CONFESSION TIME: Places you're super curious about but too scared to try. I'll start.......

[Bazza90036]

What's with that place on La Brea a block or so south of Washington near the 10 Freeway.

It's called Taurus Flavors....has a sandwich board out on La Brea with picture of a bull on it. I "think" it's some kind of Philly Cheesesteak joint. I've been curious about it for YEARS but too scared to try.

Has ANYONE ever ventured in????

Ok that's mine.........who's next???

[Thor123]

Langer's Pastrami. I know its the best, but am afraid of the consequences constitutionally speaking.

[jesstifer]

Colima on Cesar Chavez and Broadway, across the street from the Chinatown entrance. Actually got as far as walking in the door once at lunchtime on a weekday. Completely empty, so I bailed.

Anyone?

[TonyC]

The Burmese back yard lunch parties on the weekends.

[linus]

i'm curious. is it the food or the party crashing that frightens you?
granted, i'm as peoplephobic as they come, so i'm one to talk.

[TonyC]

Neither, it's mostly the language barrier like this guy: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/8848... . Also, the joints are (obvs) not licensed, and I don't want them to think I'm a narc.

So, I happily go back to Yoma to see Joan.

[linus]

tony, any chance you have a link where i can read about these burmese get togethers?

thanks.

[TonyC]

not really, but here's a photo: http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws....

email me for addys.

[kevin]

Do you need an invite to the Burmese backyard lunch parties ?

[mrgreenbeenz]

I've always been scared to go into El Chubasco on Sunset. Someone told me it was the Mongol's hangout. One of these days I'm gonna strap on a pair and do it though...

[CharlesKochel]

nice one. Is it close to the new Muddy Leek? If so, I'll give it a try tomorrow.

[silence9]

I'm super-curious about the various korea-town hangouts I've heard about serving chow and drinks at three a,m, and thereafter to the gangster crowd.

But I don't read or speak korean and don't want to un-intentionally insult any staff or patrons, only to find myself awakening face-deep in a bubbling cauldron of soon dubu, or with those steel chopsticks that look like assasin throwing spikes hurtling toward me.

And I don't drink Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

BUT -- I've got a 'Bullitt' Mustang that would look so dangerous pulling up to their doorway, and I can say alot with the silent look of trouble-just-arriving. And most importantly, I want to try some outlaw snacks that make the female patrons do a double-take at the new guy (me!).

Where to start my quest?

[ns1]

bohemian is a classic.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/bohemian-rest...

[kevin]

I concur with you on this post.

[ipsedixit]

Just buy the house a round of Johnnie Walker Blue. You don't have to partake (order up yourself a Wild Turkey if you want). That'll buy you enough goodwill that no one will mess with your Bullit.

[TonyC]

Firstly, sell the Bullit and buy an M3.

Out of the 3 pubs at Chapman, Bohemian has the least edible food, and the least amount of people eating (unless you consider scooping watermelon-soju balls eating). Chapman also has the highest concentration of English-speaking pubs so no one is going to harass migooks at Toe Bang and a y.t. or 2 can often be spotted at Gaam.

Either way, thanks to Bourdain and crew, even Dan Sung Sa, now with an English-translated menu, has plenty of K-town hipsters these days.

[kevin]

Chapman ? three pubs there ?

Did I miss an earlier post ?

[chrishei]

Shibucho?

And maybe places that are too "cool" - I'm a bit too geeky to be seen.

[linus]

are you speaking of shibucho in l.a.?

i remember being apprehensive about going there. once i went, i thought he was a pretty nice fella.
i was intimidated at first when he said, "what may i serve you?" but that went away once we explained our likes and dislikes.

and, i learned red wine goes pretty well with sushi.

[chrishei]

Yes THE Shibucho. Not really intimidated, just came to mind if I had to choose a place re: topic.

Also agree w/ silence9 below.

[kevin]

Urasawa.

[jasongg06]

why? (I'm curious)

[kevin]

Well, only based on the cost, because once I get that $500 -plus bill I believe I will have a fucking freak out aneurysm.

