WHY Rich ankimo liver, blow-torched butterfish, blue crab hand roll, luscious toro—it’s best to just sit back and let it roll out. Beer and specially selected sakes are available.; WHAT This austere spot is many people’s favorite L.A. sushi bar; there’s no scene, fancy rolls or cellphone use allowed, just the freshest fish, simply presented. [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Unusual dishes like acacia omelet curry and a standout Crying Tiger beef with a complex dipping sauce. WHAT Despite the modest interior, there’s some serious Thai cooking going on here. Ask one of the very kind servers for the special small-plates menu. 12728 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, 818.764.1892, swanthaifood.com. L & D daily. MC, [...]
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WHY The grasshopper ice cream sandwich, banana-peanut malt, creative cakes like Blue Velvet, and handmade shave ice (try the dulce de leche). Oh, and the vanilla-bean ice cream bar dipped in superb dark chocolate. WHAT This charming, airy sweets spot is beloved by the neighborhood for its good ice cream and desserts, its sidewalk tables, [...]
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WHY Sushi, sashimi and cooked dishes of tremendous beauty and flavor. WHAT The classicist’s sushi served in this serene and minimalist space is not for the faint of wallet, and neither is it for the person looking for a scene. Hiro Nishimura is very serious about his food, and that’s exactly how his fans like [...]
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WHY Homey vegetarian fare (mac ‘n cheese, vegetable tarts, tagines) served out of a tiny, charming Sunset Boulevard storefront. WHAT The owners of this candlelit chocolate box of a café are folk musicians who turn out organic fare with a retro feel from a minuscule kitchen. Mediterranean-inspired vegan and vegetarian dishes (roasted tomato-feta tarts, kale [...]
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WHY Dolmathes, saganaki, taramosalata, gyros, grilled lamb chops—and bonhomie. WHAT George Loizides greets customers like family at this Pine Avenue institution serving hearty Greek specialties at reasonable prices. (Long Beach once had a vibrant Greek community, and this place carries on the tradition.) It’s a great place to go with a group and share the [...]
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WHY Groups can mix orders of short ribs, sliced beef, chicken, shrimp and pork and then help servers tend to the meats on the grill in the center of the table, creating a fun and interactive meal. WHAT This stylish, modern setting is more upscale than the typical Korean barbecue restaurant, with a sleek, chic [...]
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WHY Quick, authentic and California-inspired tapas, including jamón serrano, served until midnight. WHAT This New York shotgun-style bar has tapas lined up behind a counter up front, a sidewalk ‘counter’ and a half dozen bar tables in back for a delicious—though pricey—snack and glass of vino. WHO Fans of chef/owner Joe Miller who don’t want [...]
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WHY For a robustly flavorful, modestly priced salad-and-pizza meal after an ArcLight movie. And they deliver! WHAT This noisy, cheerful café has something for everyone—breakfast burritos, panini, chopped salads, vegan lentil soup, a kids’ menu—but we’re most partial to the rectangular pizzas. A fun spot for a casual Hollywood meal with friends. WHO A boisterous [...]
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WHY Scrumptious, cheap Lebanese specialties, including a great cabbage salad, richly flavored hummus and excellent kebabs. WHAT Overlook the funky strip mall and cramped parking lot; Skaf’s is a find if you enjoy Middle Eastern food but don’t feel like spending a lot of dough. It has a slick new branch in Glendale, but the [...]
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