We previewed the new summer and happy hour menus on the patio at famed Top Chef Stefan Richter’s westside restaurant, Stefan’s at L.A. Farm. The ambiance on the patio was delightful, with comfy sofas surrounding communal fire pit granite tables, and space in the corner for musical entertainment. We sampled some drinks from the bar, including the [...]
WHY Well-crafted, upscale cocktails and vibrant American cuisine in a classy setting. WHAT Don’t be surprised when walking through the non-descript entrance to Sonny’s Hideaway—the gorgeous restaurant and bar more than make up for the lacking aesthetics of the facade. Once inside, snag a seat at the bar and watch the masterful mixologists shake and stir to [...]
May 10, 2013 | 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 [...]
April 20, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY The Chinese chicken salad. WHAT It’s not the most authentic Chinese food, not by a long shot, but New Moon makes a damn fine Chinese chicken salad and perfectly acceptable won ton soup, fried rice and stir fries—and the won ton strips with a plum dipping sauce are a tasty variation on chips and [...]
April 18, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY Because Studio City needs a civilized, elegant spot for lunch and dinner. WHAT Raphael is an intimate bo’te with an eclectic yet traditional menu from chef Adam Horton, formerly of Saddle Peak Lodge. The interior, designed by Terry Raphael, is drop-dead gorgeous, with a comfortable lounge/bar and a warm dining room that has so [...]
April 17, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY The lunch-only cubano sandwiches are delightful, especially the pan con lechón (shredded pork with Spanish peppers). And the Cuban club is a tasty fusion of marinated turkey breast with applewood-smoked bacon on sourdough. WHAT This is no ordinary cubano sandwich joint—although they do serve them, elegantly, and garnished with microgreens, no less. Xiomara Ardolina’s [...]
April 16, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY For mantee, of course (it’s an Armenian specialty), along with many other Middle Eastern dishes. WHAT This little place serves all the usual suspects, and very well, too (fattoush salad, made with purslane, is terrific; garlicky labne toom is heavenly; lamb kebabs are tender and juicy). But don’t miss the more unusual specialties, such [...]
April 15, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY Trust your waiter and order the specials he recommends, perhaps corn, Australian lamb, mixed mushrooms, burdock rolled in pork, yaki onigiri (rice ball) and ninniku no me (garlic sprouts sautéed with mushrooms and scallops). Just make sure you get some of the amazing chicken wings. WHAT For three decades Nanbankan has been L.A.’s yakitori [...]
April 12, 2013 | 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 [...]
April 10, 2013 | Posted in
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WHY One of the better-value churrascarias in town, at about $27 per person during the week and $35 on weekends, when sassy dancers entertain the crowd (we prefer the quieter weeknights, which are still not quiet). WHAT It’s a tremendously entertaining scene here, with huge family groups, waiters in gaucho pants carving meat off of [...]
April 9, 2013 | Posted in
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