Survey of LA Hounds

[vegetablelasagna]

Was having this conversation last night (about TV, not food) and curious to see what people here think.

The questions:

1. LA restaurants everybody loves but you (either actively dislike or think is overrated.)

2. LA restaurants nobody loves (either actively derides or just doesn't know about) but you.

3. LA restaurants everybody loves that you also love.

4. LA restaurants everybody loves that you've never been to.

My answers:

1. Animal, Lazy Ox. To me they were each a little out of balance flavor-wise, like at both places I felt there was WAY too much of an emphasis on lime juice/vinegar/acid to balance their bolder (saltier/porkier/whatever) flavors, which I found made certain dishes taste sort of uniformly like citrus and salt and that was about it. I liked the idea of each place/each dish more than the actual food in my mouth (but give those chefs huge props for having the hottest joints in town and making the food THEY -- and hoards of others -- really enjoy.) I didn't dislike the restaurants, but also didn't like them enough to ever need to go back.
(My TV answer: Breaking Bad.)

2. Star Falafel, Sherman Oaks. Hole in the wall, amazing falafel and Israeli food. Think it's more under the radar than underrated.
(My TV answer: Amen, Check It Out With Dr. Steve Brule.)

3. Cut, Mezze. I have nothing to say about them that hasn't already been said, other than I agree.
(My TV answer: Mad Men, The Wire.)

4. Bottega Louie, Chego, Jar. Don't worry, they're on the list. Ink however is not. I had one of the most insane/beautiful/delicious/indulgent meals of my life at The Langham in 2010 and for some reason want to preserve the experience (crazy and irrational I know, but it's sort of like not wanting to re-read a book or re-watch a movie or watch the sequel.)
(My TV answer: Homeland.)

The rules:

Bring it, but try not to be TOO rough on people like me who don't love Animal (because really, isn't that punishment enough?) Joking aside, I'm actually more interested in where the subjective meets the objective (ie. what one might actually be wrong about if everyone thinks the opposite/what one insists they're right about if everyone thinks the opposite. Or if/when/how both can be true.)

You don't have to provide a TV answer; it's Chowhound, not TVhound. And speaking of which, since I'm less a Chowhound and more a Chowpup, if this topic's already been covered please let me know and link to the thread so I can read it. Thanks!

[ellaystingray]

1. Melisse
(TV Answer: Dancing with the X Idol Voice Housewives)

2. Buggy Whip (haters), Aburiya Toranoko (just not enough love), Big Jo's (never comes up in the great burger of L.A. discussion but should).
(TV Answer: Duck Dynasty, NCIS Los Angeles)

3. Din Tai Fong (thought everyone loved it), CUT, Bay Cities (also thought everyone loved it), La Playita, Hungry Cat, Angelini Osteria, Hosteria del Piccolo, Gjelina, Rustic Canyon...
(TV Answer: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Top Chef, Game of Thrones, Daily Show, Monday Night Football (after those crazy calls, are you kidding me, who doesn't love that....jumped the shark) Colbert Report...)

4. While I know everyone doesn't "love" these, I am bummed I haven't been yet to the Gorbals, Son of a Gun, Soot Bull Jeep, Mori and Coni/Marisco Chente. Being on the Westside the last two are real fails.
(TV answer: Always Sunny in Philadelphia)

[cant talk...eating]

1. LA restaurants everybody loves but you (either actively dislike or think is overrated.)
Dupar's, Pann's, Yang Chow, Marston's, In 'n' Out, Pink's (feels like piling on at this point)
(TV - Breaking Bad. I realize I now have to join the witness protection program.)

2. LA restaurants nobody loves (either actively derides or just doesn't know about) but you.
Philippe's, Zankou, King Hua
(TV - Sledgehammer - wait, do you mean this century's TV??)

3. LA restaurants everybody loves that you also love.
Too many/hard to narrow down (probably why I like this board??). Never had a bad meal at Ruen Pair, Brent's, Mi Taco, The Raymond, Cafe del Rey.
(TV - Mad Men)

4. LA restaurants everybody loves that you've never been to.
Gjelina, Hungry Cat, the new Hatfield's, Carousel, Bay Cities - man, I gotta get out more.
(TV - The Wire. I know, crazy, huh?)

[ThatPat]

Since you're already eating LOL, just rent the Wire--but you have to get to the 4th or 5th "course" to get the hang of it for most people (all that Baltimore druggie slang). Then (at least for me) addiction sets in....(also #1 on Breaking Bad and #3 on Mad Men--like you).

