Places to eat like a local in Los Angeles
Aug 13th, 2012, 10:10 PM
#221
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Read through this thread fairly well, and didn't see any reference to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. When I lived in Los Angeles, my co-workers would arrange a group of us to go. Is it still good, anyone know?
Aug 14th, 2012, 11:04 AM
#222
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The place on Larchmont was very good. The great thing is the food is all organic and you can taste the chemical, etc. free difference.
It's vegan so that aspect may not appeal to many but the food is so tasty that it shouldn't matter. After all we all eat vegetables if they are presented tastefully.
We sat outside and it was very pleasant. I wouldn't order the lemonade again as I can just put some lemon in their water and save the dollar an ounce drink. They serve organic beer and wine too.
It's near Paramount Studios on Larchmont at Melrose. I recommend it for a change of pace. Desserts are delicious too.
http://cafegratitudela.com/
Then there is another excellent organic restaurant in Alhambra which serves meat dishes. It is Green Zone on Valley Blvd near San Gabriel Blvd. It is a small clean unassuming place with friendly staff and organic vegetables for sale as well as excellent dishes. So good.
http://www.greenzonerestaurant.com/
(I have friends who still like Roscoes in Pasadena.)
It's vegan so that aspect may not appeal to many but the food is so tasty that it shouldn't matter. After all we all eat vegetables if they are presented tastefully.
We sat outside and it was very pleasant. I wouldn't order the lemonade again as I can just put some lemon in their water and save the dollar an ounce drink. They serve organic beer and wine too.
It's near Paramount Studios on Larchmont at Melrose. I recommend it for a change of pace. Desserts are delicious too.
http://cafegratitudela.com/
Then there is another excellent organic restaurant in Alhambra which serves meat dishes. It is Green Zone on Valley Blvd near San Gabriel Blvd. It is a small clean unassuming place with friendly staff and organic vegetables for sale as well as excellent dishes. So good.
http://www.greenzonerestaurant.com/
(I have friends who still like Roscoes in Pasadena.)
Aug 15th, 2012, 06:12 AM
#224
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Guenmai:
were you sitting by the window at Native Fods on Wednesday, August 1st? For a minute I thought it was you from your pics at Boston GTG. I'm sorry I didn't approach you. My eye doc is around the corner and I parked just a half block down from the resto. Had heard about it before and finally tried it...had the Moroccan Bowl because I love Maroc food..and it was excellent. I was by many decades the oldest geezer in the student-filled eatery..but these days, that's the way it is wherever I go. The line was not out the door, but close to it. It goes pretty fast. I'll be back whenever in the vicinity, Next time, I'll approach "you"...the worst I can get is a handbag in the face if it's not you. What the hell..that would be a compliment!
Wow, this great thread has legs!! I learn something more on each visit. It has become the ultimate guide for L.A. and vicinity resto suggestions.
stu
cferrb: Would appreciate a contact from you...stuarttower at aol dot com
were you sitting by the window at Native Fods on Wednesday, August 1st? For a minute I thought it was you from your pics at Boston GTG. I'm sorry I didn't approach you. My eye doc is around the corner and I parked just a half block down from the resto. Had heard about it before and finally tried it...had the Moroccan Bowl because I love Maroc food..and it was excellent. I was by many decades the oldest geezer in the student-filled eatery..but these days, that's the way it is wherever I go. The line was not out the door, but close to it. It goes pretty fast. I'll be back whenever in the vicinity, Next time, I'll approach "you"...the worst I can get is a handbag in the face if it's not you. What the hell..that would be a compliment!
Wow, this great thread has legs!! I learn something more on each visit. It has become the ultimate guide for L.A. and vicinity resto suggestions.
stu
cferrb: Would appreciate a contact from you...stuarttower at aol dot com
Jan 3rd, 2013, 09:50 PM
#225
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Tower, looking at my calendar, there's a 99% chance that I was in Native Foods on August 01. I don't know what time you were there though. If you remember the time, then I can tell you.
As for sitting by the window, I think I only sat by the window one time over a 5½-month period of eating there 4 times a week. I do, however, always sit downstairs. I haven't eaten there for a while now as I'm not in the area. But, I might start back up around the spring or summer.
Have you tried the Italian meatball sub? To die for. During the summer they have Italian meatball pizza which is fabulous and the crust has a soft texture. The chicken burger is also great. That was the first item that I had there. And the potato salad and sweet potato fries are also real winners. I've tasted all of the deserts,except for the chocolate ones (allergic) and have liked them all. And there's nothing more refreshing than that delicious lemonade with lavender. I've tried almost the entire menu, unless there are items that I have food allergies to. I will be really glad when a Native Foods opens closer to me.