Unless, of course, someone else is paying, but I highly doubt that will happen.

Otherwise, I'd make a reservation as soon as possible.

[jasongg06]

same for me. sigh..

[TonyC]

what you're truly saying is you're afraid of death?

wouldn't an aortic rupture immediately after Urasawa be a pretty good way to go? it'd be up there with choking on a giant wad of iberico jamon.

[jesstifer]

I overcame my fear and made rezzies for our 20th anniversary. It's cheaper than a diamond ring, I figure.

[spacemanspiffy]

Jumbo's Clown Room

[kevin]

it's overrated and flooded with hipsters, at least the jumbo's of 2013 is.

[linus]

was jumbo's ever...rated? always felt the diviest of all the local peeler bars, and not in a cool/bukowski kinda way, but in a wow, this place is genuinely sticky kinda way.
the gals were a little...less than, but at least you could drink a real beer.
frankly, i've always felt the vast majority of the appeal of the place lies in the admittedly great name.

[kevin]

your right you can't beat that name with a ten-foot pole.

but if it was divey years ago, i would guess, and now hipsters and others just want to go ther to slum it.

kind of like how others are just now moving into the downtown LA artist district to slumm it royally.

[Feed_me]

Do they even serve food? I googled it and found out it was a bar with scantily clad female performers. Didn't see any references to food or a menu. Years ago I became friends with a guy in a Chicago suburb. Whenever he'd come out here he wanted to meet at one of the (then) 2 Hooters in Orange County. After about the third time I told him couldn't we eat at a better quality restaurant before we went there? Never heard from the guy again.

[suelassman]

I want to go to Masa. I love me some great Chicago pizza. it is just a ways away from good ol Simi Valley. I also want to go to Griddle Cafe. Somehow driving about an hour to get some pancakes... well..it is sort of silly . Two places on my bucket list to try.

[WildSwede]

I am not afraid of places and am willing to go basically anywhere for anything and have - usually by myself.

HOWEVER, I remember once, at one of the Vietnamese places way east on Valley, I pulled into the back to park. One of the employees was back there doing dishes with a hose - no soap!! Sorry, that does scare me. I went to the Mexican place next door!

[ns1]

That's the true vietnamese experience.

[cant talk...eating]

Just remembered one - off Washington Pl. (or Blvd.?) west of the 405 there's a very small taqueria just north of Washington on the west side of the street, maybe attached to a liquor store. It looked potentially good but the neck tattoo ratio of the patrons was too high last time I was by - anyone know what place I'm talking about? Tried Google Maps but couldn't locate it.

[Servorg]

Are you thinking of Cinco De Mayo (just on the corner down from Tito's and north of Johnny's Pastrami)? Although it's east of the 405, so probably not.

11204 Washington Place
Culver City, CA 90230

And then there is Don Felix Meat Market and Taqueria next door to Jay's Liquor on the NW corner of Washington Pl and Sawtelle. Don Felix is just next door to Jay's (part of the same building with a tiny little "General Dentistry" place in between) facing onto Sawtelle.

[cant talk...eating]

No - it's actually west of the 405 a few blocks. I'm out there a lot and I'll report back.

[Servorg]

I added another guess (Don Felix) to my post above.

[cant talk...eating]

You got it, Servorg! Thanks. Found some earlier CH posts on it and it sounds great, so maybe I have to just go and try to avoid eye contact ; )

[Jase]

They changed ownerships a couple of years ago, completely revamped the interior, nice paint and furniture even though it's still pretty bare bones. Nice people, menu is has some interesting stuff in it.

I'm intrigued by their white lamb bbq stew that is now only available by custom order. Unfortunately it's a minimum 10 pounds at $10/lb. I'm trying to round up a group to go in and try it.

Here's the latest info.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/870834

[kevin]

Based on your clues, I was thinking Don Felix too.

That reminds me that I'm seriously overdue on a visit to Tito's tacos.

