WHY Any herb, green or fruit you could ever imagine wanting, at great prices. WHAT With a focus on Persian, Middle Eastern and Indian foods, this produce and grocery market has bargain prices on avocados, stone fruits and lettuces, along with a vast selection of Mediterranean spices, Indian teas, Middle Eastern breads and discounted olive [...]
February 4, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY For a ripper and tots. WHAT New Jersey native Joe Fabrocini missed the ‘rippers’ (hot dogs deep-fried until their casings burst) of his youth, so he brought them to Reseda, and Jersey boys and girls make the trek to this little storefront from all over in gratitude. You can get your dog grilled or [...]
November 10, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Tender al pastor with a crunchy glaze, pit-barbecued lamb and chicken on weekends, and tender but lean pierna de cerdo (pork leg), served in burritos or tortas. WHAT First-timers come for the excellent tacos and burritos, then return for the Saturday and Sunday barbacoa, whole pit-roasted lamb, served in two courses: lamb soup, followed [...]
October 11, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Fresh tofu made on-site, as well as some vegan grocery essentials, including soy milk, tofu pudding and packaged vegan foods. WHAT Kevin Tran is L.A.’s king of fresh tofu. Come here to buy the good stuff, and allow time to eat in his amazing vegan Vietnamese café while you’re there. WHO A steady stream [...]
August 11, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY The best of both coasts: Portuguese dishes alongside classic Greek fare. WHAT Alexis Kavvadias’s decades-old restaurant evolved when his Portuguese-born wife, Fatima, came on board. The candlelit dining room is more elegant, and the wine list and menu more diverse. Greek country-style specialties like braised lamb with artichoke hearts in lemon sauce already made [...]
June 21, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY The velvety hummus, of course, as well as a toothsome array of all-you-can-eat housemade salads and side dishes for just $6 per person with a main-course order. WHAT Conversations, many in Hebrew, fill the air in this popular casual-dining restaurant, along with a near-constant slapping sound of fresh dough being formed intolaffa, a puffed [...]
June 5, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY Excellent and authentic Argentinean classics: empanadas, milanesa, white fish, huge platters of sizzling meat, mashed potatoes and bread pudding, all at more than reasonable prices. WHAT At this quirky café in the middle of a deli and meat market, patrons cheer their soccer team on TV or simply kibitz while munching on sandwiches slathered [...]
April 15, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY A friendly Irish pub in the heart of the Valley, with good beer (Guinness, Harp, Bass, Smithwick’s), well-made burgers and crisp fish ‘n chips. WHAT It’s a bit gloomy at first, but once your eyes adjust you’ll find a handsome room, friendly locals and fresh beer. If the bar’s too crowded, grab a table [...]
March 17, 2012 | Posted in
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WHY The best old-school stand burger in the Valley. WHAT 84-year-old Bill Elwell has been making burgers on his vintage grill in this dumpy part of Van Nuys for decades, and something about the seasoning of the grill and Bill’s technique makes for the perfect fast-food burger, complete with orange cheese and a grilled white [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The best ice cream soda in L.A., if not the world. WHAT Set inside a pharmacy that sells a Cronenbergian array of medical devices, this retro-style soda counter serves a fantastic array of ice creams: Lappert’s, Cascade and Fosselman’s (including our fave, chocolate-dipped strawberry). But what we love most is how they use that [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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