WHY A place for chileheads to give their palate a thrill ride. WHAT Light years beyond kung pao, the Sichuan fare at this nicely designed little storefront is the winning contender for capsicum artistry in a city filled with peppery stir fries and incendiary noodles. The fresh fish hot pot has a fan club, but [...]
March 31, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Downtown-style cocktail chic in a formerly frumpy Pasadena landmark restaurant. WHAT It was a stroke of genius for the owners of the Raymond, a pricey restaurant in a circa-1886 cottage, to turn space over to cocktail guru Aidan Demarest (of Edison and Seven Grand fame). The drinks are terrific, the cozy interior has a [...]
March 30, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Mini pies, medium pies, maxi pies…. WHAT A sunny yellow-and-white-striped color scheme complements a case full of pies at this perky café with plenty of room for sit-down diners. Salads, sandwiches (pulled barbecue chicken on pretzel bread), main dish pot pies (chicken curry) and side dishes (roasted brussels sprouts) are more than just excuses [...]
March 25, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Because Los Angeles needs better bagels, and it needs more of them. WHAT Backed by talk show maven Larry King, this small franchised chain has a gimmick: real Brooklyn water. The bulky bagels are boiled in it, making them dense and chewy in the best possible way. You can also make your own egg [...]
March 24, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Good-value Indian cooking in an area that appreciates it, with free delivery to boot. WHAT Bright and busy, this affordable café has an extensive vegetarian menu, prepared in a separate kitchen, but carnivores are not neglected—the tandoor chicken is savory, and the tikka masala is satisfying. Be warned that the hot dishes are seriously [...]
March 23, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Modern Korean barbecue with an emphasis on all things porcine. WHAT Owned by the same folks as the beloved Park’s, Don Dae Gam boasts a modern feel and high-quality meats. Though beef is available, this place is really for pork lovers, with choices like pork belly, pork neck, short ribs and pork diaphragm. The [...]
March 22, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY On a coolish day there’s nothing better than a big bowl of Jinya’s aromatic tonkotsu ramen, laden with toothsome noodles and sliced pork belly. WHAT A Jonathan Gold rave put this ramen house on the foodie map, despite its location in a dark corner of a Studio City strip mall next to Marshall’s. The [...]
March 21, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY It’s the best chocolate you (almost) can’t find. WHAT Blame it on Norbert Wabnig. The proprietor of the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills tasted Marianne Manes’ homemade chocolate truffles (they were a gift) and asked if she had considered selling them. She thought for a minute. “Why the hell not?” recalls Manes, a Hollywood [...]
March 19, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Al pastor tacos at midnight. WHAT All the meats that go into the tacos and burritos are good, but the real reason the people line up every night is for the pork al pastor, among the best in taco-truck land. WHO Mexican families and the young and restless, stopping in between clubbing and bar-hopping. [...]
March 18, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY A friendly Irish pub in the heart of the Valley, with good beer (Guinness, Harp, Bass, Smithwick’s), well-made burgers and crisp fish ‘n chips. WHAT It’s a bit gloomy at first, but once your eyes adjust you’ll find a handsome room, friendly locals and fresh beer. If the bar’s too crowded, grab a table [...]
March 17, 2012 | Posted in
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