S.M. - since 1973. Place where they know me but I don't eat at frequently enough to technically qualify as a regular: Kiriko Fri Mar 12 14:12:26 -0800 2004 309867 0 Debbie 2 309962 Wow, you've got me beat! I've only been eating at Campos since about 1975. In high school, my regular order was an avocado burrito and two turkey tacos -- now this sounds like way too much food! I recently took my boyfriend there and we found the tacos as good as ever. Do you remember Caesar's Chiliburgers at 26th and Wilshire? Fri Mar 12 15:48:57 -0800 2004 309939 0 Chowpatty 3 309968 I started at Pali High in 1973 and that's when we started going to Campos...my stepbrother discovered it with a bunch of his stoner friends. My regular order was probably one turkey taco and an avocado burrito. To this day, I still get the turkey tacos special that comes with the free drink. Once in a blue moon I will get the avocado burrito. I lived in Berkeley from 78 to 89 and every time I would come back to LA to visit the folks I would always make a pilgrimage to Campos. Along the way they changed the name from Las Palmas to Campos, and expanded into that other room. I don't remember Caesar's. I did go to the old Hot Dog Show in the Palisades a lot, I can even remember my grandfather taking me there when I was a lot younger than high school age. Fri Mar 12 16:23:01 -0800 2004 309962 0 Debbie 4 309988 Was the Hot Dog Show in the Palisades the place that had a little train going around the restaurant? We went there and I think to another one at 3rd and Wilshire, in the same mini-mall as the Mucky Duck. I miss Ay Carumba and Everett and Jones from Berkeley... Fri Mar 12 17:49:20 -0800 2004 309968 0 Chowpatty 5 310005 I believe the Hot Dog Show had the trains. It was right on Sunset, red and white building I think. It was still there when I was in high school. There's a Papoo's Hot Dog Show in Toluca Lake across Riverside from Bob's Big Boy but I don't know if they were originally related - not sure of the lineage or how long the Toluca Lake place has been there. Ay Carumba appears to be gone, we were up there a couple weeks ago and it wasn't there anymore. Not sure how long ago it disappeared. I was more of a Flint's gal than an E&J gal. Think Flint's is gone too. Fri Mar 12 19:21:14 -0800 2004 309988 0 Debbie 6 310090 The Toluca Lake Hot Dog Show (didn't have Papoo's in the name then) has been there since I was a child in the '50s! Sat Mar 13 16:21:15 -0800 2004 310005 0 Pat 7 310095 Was that connected at any time with the Hot Dog Show on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City (gone for many years)? I have fond memories of good charcol grilled dogs there, and it sure would be nice to revisit that taste. Sat Mar 13 19:07:32 -0800 2004 310090 0 Chino Wayne 8 310128 I didn't know the one in Studio City. Probably the same owners. I know the one in Burbank is still there (my folks still live in Burbank and I've passed it recently). I haven't eaten a hot dog there since I was a teenager probably, so no idea what they taste like now. I remember lovin' those chili dogs though way back when. There was a time when I was a kid when I liked the Hot Dog Show even better than Bob's (which was and is across the street)! Sun Mar 14 02:08:11 -0800 2004 310095 0 Pat 9 310171 the hot dogs i found were delish - but the fried zucchini had me in heaven. Sun Mar 14 16:48:14 -0800 2004 310128 0 jaydee 5 310276 The Mucky Duck used to be in the old mall? I thought that it was always on Ocean, in the space that is now Capo, I believe. Mon Mar 15 16:07:15 -0800 2004 309988 0 quiz wrangler 2 310014 DBird - do you work at the Fox lot in Century City or in a lawfirm? Fri Mar 12 19:45:23 -0800 2004 309939 0 Suze 3 310030 Were you asking me? If so...Fox Lot (not so hard to guess, I guess). Fri Mar 12 21:27:12 -0800 2004 310014 0 Debbie 4 310031 Given your "regulars", I figured you worked in Century City, and Fox is the only place I know of with food options. I'm fond of the salad bar and that's about it, but then, I'm really cheap. Fri Mar 12 21:37:52 -0800 2004 310030 0 Suze 1 309941 Bandera (until they stopped serving