[Dornfelder]

Despite my apprehensions -- not out-and-out fears, mind you -- regarding its cleanliness, I'm quite interested in trying the 301 Cafe', a microscopic Mexican spot in the Placita-Old Town neighborhood of Placentia. It looks grubby as can be on the outside; still, every time I drive past it, I plan to stop by for a lunch. The nearby El Farolito, which my husband and I both really enjoy, always seems to be crammed past capacity, and 301 could be a decent alternative whenever we don't want an hour-long wait at Farolito.

Speaking of driving past Cafe' 301: Does anyone know when it's open for business? The restaurant has no website for information, and its Yelp page has no hours listed. (It's always looked closed tight after 5 p.m. weekdays.)

We'd enjoyed several good Sunday dinners at the now-defunct Medina's, another tiny spot that was nearly across the street from 301 that served solid but flavorful food. We're not looking for world-class Mexican fare -- just inexpensive, tasty meals that make us smile. (FYI, I'm a carnitas geek.)

With that, has anyone here been to 301? Please tell me -- and us -- about your experience.

[Gypsy Jan]

The 301 Cafe has been an infamous hangout spot for students and professors from the University of California Fullerton for decades.

Have no fear, unless you are intimidated by college bros getting their party on.

[Dornfelder]

Since my husband and I both own communications/news-editorial degrees from CSUF, I know we'll feel right at home.

During my undergrad days at CWUF, one of my Spanish professors mentioned that the aforementioned Medina's (aforementioned in my previous post in this thread) featured excellent authentic Mexican food that even cost-conscious students should try. Well, a few months after my better half and I got engaged, we sampled and lovd Medina's tasty and uber-authentic fare at Medina's, and immediately put it on our itinerary of favorite spots in northern Orange County. When we learned that Medina's had passed on to restaurant heaven in the late '90s, we were pretty disappointed, especially we'd moved well past institutionalized SoCal gringo Mexican fare by then.

Back to 301, Gypsy Jan: What are 301's hours?

[Gypsy Jan]

I am not a reliable source for hours since I haven't visited them recently, but in the past they were a dinner hour and late night joint.

[Novelli]

In all honestness, I've never been 'scared' to check a place out.
I live in San Pedro and make no hesitation to make numerous trips out to LA, Venice, Compton, Westminster, West LA, Hollywood, etc. If it's good enough or something new I'd like to try, I will take on any neighborhood in any state. i.e. I ain't scared of shit...well maybe bad food, but that's about it. It's all game to me and part of the experience. Hell, it'll probably add to the story!

[SIMIHOUND]

I get scared every time I step into any sushi bar where I find that they do not speak english. It has never worked out ever. Now I go to only one specific sushi bar and I gave up going elsewhere for fear of a bad experience again.

[Ciao Bob]

Wow...very interesting. Where there is such a sushi bar in the greater - or lesser - LA region? Even in Japanese strongholds like Little Tokyo, Sawtelle, or Gardena it is hard for me to imagine a place where "they" do not speak english [sic].

[kevin]

Simihound.

I would like to know too.

Inquiring minds want to know ?

I'd probably be there in a heartbeat too.

:)

[SIMIHOUND]

Now I go to Cho Cho San in Thousand Oaks. Years ago when I lived in the SFV I went to the sister location (original location) in Tarzana where they have the infamous revolving sushi. I am told CCS is not authentic but I don't know any better. Maybe I have simply adapted to the ways of Simi Valley where they think that Jerry's is a real deli and Von's has a real bakery. :) Two of my real pet peeves.

[JeffW]

Hey kiddo,
Fun to have just seen your name pop up. We met at a group dinner at Opus some years ago.
Cheers,
J

[Ciao Bob]

I remember you well, JeffW.
The only thing to fear about Korean BBQ is too much meat and your dry cleaning bill! Very user friendly at most of them...if you can point you can order.

[ns1]

jitlada.

i'm scared of potential terrible service and being disappointed.

[kevin]

:)

Wait, but you have never tried Jitlada before ?

I never thought the service was terrible, but I guess on the food you could possibly be disappointed if you are going in thinking it is far and away the best Thai restaurant in the entire country.

[ns1]

nope, never been. Only sampled their wares @ Gold Standard. Lots of posts on CH about inconsistent service + ridiculous waits for food.

