Was in Palms, near Culver City, last week. Ate at Cafe Brazil, a very authentic little place on Venice Blvd. Loved it. The spiciness in the air as you walk by is irresistible!

Zabumba, nearby Cafe Brazil, is good too. Lively music, good food and the staff is attentive.

Thanks, SeaUrchin, will try next time I'm in town. There are other appealing ethnic restaurants right on that little block, too. Have you tried others?

FYI, Zabumba is now known as Kikafulo -- as of last month. Zabumba was owned and operated by Monica Beresford-Redman and it looks like her sister took it over. I noticed the name change about a week or so ago.

http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/201..._kikafulo.html

For Cuban try Versailles nearby.
For a quick healthy Mexican meal try Eduardos Border Grill on Westwood Blvd, love their border burritos. "Star" sightings and you sit on benches in a mini mall tiny cafe. It is not typical Mexican and the food is delicious.

I'll try and think of some more.

Thanks, SeaUrchin! DS just moved into that neighborhood. It is nice to be able to walk to restaurants there.

Wow, lots of great new info on here that came on during our 3 days with NO internet after our freak storm out here.

Funny coincidence, stu, but a friend out here recently asked me if I had ever been to Loteria. We had gone to the Farmers' Market locale, but b/c of her asking me I looked up their website and discovered the info about the SC location. DS then told me that they go there often, so it will definitely be on our list for January!

And, Guenami, you exactly echo my sentiments about eating in LA. When we come back east after being there for even a quick trip, I find myself missing the incredible freshness, esp the salads!! We have a Nordstrom out here that has a different menu in one of its locations. It is tapas style and absolutely wonderful! Just like the store, quality and service both are excellent.

Yep, fresh food, a huge variety in food, and Nordstrom. What more does one need? LOL! Happy Travels!

Fascinating thread!
Any recommendations for the area around Santa Monica Blvd between Western and Vermont (or not too far from there)?

We'll probably go to the Lebanase Marouch when I'm there next weekend but would love to get a list of any other favorites. Have written some notes based on your Santa Monica replies, but (in case I make there) if you want to add any more, my pencil is ready.

There is a gelato thread in the Lounge right now that made me realize that I should mention this place on this thread too! IMO, no gelato in the US truly compares to Italy but this place is good.

Here is the link is the place which is in Venice, CA of course! http://www.ilovenicecream.com/

I had lunch the other day at the Nordstroms in Brea and it was very good and reasonable.

I have rediscovered Pie and Burger in Pasadena, I had the best turkey burger and my friend loved her veggie burger and the pies are still delicious.

On this thread I was thinking it is recommending places that a local goes to as a go-to place, not necessarily a night out on the town once in a while.

There is no more "local" ice cream than Thrifty (RiteAid) chocolate malted krunch.

Oh I love Thrifty choc malted krunch, it's the best. And I will not accept the name Rite Aid!! Thrifty and SavOn!

Phillipes near Dodger Stadium have good french dipped sandwiches and The Apple Pan in Pasadena-have good burgers

Is there an Apple Pan in Pasadena? I only know of the one on Pico Blvd. in West LA.

Nope. Apple Pan is not a chain. It is on Pico around the corner from my house.

"I have rediscovered Pie and Burger in Pasadena"

I must admit, I do not understand the allure of Pie and Burger. The few times I have had meals there, the service was sloooow and the food was average at best. I know some people swear by it, but I am not one of them.

Have you tried their pumpkin pie? Sooo good with some kind of vanilla whipped cream if you want.

I have only had the turkey burger, I have no idea how the rest of their menu is, maybe not so great?

Service has been good so far with me and I do like that the cooks are right in front of you so you can watch what they are (and not) doing.

"Have you tried their pumpkin pie? Sooo good with some kind of vanilla whipped cream if you want."

I will give it a try. Tracy reminded me that my mom was a Pie 'n Burger fan, and we do need some Thanksgiving pies now that Marie Callendar's has bit the bullet. I see they have Mince Meat pie, and since I am the only one in the family who eats it, I might have to try that, too (with lots of hard sauce).

I think you will like the pumpkin pie.

Try a burger while you are waiting for the pie? I may be excited because I haven't had an old fashioned burger for so long since I don't eat red meat nowdays and In and Out has only meat. I got the works, onions, pickles, 1000 Island dressing, cheese, toasted bun.

Quirky counter service, one stool missing but the screws still there, some are not stools but chairs, long time waitresses, some with semi-attitudes until they put you through their hoops, D the 80something diner who runs marathons and power walks the rest of the time....neighborhood experience.