WHY For the celebrity cachet, of course, but also because Puck remains the standard-bearer in modern American cooking. WHAT L.A.’s original celebrity chef is now a national superstar, with restaurants, airport cafés and catering operations from coast to coast. His food is universally appealing, and the entire operation is completely professional. It’s no bargain, but [...]
WHY For delicious, reasonably priced catered lunches for business meetings, script readings or production shoots; they do good dinner parties and showers, too. WHAT Cheryl Canter-Valesella first found success with cakes and desserts at her wholesale and retail bakery operation. But she doesn’t just bake, and eventually she found herself in demand at studios and [...]
WHY Excellent kebabs (try the koubideh, a ground-beef blend), particularly good rice and refreshing yogurt drinks. And they deliver throughout Downtown. WHAT This very good Iranian businessman’s lunch place in an historic part of Downtown has a far more fashionable décor than you’d suspect from the outside. It’s open on weekdays only and is packed [...]
WHY The kebabs and Middle Eastern classics are good, but live a little and try some of the seasonal Persian specialties, like the chicken stewed with cherries. WHAT This fine old-timer is good for Persian classics; a specialty is fish pilaf, a traditional dish for the Iranian New Year. But most regulars return for the [...]
WHY A fun and affordable choice for Westwood Village dining. Just don’t fill up on that amazing bread. WHAT The only restaurant around that serves you hot flatbread straight from the tandoor-style oven, Shaherzad is a good place for kebabs, fluffy Persian rice, beef barg and traditional stews. WHO Middle Eastern UCLA students and Iranian [...]
WHY Go for the Shanghai-style dumplings filled with crab and pork and the light, pastry-style dumplings filled with sautéed leeks—but also try the Shanghai spareribs and the jade shrimp with a spinach purée. WHAT Originally known as Dragon Villages, this was one of the first formal restaurants to introduce Shanghai-style cooking to Los Angeles. The [...]
WHY Excellent upscale pizza by the slice, with a light, flavorful crust that holds up well. Good meatball sandwiches, too. WHAT Dean Schwartz’s friendly pizzeria has a health focus—if you want your pizza gluten free or vegan, no problem (if you call ahead). Ingredients are fresh, and the crusts (cornmeal, herb-white or whole wheat) are [...]
WHY Friendly Ethiopian food and even friendlier live jazz—with no cover charge. WHAT This simple little spot is fun for a change-of-pace dinner: tasty Ethiopian food, with some American soul food for good measure, paired with jazz on weekends and Wednesdays and comedy on Thursdays. 6039 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.6633, industrycafeandjazz.com. L & D [...]
WHY Zingy Jamaican food in a casually hip Leimert Park café. The daily specials are a mere $6.95. WHAT Close your eyes and the sea of L.A. concrete outside might just morph into the blue Caribbean, thanks to the vividly flavorful, bargain-priced Jamaican cooking at this friendly neighborhood spot. If you like spicy, have the [...]
WHY Fresh, simple café fare is served at picnic tables under the pine trees in Fern Dell, making it paradise for people (and their dogs) returning from a long hike. Good vegetarian choices. WHAT Had a long hike or a hard day cutting your student film at neighboring AFI? Then head to Trails to refuel [...]
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