WHY One of the best Mexican restaurants in Southern California, and superb margaritas, too. WHAT Jimmy Shaw may look like an Irishman, but he cooks like the Mexico City native he is, and after building a rabid following at his little Farmers Market stand, he’s hit the big time with this Hollywood restaurant and his [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Meticulously prepared Italian classics in a charming spot near the ocean. WHAT This funky pocket beach neighborhood in Playa del Rey is a well-kept secret, as is its surprisingly upscale Italian restaurant with a silly name (penguins not exactly being associated with SoCal surf towns). There’s a romantic patio, a cozy dining room, attentive [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Fresh pasta, marinated white beans, farro with grilled vegetables, and panna cotta—everything you need to fake-cook an Italian dinner at home. WHAT The folks behind the neighboring trattoria Little Dom’s run this tiny takeout deli, with its winning 1940s look and its small glass case filled with eggplant caponata, delicious roasted brusssels sprouts, cheeses, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Cal-Mexican food that’s a notch above most; try the fresh tableside guac, housemade sopes and tamales, and luscious (if mild) chile verde. WHAT The family that owns the funkier Las Fuentes has done a fine job providing the West Valley with a good all-around full-bar Mexican restaurant. It’s colorful and just kitschy enough, the [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Good, honest Argentinean cooking and wines at modest prices. WHAT This friendly Argentinean, with its comfortable booths and tasty, affordable Argentinean wines, serves well-prepared classics at more-than-reasonable prices: empanadas, matambre (rolled meat stuffed with vegetables and herbs), garlic fries, handmade pastas and such hearty entrées as grilled short ribs (great flavor but too chewy), [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY ‘Humpday’ dinners, a complete family meal for four for $40 to $52, and Monday pasta dinners for less than $40 for four. WHAT Katie Trevino brings her business savvy, gregarious personality and network of Hancock Park friends to this gourmet takeout place in a handsome restored bungalow, and partner Michael Beglinger brings his decade [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The perfect blend of juicy sausage, substantial-but-not-huge bun and sweet-savory onions and peppers—just the thing to eat alongside a pint or two. WHAT This industrial-hip beer garden at 3rd and Traction keeps it simple: You got your beer, your sausage and your fries. What more could you possibly need? Ranging from the classic (brats, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Bacon maple doughnuts. WHAT This retro diner at Main and 5th (5th being called ‘the Nickel’ by the tougher locals in this hardscrabble neighborhood) has won local fame for bringing L.A. the bacon doughnut. But that’s not the only thing worth eating here. Come for any of the very good breakfast dishes, like the [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Excellent gelati and sorbets, made fresh daily by a Danish couple. WHAT The Nielsens use organic milk and fresh fruit in their melty, sticky ice creams, which are creative without being twee and richly flavorful without being too sugary. Try the sour cherry or mint chocolate chip gelato or the fruit punch. Good lattes [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY First-rate Argentinean wine and food: beef empanadas, matambre, sausages, remarkable french fries and, of course, the baked garlic to squish over your bread. WHAT Less showy than the Brazilian churrascarias that are currently the rage but every bit as devoted to delicious grilled meat, Gardel’s has been L.A.’s go-to Argentinean restaurant for years. Good [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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