WHY Pure, unadulterated Peruvian flavors (puro sabor means ‘pure flavor’) in a sweet Valley spot with modest prices. WHAT This isn’t the most scenic neighborhood in Van Nuys, but inside is a cheerful, spotless café that showcases the accomplished cooking of chef Juana Paz, a bank teller from Peru who succeeded in achieving her twin [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The perfect blend of juicy sausage, substantial-but-not-huge bun and sweet-savory onions and peppers—just the thing to eat alongside a pint or two. WHAT This industrial-hip beer garden at 3rd and Traction keeps it simple: You got your beer, your sausage and your fries. What more could you possibly need? Ranging from the classic (brats, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Good soft tacos and burritos big enough to feed a small family. WHAT This tiny taqueria sells a to-go, too-good lunch for less than $2.50: fresh, doughy corn tortillas wrapped around grilled beef or chicken and sautéed onions, giant burritos, ceviche. WHO Dads picking up takeout, construction workers on break, teenagers hungry for a [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Bacon maple doughnuts. WHAT This retro diner at Main and 5th (5th being called ‘the Nickel’ by the tougher locals in this hardscrabble neighborhood) has won local fame for bringing L.A. the bacon doughnut. But that’s not the only thing worth eating here. Come for any of the very good breakfast dishes, like the [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The best soba noodles in the South Bay. Great izakaya, too. WHAT Noodles made by hand in small batches are the draw at this dinky, hard-to-find noodle and izakaya spot (hint: enter from the back parking lot). While it makes fine eel tempura, grilled steak and wild mushrooms over rice, the reason to drive [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Gut-pleasing Mexican breakfast dishes served all day. Good carne asada, too. WHAT Come here for a $5.50 breakfast of huevos rancheros or chorizo and eggs and you won’t need lunch. The chilequiles are like nachos that have gone to heaven and, as their reward, got covered in eggs and cheese. If you come for [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The it spot of the moment for pho, crisp spring rolls and a hugely portioned and delicious seven-course beef dinner. WHAT The result of a squabble in the family that owns the famed Golden Deli and Vietnam House led to two members of the family—including the former Vietnam House cook—splitting off to open this [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For 50 cents they’ll add extra pork fat to your soup base. Need we say more? WHAT It’s not as fast as we’d like, because of the lines of ramen addicts who slow things down at peak times. But the flavorful pork broth served at this dive is worth the wait. And you won’t [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Prepared take-home dishes like lasagne and ravioli, huge and delicious sandwiches, savory sausages, take-and-bake pizzas and a bakery case lined with breads, cannoli and Italian cookies. WHAT This old-school Italian market and deli has been around since 1948, starting here in San Gabriel, and it now has five other locations. (This was once an [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Great tamales, which you can either order online to be shipped or pick up at the deli or the factory (1242 Pico St., San Fernando, 818.365.1636). All the Mexican classics are first-rate. WHAT The atmosphere isn’t much to speak of, so many regulars get this delicious food to take home—or, in larger quantities, to [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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