fries) Pho 79 (Alhambra location) Gallo's Grill Pepe's Shamshiri Saladang Song Musso & Frank Ruth's Chris (Irvine location) Jongewaard's Bake & Broil Big Nick's Admiral Risty Fri Mar 12 14:17:44 -0800 2004 309867 0 Ernie 1 309949 I'm a regular at: Honda-Ya in Tustin (awesome cooked dishes - never sushi) Natraj in Irvine (chicken tikka masala) Pho Bac in Irvine (noodle soups, but everything on the menu is awesome) Used to be a regular at: Kim Loan in Fullerton (cheap and good rice plates, pho, etc.) Capital Seafood in Rowland Heights (delicious but inexpensive lunch specials) Noodle House in Rowland Heights (Seafood Noodle Soup) Fri Mar 12 14:43:09 -0800 2004 309867 0 elmomonster 1 309953 Z sushi in Alhambra Cafe Beaujolais Eagle Rock Wolfgang Puck Express in Santa Monica- again, addicted to Chinois Chicken Salad, can't help it! Tibet Nepal House in Pasadena La Fuente on Monte Vista in Highland Park Gerlach's Grill in Pasadena Alegria in Silverlake Il Cappricio in Silverlake Good To Eat in Santa Monica on Wilshire- love their homemade chicken/veggie soup and their sandwiches/pannini Fri Mar 12 14:56:38 -0800 2004 309867 0 tokyoastrogirl 1 309954 Right now, I'm not a regular anywhere. I understand "being a regular" to be a customer who is there often enough to be known by name on sight by the greeter (if reservations are taken), or to be known as to what dishes I like and what I tend to order. By that set of criteria I've been a regular at 1. The old Duplex where Vita is now on Hillhurst. Stephanie and Mark were great and I miss that place. 2. Shibucho on Beverly when Shibutani was there, and for a while with Shige before he got all foie gras-like. 3. Tsukasa/Shibucho/Kawacho at Yaohan (now Mitsuwa) under Shibutani and then under the chef, Kawasaki. He left, I went once that was it. 4. Quanjude in Rosemead. great great great. Gone gone gone.(for those who don't know, real Beijing Kaoya peking duck, and a duck menu of maybe 40 items, set banquets and basiPingguo, silk-pulled caramellized apple fritters that were pure and shockingly amazing) 5. The coffee roaster in Sherman Oaks. They had great friendly help (that left) and I don't drink as much coffee as I once did. But excellent coffee, I'm just not a regular anymore. Fri Mar 12 14:58:35 -0800 2004 309867 0 Jerome 2 309965 Duplex...now that's a name from the past. I use to live 1 blk from that place. Really a great restaurant. I've always liked the space, but IMHO, nothing that great has moved in since. Before it was Duplex it was another place that was really good too...I can't remember the name. That was back in the day when Farfalla opened in the space that is currently the kitchen...just up a few spaces from the fresh pasta joint and down the street from LF Wines. The good old days. Fri Mar 12 15:57:26 -0800 2004 309954 0 Grog 3 312510 Currently, Baja Fresh (two minutes from my house). Previously, El Indio Azteca on Tampa in the same parking lot as Shamshiri, Northridge. El Indio-- better flavor, more authentic, particularly the beans. I like the carne asada nachos, but they also have lengua, carnitas, and the like for tacos, burritos, etc. Mon Mar 29 23:43:59 -0800 2004 309965 0 Kathy Koupai 2 309977 Jerome, I wish you would organize a Chowhound outing to Monterey Park. It would be spactacular! Fri Mar 12 16:57:11 -0800 2004 309954 0 Suvro 1 309957 My regular spots are actually my favorite. My definition of "regular" depends on the type of place - if a nice restaurant, every 4 wks or so, if a coffee place, a couple times a week, and if takeout, probably once a week: Espresso Mi Cultura -I go daily. Used to be Urth Caffe but then I moved. AOC Zax We are planning our 4th visit to Blair's in Silver Lake, so soon we will be regulars there too. For takeout, Farfalla & Rambutan - once a week Fri Mar 12 15:13:01 -0800 2004 309867 0 Megan 1 309960 empress pavilion bob's donuts ambala dhaba sunnin big jo's burgers the prince king's head tudor house tearoom sm farmers mkt javan clementine french market cafe terried Fri Mar 12 15:34:26 -0800 2004 309867 0 petradish 1 309992 I don't eat out much, and when I do, I am usually at