[flowergirl]

1.
Father's Office - rude service - Gjelina - even ruder service (they won't even serve salad dressing on the side, come on!)
Zankou - Bazaar -Tavern - Monte Alban
2.
The Ivy (Robertson) - Richmond Grill (El Segundo) for amazing burgers - Glorias - Colori Kitchen (downtown) - Larry's (Venice)
3.
Hatfields - Son of A Gun - Rustic Canyon - Providence - Griddle for breakfast
4.
M B Post - Hungry Cat - Ink

[Thor123]

1. Baco Mercat, Mori, Cut

2. Barones, Sasabune, Natalie Thai, Dan Tanas

3. Sotto, Red Medicine, Picca, Mezze, Spago, Night & Market

4. Animal, Sun of Gun, Moza, new Water Grill

[Servorg]

We just had delivery this week from Natalie Thai for the first time in years and it was really pretty good. I especially found the fact that their Thai BBQ chicken white meat was moist to be almost unheard of for delivery food. I plan on trying them again soon for Thai delivery.

[Thor123]

We always get two orders of the BBQ Chicken. The BBQ Pork is very good too. The ribs (Ramas Ribs) are very large, meaty, messy and tasty. The Pad Thai is good and my wife likes the Vegetable Melange.

[Servorg]

I liked the Pad Thai too. I tried the green curry and again, the chicken was much moister than I normally get elsewhere. The only problem with the curry was that the bamboo shoots were a little on the mushy side.

[Ernie]

1. LA restaurants everybody loves but you (either actively dislike or think is overrated.)

Umami and Pizzeria Mozza. Some of the most overhyped places around and in the case of Umami, I think their food is actually disgusting. Mozza is OK but massively overrated. I've been there a few times and have never craved anything there again.

4. LA restaurants everybody loves that you've never been to.

Gjelina, Animal, and Son of a Gun. They are on my to-eat list

[Dirtywextraolives]

If you think PMozza is just okay, but massively overrated, you will probably feel the same way about Gjelina.

[Ciao Bob]

I cannot understand this comment at ALL, dirty.
I think PM is massively overrated yet Gjelina every bit as good as its reputation.

[Dirtywextraolives]

I think they both get a lot of hype. Some deserved, some not. I think PMozza does everything it sets out to do, right. Therefore, by my logic, if you think a place like PMozza is just okay, I think you will feel the same about Gjelina, which does some things right, but not all, IMO.

[Bruin2]

I want to play. Fast version!

1. Fathers Office. mediocre burger, overcrowded.

2.Oki Dog. The Oki Dog. A greasy heart bomb masterpiece of tortilla, chili, hot dogs, pastrami, and cabbage.

3. Lawrys. It may not always be the best cut of prime rib in your life, but it's always good, and no one I"ve ever taken has not liked it. (Plus cheap corkage which everybody likes.)

4. Cut. Love a great steak and looking foward to the meal.

[kelviny]

1. The Bazaar - Mehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
2. The Boba Truck
3. MB Post, Animal
4. Red Medicine, Tar & Roses, Osteria Mozza, Ink, Melisse

[bg90027]

1. Sweet Rose Creamery, Bay Cities, Umami (or any other fancy burger place)
TV: Mad Men (or any other AMC show other than Breaking Bad), most reality shows

2. Los Balcones del Peru, Rocco's Italian Deli, Moqueca, Figaro Bistrot
TV: I don't know, maybe Lie to Me (no longer on), Person of Interest or a lot of things that I liked that got cancelled quickly

3. Too many including Providence, Guisados, Babita, Jitlada, Chichen Itza, Scarpetta, AOC, Canele, Mozza, Waterloo & City, Lazy Ox, Scoops, Rivera, Aburiya Toronako, Bistro LQ
TV: Breaking Bad, The Wire, Burn Notice, Californication

4. Too many including Animal/Son of a Gun (other than small tastes at food events), Gjelina, Hatfield's, Coni Seafood, Picca, Lukshon's, Fig, Tar & Roses, Church & State, Playa, Melisse

TV: most HBO shows (not a subscriber)

[Ciao Bob]

Good call on Bay Shitties.

[Ciao Bob]

1. In-n-Out, Pizzeria Mozza (only the pizza - everything else - and the Osteria - I love), Park's (over rated simply because it is cleaner than the average [Korean] bear), every Food Truck
2. Giorgio Baldi
3. Tasting Kitchen, Cut
4. Water Grill

[sasha1]

I think 2 is the most interesting question of the bunch - you have to reveal yourself!

2. Hide Sushi and Asahi Ramen (Sawtelle). Have been eating at both for 10+ years (with a moving away break). Hide tastes fresh and good to me, at a price point I can afford. Asahi - deplored my most - my absolute favorite for mabo ramen. I love mabo ramen. I don't get any other ramens at Asahi. Tell me where else I can get mabo ramen, and I'll give it an honest shot.

[fhp]

Thank You Sasha1. I m with you on the Mabu at Asahi. May the aficionados continue to make the long trek elsewhere....

[namstermonster]

1. gjelina, ricky's, lazy ox/baco mercat, spice table, red medicine (save for the porridge), tsujita, kiriko
2. langers, FO
3. langers, FO, melisse, guisados, sushi zo, mori, wood spoon
4. n/naka, shunji, urasawa

[namstermonster]

3. def coni seafood!!

