659159 Tue Oct 13 11:23:48 -0700 2009 9 2 Los Angeles Area 0 5100012 Good friend who's a foodie and I, not so much of one, are looking for interesting but inexpensive dinner before Murray Perahia concert at Disney Concert Hall tonight. Our usual routine has been to dine at Ciudad. However, we did spring for the best seats AND we both work for the state and are therefore living with diminished incomes--need I say more? Any ideas? Tue Oct 13 11:23:48 -0700 2009 107006 ecd 1 5100105 the closest place i can think of (other than koo koo roo and cpk) is the redwood bar. it's pretty tasty. i love their clam chowder which is one of the only things i get there. but they have ok burgers and other fare http://www.theredwoodbar.com/site08/homewiframe.htm cole's is also not too far and has some great history and phenomenal potato salad. http://colesfrenchdip.com/ is little tokyo too far for you? there are some inexpensive foodie places around both. i would check out spitz, wurstkuche, or nickel diner. http://www.eatatspitz.com/ http://www.wurstkucherestaurant.com/ http://nickeldiner.com/ Tue Oct 13 11:51:56 -0700 2009 5100012 11446 dtud 1 5100740 Philippe's for french dip. Tue Oct 13 15:21:49 -0700 2009 5100012 12873 OCAnn 1 5100762 Good night for some ramen. Daikokuya in Little Tokyo about 7 blocks from Disney Hall. 327 E 1st St. Tue Oct 13 15:32:51 -0700 2009 5100012 11914 monku 1 5100851 I'd give serious thought (as I look out the window at 4 pm) only to places adjoining the Red Line stops. or with shuttles, because it may be pouring again shortly, and while I'd normally suggest that the walk to/from Little Tokyo was a pleasant jaunt, tonight maybe not so much. So look around the 7th and Fig/Metro stop. Tue Oct 13 16:11:17 -0700 2009 5100012 11398 silverlakebodhisattva 2 5100879 Thanks to all who responded. We might just end up in the Concert hall cafe after all (because of the unpredictable weather), but we'll take your suggestions to heart for the next outing---because nobody's budget challenges are going away soon! Tue Oct 13 16:23:59 -0700 2009 5100851 107006 ecd 3 5103267 sorry for the late reply Oct. 14. But, maybe next time you go for dinner? SO< where did you decide to eat before the concert? Wed Oct 14 14:03:04 -0700 2009 5100879 29103 kc girl 1 5100881 Wood Spoon http://woodspoonla.blogspot.com/ Tue Oct 13 16:24:12 -0700 2009 5100012 11583 ipsedixit 1 5103263 I would suggest a place in Chinatown for fantastic food, but it's not so fancy atmosphere. Very authentic Cantonese recipes. A-Graded. Excellent value. It's clean and well run, just not luxurious. And, it's kind of hard to find since it is at the end of a hallway of stores from the street. The pay parking lots are close, but there is also a very small parking lot in back if no street meter parking is available. New Dragon Seafood www.newdragonseafood.com (though their menu links are not properly working, maybe call and ask them to fax you a menu if you're concerned) 934 N Hill St Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 626-6050 It's actually really close to Disney Hall. Another option for time and surroundings is to decide what you want when there at New Dragon (with the help of staff cause they will be good) and then take it to go sit by Mrs. Disney's Fountain in the backyard of Disney Hall. Wed Oct 14 14:00:54 -0700 2009 5100012 29103 kc girl 1 5104723 I'm going to echo the Chinatown recommendation which is not walking distance, although you could do it, but darn close. My pick is Full House Seafood which five of us ate at last year for $74. Great Schezwan green beans and cod in black bean sauce. They serve 'til 3am and have more fish tanks on the floor than your local pet store. 963 N Hill St Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-8382 Thu Oct 15 06:03:59 -0700 2009 5100012 11193 cvc