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 quality seafood and meat to produce some [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY No-nonsense deli sandwiches stacked high—don’t be afraid to get your hands messy. WHAT This L.A. landmark has been around since 1931 and is open 24 hours. The endless menu boasts breakfast food, soups and salads, but it’s the sandwiches you want, even if they are pricey. It’s not quite Langer’s, but Canter’s serves one [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Total bargains on both quirky and basic kitchenware and tableware. WHAT This cluttered discount store is always worth a stop. For one thing, you can pick up such essentials as chafing dishes and 99-cent tongs. And you might just find a Russian tea set that you can’t live without and certainly can afford. Best [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY One of the best sangrias in town, and some tasty (if inconsistently prepared) little dishes to have with it, including the addictive socca cakes with a cilantro dipping sauce. Save room for the churros with chocolate sauce. WHAT One of the first ventures by restaurateur Steven Arroyo, this original Cobras & Matadors (the East [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY No need to drive to Sausalito to admire this handmade tableware. WHAT A partnership between Heath and longtime L.A. architect and potter Adam Silverman, proprietor of Atwater Pottery, the airy store includes gallery space for ceramic artists as well as plenty of display room for tableware, some kitchenware, a tightly edited book selection and [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Wonderful sandwiches (turkey meatloaf, pressed chicken, bacon and brie), lots of prepared salads (the lentil is particularly good), elegant cheese and charcuterie platters and famed cupcakes. WHAT Originally a caterer, Joan McNamara gradually expanded her business into a café, gourmet market and upscale takeout operation, and each facet has met with tremendous success. From [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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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, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Rustic pastries and breads complement the pâtés and terrines, jewel-like salads, imaginative sandwiches and savory tarts. WHAT Gold-framed mirrors, cobalt-blue walls and a marble bar give this Parisian-style shop/café a glamorous atmosphere. Carefully chosen beers and wines, foodie gifts and house-made jams round out the collection of spiffy eat-in or takeout dishes. WHO French [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A consistently good vegan Thai-American café with very good fake chicken, fish and meat dishes; pass on the vegan burger in favor of the vegan tacos, three-flavor fish, pad Thai, curries and coconut ice cream. WHAT At this bright and cheerful strip-mall spot near the Beverly Center, the only shortcoming is the lack of [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A convenient location, comfy furniture and no-cell-phone policy make this a good spot for working or meeting someone, although parking can be tricky, and the WiFi’s not free. WHAT This longtime caffeination station is a relaxed, friendly and very quiet place, with respectable coffee drinks and good snacks—and it’s open until 1:30 a.m. WHO [...]
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