Happy Travels!
As for sitting by the window, I think I only sat by the window one time over a 5½-month period of eating there 4 times a week. I do, however, always sit downstairs. I haven't eaten there for a while now as I'm not in the area. But, I might start back up around the spring or summer.
Have you tried the Italian meatball sub? To die for. During the summer they have Italian meatball pizza which is fabulous and the crust has a soft texture. The chicken burger is also great. That was the first item that I had there. And the potato salad and sweet potato fries are also real winners. I've tasted all of the deserts,except for the chocolate ones (allergic) and have liked them all. And there's nothing more refreshing than that delicious lemonade with lavender. I've tried almost the entire menu, unless there are items that I have food allergies to. I will be really glad when a Native Foods opens closer to me.
Happy Travels!
Jan 4th, 2013, 08:28 AM
#227
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I always love it when this threaad gets topped!
Poignant for me because a year ago today we were getting ready to leave for Los Angeles , the very next day for three months! Not this year--Long cold winter in Boston...
Poignant for me because a year ago today we were getting ready to leave for Los Angeles , the very next day for three months! Not this year--Long cold winter in Boston...
Jan 4th, 2013, 08:54 AM
#228
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Guenmai..I think I was there around 12:30, as my eye doc appt was for 1:30.
Went back to Brentwood's TAVERN...brunch on Saturday. It was superb...not a buffet, but over a dozen menu items....gve it a try for lunch, dinner or brunch. Service is professional, food is simple and tasty...ambience is unique. Prices, on the high side, but 3 large brunch portions, came to under $80 with tip. They also offer a "larder" featuring thick and fancy deli sandwiches and soups.
On San Vicente (an old Hamburger Hamlet 100% rebuilt and redesigned). Parking lot in back..across from Cheescake Factory.
Stu
Went back to Brentwood's TAVERN...brunch on Saturday. It was superb...not a buffet, but over a dozen menu items....gve it a try for lunch, dinner or brunch. Service is professional, food is simple and tasty...ambience is unique. Prices, on the high side, but 3 large brunch portions, came to under $80 with tip. They also offer a "larder" featuring thick and fancy deli sandwiches and soups.
On San Vicente (an old Hamburger Hamlet 100% rebuilt and redesigned). Parking lot in back..across from Cheescake Factory.
Stu
Jan 4th, 2013, 01:04 PM
#229
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We went to a very authentic Japanese rstrnt, Stu, w/a scientist that my husband knows in that same area of San Vicente, altho where we went was on the same side of the street as Chsck Fac. It was tucked up on the upper floor of a little outdoor mall kind of bldg. Very cute area that managed to convey both hip and retro simultaneously to this east coaster!
We keep considering different areas where we might relocate and there are so many choices, but alas not unlimited funds, so it is a challenge.
We keep considering different areas where we might relocate and there are so many choices, but alas not unlimited funds, so it is a challenge.
Jan 5th, 2013, 09:05 AM
#231
I have been back to El Pollo Imperial in North Long Beach twice with a friend from England. She had never eaten Peruvian food before. Two bites of the ceviche and she said "This can go on the list".
Their chicken soup (included with every meal) mixto ceviche and fried calamari are fantastic, as good as anything I've had in Peru. Good lunch specials (like the arroz con mariscos).
For those with a car only. It is near the intersection of the Artesia and Long Beach Freeways. Very casual (I believe it was once a KFC).
www.elpolloimperial.com
LA Times review
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/nov...-find-20101104
Their chicken soup (included with every meal) mixto ceviche and fried calamari are fantastic, as good as anything I've had in Peru. Good lunch specials (like the arroz con mariscos).
For those with a car only. It is near the intersection of the Artesia and Long Beach Freeways. Very casual (I believe it was once a KFC).
www.elpolloimperial.com
LA Times review
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/nov...-find-20101104
Jan 17th, 2013, 02:15 PM
#233
Thank you Fodors for removing my last post that erroneously contained personal information from a bad cut and paste job of mine!
Here we go again this time right I hope:
New to the Westside and recommended are the just-opened (i.e. last week) Sirena on Beverly, just west of Crescent Heights, and Seasons 52 in the Century City Mall.
