WHY Superb salads (try the Humble Salad, a romaine wedge with bacon, goat cheese and roma tomatoes, or the ‘The’ salad, said to induce labor in pregnant women) and Caioti’s rightly famed individual pizza; don’t forget to order some garlic rolls, too. WHAT Ed LaDou may have shuffled off this mortal coil, but the California [...]
September 2, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Succulent, irresistible roast pork and Cuban-style roast chicken, and (when it’s available) amazing oxtail, too. WHAT A no-frills, inexpensive L.A. landmark beloved for its garlicky marinated roast chicken, juicy, salty Cuban roast pork, plantains, black beans and rice. Branches on south La Cienega and in Encino and Manhattan Beach. 10319 Venice Blvd., Culver City, [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Tasty, inexpensive Brazilian sandwiches, grilled meats, collard greens, black beans and feijoada, the famed pork stew. WHAT It’s a simple order-at-the-counter, paper-napkin café but an exceptionally charming and colorful one, with a greenery-lined sidewalk terrace and an intensely colorful dining room. There’s beer and wine, but don’t neglect the fresh mango juice or the [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Pure, unadulterated Peruvian flavors (puro sabor means ‘pure flavor’) in a sweet Valley spot with modest prices. WHAT This isn’t the most scenic neighborhood in Van Nuys, but inside is a cheerful, spotless café that showcases the accomplished cooking of chef Juana Paz, a bank teller from Peru who succeeded in achieving her twin [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Because the city of Torrance loves its farmers, and you can feel the vibe. WHAT The jewel of the South Bay, this market runs on two days, Tuesday and Saturday. Saturday is bigger, but both have a tasty mix of seasonal produce, plus a strong Asian selection-Hmong grower Vang Thao’s stand, for instance, is [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Just because you enjoy retail therapy on 3rd Street doesn’t mean you want to spend $30 for lunch. And sometimes you want a great taco. WHAT Pete White paid his dues (25 years!) at Poquito Mas, and at his solo venture he uses farmers’ market produce and top-quality seafood and meat to produce some [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Housemade Sicilian bread, either to take home or to have the deli make into a chicken-parmesan or sausage sandwich, as well as good pizzas, lasagnes and Italian prepared dishes. WHAT Fabulous Sicilian bread and rolls are baked on the premises at this 40-year-old family business, where the deli cases are amply stocked with house-made [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY Art deco elegance reminiscent of old Hollywood, with superb cocktails and Mark Peel’s take on bar food. Great happy hour, too. WHAT More luxe than the north La Brea address would suggest, this new cocktail lounge by Campanile’s Mark Peel is as retro as they come, from the steak Diane to the high-backed white [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY For its celebration of street foods from around the world, it’s L.A.-hip patio and the skill and enthusiasm of owner/chef Susan Feniger. WHAT Celebrity chef Susan Feniger (Border Grill, Ciudad, Too Hot Tamales) is a warm-hearted Midwestern gal whose culinary passions are truly global, and at her solo venture she shares all those passions, [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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WHY A terrific happy hour and a fantastic room aglow with woodwork, Murano chandeliers, mirrors and frescoes. The free shuttle to the Music Center is a plus, too. WHAT Generally reliable Italian classics are served in what may be the most beautiful restaurant downtown, part of Joachim Splichal’s Patina-based family. Locals skip the dinner and [...]
September 1, 2010 | Posted in
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