I've been to LOS which was once referred to as "the best thai restaurant in the entire country" and was sorely disappointed. Sorely, sorely disappointed.

[Novelli]

Jitlada IS hit and miss...on service, not quality. I've been there many times and gotten my food extremely quick. Other times, I've waited and waited.

Waiting is the hardest part, but once the food does arrive at your table, you totally forget about how long you waited. It's that good.

[Steve2 in LA]

I'll second this take on Jitlada. Never had a bad meal, however service is iffy at best. You buys your ticket, you takes your chances.

[mrhooks]

I'm scared to go to Jitlada as well, but only because my tolerance for spicy foods isn't very high. What's considered medium at most Thai places is a bit beyond my threshold.

Also, that Beijing lamb skewer place in Koreatown, because of the goat penis. It's scary, yet I have to know.

[wienermobile]

I am a spice wimp too and for me even the mild dishes at Jitada were indeed spicy. We had to run to 7/11 down the block and buy milk after our meal.

[Novelli]

In response to Wienermobile

LOL
Anytime I go I'm sure to tell them "I want it Thai spicy, not American spicy." Never disappoints.

With my nose running and eyes tearing as sweat trickles down my brow, they ask if everything's alright, I say "Perfect! Just the way I like it!"

Although it does help to stop at Target on the way home for a jumbo pack of cool wet wipes for the next day! HAHAHAHAHA

[jasongg06]

that's me on "medium" spicy :/ but it feels good haha

[ns1]

True story:

I went to Beijing lamb skewer place and went to restroom. Came back and friends ordered already. A few rounds of food later, goat penis comes out.

Whatever, it's here so why not....NEVER AGAIN. NEVER NEVER AGAIN.

I'm okay with penis as long as it's delicious.

[ns1]

so I went to Jitalda today for lunch. Food was actually pretty good, service was also good, and food came out fast. Probably because there were 3 servers and only 3-6 tables occupied.

[kevin]

Cool. I think it may be busier at dinner time than at lunch. Though the last time I tried to go there, it was closed for lunch because it was a Monday, or Tues, I can't quite remember which day it was.

[Servorg]

http://jitladala.com/

[foodiemahoodie]

King Eddy Saloon.

[kevin]

I've never gone either, but supposedly now it too is going to be closed for renovations and most likely gentrified.

Hence, it will no longer be what it once was.

I also had a slight trepidation in visiting there.

But the down and out bar is grimy enough for me, and it's cheek to jowl with the alexandria hotel, which hides a hidden treasure, The Gorbals. (Truth to tell, the street in front of the Gorbals was cordoned of with the proverbial yellow police caution tape and we went around the block a few times, after which they removed the caution tape, and we went right into the Gorbals).

[TonyC]

too late now.

[Mattapoisett in LA]

Big Wangs for an order of Heart-a-Tots [aka: white trash poutine fries] I'm afraid I might like them too much.

[Bazza90036]

Loving all the replies to this topic. So varied and so interesting.

When I posted, I was really thinking more about the places that I was "scared" to walk into not knowing what I was going to find, rather than the geographic area or the parking lot etc etc but each to their own.

Fascinating to hear what everyone else is intimidated by....but at the end of the day......someone has to let me know what they found inside Taurus Flavors ; )

[kevin]

Is Taurus Flavors even mentioned on Yelp yet ?

[cant talk...eating]

Geez. Yes, it is:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taurus-flavors-los-angeles

Weirdly, there are multiple ones in Chicago, featuring hoagies and ice cream - can't possibly be the same, can it??
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taurus-flavor...

Chicago 'hounds - help!?

Ok, here are a couple others for the survey:

- Windowless Russian places (like that "Versai" place on Fairfax

)

- Israeli(or are they Russian?) places on Ventura in Encino

Huh. I have no problem walking into any Chinese place in 626 (Omar's anyone?).

[JeffW]

What a unique topic...and definitely a good one. O.K., here I go...I am afraid to go to Park BBQ! There, I've said it. For that matter, I'm afraid to try Soot Bull Jeep, and any of a ton of Korean restaurants that I am really wanting to experience.

