WHY Catalan warmth and hospitality and outstanding paellas. Try the squid-ink one or the paella marinara, with saffron and seafood. Los Angeles magazine proclaims this the best flan in town. WHAT An intimate (read: make reservations) and fetching cottage with a devout following for its delicious paellas. The tapas aren’t anything to shout about, but [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The ingredients and equipment for virtually every style of cooking in the world. WHAT This former restaurant supply store has morphed into a food-shopper’s paradise complete with a little café. In addition to thousands of fresh, frozen and packaged gourmet food items, Surfas has equipment aisles devoted to a fascinating array of large-scale appliances [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Vacuum-packed fresh foie gras, French nut oils, whole French cheeses and some wine buys. WHAT Several times a year (get on the e-mail list) this wholesaler of gourmet imported products opens its doors to the public, permitting a sometimes-chaotic supermarket sweep through aisles of plus-size food items (three kilograms of Valrhona dark chocolate, anyone?). [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For a short, delicious menu of Brazilian dishes, including a fabulous (and massive) chicken pot pie made with hearts of palm, corn, roasted potatoes and olives. WHAT The bright, minimalist space in the heart of the Fashion District is warmed with yellow flowers, the rich flavors of Brazil and the presence of the owner/chef, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For the best taquitos around, and a place to eat on Olvera Street that isn’t a tourist trap. WHAT This plain-jane stall in the middle of Olvera Street has a few tables and downright delicious taquitos. You can also get pan dulce, enchiladas and a few other things, but most everyone gets the taquitos. [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Very fresh char-broiled fish (yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, catfish, swordfish) that is not overcooked like it usually is at these kinds of places, served with rice or perfect fries. WHAT Don’t be put off by the paper plates, concrete picnic tables or lunchtime crowds—this seafood-market and café has fish better than at many a [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For Chinese and Asian herbs and vegetables, from lemongrass to bok choy, as well as fresh noodles of many types, a remarkable selection of tofu and good, very cheap knives. WHAT Locals have been known to call it ‘the stinky-meat market’—not that there’s anything wrong with the meat, mind you. It’s just aromatic. Anyway, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The best dim sum in Chinatown, and good Hong Kong—style seafood for dinner, too. WHAT Chinatown’s most elegant restaurant, Empress Pavilion is packed for weekend dim sum; we prefer coming during the week. It’s lesser known for dinner, but the more than respectable cooking (steamed Dungeness crab with flat noodles in garlic sauce) and [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY To eat a good meal in the splendor of L.A.’s Union Station. WHAT Chef/owner Tara Thomas serves a concise, appealing menu of modern American dishes (with Asian and Latino influences) in a great-looking streamline moderne dining room or out on the ‘patio’ under the painted beams of Union Station. The separate bar is one [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY They keep the ovens fired up all day, so everything’s fresh and hot. WHAT This Gujarati-style chat (snack) and mithai (sweets) shop in Little India packs ‘em in with a menu featuring vegetarian thalis (combo plates), curried dishes and a marvelous array of fresh goodies—all made from ground grains and beans—that include crispy chips, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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