the mercy of my friends (which usually means mediocre chain restaurants or diners, though occasionally they'll opt for someplace decent like Mishima) or family (usually Chinese food in SGV, sometimes Chinatown, or some Pho place), not to mention my wallet (which is why I don't complain much). I can't really think of anyplace I frequent enough to qualify as a regular, but the places I go to more than once or twice a year are Hanaichimonme in Little Tokyo (ramen/yakisoba), Tomboy's in Manhattan Beach (burgers), and more recently Shibucho in Costa Mesa (sushi of course). I can't afford to eat at fancy restaurants more than a handful of times a year; my default used to be Gustaf Anders. Now that it's gone, I'm thinking of visiting Lucques more, though I'd probably be happier if I can find a new place in OC - I hate dealing with LA traffic and parking. When I told a friend about the IKEA $1.99 breakfast and $1.99 dinner, he admitted to being a regular there. :/ Hehe. Fri Mar 12 18:02:39 -0800 2004 309867 0 JC 1 309993 Semi-regular, and working on it: Rodded Palms Thai La Buca Thai Wat Papa Christo's Full House (Chinatown); CBS (or is it "ABC"?) in Chinatown. Way more of a "regular" than I want to admit, at: Louise's Larchmont (the spouse actually has waiters trained to know her "usual") local Pollo Loco (I'VE actually got the counter gal trained to know MY "usual") Hard Times Pizza (where for four or five years, they knew my KID's "usual") Starbucks at Central Civil Courthouse rfgs Fri Mar 12 18:06:58 -0800 2004 309867 0 Rich Gould-Saltman 1 309996 I love, or at least like very much, every place I'm a regular at. Poco's Mexican Seafood in Canoga Park. Mariscos Colima on Vanowen east of Lankershim. Krua Thai on Sherman Way. Sanamluang on Sherman Way. Rigo's Tacos at Oxnard and Woodman. Nat's Coffee Shop on Burbank Blvd. Nippon Ramen on Reseda, north of Vanowen. Ahi Sushi on Ventura Blvd at Coldwater. Taka Sushi on Van Nuys Blvd, south of the freeway. Taj Mahal on Ventura Blvd, west of White Oak. Restaurant Spain in Echo Park. If I'm going to eat high end, which isn't often any more, I go over the hill. The valley just isn't quite good enough when the size of the bill begins to climb. Fri Mar 12 18:41:23 -0800 2004 309867 0 Eddy 2 310011 Could you give some details about Ahi Sushi and Taka Sushi? Traditional or not? Price range? Freshness and variety? We have driven by them both on countless occasions but haven't taken the plunge. Our Valley sushi places are: Iwata (all the time) Niko (semi-regularly) Shiki (a few times a year) Iroha (occasionally, down from regularly a few years ago) Teru (occasionally) Enshino (occasionally at the request of some friends that like it, not my fave) Bizen (very occasionally, I like it better than my husband does) We have also been to the following Valley sushi places but really not very often, maybe only once: Nozawa (actually I went a few times before I met my husband, but we've only been once together in the past 8 years) Matsuda Yotsuya Katsu-ya We still haven't tried the much-liked Tama. Fri Mar 12 19:38:49 -0800 2004 309996 0 Debbie 1 309998 this thread is great for self-reflection. I'm not embarrassed about any of these. (all Pasadena/South Pas) Saladang/Saladang Song Pasadena Sandwich Co. Gerlach's Grill Kahana Hawaiian Grill Senor Fish Union Bakery Lemon Tree Hong Kong Cafe Himeko Marinated Chicken Houston's La Fornaretta Jake's (they show hockey) not quite regular but trying: Shaab Tibet-Nepal House The School Cafe Suehiro (downtown) Fri Mar 12 18:45:58 -0800 2004 309867 0 Key Lime Guy 1 310009 Ana Maria's Carousel Casa Bianca (takeout only) Dumpling House La Fornaretta Frank's Famous Full House Seafood Mandarin Deli MPV Seafood Sushi Gen (my friend's uncle goes here so often that after he took a date there, they refused to serve her when she came back with a different guy) Fri Mar 12 19:34:24 -0800 2004 309867 0 Robert Lu 2 310059 Are you serious that they refused to serve her? That is one of the funniest things that I have heard in a long time. What did her new date say? Sat Mar 13 05:30:39 -0800 2004 310009 0 ITHJ 1 310012 DOWNTOWN