[Dirtywextraolives]

We took my parents (who've never experienced Korean food before) and my then 9 &7 year olds for a special occasion, and everyone had a great time & good meal. Though there were definitely some banchan we wouldn't touch (the little side dishes they give you), overall it was a very tasty and fun experience for all. My kids have been bugging me to go back. So take the plunge, if you're remotely interested in Korean food. It's worth it.

[jasongg06]

what is the reason that you are afraid?

For me, I don't go to ktown as often as i'd like because of distance and parking. However, i'm able to avoid that by getting there 1hr before the dinner crowd. You won't believe how much time and effort you save just by going early.

[JeffW]

For sure, it's an oddity regarding my reluctance to head out for a very authentic Korean meal...Probably 90% of the reason regards communication. Typically I consider the world my "oyster", but I feel clueless how to order up a meal in one of these restaurants. I think it would be an awesome addition to our dining out rotation, but admittedly, I also want to order correctly from the get go, and this has kept me from this experience....Hey, if anyone who's in the know and want's to be a hand-holder to two very nice fellows, I'm a listening!
Cheers,
J

[wienermobile]

at Park's BBQ you and your friend just order 2-3 meats ( I love their Seasoned Gal-bi, the pork belly & Bulgogi (Seasoned Sliced Beef) maybe add the seafood pancake and some grilled mushrooms & you can't go wrong. It's that easy. They cook it for you at your table. Enjoy.
http://www.parksbbq.com

[kevin]

Also, in my opinion, Park's BBQ is more user-friendly for non-Koreans than other more mom and pop style, hidden Korean bbq joints.

[ilysla]

+1. For those afraid of the more, er, rustic korean BBQ places, Park's is VERY accessible. Well-ventilated, clean and bright, and they speak English very well.

I've had the (female) staff at the more down-home places volunteer to cook for me, I think b/c my friend and I aren't apparently doing it correctly (they usually look both annoyed and caring when doing so). It's a lot like having your own Korean mother. ;)

[CharlesKochel]

classic

[JeffW]

Thank you so much for your reply. Very much appreciated. Guess the original post was more than an interesting one for me...turns out that now I'm about to dip into the world of Korean foods, other than the Soon Tofu I've been enjoying at lunch. Thank you again wienermobile. Park's now seems "user friendly"

Cheers,
Jeff

[E Eto]

They cook the bbq for you? That would be a reason NOT to go. I hate it when they do that.

[Servorg]

You can wave them off. I do it all the time.

[ns1]

I love it.

It means my fiance doesn't have to do all the cooking. Thus, Parks is our "nice" BBQ restaurant since she does zero work and can relax and chill.

When we're at other KBBQ joints she ends up doing all the work.

[jasongg06]

you.. do know that you can just ask them to let you cook it yourself..

[E Eto]

Yeah, I know. I always tell those waitrons at all the KBBQ joints to buzz off. Frankly, I find them really annoying, and their priority seems to be to get you in and out quickly rather than cooking the meat correctly. At some places I have to be proactive to adjust the height of the grill, hot spots (gas or charcoal), etc. If I went to Parks and they cooked the meat for me, I'd be really pissed off.

[ns1]

While I agree with your sentiment I've always found the people at Park's to cook the meat with care and I've never felt rushed. YMMV

[jasongg06]

i don't speak korean natively so if i don't know how to say the dish, i just use the "point at the number" system to avoid hassles heh

i've never been to park, but many korean bbq places have sets that include numerous types of meats n alcohol. I occasionally go with those just for ease and variety

otherwise, i don't think the workers at park or any korean bbq place in ktown will have language issues since most of their clientele are college students from the surrounding areas. i order in english most of the time

[mar52]

Jeff, I've been to Park BBQ and it's great. It's the best of the several I've eaten at. Do it!

[LA Buckeye Fan]

Urasawa (sp?). But I'm mostly afraid my credit card will be declined.

