food Archives - Page 51 of 55

August 28, 2018

Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants In LA

The fact that even your dad has heard of cashew cheese and veggie dogs proves that vegan food is officially mainstream. While plant-based eaters were once relegated to steamed veggies and pasta with marinara sauce on many menus, LA’s restaurant scene has changed faster than you can say teriyaki tofu to capture the veg-head set. From high-end hip spots to fast-casual finds, it’s easier than ever to go veggie when dining out, whether you’re a die-hard vegan or an open-minded omnivore looking to expand your meatless horizons — here are 15 top spots for vegetarian and vegan eats in LA worth knowing.

CULVER CITY, ECHO PARK, PASADENA

This trio of organic vegan eateries boasts a massive menu running the gamut from tacos and tostadas to burgers and banh mi, along with a creative selection of pizzas and Sage’s signature cauliflower-based wings. Founder Mollie Angelheart’s small-batch raw vegan ice cream is available at all three locations as are wine, cocktails, and craft brews. The larger Culver City venue also features a 1,500-square-foot outdoor beer garden.

DOWNTOWN

After a revamp last year by Tony Yannow’s beer-and-vegan-focused Artisanal Brewers Collective, Beelman’s Pub is now simply Beelman’s: a plant-based pub doling out casual fare with Asian influences. There’s snacky stuff like smoked tofu wonton bites, crispy garbanzos tossed with togarashi and gochujang, and heartier offerings including a loco moco bowl made with Impossible meat, tater-tot “Tachos” topped with cashew cheese, and a kicky chili dog. In addition to the big beer selection, the bar’s cocktail menu — including a few offerings on draft and a smattering of frozen drinks — is a solid one.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The growing fast-casual chain now has 13 locations around LA, all of which offer a much-appreciated quick bite for vegans and those who want a break from the Double-Double (hard to believe, but those people do indeed exist). The place offers vegan alternatives not just to burgers, but also stuff like taco salads, brats, and that food-world darling the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich. The chain also recently rolled out an all-day breakfast burrito stuffed with soy chorizo and the mung bean-based Just Egg.

VENICE

If you’re looking to seal the deal with a vegetarian, Matthew Kenney’s vegan venue should be your go-to date spot. The space is stunning, the patio is pretty, and you’re in Venice, so it’s automatically uber-cool; then there’s the upscale inventive menu, with seasonal dishes like yellow watermelon poke with gooseberries, cashew raclette, and kelp noodle cacio e pepe. The organic wine list is a good one, and you can also opt for the 6-course tasting menu if you really want to impress.

EL SEGUNDO, PASADENA, SANTA MONICA

Wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil originally founded this string of bright-and-airy eateries, focused on a vegetarian-heavy menu centered around his anti-inflammatory food pyramid; think black rice, berries, kale, and avocado. The result is pretty delicious, drawing in a serious weekend brunch crowd for juices and smoothies, avocado toasts, and egg-and-grain bowls. It’s worth a stop-in for dinner, too, thanks to a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees, along with fresh fruit-laced cocktails and beer and wine.

MARINA DEL REY

We can’t tell you exactly what dishes used be offered at this longstanding Lincoln Avenue bar (famous for its crowd-drawing turtle races) before it reopened last December — and that’s because we don’t know anyone who ever ate there. But after a total renovation both to the formerly divey space and the menu (once again by Artisanal Brewers Collective), there’s all kinds of vegan-friendly fare on offer including a hummus-and-pickled veggie plate, some super salads, an Impossible burger. Bonus: Nearly all of the pizzas can be made with vegan cheese, and even vegan sausage if you like.

HOLLYWOOD, VENICE, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Delis can be dangerous; if you stop paying attention for a second, you might very well wind up devouring a pastrami sandwich the size of your head with a side of mayo-soaked potato salad, and a knish for good measure. Doling out healthy, sustainable fare, Locali can be your safe place with veggie-friendly versions of deli sandwiches including its fabled Reuben, along with quinoa bowls, killer vegan breakfast sandwiches served all day, probiotic smoothies, and coconut fro-yo. There’s omnivorous fare too, but the place is happy to customize dishes and make them vegan-friendly — hear that, every other restaurant in LA?

SILVER LAKE

This vegan New York import has been super-buzzy since opening next to the first 365 by Whole Foods in Silver Lake. It makes everything in-house – from its pesto “meatballs” to its burgers – and also does vegan ice cream, as well as a packed weekend brunch.