[PaulF]

1. Father's Office -- Not only do I not particularly like the food or the service, but I was a big fan of the real Father's Office, which was sort of a dive on Montana where you could sit and wait for your table to be ready at Babalu and the hostess at Babalu would call the bartender on the phone to tell you your table was ready. It was just a neighborhood joint that got taken over and turned into something trendy.

2. The counterpoint to Father's Office is Joxer's Daly, where I really like the bacon burger. Unline FO, JD is still a neighborhood pub with zero hype other than the fact that the owner is a Culver City councilman. I also like Philly West for bar food.

[Steve2 in LA]

1) Umami Burger (TV “Two and a Half Men”)

2) While this board invalidates my answer (because others agree with me), I’d have to also say Canters and Versailles. (TV “Strikeback” and “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives”.)

3) Animal, Spago, Osteria Mozza, A-Frame (“Newsroom", "Southland," "Justified", "Sons of Anarchy")

4) Baco Mercat, Sunny Spot, Son of A Gun, Picca (TV; “Elementary” ‘cause it’s not yet aired.)

[Ogawak]

Great question, although I think you might reconsider "Breaking Bad". It's the one show that started great and got better with age. Most shows have a "jump the shark" period from having gone on longer than they should have. Not BB. I do agree with your choices for 3, Mad Men and the Wire.

1. Sweet Rose Creamery. Just never liked their flavor offerings. And I've gone twice. Mariscos Chente, now Coni. Pescado Zarandeado (sic) just not it for me. Balconi. Lemonade. TV: CSI, Big Bang Theory.

2. Won Kok for their House Special Chow Fun and their cream buns. Tommy burgers. Favori for French and Vietnamese. Three Brothers for chicken katsu.TV: So You Think You Can Dance. Community.

3. Too many to mention. That's why I love Chowhounds: Kiriko, Father's Office, Sea Harbor, Dean Sin World, Antojitos Carmen, Bulgarini, Scoops, Bay Cities, Monte Alban, Vito's, etc.
TV: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones. The Wire, Deadwood. Louie, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Homeland.

4. Also too many to mention. That's why I sometimes hate Chowhounds. Too many potentially great places on my list to try: Animal, Lukshon, Ricky's Fish Tacos, Grom, Rustic Canyon, etc.. TV: The Shield.

[WildSwede]

1) Casa Bianca

[wienermobile]

I guess it's just the two of us....

[WildSwede]

;-)

[andytseng]

I think a good portion of CH is split on Casa Bianca. I don't get it, but if I was going to list every crowded restaurant in LA that I don't "get," my post could go on for a while.

[The Oracle]

Make that THREE ;)

[dgusanz]

1. Josies - the menu is so boring and food was not well-prepared. Gave up on it after our 2nd visit. But Josies Next Door is great.
2. Joes Bar in Venice - fabulous brunch and really good $19 3 course prix fixe lunch, excellent martinis and no one ever seems to mention it in CH posts.
3. Langers, Milo and Ollive, Tar and Roses, Melisse, Capo (especially perfect for Christmas Eve), Animal, Gjelina, Rivera, Hatfields
4. Cut, WP 24, Baco Mercat, Spice Table, Red Medicine, Ink, Son of a Gun, Mezze, Mozza, Maison Giraud, Spago when it re-opens, Providence

[Dirtywextraolives]

Oh you must try Maison Giraud! I think you would especially like it if you like classic contemporary French. Chef Giraud is there everyday, and his wife has a darling shop next door with beautiful linens from France. And he's open all day with delicious bakery items in the a.m. Go early for the croissants, some of the best in the city, IMO. Nice wines too.

[foufou]

love the blue crab hash with poached eggs at Joe's on the brunch menu.....

[brwencino]

1. Langers. Peculiar pastrami.

2. Brents. Whitefish tastes like a salt mine. Mushroom barley soup tastes like canned vegetable soup. Other dishes ok, but no better than many other delis.

[mrhooks]

By "everybody," do you mean CHers, or everyone in general?

1. Nickel Diner, Park's BBQ, Lazy Ox, In-N-Out, Kogi, Philippe's. None are terrible, just not that great.
(My TV answer: The Big Bang Theory, Boardwalk Empire)

I also don't like steak houses in general. Too expensive for a mostly one-note meal, and steaks don't taste good about halfway through the meal (I'm not a fast eater).

Also want to make a separate mention for LudoBites, which was very hit-or-miss, and not a great experience overall if you include non-food factors. However, I understand that the one I attended (5.0) was probably the worst one, so it might not count.

