WHY A long-standing source of Indonesian excellence. WHAT The decades-old, family-run Toko Rame touches on what seems like every possible Indonesian entrée, from lightly charred satay and dishes constructed around the glutinous rice cake known as lontong to carefully executed curries and combination plates like nasi bungkus. There are more than 100 options (because Toko [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A sane and serene retreat in the heart of the Sunset Strip, with beautifully presented and delicious Thai food. WHAT This Thai pioneer has a new lease on life, thanks to a major renovation and the energy and good cooking of young Kris Yenbamroong, grandson of the 27-year-old restaurant’s original chef. In a stylish [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Charming plates of Italian classics. WHAT Though it’s not completely unique to Long Beach (there’s a Claremont branch), La Parolaccia is as entrenched in local stomachs as any of the city’s famous greasy spoons. The reason is clear: Its osteria-style cooking stands well above the nearby red-sauce joints. Consider trying the fluffy gnocchi, rich [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Intercontinental fusion food informed by 100 years of immigration. WHAT Born out of history, this quaint place is the culinary result of a century of Japanese immigration to Peru. Its success stems from its ability to take two disparate cuisines and forge a strong, seafood-based middle ground. On the Peruvian side of things, try [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Hunger-killing tortas ahogadas. WHAT An unassuming place crammed into a corner strip mall that often goes unnoticed on this busy block, this place covers all the expected Mexican bases— but the real reason to visit is the Guadalajaran specialties. La Concha’s torta ahogada is the best around: slabs of crusty bread stuffed with crisp [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Upscaled Vietnamese cuisine with an eye for authenticity. WHAT Stashed in a strip mall that butts up against the Orange County border, Benley is one of Long Beach’s most consistent restaurants. That’s because it has a very clear handle on the kitchen, which turns out refined and thoughtful Vietnamese cuisine: great bowls of pho [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY An honest taqueria that capably handles the classics. WHAT El Taco Loco No. 3 earned its number as part of a loosely affiliated South Bay chain, though many share tenuous ties at best. This location is particularly true to the taqueria tradition: fresh-made tortillas, all the meat (offal and otherwise) that you could want [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Dulce de leche cupcakes, either regular size or mini. WHAT This spot hidden in a low-end strip mall on an unfashionable stretch of Lake Avenue rocketed to fame when its dulce de leche cupcake won the 2009 L.A. Cupcake Challenge. It deserved the win; we’re not even cupcake fans and yet we cannot resist [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For its fresh and dried housemade pastas, along with an array of high-end olives, cheeses, salumi, sauces, olive oils and vinegars. WHAT Originally called the Divine Pasta Company, this place is now a high-end café and marketplace that stocks more than 85 varieties of cheese; salumi from Salumi Salame, the Fatted Calf and Pio [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Locali is the opposite of Famima—instead of convenience foods imported from Japan, the emphasis is on locally sourced edibles from some of our favorite producers. Don’t miss the Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches—they may come all the way from Portland, but they rock. WHAT Locali packs a lot of interesting products into a tiny [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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