VENICE

There is, perhaps, no single restaurant on Abbot Kinney that is more Abbot Kinney than this “vegetable slaughterhouse” that’s equal parts hotspot, brunch hangout, juice bar, and vegetarian eatery housed within an absolutely stunning space, with a people-watching patio we’re assuming costs somewhere around $600 million a month to operate. Look for small plates of veggies as well as larger dishes of stone-oven pizzas, pistachio pesto lasagna, and a mushroom tempura po’ boy — then, wash everything down with a cold-pressed cocktail.

ECHO PARK

Located in an old Vaudeville theater, this Echo Park gastropub touts more than 70 beers on tap along with a vegetarian-heavy menu with both straight veggie items (like a smashed pea toast with almond ricotta and street corn) as well as vegan plays on crab cakes and chili cheese fries — and it throws a couple bones to carnivores with burgers, fish tacos, and pepperoni pizza. On weekends, expect live music from DJ Twist every Friday and Saturday along with a late-night menu until 1am and pizza by the slice till 1:30pm.

WESTWOOD

According to tabloids, for the brief moment Beyonce went vegan, Native Foods was her go-to spot — and if it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for you. The Santa Monica and Culver City locations have closed, but the Westwood store is still going strong, and its various versions of faux meat are so meat-like that they’ll fool all but the most devoted carnivores.

SHERMAN OAKS

The Valley’s stacked with veggie and vegan options, but this meatless Pan-Asian kitchen blasts out coconut curries, pad Thai, and Japanese gyoza that could easily compete with any meatier options. Make sure to hit the goji berry-infused ginger-quinoa fried rice for a bit of sweetness to balance all that savory.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

It’s probably the most famous vegan restaurant in town (and it ain’t cheap), but the Med-inspired fare at Crossroads is always excellent, and the scene’s always a fun one. Start with the lentil flatbread, then work your way through the rest of the menu — highlights include the shishito-and-peach salad, almond ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms, and corn ravioli. End with a hot fudge sundae, and realize that vegans are also capable of walking out of a restaurant filled with regret.

EAST HOLLYWOOD

This hidden Indian restaurant is an all-vegetarian Mecca in a part of town where you’d be far more likely to find a great selection of bargain tires than incredible Far East eats. Step through the iron gate into the surprisingly spacious dining room and order up one of the remarkably reasonably priced combos or curry dishes.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

This vegan Mexican restaurant will make carnivores forget how much they love carne asada with flavorful, organic, plant-based plates of chilaquiles, enchiladas, pozole, coconut ceviche, and plenty of other interesting Mexican-inspired dishes. The cocktails are killer, and there’s a popular $7 food-and-drink happy hour during on weekdays, too.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

August 24, 2018

Target's Popular House-Brand Groceries: Here's What To Buy

Store-brand food can be a hit or miss endeavor: For every tasty off-brand Dorito at Aldi or 35lb bag of jerky at Costco there seems to be an entire pantry’s worth of cheap, nearly inedible knockoffs. But Target’s been sneakily owning the store-brand game for a while, and we’re not just talking about its delicious wine. The Archer Farms label has the pantry, fridge, and freezer game on lock, and to fill you in on what the minivan-owning horde has long known, we asked Target-obsessed Instagrammers All Things Target and Target Does It Again to select their favorite Archer Farm foods.

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

French Vanilla Almond Granola

Were you just in the middle of booking a flight to France just to buy the perfect granola? Save yourself a ton of money and the hassle of finding your passport by stopping by Target and purchasing its French Vanilla Almond Granola. Like many of Archer Farms’ products, it’s made with minimal ingredients, including rolled oats, honey, and almonds. But it’s a favorite of Target Does It Again because it can considerably elevate your breakfast: “Take your yogurt or smoothie bowl to the next level with this granola.” And doesn’t require an international flight to eat.

100% Pure Maple Syrup

Imagine a plate of pancakes. Then imagine not putting maple syrup on them. You know what? Don’t. That’s criminal. If you’re eating pancakes, you need maple syrup. But do you need 12oz of it? Do you want to pay $7.19? Eh, probably not — unless you eat flapjacks every single morning. Avoid spending crazy amounts of dough on Vermont’s finest export (aside from Ben & Jerry’s) and snag Archer Farms’ 100% Pure Maple Syrup in a 3.4oz bottle. Target Does It Again loves the fact that it’s 100% maple syrup, and not a low quality version with fillers. But the differentiator for them is that Target offers a mini size. It’s just $2.29, and will probably give you just enough for a few brunches.