2. It's gone now, but Ortolan. Also gone now, but I enjoyed (almost) every meal I had at Ciudad. And they don't get a lot of mentions here (though what they get is positive), but Seoul Sausage, even though it's not a restaurant yet.
(My TV answer: Community, Friday Night Lights)

3. Urasawa, Red Medicine, Hatfield's, Animal, Golden State, Langer's, Tsuruhashi
(My TV answer: Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Archer)

4. Ink, Totoraku, SAAM, Shunji, Son of a Gun, AnQi (only the molecular gastronomy menu)
(My TV answer: Homeland, Dr. Who, The Wire)

(Okay, so Tsuruhashi and AnQi technically aren't LA restaurants. But we talk about them here, so I included them.)

[foufou]

I enjoyed Ciudad too...thanks for the memory!

[Dirtywextraolives]

We LOVED Ortolan. Gorgeous room, incredible food, sexy chef. Need I say more?

[New Trial]

Chef Eme looks like he will be reopening in the same space albeit with a new, more casual concept. Possibly by year end.

[Dirtywextraolives]

Yes I know, he sent me an email ;-). Same spot too, he is just waiting for investors at this point.

[ilysla]

1. Animal. Gjelina.

I think both places are good, but, given the hype here, I was seriously expecting the clouds to part and the angels to start singing when I took my first bite. In case you're wondering, that didn't happen. ::snort:: To the OP, interesting that you thought Animal was too sour/acidic. I thought everything was simply too salty (and I rather like salt).

Gjelina was good, but having just returned from a weekend trip from SF, I found it a little disappointing. I prefer places like Huckleberry and Milo + Olive more (which I think are vaguely similar conceptually -- minus the baked goods -- and less pretentious and less of a scene).

2. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm adverturous enough to know about places that other 'hounds don't! Perhaps Amir's Falafel in Encino? Siam Chan in West LA (good for "fast-food" type Thai). Fritto Misto (sometimes you want sloppy, inexpensive cal-italian.... although the specials there are FAR from cheap). Lunasia (people do mention it when they mention good dim sum places, but it always seems like it's 2nd tier compared to Sea Harbour/Elite; I think I actually like it more than either place).

3. Jitlada. The aforementioned Huckleberry/Milo + Olive. Ricky's Fish Tacos. Lobsta Truck. Elite. Sean Harbour. J&J (XLB). 101 Noodle Express. JTYH (did I get the order right?). Langer's. Park's BBQ. Pizzeria Mozza (minus the noise). Father's Office (Culver City location only; would be nicer if you could move the fake hipster/pseudo-boho-chic crowd). Wood Spoon. Melisse. Providence.

4. Sotto. Hostaria del Piccolo. La Espanola. Water Grill.

5. Based on your own responses (and those of other posters), I think you need a 5th question: Deeply divisive food places. Where do YOU stand on the divide? ;)

I don't like In-N-Out or Chego. I do like Philippe's.

I unfortunately get network TV and basic cable (b/c I am a cheap bastard), which severely limits my ability to make parallels w/ TV shows.... ::sigh::

[wienermobile]

1. Valentino, The Lobster, The Ivy, 26 Beach & Casa Bianca

2, Sung Harbor Santa Monica, comfort diner food in the original 1940's setting. Yang Chow's, a taste of my childhood. Fundamental LA, great food in their tiny hidden Westwood location, Mrs. Knott's Fried Chicken (another childhood thing) Clifton's (back soon), Philippe's & Umami Burger.

3. MB Post, Langer's, Brent's, Gjelina, Son of A Gun, Park's BBQ, Water Grill, Original Pancake House,Ricky's Fish Tacos, Plan Check. Big Mista, Milo & Olive, Golden State, Pizzeria Mozza, Rustic Canyon, Chinois, Stella Rosa Pizza Bar, Pann's, Sea Harbour, Musso & Frank, Lukshon, Cupid's, Saddle Peak Lodge, Wurstküche, Providence and Fig

4. Sotto, Melisse, & Urasaw (someday).

[andytseng]

Nice topic! Question though... When you say everyone, do you mean the general population of LA or the population of CH. I'm guessing you mean the general pop., but I feel like this should focus more on the CH pop, since Cheesecake Factory is always crowded, and I don't think too many people here enjoy it.

1. It's not always packed, but CH seems to love Red Medicine. I've enjoyed certain items, particularly desserts, but I'm generally not a fan of the food. Don't know if CH is as consistent for their love of these, but...
most taco trucks incl. Ricky's (it's solid, but IMO not worthy of all the love and praise it gets),
Daisy Mint & Abricott (I'm actually surprised that people on CH like these places. The Thai food tastes to me like any average Thai restaurant, and their takes on other Asian foods have always been underwhelming and uninventive to me),
Parish (fried chicken just tastes like a well executed fried chicken, nothing new here),
Kiriko (It was okay, but had a particularly off-putting experience there on my last visit)

2. I think CH likes Dean Sin World, but the place is usually pretty empty whenever I go. I dunno that I love it, but it is geographically convenient.

3. n/naka, Urasawa, Animal, Langer's, Square One Dining... I think I could go on for a while.