[cant talk...eating]

Really curious about Taurus Flavors too! I just detoured past it the other day just to see if it was still open (it was). Definitely about the sketchiest-looking eatery around. By the way, don't be intimidated by El Nido around the corner (on La Brea), despite it's tinted windows ; )

The one time I went to Woody's Bbq (middle of the day) I was so viscerally uncomfortable I just got it to-go. That area (Inglewood) just has a creepy vibe, one I don't get in, say, San Pedro or Highland Park, despite similar gang/crime situation. Part of it is how busy a place is - JR's Bbq on La Cienega is always packed, and with postmen, cops, whatever, and I'll go there any day.

Heck, I can't bring myself to go to Gjelina either, but that's because of the scene-sters out front and because I can't ever hope to fit in, but the gut feeling's similarly uncomfortable.

Thank you, doctor, I feel better now.

[GreekChorus]

I'm intimidated by dim sum in authentic Chinese restaurants

[kevin]

Would Sea Harbour be considered authentic ?

[wienermobile]

Agree. Sea Harbour has picture menus with english and a menu number under each photo. To order you just check the numbered box on an order sheet and the wonderful food just starts coming. Now how easy is that?

[GreekChorus]

Thank you! I will try it soon

[GreekChorus]

idk. I grew up in the 626 and non-American Chinese restaurants intimidate me.

[Bradbury]

Flirting with the cart ladies at 888 is the only kind my wife lets me get away with, because that's the only way we're gonna get the really good stuff and not the "gwei-low-down"... ;-)

[Bradbury]

To be fair, though, the only thing to be scared of at 888 is the parking lot. It's in the top 3 of my "SGV's most terrifying lots" list, with the one at Hawaii Supermarket and the one at the Arcadia Ranch 99.

[estone888]

Yep, I always find street parking for 888 even if I have to walk a ways. Hawaii is a real problem. I also have given up going to Trader Joe's because generally they have truly awful parking lots as well - and there is just something about the spacing of the aisles that sort of creeps me out. (The Silverlake Trader Joe's is possibly the worst parking lot in the city of Los Angeles.)

[jasongg06]

i usually avoid busy parking situations in 626 by getting their 1hr before prime time. While it's true that you may be wasting precious time just sitting around a near-empty lot before their opening time or bz time, you may end up saving more time and avoiding the parking headache by doing so.

The thing I hate the most is when my friends or relatives can't make up their minds and I have to end up driving to or meeting them there during the worst possible hours.. then it's just a "deal with it" mentality lol

[WildSwede]

Hee hee. I get nervous in the Pasadena Cost Plus parking lot and always park on the street. PS - their Swedish Pancake Mix is aweome!!

[Dirtywextraolives]

I guess I've been too scared to try Bludso's (that's the one in Compton, right?); when I was much younger driving into "ghetto" neighborhoods did not scare me, though, as a woman I wouldn't do it alone at night. But since moving out west, and heeding my new husband's warning (15 years ago) "stay north of the ten freeway", I've never ventured (alone) to find out if their BBQ was all that...... Some day I will.... As I've had no qualms going through Highland Park or McArthur Park during the day....

[kevin]

I think the area gets a bad rap. (Yes, pun is sorely intended).

But you can try Bludso's when he pairs up with the Golden State guys in a few months on LaBrea, near Beverly, in the old Tarpit space.

[Dirtywextraolives]

Yes, I heard, thanks for the reminder. And I agree with you, it does. But again, it's a bit different to be a lone woman in the area, than a lone man....just sayin.

[nosh]

Bludso's is not at all threatening during the daytime, which is best for picking up BBQ anyway. It is a haul on the freeways, but it is located on a major boulevard in an area with retail businesses up and down the street with its own small parking alongside. If anyone finds themselves traveling up or down the 405 just S/E of Long Beach it is a quick exit off the freeway north, or if speeding east or west on the 105 it is an easy exit south. BBQ travels and keeps well, so this is a destination that is well-worth trying out. In my experience the servers, staff, and other customers waiting inside are friendly and welcoming to newcomers who are sampling the goodness.