Both restaurants are restaurant space "takeovers" –
Sirena takes over the wonderful hide-away spot that housed Pane e Vino for 20 years before it closed down a year ago. Everyone who's been there will remember its warm, homey ambiance and brilliant outdoor patio with a tree canopy in the middle.
Seasons 52 takes over the old Houston's spot in Century City.
Both are higher end joints where the wait staff pretend they are your host, and you're invited to their party. Except you have to pay the party bill, and it can be steep.
Sirena outdoes Seasons 52 in the "who can charge the most money for a dish" race. However, it was my impression that Sirena also outdoes Seasons 52 in novelty and quality, even though both are part of the semi-nouveau fresh, local, organic produce and meat trend that’s been part of the L.A. food scene for I’m thinking about a decade now.
Sirena is a fresh fish place, primarily, but with an Italian twist. A wood fire oven (these days, de rigurer at any restaurant that even partially pretends to be Italian) and absolutely inventive and tasty pizzas -- great to share as an appetizer, or even as a main course. We tried the smoke salmon pizza with creme fraiche and other goodies, and while I'm one who generally leaves the crust -- no way! The crust was delicious!
We were at Sirena the day following its "hard" opening, i.e. last Friday. The entertainment industry was out in force the night we were there -- I even believe I saw Billy Dee Williams sitting at the bar. Even though it has just opened, I was surprised to see nothing in the way of kinks or goof ups one usually sees the first 2 weeks a restaurant is open. The wait staff couldn't be more helpful.
Seasons 52 is not unique -- it is a small national chain, but they really tried to un-Disneyland it -- food and drink good quality; wanna-be actor wait staff (although here, they insist that the only reason they came to LA from Boise was to become a professional waiter at Seasons 52) who try to make the experience so perfect that if they think you've waited too long (even though you think it's a short time to wait for a meal by Parisian standards), they might just comp you. Food is tasty; they aim to please. I had the planked salmon recommended by the waiter, and it was cooked precisely as requested. Decent wine selection. Although the atmosphere is warm, it was a little too stuffy for me in the dining room. I give kudos to the bar area, however, much enlarged from the Houston's era, and the fabulously designed wooden bar literally circles the bartenders and a baby grand with a piano player crooning songs while the customers drink and chat. Nothing stuffy about the bar. In fact, I might make a point of staking a spot at the bar next time and eating dinner there.
Here we go again this time right I hope:
New to the Westside and recommended are the just-opened (i.e. last week) Sirena on Beverly, just west of Crescent Heights, and Seasons 52 in the Century City Mall.
Both restaurants are restaurant space "takeovers" –
Sirena takes over the wonderful hide-away spot that housed Pane e Vino for 20 years before it closed down a year ago. Everyone who's been there will remember its warm, homey ambiance and brilliant outdoor patio with a tree canopy in the middle.
Seasons 52 takes over the old Houston's spot in Century City.
Both are higher end joints where the wait staff pretend they are your host, and you're invited to their party. Except you have to pay the party bill, and it can be steep.
Sirena outdoes Seasons 52 in the "who can charge the most money for a dish" race. However, it was my impression that Sirena also outdoes Seasons 52 in novelty and quality, even though both are part of the semi-nouveau fresh, local, organic produce and meat trend that’s been part of the L.A. food scene for I’m thinking about a decade now.
Sirena is a fresh fish place, primarily, but with an Italian twist. A wood fire oven (these days, de rigurer at any restaurant that even partially pretends to be Italian) and absolutely inventive and tasty pizzas -- great to share as an appetizer, or even as a main course. We tried the smoke salmon pizza with creme fraiche and other goodies, and while I'm one who generally leaves the crust -- no way! The crust was delicious!
We were at Sirena the day following its "hard" opening, i.e. last Friday. The entertainment industry was out in force the night we were there -- I even believe I saw Billy Dee Williams sitting at the bar. Even though it has just opened, I was surprised to see nothing in the way of kinks or goof ups one usually sees the first 2 weeks a restaurant is open. The wait staff couldn't be more helpful.
Seasons 52 is not unique -- it is a small national chain, but they really tried to un-Disneyland it -- food and drink good quality; wanna-be actor wait staff (although here, they insist that the only reason they came to LA from Boise was to become a professional waiter at Seasons 52) who try to make the experience so perfect that if they think you've waited too long (even though you think it's a short time to wait for a meal by Parisian standards), they might just comp you. Food is tasty; they aim to please. I had the planked salmon recommended by the waiter, and it was cooked precisely as requested. Decent wine selection. Although the atmosphere is warm, it was a little too stuffy for me in the dining room. I give kudos to the bar area, however, much enlarged from the Houston's era, and the fabulously designed wooden bar literally circles the bartenders and a baby grand with a piano player crooning songs while the customers drink and chat. Nothing stuffy about the bar. In fact, I might make a point of staking a spot at the bar next time and eating dinner there.