HAUNTS Daikokuya Ramen (Little Tokyo) Philippe's (Chinatown Adjacent) El Gaucho (Grand Central Market) Soul Folks (Artist District) Cole's (Historic Core) Langer’s (MacArthur Park) AOI (Little Tokyo) Sam Woo BBQ (Chinatown - Late Night) The Sultan (Historic Core) Tacos Tumbras A Tomas (Grand Central Market) Ana Maria (Grand Central Market) Fri Mar 12 19:42:58 -0800 2004 309867 0 weebie 1 310024 I'm a regular the most at Omino Sushi. I've been going here for about 3 years. It's a small place in Chatsworth with a tremendous following. I know it's strange that such a gem is located in cowboy country, but there it is. I drive from Hollywood about once a week to eat here. The fish is extremely fresh. I sit at the sushi bar on Koji's side, who is a genius (all the way to the left of the sushi bar). I like Nozawa too, but I think this place is at the same level and it's a lot more relaxing. Chefs other than Koji are unreliable. Avoid the tables too. Mr Omino himself is great, but he's rarely working at the sushi bar. They sometimes have fresh uni, and I love watching them taking the good stuff out of the shell (I love eating it too, uni is one of my favorite foods). Campanile (mostly for brunch) Sea Harbor (dim sum) Ocean Star (dim sum) Green Oaks Restaurant (Korean BBQ) in Van Nuys -- I like this place better than Soot Bull Jeep; mostly Korean customers (not much English spoken here), great meat, you cook it on gas grills, great kimchee, excellent green salad (not traditional, but I like it) comes with BBQ items. Ruen Pair in Hollywood Hugo's (breakfast): I love the monkey picked oolong. I come for the tea. Guelaguetza on 8th & Normandie. Papa Cristo's. Original Pancake House in Anaheim. I want to be a regular at: Lucques, Josie, Spago. Fri Mar 12 20:49:19 -0800 2004 309867 0 AndieCat 1 310027 Noodle Nazi, Din Tai Fung, Place Yuu, Sushi Gen, Shabu Hachi, Houstons in Santa Monica, Musha, Fritto Misto, Kokkekko, AOC Fri Mar 12 21:01:56 -0800 2004 309867 0 tissue 1 310038 I am a regular at these places for particular, if parenthetical, reasons. Some are so good that I am regularing myself into destitution: Palm (esp. West Hollywood; NY Strip all the way w/ Sauteed Spinach with garlic), Dan Tana (Steak; Sword'; Chicken Parm (not Veal Parm!)), Lucques (Short Ribs), Bread & Porridge (Huevos; Turkey Salad; best Lemonade in town, with free refills), La Salsa (Brentwood; Chicken Lime salad; new Ensalada Mexicana; Diet Coke with Lime), Headliners (Westwood; Breakfast quesedilla; Fries; Diet Coke with Lemon), Daily Grill (Brentwood; Salads, soups and oyster crackers; SugarFree Lemonade), NY Bagel (Brentwood; big omlettes with spicy salsa; rosemary bagels; Next best Lemonade in town, but no refills), Monte Alban (Chicken soup; guac'), Bandera (Wilshire/Barrington; French Dip best in world; Blackened Fish Sandwich; Grilled or Steamed Artichoke); Peets Coffee (Brentwood; Decaf Drip stronger than most espressos); and last, but definately not least, Teddy's (diner at Pico/Bundy; best and cheapest breakfast on westside, where "well done wheat toast" means you get just that; poached eggs done perfectly; fresh orange juice; and, for later in the day, some fantastic home-made soups ($1.75 bowl!)). Fri Mar 12 23:17:38 -0800 2004 309867 0 Terrior3 2 310049 Man...Headliners. We were serious regulars back in the day, but haven't been back in years. Glad to know it's still there. I think the only place I qualify as a regular at is the Whole Foods at 3rd and Fairfax. Other semi-regular joints: Sakura House Loteria Border Grill John O'Groats Clementine Poquito Mas Mishima Wahoo's That Japanese place in the mini-mall across the street from work Antica Pizzeria and El Cholo - Mexican for the 8-year-old gringa in my heart Sat Mar 13 01:46:21 -0800 2004 310038 0 T-chick 1 310055 I like trying new places, but I regularly go back to: jakes taco (shrimp taco) india grill (chicken tika masala) labels table (pastrami sandwich) banana leaf erwon (not sure about spelling)(panang) LA best burger abbotts pizza usually I go for a particular dish Sat Mar 13 03:30:06 -0800 2004 309867 0 elisha 2 310069 >LA best burger< Is