Mini Donut Reduced Fat Ice Cream

This is the one Archer Farms item that made the Target Does It Again folks exclaim, “Run to Target now!” — and it’s not just because there are actual donut pieces stuffed into cinnamon ice cream. It’s because the pint somehow contains only 350 calories and 20g of protein despite being decadent as hell. And let’s be real, the nutritional facts are per pint because you’re eating this thing in one sitting. As Jen and Ashley so beautifully stated, “Who doesn’t love donuts in their ice cream?!”

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

Archer Farms Trail Mixes

“I love the Archer Farms Trail Mix because it comes in so many amazing flavor combinations,” says Christy Palmer of All Things Target. She ain’t kidding. There’s a Monster version with M&M’s, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips, and a Peanut Butter Monster with mini peanut butter cups and Peanut Butter M&M’s. It may be named that because it’s available in a 2-pound, 4-ounce. Or because it contains actual monsters inside. Who can say?

Palmer’s favorites include the aforementioned Monster, the dried fruit-packed Cashew, Cranberry & Almond, and the Caramel Cashew, with chewy caramel, milk chocolate bites, and peanuts. Jen and Ashley, the two women behind Target Does It Again, also love the trail mix: “Legit the best trail mix ever!” They also highlight it for the budget conscious: “The price is right for a huge jug!” — it’s just $8 for 2 pounds of Peanut Butter Monster.

Dark Chocolate Himalayan Salted Almonds

Were you just in the middle of booking a flight to the Himalayas to buy the perfect salted almonds? Wait, are you the same person who was buying tickets to France? What are the odds?! Palmer loves these bad boys not only because almonds are one of her “favorite things to drench in chocolate” but because “the dark chocolate is really tasty, and they have just the right amount of salt.” And it is actually Himalayan salt as promised on the label, which is sourced from salt mines in Pakistan. Who knew?

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

Spinach and Goat Cheese Traditional Crust Pizza

Frozen pizza isn’t necessarily the healthiest meal option in the frozen food section of the supermarket. But feel confident that at the very least, it has a Simple Ingredients stamp of approval from Target, meaning that it contains “no synthetic flavors, synthetic colors, synthetic preservatives, or synthetic sweeteners; no high fructose corn syrup; no added synthetic trans fat.” It’s basically spinach, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese. And that last ingredient is what makes this a standout at the retailer for Target Does It Again. “Would definitely recommend this pizza to goat cheese fans,” they say. When you bite into the goat cheese liberally applied to each pie, you’ll understand why.

Also of note, the standard wood-fired pepperoni recently breached the top five of our ongoing frozen pizza rank. Even in a state of goatlessness, this is quality frozen pie.

Frozen Vegetables

When you get home from a long day at the office, the last thing you want to do is go into the kitchen and take a half-hour to prepare dinner. Obviously that’s time better spent drinking away the problems caused by a long day at the office. Take Jen and Ashley’s advice that Archer Farms’ frozen veggies “make dinner prep a breeze.” Mostly because you can pop them in the microwave and the veggies steam in the bag. No clean up, either. While you can choose between Brussels sprouts, snow peas, asparagus spears, and green beans, the Target Does It Again team prefers the sweet potato cubes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Pair a protein on a plate with any of those veggies and dinner is practically done.

MEGAN CHONG/THRILLIST

Archer Farms Salsa

Walk down the aisles of a popular grocer like Whole Foods and you’ll find people pushing around shopping carts that for some reason only fit a single loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. You’ll also find a few varieties of salsa from their store brand, most likely in mild, medium, and hot. Which is fine! But if you want selection and quality, it’s hard to beat Archer Farms. “They make my favorite salsa,” says Palmer. “I love their Medium Corn & Black Bean Salsa — it has a fresh taste with a little kick, and I love the addition of corn and black beans.” And if that doesn’t sound appetizing, there’s plenty of other options, like Mango Peach, Pineapple Peach, Restaurant-Style, Fire-Roasted Pepper & Habanero, and Zesty Pepper.

Organic K-Cup Coffee

Think about the last time you bought an organic cup of coffee in a cafe — it probably cost more than $.62. But if you’ve got a Keurig machine, buying K-cups from Target could save you a ton of money: it’s $10 for 16 cups. Not only that, many K-cups contain coffee grown conventionally, “so it’s nice to be able to pick up organic coffee at Target,” say gals behind Target Does It Again. Even better, you have your choice of coffee flavors in Archer Farms’ java line, including Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, and an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, the coffee that crushed all others in a recent ranking of K-cups by a coffee roaster.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

August 24, 2018

Restaurants You Have To Try In Marina del Rey

Situated next to the Silicon Beach enclave, small-but-mighty Marina del Rey has attracted a boatload (!) of seriously good restaurants over the past few years — to the point where it’s now one of LA’s strongest food destinations. This 1.5 square-mile coastal community is packed with everything from rustic Italian eateries to fancy waterfront restaurants… and then there’s the iconic pub that turns into a turtle-racing hub on Thursdays. What more do you need to know?