4. People seem to enjoy Plan Check, but for whatever reason, it just never piqued my interest. Tried to go to Sotto once, but the kitchen closed. The story is a bit more involved than that, but long story short, they got bumped to the bottom of my list. I'm also getting tired of "New American" or "Farm to Table" restaurants, so I don't plan on doing any of those soon.

Don't know where to fit this on the list, but I love ink. The experience won't be as elegant or refined as the Dining Room at the Langham, but if you loved his style then, I would recommend visiting ink. I think the experience is so different that you may not connect them emotionally. Also, I'd imagine that you had a tasting menu at the Langham, which I do not think is the way to go at ink.

On a side note, I think it will be funny if enough people post and we see a lot of repeats for Qs 1 and 2.

[chrishei]

This looks fun. From the top of my mind...

1. The Oinkster, The Spice Table, Sotto
(My TV answer: Boardwalk Empire)

2. Gloria's, Jeff's Gourmet Sausage Factory, Ji Rong
(My TV answer: Community)

3. Quite a few, including: Animal, Kiriko, Shunji
(My TV answer: Breaking Bad)

4. Too many, but from others' answers so far: FIG, MB Post, n/naka
(My TV answer: Treme)

[fhp]

Not up on TV.....I just cant get myself to give into COX. How can people pay to watch infomercials and TV evangelists?

1) Just about anything that has anything to do with Patina Group makes me grumpy and resentful.
There is something so virus like and ever pervasive about them. From the Mothership down I've
yet to enjoy myself therein. Food, Wait Staff, the whole deal. Maybe its because I am at the Music Center so often when I come in from out of town. Now I know to beat down it to Little Tokyo.
for some slurpy noodles.
Mozza doesn't exactly wow me either although I have as of yet been seated in the Pizza part of the restaurant.

2) I love Vietnamese Banh Cuon and as I am often at the music center I stop for an early snack at Hoan Kiem, a little hole in the wall in a shopping mall between N Broadway and Hill. Banh Cuon, little steamed rice crepes filled with minced meat and mushrooms is their specialty. The place is tiny but the owners are so thoughtful and happy to see a new customer. I have also ordered their party tray and taken the Banh Cuon to get togethers where they are aways quickly gobbled up. This is a little desert flower in the generally disappointing food wasteland of Chinatown. On a very different note my Roman husband always wants to eat at the rarely mentioned is Il Pastaio and Vincente.

3. Everyone loves Djelinas and I do too. I have yet to be disappointed and have never been driven mad by attitude. Also the Marisco Truck on Rose and 4th with their ceviche tostada.

4. Providence and Meliise

[Layne Murphy]

I'll probably regret this because I seem to get flamed here for super innocuous things but here goes.
1. Lucques. In my neighborhood Oinkster and Auntie Em's.
2. Canters. Yeah. It ain't Langers but I am always happy there. Decent bakery. Soup. Baked apples. Chocolate phosphates. Go on. Slash my tires
3. Rivera, Tar and Roses, Lazy Ox, Nickel Diner
4. Gjelina, Son of a Gun,

[Dirtywextraolives]

LOL, Layne, I actually agree with your choice of Lucques, but didn't think of it until later, then didn't want to bother re-revising my own post. Okay, so now we both have flats.....

[foufou]

1. Langer's and Bazaar
3. Manhattan Beach Post
4. Melisse

[Dirtywextraolives]

1. Father's Office. I just don't get it, and think they have snotty service. Have never been to the Culver City one, and may break down some day. Also got to include Langers here, it just doesn't do much for me, and the #19 is tasty, but waaaay over priced for what it is.

2. Casa Escobar. I know, it's cheesy gringo Mexican, but I really like the family that runs it and they treat us like family. Also, Pink Taco. I know, a chain run by "horrible" people, but we've never had a bad meal there, they pour strong drinks, the room is really interesting, and my kids love sneaking to the restroom to stare at the nudie pics!

3. Animal, Hatfield's, Melisse, tar & roses

4. List is quite long, since I can't get out as often as I like but a few are: Manhattan Beach Post, son of a Gun, Guisados, Bazaar, Mo Chica, n/naka. EDIT : have to add Red Medecine here also....

Fun thread, vegetablelasagne, thanks for letting me play, I love stuff like this!

[vegetablelasagna]

Hey, thank YOU! Seriously, I want everyone to play. The answers so far have been very interesting and telling. I know it's informal/not very accurate etc. but if the thread keeps going I might start tallying the results.

[ipsedixit]

1. LA restaurants everybody loves but you (either actively dislike or think is overrated.)
__________________________________________

Answer: Langer's and Din Tai Fung.

[PeterCC]

That's funny, I was gonna put DTF as an answer for my #2.

I'm on a cell phone, so I'll post my full answers later, but very quickly and off the top of my head:

#1: Plan Check
#2: DTF, Versailles, Killer Shrimp
#3: Sea Harbour, Shunji, Kiriko, FIG
#4: Ink, Mezze, Osteria Mozza, The Bazaar, really too many to name...