this the name of a place? If so what is the location? Sat Mar 13 11:24:27 -0800 2004 310055 0 WLA 3 310089 on pico near creasent heights. pink stand next to savon. Sat Mar 13 16:01:12 -0800 2004 310069 0 elisha 2 310208 I meant sky's taco on pico don't know what jakes tacos is Mon Mar 15 03:56:05 -0800 2004 310055 0 elisha 1 310183 We have gone every week or two to Shershaw in Marina Del Rey. It is an Indian restaurant. We always go for the weekend buffet. As soon as we walk in they start brewing a Chai for my wife and bring me an Iced Tea. They also bring out a bowl of plain yoghurt for my Cucumber intolerant wife. It makes you feel welcome, the food is really good, inexpensive and makes you want to return soon. If we miss a week, they notice. Sun Mar 14 20:15:28 -0800 2004 309867 0 Just Larry 1 310379 Burger Continental Kang Nam Bungo Café Taylor's Pastis La Buca Saladang Song Alto Palato Mario’s Peruvian Chabelita Tue Mar 16 12:04:30 -0800 2004 309867 0 Mr Grub 1 310601 Tacos Villa Corona Mario's Italian Deli CBS Seafood Palms Thai East (Little Toyko) Shabu Shabu El 7 Mares Sharkeys Pho Cafe Taix Casita Del Campo Berges Sandwiches Wed Mar 17 17:01:53 -0800 2004 309867 0 brody 1 310620 2117 is our most consistent place. I love the sweetbreads, the quail and the calamari. I like their specials too. In 'n' Out Burger. Well maybe we go to In 'n Out more often than 2117. Royal Star Cafe Provence on Montana Broadway Deli Pastis When we lived on the Eastside Puran's on La Brea Girasolle Wed Mar 17 17:59:07 -0800 2004 309867 0 Ann 1 312637 Interesting topic.. I've read this board before to research, but never posted before today. I used to go to Ubon 1-2 times a week and was heartbroken to discover it's closed. [moment of silence for Ubon] I go to Hirozen and Mishima about as often now, though I prefer Ubon. I would love to find another Japanese food place in the neighborhood, something simple and low-key (hated Sushi Mon, Sushi Roku, and Koi). Other frequently frequented places that I like are Newsroom (salads & grille artichoke), Urth (grilled vegetable sandwich), Ago (artichoke/Parmesan salad + pasta), A.O.C. (cheese! ...and everything else), Sugarplum/Susina Bakery, and the French Quarter/Marketplace cafe. Regarding being a regular at a restaurant with which I'm not entirely impressed, I have to admit I do this. To be specific, I go more often than I would like to Swingers, Fred 62, the Rainbow Bar & Grill, and Le Petit Four. More than anything, these places are open late and the food is decent enough for diner-type food. I do like Swingers and Fred 62, and the Rainbow is just an interesting place. Le Petit Four, I don't dislike; I do find the food thoroughly mediocre, but it's open late, and there's free/easy parking. Tue Mar 30 23:05:07 -0800 2004 309867 0 nowhere 2 312646 >I would love to find another Japanese food place in >the neighborhood, something simple and low-key >(hated Sushi Mon, Sushi Roku, and Koi). I also miss Ubon, and agree with your disdain for Roku. In the general vicinity of the Bev Ctr, have you tried Yabu as a substitute? It doesn't have the Matsuhisa hallmark dishes but it does serve up some darn nice noodles and good sashimi. Wed Mar 31 00:43:40 -0800 2004 312637 0 PayOrPlay 3 312651 PayOrPlay--- Could you elaborate on Yabu, please, esp. regarding noodle dishes, how it compares to Ubon in this regard, etc? Also, cross streets? Like you and nowhere (how poetic sounding...), I, too, miss Ubon, the best place in the area to get your soba/udon fix. Chikusho! Wed Mar 31 02:09:19 -0800 2004 312646 0 Eric Archer 4 312840 To me, Yabu is sort of a cross between a sobodoro (soba/udon place) and an izakaya (variety of food especially good for drinking). If memory serves (I always end up imitating Chairman Kaga when I talk about Japanese food, sorry), when Yabu first opened on Pico it was basically a grungy space in a mildly dodgy location that served really good noodles and also happened to offer some additional dishes. Over the years, and especially at the La Cienega location (which is a bit south of Melrose and is much nicer than the divey Pico