Jan 18th, 2013, 08:44 AM
#234
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La Bruschetta Ristorante
1621 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
(310) 477-1052
I don't know if this little gem has been mentioned yet. We just stumbled upon it a few years ago, and now we make a point of going there for a special dinner. We have taken friends there, who were impressed with it, too. It is small, cozy, excellent service, wonderful food. They are good at letting you enjoy your table as long as you want to stay.
1621 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
(310) 477-1052
I don't know if this little gem has been mentioned yet. We just stumbled upon it a few years ago, and now we make a point of going there for a special dinner. We have taken friends there, who were impressed with it, too. It is small, cozy, excellent service, wonderful food. They are good at letting you enjoy your table as long as you want to stay.
Jan 18th, 2013, 09:58 AM
#235
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800 degrees near the UCLA campus in Westwood. Fresh pizza rolled in front of you, your choice of fresh toppings, then cooked in an 800 degree wood fired oven. Pretty cheap, too. Many are under $10. Fresh salads as well, and a cool soda machine.
http://www.800degreespizza.com/
http://www.800degreespizza.com/
Feb 23rd, 2013, 08:42 AM
#236
It's tucked away in a Vons shopping center next to a Starbucks on Pass Avenue in Burbank, but check out Bistro Provence, 345 N. Pass Avenue.
We had not been there for quite some time, but last night six of each had an incredible meal, The Pear/Champagne soup to start was incredible. The menu is varied..last night our group had entrees ranging from salmon to chicken to Beef bourguignon.
Corkage is 9 bucks a bottle, and the owner is your waiter. He was a blast, even giving away some of his recipe "secrets." Tab per couple was $88 (tip not included...we had corkage on four bottles). Highly recommended. We will go back soon.
We had not been there for quite some time, but last night six of each had an incredible meal, The Pear/Champagne soup to start was incredible. The menu is varied..last night our group had entrees ranging from salmon to chicken to Beef bourguignon.
Corkage is 9 bucks a bottle, and the owner is your waiter. He was a blast, even giving away some of his recipe "secrets." Tab per couple was $88 (tip not included...we had corkage on four bottles). Highly recommended. We will go back soon.
Feb 23rd, 2013, 08:47 PM
#238
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Marie Calenders in Glendale is now gone (Pacific at the 134).I drove by yesterday and a new restaurant is there. So, much for the occasional sugar-free razzleberry pie. I don't know where my mom will send me to now for holiday pies as ours in Pasadena closed some years ago.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Feb 23rd, 2013, 09:09 PM
#239
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For a splurge, the salmon burger at the polo lounge. Yum...yum...
http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com/lunch-menu
Happy Travels!
http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com/lunch-menu
Happy Travels!
Mar 4th, 2013, 07:20 AM
#240
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On a recent very short trip to LA, we went to a great new place. In the über-hip Echo Park is a place that has gotten a lot of press, Mohawk Bend. They have a brilliant menu that is an amalgam of vegan and carnivore dishes. I hope more places take their cue!
The vegan Buffalo Cauliflower would satisfy any meat eater, IMO. The other small plate appetizer that DH and I shared was the not vegan version of a Brussels Sprouts dish that included apples, nuts, bacon and Feta. I could have happily eaten that for my meal!
There are 50 or more beers which made him happy and his entree of burger and sweet potato fries were superb. They specialize in having as many local products as possible up to and including the distilled liquors.
A great laid back and super lively vibe in the place which has unbelievably high ceilings, as it was a movie theater in a former incarnation.
I highly recommend this place!!
The vegan Buffalo Cauliflower would satisfy any meat eater, IMO. The other small plate appetizer that DH and I shared was the not vegan version of a Brussels Sprouts dish that included apples, nuts, bacon and Feta. I could have happily eaten that for my meal!
There are 50 or more beers which made him happy and his entree of burger and sweet potato fries were superb. They specialize in having as many local products as possible up to and including the distilled liquors.
A great laid back and super lively vibe in the place which has unbelievably high ceilings, as it was a movie theater in a former incarnation.
I highly recommend this place!!