[granadafan]

Langers is on your list? Those are fighting words, ispedixit!

[ipsedixit]

I've never understood Langer's, much less liked it. Best thing there is probably the egg creme.

[Dirtywextraolives]

Me neither. A to the friggin' MEN. Validation, at last..... ;-))

[honkman]

Where is the "Ignore" button when you need it ;)

[bulavinaka]

Langer's pastrami does nothing for you? This must be the "donut hole" in your palate...

[ipsedixit]

I consider Langer's the Chowhound Pied Piper, and I am tone deaf.

[wienermobile]

and I consider Langer's The Golden Ticket of Chowhound.

[ipsedixit]

... and I've never been that big a fan of chocolate.

[BrewNChow]

Now you REALLY lose credibility ;)

For OP:

Everybody loves Zankou Chicken, Yamadaya, Annapurna but me.

Nobody loves Zam Zam Market, Nkechi, Bawarchi, Flavors of Belize, Banadir, Sri Siam or Prael Thai like I do.

We all love Langers, Bay Cities, Kiriko, Santouka, DTF, Elite/SH, Pollos a la Brasa, Stella Rossa/M&O, La Espanola, Bludso's, Jitlada, and so do I.

There's unfortunately a lot of restaurants I meant to try, but never got the chance. Lucques, BLD, Melisse, Hatfield's, Red Med, FIG, Urasawa, Providence, Baco Mercat, Shunji. Probably a hundred others.

[bulavinaka]

Your #4 has two of three initial places that rate controversial to very controversial. Chego seems to be a place that you either like/get, or don't like/get. Among other criticisms, Bottega Louie's detractors would rather pull their own fingernails than go, as just the noise level alone would be louder and more painful. I like Chego but I hate loud places, which Chego can be, and has scared me away from ever trying Bottega Louie.

[tastevin]

#4 Gjelina never been, everyone tells me to go. (TV: Answer Breaking Bad)

As for your initial answer to #4 Bottega Louie, I go once a month in the hopes that it will change and actually be worth the prices and I will find something on the menu I like. Every time its a let down! Its my answer to number one. It's the definition of insanity I keep going, trying to figure out why so many people are there each time and I get the same trainwreck meal results. I actively dislike this place and wish they would just close up shop and make room for three new restaurants in the space as its huge. But with so many lemmings happily lapping up the slop there it's doubtful that will happen. Additionally I would add the following joints, Baco Mercat, Umami Burger, and Cattessen yes all of them, and Maestro's (TV Answer to #1, Lost, is that still on the air?)

Number 2: Le Petit Bistro on La Cienega, "Old Fashion" boring bistro fare, but to me it's done right. It's like hitting the St.Germain in the 1970's Nouvelle cuisine and it's to me comforting to see that on a plate. I mean really "Floating Islands" for dessert??? (TV answer: Not Sure maybe any number of reality abominations on tv)

Number 3: Park's BBQ great meat! Bouchon and can not leave out an In & Out Double Double from the mix. (TV Answer: Mad Men)

[epop]

or, in response to Bulavinka, Chego is somewhere you get and dislike, because of the execution.

DISLIKES:
#1: all of the Goin restaurants disappoint me. The people working them feel so phony and corporate and the food is totally inconsistent.
#2: the sushi roku corp., with all their offshoots. Pathetic.
Can I add Chinois on Main etc. Spago. Come on, Wolfgang.
How bad was California food when you entered the scene???
#3: all the Thai food I've had here. Includes Jitlada and Nakorn or whatever it is called. Never again. I'll wait to go back to a Thai home or Thailand. No comparison.

I have to stop. This isn't good for me.

I like places where the chef is really working the kitchen, keeps things quiet, and
prices are appropriate. For example, Jiraffe comes to mind, although the clients
get loud there too, and ruin the atmosphere.
Many of the Japanese places work.

[Servorg]

Most restaurants, like life in general, are at least 50 shades of gray (if you can still type that without being sued for copy write infringement or sexual innuendo?). If I ever end up going through life making a black or white call on most of what I experience it will be past time to hang it all up and move on to some other plane of existence.

[epop]

Mozza served me a half-frozen marrow bone.
Goin served me an old oyster at Hungry Cat. The crab claws were
so old the meat in them had come together into a lump and changed colors.
The list goes on and on. There are no shades.

Sure, some things can be more or less delicious, but there is no excuse for the corporate junk they're passing off as cooking in this country, at so many places.

[maudies5]

Goin isn't at Hungry Cat. Get your facts straight, epop. What the hell do you consider "corporate junk?"

[epop]

Corporate junk is restaurants largely set up by (often big-time) investors, and the chef isn't the one cooking, or even in the kitchen. Any place too big tends to become this. Restaurant groups.

Not my cup of tea.

Guess I touched a raw nerve, but we are allowed to have our own opinions.