[jasongg06]

I've also had good experiences going there to pickup bbq in the day time. have not been there at night.

[wienermobile]

agree 100%, but they tend to run out of Brisket and other things in the early evening so go pick up early.
http://bludsosbbq.com

[Feed_me]

I guess since I grew up in the West Adams area (and never had a problem) thoughts like that don't deter me. Of course I try to be prudent, but I've eaten at Johnny's Pastrami (on Adams, east of Crenshaw) at all hours of the day and night.
I remember being on jury duty in Compton and Inglewood and walking in the area looking for possible eating places. I do recall finding an elderly couple manning a bbq place in Compton and thinking "this must be the real deal." Sadly the worst bbq I've had the misfortune to eat. I'm more intimidated by traffic which cuts down my excursions into SGV to partake of asian cuisine. I find Garfield and Atlantic to have some of the craziest drivers ever. I'm also trying to cut down on long drives with the price of petrol and all that.

[latindancer]

<stay north of the ten freeway>

I know so many westsiders who've never crossed over LaCienega & Pico east and south, let alone south of the 10 so I guess I understand the thought process but oh....the food that's being missed and the places you'd see & the fun you'd have... It's one of the greatest things about LA....the adventure and the exploring and the finding.

[Dirtywextraolives]

I get it, believe me I do. Most of the time, I am on my own, and do a lot of my chowhounding while my kids are in school. Like I said above, I have no problem learning my way around and circling for parking....I used to live in Boston so it's second nature to me. I will definitely be trying them, it just depends on when I can get out there when I am on that side of town. But I appreciate all the encouragement, and I really do want tot support these local businesses with chow worthy food. And thanks to all of you, I know where to find it.... I am eternally grateful.

[ilysla]

Glad to hear that other people felt relatively safe during the day, but I'm a man and didn't feel particularly comfortable walking near Bludso's during the day (a feeling that was only intensified when a police car chased another car into the nearby fast-food parking lot and pulled out the driver....).

Having said that, the food is so good that it might be worth the risks.... ;)

[latindancer]

<worth the risks...)>

As with anything in life, it requires risk....although I would hardly describe what you're saying as a risk.
I've seen the same thing happen in Venice and lots of areas on the westside.

[ilysla]

The gentrification of various parts of LA is a relatively new phenomenon (or maybe I'm just older than I want to admit!).

Venice was were you went if you wanted a good chance of getting shot when I was growing up. Just a few yrs ago, I got trapped in a circle mob that was watching two females fight. Even recently, I felt uncomfortable parking a short distance from Larry's (although I very much liked the food). I've scratched my head when I read posts here that try to minimize that Providence is in a bit of a rundown area (or that judge others harshly for commenting that it is). When I was young, Old Town Pasadena was where you went to get drugs, if you lived in the San Marino/Pasadena; obviously, that area has entirely changed, although I can't think of any hugely chow-ish in the immediate area that makes me want to return.

Everybody has a different comfort level regarding their safety. ::shrug::

[latindancer]

I know when I need to be careful so that really isn't an issue with me. I'm not careless, by any stretch of the imagination, however I am extremely adventurous in my life and I'd rather risk things than play it so safe that it seems uninteresting.
I also know where I need to go find the best LA Blues & Jazz and great food to sit and listen to it. By many people's standards, a few in this discussion, I'm taking my life in my hands when I choose to do it. If I live in LA I'm going to feel it, experience it and take it all in.
My belief is that areas that become gentrified tend to lose their character, their soul and, many times, their integrity.

[heinous]

For what it's worth, I'm a lone woman, and I go to Bludso's for BBQ all the time. Go during the day - I've never had trouble finding parking right nearby. Call your order ahead so you don't have to wait, and you'll be in and out in no time. :) I've never felt unsafe there - it's on a major street, and there are other shops nearby with people coming in and out.

Rib tips! :)

[CharlesKochel]

another nice one. I've been trying all the bbq joints in greater LA for a year. This one seems to be skipped over and over, it's time to buck the Fk up.

[susiequeue]

I've always been afraid to go to Coles since I've been raised on Phillippes..! Really.