branch, including a pleasant and almost romantic outdoor space), other dishes like Sashimi, sushi, tataki, and cooked dishes have become more and more significant components of the overall experience. They do a good job with most of these, but I never found them to be consistently great at anything but noodles. But the soba has always ranked high. With the unfortunate downward spiral of Mishima and its spinoffs, Yabu now just might serve the best udon and soba in West LA, except for Taiko. Qualifier #1: This is not necessarily as great a compliment as it sounds, because there really aren't all that many ubon/soba places in West LA, where ramen is much more common. Qualifier #2: I haven't been to the Yabu on La Cienega in a couple of years, and so I would very much like to hear from you after you've tried it to see what you think. Link: http://www.japaneserestaurantinfo.com/yabu/ Thu Apr 01 00:37:44 -0800 2004 312651 0 PayOrPlay 5 313474 I went to Yabu on La Cienega last week for lunch and really liked it. I didn't order anything terribly interesting so I can't comment on the sushi, cooked dishes, etc. I did get just kake udon+california roll. The udon noodles were good - not at all congealed, not too thin, consistent consistency (if that makes sense - I mean the noodle surface wasn't noticeably softer than the inside). I found the broth a little salty, but I think it may just be me. The california roll had too much rice for my taste and I thought the rice was not chewy enough, but I am picky about rice. The space itself was nice, and would have been relatively quiet were it not for the loud crowd seated next to us. Semi- off-topic, the restroom was amazingly, sparklingly clean. Then again, this may have just been in response to their 3/18 violations for Handwashing and Improperly Cleaned/Not Maintained Clean (ick). A full page of the menu is noodle dishes. I think next time I'll try the soba, per PayOrPlay's recommendation. Thanks again! Fri Apr 09 02:24:19 -0700 2004 312840 0 nowhere 3 312815 Yabu - excellent suggestion! I've been to Yabu once, a few years ago, and I remember I liked it well enough (or at least, I don't remember finding it offensive). I've just plain forgotten about it since, and it's either closed whenever I drive past, or I don't want to deal with the parking. I mean, I know we're in Los Angeles and parking hassles are to be expected but Ubon was so easy, parking on the second floor of the mall. Also meant to add earlier, another "comfort food" type place I would frequent was Curry House, when it was on La Cienega. Sometimes Sawtelle is just too far.. Wed Mar 31 21:44:06 -0800 2004 312646 0 nowhere 3 312816 Yabu - excellent suggestion! I've been to Yabu once, a few years ago, and I remember I liked it well enough (or at least, I don't remember finding it offensive). I've just plain forgotten about it since, and it's either closed whenever I drive past, or I don't want to deal with the parking. I mean, I know we're in Los Angeles and parking hassles are to be expected but Ubon was so easy, parking on the second floor of the mall. Also meant to add earlier, another "comfort food" type place I would frequent was Curry House, when it was on La Cienega. Sometimes Sawtelle is just too far.. Wed Mar 31 21:44:07 -0800 2004 312646 0 nowhere 1 313545 As for Japanese food... I'm always at Otomisan - great food... especially their rice - I always help myself with 4-5 bowls. Toshihiro Obata (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) has been seen eating there. Otomisan Restaurant 2506 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 268-2421 If my mood goes for Italian, it will always be Folliero's Folliero Pizza & Italian Food 5566 N Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 254-0505 Wed May 12 16:13:24 -0700 2004 309867 0 Applesseed 2 313546 4-5 bowls of their rice? What makes it especially great? Wed May 12 16:20:34 -0700 2004 313545 0 weebie 3 313548 i don't know how they do it... it's like heaven. of all the places i've eaten that serves white steamed rice... no one compares to them. Thu May 13 03:57:58 -0700 2004 313546 0 Applesseed