What I wrote applies to Tavern + A.O.C.
Perhaps you ought to check your facts:

From Fodors -
Suzanne Goin is a chef and restaurateur from Los Angeles, California. As a restaurateur, she runs four restaurants in the Los Angeles area: The A.O.C., Lucques, and Tavern, which she runs with partner Caroline Styne, and The Hungry Cat, where she shares duties with her husband, David Lentz.

[maudies5]

Perhaps you should not rely on Fodors for your information.

[Ernie]

Yes we get it already. You hate everything here. We get it.

[epop]

That's really unkind. I have outlined specific problems in each case and been careful about raising issues. There's plenty of praise here for people who offer fantastic food day in and out, like the folks at Mori.

Credit where credit is due.

[Servorg]

Living life by singling out and dwelling on the negative is no way to live...food wise or otherwise...

[mc michael]

Not to defend Wolfgang, but things were pretty bleak before he, Ken Frank, Michael McCarty et al came on the scene.

[epop]

and Wolfgang moved on to stardom and left his kitchen to whom... So there's no point in being a customer. But people like to say, Oh I love Spago, or Chinois or Cut.
For what?
Just to agree. I have no idea.
The worse they cook, the more I save for travel.

[Porthos]

I dunno epop, Rome and Paris are filled with tourist traps and mediocre food also. One must also navigate carefully.

[epop]

Definitely avoiding much in those places too, Porthos. "Don't believe the hype." Things have changed rapidly.
Where are the grandmothers?

But Kasen is a definite treat.

[Porthos]

Grandmothers have passed and their recipies with them. Their children too busy to pick up such lost arts.

But there are bright stars in the darkness. For example, Shunji and Chef Kahn in LA, Stephane Jego in Paris. These chefs still labor in the kitchen and cook with honesty and genius. No doubt there are many others.

All is not lost.

[fhp]

You are right. I moved to Rome in 1976 and have watched the demise of good food in "Centro Storico". It followed Venice's and Florence's compromise to tourism. Many of the so called restaurants in places like the Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori or Piazza Pantheon are not really even restaurants. Sad but true; a lot of these place do not even have a proper kitchen and their food is nuked for the non discriminating tourist.
Try heading out to the more residential areas of the touristy cities and you will still find good traditional food. Head into the country side and you are in heaven.

[Tripeler]

Tell me about it, fhp! My wife and I had our honeymoon in Northern Italy in 1987, and the very best food we had was in these large trattoria out in the countryside. Very simple food with amazingly fresh ingredients. We were also in large cities (Milan, Florence, Venice and Rome) but fortunately what we ate was also very, very good. But that was 25 years ago.

[latindancer]

<But people like to say, Oh I love Spago, or Chinois or Cut. For what? Just to agree. I have no idea.>

Speaking for this 'people'...I love Chinois. Going along with people, just to do it, isn't my style...never has been. Wolfgang Puck hit the jackpot with this restaurant years ago and he continues with some of the most consistently tasty food in the city. BTW....Puck is often in the kitchen, right out there for everyone to witness, doing what he does best.
Travel on....

[maudies5]

Ken Frank , Michael McCarty were, indeed, visionaries. Please do not forget Michael Roberts of Trumps. He was the (IMHO) the greatest visionary. A brilliant chef and a very kind man. Trumps was a great restaurant. R.I.P. Michael Roberts

[Ernie]

"I like places where the chef is really working the kitchen, keeps things quiet, and
prices are appropriate"

I think that place is called home.

[epop]

and just about anywhere abroad, Ernie.

[mc michael]

Maybe you should go to Nickel Diner.

[Porthos]

"I like places where the chef is really working the kitchen, keeps things quiet, and
prices are appropriate"

This describes Chef Laurent Quenioux perfectly. His only fault may be that he cooks too quietly and keeps prices less than what I would consider appropriate.

[Dirtywextraolives]

I would also add Chef Alain Giraud to that list.

[ipsedixit]

I would also add Chef Alain Giraud to that list.
________________________________

I'm not sure Giraud has "price are appropriate" part.

[ipsedixit]

"I like places where the chef is really working the kitchen, keeps things quiet, and
prices are appropriate"
__________________________________

Add Roberto Berrelleza (nee of Babita) to that list.

[maudies5]

This also describes Lucques. Suzanne Goin is very hands-on in that kitchen. The food is always delicious.
""I like places where the chef is really working the kitchen, keeps things quiet, and
prices are appropriate"

This describes Chef Laurent Quenioux perfectly. His only fault may be that he cooks too quietly and keeps prices less than what I would consider appropriate."

[linus]

reading this discussion, i'll think i'll let whit stillman speak for me. i think the analogy holds for food and restaurants:

"The US is like an enormous ant farm, A see-through plastic case
enclosing an ant colony. It's a toy sold to children so they can
watch ants build their own society. The US is like an ant farm
for the rest of the world. But, people living in other countries
can't observe the ants. They must rely on journalists
and commentators for a description.
The problem is,
that these people seem to hate ants."

