WHY The most wondrous array of Latin American foods: Brazilian manioc meal, dried Peruvian potatoes, Guatemalan mashed black beans, the Salvadoran coffee cake called quesadilla, squishy-sweet ripe plantains, Mexican chorizos and marinated meat and, during the holidays, great tamales from many regions. WHAT This pan-Latin market draws cooks and enthusiastic eaters looking for ingredients for [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For good, hearty breakfast burritos, burgers and chiles rellenos that go down very well after a surf session or a run on Torrance Beach. WHAT There’s a constant crowd at this cheap, reliable Mexican-American fast-food stand. Unless you’re a 16-year-old who just surfed for four hours, get the junior-size burrito—the regular size will hit [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Huge hoagie-style sandwiches with Argentinean flair (meaning lots of meat); try the steak milanese. WHAT You’d never think to stop in this ordinary-looking little market in a strip mall if you happened along Garvey, but inside is an Argentinean market and deli that turns out extraordinary sandwiches, both made to order and ready to [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Focaccia with cipolle (onion) or rosemary and potato; panini with prosciutto and provolone. You can also get the house-made focaccia to go. WHAT A little storefront on the gentrifying stretch of Hollywood Boulevard that’s home to Sabor y Cultura is run by a lovely Italian woman, whose focaccia is the key to the two [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Shredded-pancake beef soup, delicate shrimp dumplings, and low prices. WHAT A tiny café with a big following, Pearl’s offers Shanghai-style rice plates and more than 50 other dishes, including cold noodles and shredded chicken in peanut sauce, stewed pork leg with greens, and beef simmered in a spicy sa-ta sauce with preserved vegetables. WHO [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The large selection of rice, teas, frozen items and all the ingredients to make a world-class curry from scratch. WHAT Take a trip to India by way of Los Feliz or Canoga Park, exploring the rows of unusual chutneys and well-priced spices, then noshing at the popular vegetarian cafeteria—it’s known for its house-made sweets, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The cheapest pita in town, a dizzying selection of Eastern European sausages and meats, fresh Middle Eastern cheeses and giant tubs of yogurt, as well as imported jams, candies and spices. The merchandise varies by the density of the ethnic groups in the area. WHAT This small chain specializes in ethnic groceries, primarily Middle [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For light, flavorful, even healthy thin-crust pizza—it’s technically Boston style, but it’s almost identical to the best by-the-slice pies in New York. Eat here, take it out or call for delivery. WHAT Delicious thin-crust pizza is sold by the slice or the pie at this casual café in the depths of the Valley. Owner [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For tasty, good-value bottles from the Santa Ynez Valley and the northern and southern Rhône. WHAT The selection is small at this tidy little shop, but it’s creative and includes some very good specials. The focus is on just three regions: California’s Central Coast, the Rhône and Spain. Regulars stop by for the Friday- [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For everything needed to concoct a Thai feast, from fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil to galangal and great deals on canned coconut milk and other essentials. WHAT The first place in L.A. to find exotic Thai ingredients is still owned by the family of popular local chef and culinary teacher Jet [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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