[Ernie]

That is unfortunately naïve. There is horrible food abroad too. Distance does not guarantee good food. Some of the worst food I have ever had was in Rome, Barcelona, Greece and Manhattan

[latindancer]

<This isn't good for me.>

Reading your post isn't so good for me either. You can't find one restaurant in this city that comes close to your liking? If I love a city I usually find food that i also love....it's just the way it works. Like life.

[Ernie]

It is far easier (and lazier) to constantly whine about places than to offer solid recommendations and constructive criticism beyond "better made at home"

[bulavinaka]

We don't have cable or sat so my TV choices can be somewhat narrow.

1) Spice Table. Only been for lunch, but was utterly not impressed by the food - the beer was great but not of their doing. I may be somewhat of a harsh critic because I went in with expectations and a little history with SE Asian food. Your TV choice leaves me diametrically opposed to you. Breaking Bad's script is tight and has no equal. The cinematography is head and shoulders above any other show. The actors perfectly portray all the eccentricities and weaknesses of the human condition. Please reassess your view, as even your avatar reeks of blue (meth;)). Hey, that rhymes.

2) Metro Cafe. Always the reliable friend, Metro never leaves me wanting. Reasonable-sized menu with no-nonsense dishes executed well. The owner is often there to greet, chat and tell jokes. The only fallbacks are the service can be slow during peak times, and the Serbian guys who show up in black jackets must be the thugs from every recent Bond movie. Grimm is one of my few reasons for turning on le boobtube.

3) Sea Harbour for dim sum or dinner. My first thought was Rivera, but I don't recall many other posters chiming in about the place. Noise level at Rivera can be an issue, with all the hard surfaces - noise level at Sea Harbour has always been manageable considering it seats so many Chinese diners able and willing to chat up a storm. Agree with you on Mad Men - great series that really puts one back in that period. The storyline and cinematography are excellent, and the timeless designs as well as social failings of that time were never more apparent.

4) Rustic Canyon. We never get into this place. Whenever we've gone, plan to go, or even think about going, the place is maxed out. Are we suffering the consequences of their popularity, or is it all hype? Don't know either way, but we really like all of their other places, regardless of how eating area-dysfunctional they are. The Wire has always intrigued me - have never seen even a clip. My only exposure to the series is when NPR often did articles on the show. This will be my next series to purchase on DVD - we not only don't do cable, we don't do netflix either. Kids and technology today can potentially be like handing a loaded weapon to a fool.

[mc michael]

According to J. Gold, the Sea Harbour dim sum crew has decamped to King Hua. True?

[ipsedixit]

Yeah, they joined forces with the folks from the (former) Triumphal Palace who were also rumored to have left for King Hua to form one big invincible "Voltron Dim Sum" kitchen crew.

Don't believe everything you read (and certainly not all of it).

[bulavinaka]

Love ipse's "Voltron" comment. The ship-jumpers jumped a while back. And while they jumped ship, they might have forgotten the captain who is probably the one who would have led them into the dim sum stratosphere. King Hua opened with much anticipation, but their new ship was a bit waterlogged - at least according to Super Hound and currently MIA poster exilekiss:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/533771

They may have been suffering through a new restaurant learning curve among other things, but still - not having your act together in such a competitive environment such as SGV won't gain any sympathy. Not that hype isn't out in the SGV, but all in all, eaters in this part of town definitely vote with their dollars. I visited King Hua for dim sum for the first time last weekend after it had received some positive feedback. I must say that it was very good, but I felt that the execution was not quite as good, and I tasted a couple of shrimp items that were just a tad off - I've never had this issue at Sea Harbour, which I still prefer. I don't know if King Hua's location is an issue as well, but we walked right in and were seated at 1100 - Sea Harbour would have a line in front at least 30-deep. And Sea Harbour is not perfect according to some posters. But I've always enjoyed their offerings, so have all the folks that we've brought with us - every one of them.

[ipsedixit]

King Hua is always half-empty. Always.

[Will Owen]

Or is it half full? ;-)

It really is in a sort of unhappy place, stuck out on that promontory right at the intersection. It's weird - although it looks like parking would be very easy, I've never felt the urge to stop there. And I'm still waiting for enough of a solid review to push me in.

[New Trial]

Five words: "Dim sum followed by Fosselman's." The dim sum was quite good and, as you thought, parking was easy.

[Ernie]

Was at King Hua over the weekend since the wait at Lunasia was an hour. It was OK, but not as good as recent dim sum visits to Lunasia

[Servorg]

"3. Cut, Mezze. I have nothing to say about them that hasn't already been said, other than I agree."

If you are under the impression that one of the restaurants in answer to question number 3 above is Cut you obviously haven't reviewed the L.A. board carefully enough...(not that the review needs to be all that careful to find out that Cut has a LOT of detractors on this board). ;-D>