Best fancy restaurant for when you’re not paying: Cast & Plow

4375 Admiralty Way
Located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Cast & Plow is an upscale hotel restaurant that stands on its own. Aside from a picturesque view of the marina, you’ll also get impeccable service and dishes made with organic, locally grown and raised ingredients — like made-in-house herb brioche, ham and Manchego cheese fritters waiting for a dunk in paprika aioli, and lobster agnolotti cooked with brown butter and walnuts. Plus, if you’re visiting during off hours, a small bites menu is available from 3-5:30pm and 10pm-midnight daily.

Best sandwich spot: Mendocino Farms

4724 Admiralty Way
Get here early if you want to avoid the rush hour mob: Mendo’s fantastic and flavor-packed sandwiches, served on freshly baked artisanal bread, are a huge hit in the neighborhood. Now’s your last chance to snag summer specials — like a ripe heirloom tomato BLT drizzled with habanero honey, or chicken banh mi served with lemongrass relish — but the usual staples (hello, Study of Heat) will always be there. There’s also a ton of other stuff you probably didn’t know about this husband-and-wife-run sandwich shop, which is why we’ve outlined it all in a separate article.

Best brunch: Cafe del Rey

4451 Admiralty Way
At Cafe del Rey, $44 gets you a three-course prix fixe brunch served with your choice of sparkling wine, cider, mimosas, or Bloody Marys — not a bad deal when there’s a Kobe burger and cured salmon toast on the menu. You’ll also be treated to a spectacular vista of yachts parked in the marina (they even livestream the view from coveted Table 18). Plus, if you’re coming during the day, you won’t have to worry about parking; unlike most LA restaurants, valet here is complimentary (and only $6 in the evening).

Best cheap eats: Taqueria Chihuahua

505 Washington Blvd
This strip mall joint — which is close to the beach without the inflated prices or tourist crowds usually associated with those establishments — makes killer burritos that all hover around the $5 mark. For a little extra, get yours either Pancho Villa-style (smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese) or El Norteño-style (stuffed with guac, cheese, and sour cream). They don’t skimp on the meat here, so expected a heavily loaded vessel that should satiate you for hours.

Best pizza: Settebello

13455 Maxella Ave Suite 250
Settebello’s Neapolitan pizzas are the real deal, made with imported Italian flour and briefly tossed inside a wood-fired oven crafted by Italian oven makers (yes, that’s a thing). The result? Soft, slippery, delicious pies best eaten with a fork and knife — as they do in Napoli. Protip: Grab yourself a Margherita DOC pie, with crushed tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, parmigiano reggiano, and EVOO.

Best for vegetarians: Rainbow Acres Natural Foods

13208 W Washington Blvd
Locally owned Rainbow Acres has been hawking kombucha drinks, coconut ice cream bars, and yucca-flour bread since 1981, long before Whole Foods opened up in nearby Playa Vista. Vegans and vegetarians alike flock to this health food store’s hot-food counter, but its rotating selection of legitimately delicious takeaway food (like cranberry and wild rice pilaf and creamy shroom pasta) can satisfy everyone.

Best late-night food: Killer Cafe

4211 Admiralty Way
One of the only spots in MDR that’s open 24 hours a day, Killer Cafe whips up hearty comfort food reminiscent of what you’d find at your county fair (only better). Load up on juicy peel-and-eat shrimp dripping in butter and lemon, beer-battered fried cod sliders, and blue cheese mashed potatoes — washed down with something from an extensive wine, beer, and specialty drink list.

Best breakfast: Cafe Buna

3105 Washington Blvd
This hole-in-the-wall’s breakfast menu is impressive on sheer length alone; you’ll find it includes at least 20 different omelettes and leans heavy on griddle items like pumpkin-nut or lemon zest pancakes, cornflake French toast, and nutella crepes. If — for some crazy reason — you’re not feeling breakfast, don’t sleep on the wet mole burrito or signature Buna burger with all the fixings.

Best burgers: J Nichols Kitchen

4375 Glencoe Ave
J Nichols’ menu has a lot going on — there’s everything from roasted beets to topped flatbreads and smoked ribs — but the burgers are what you want to eat here. The West LA version is a clear winner, bursting with flavor-packed bacon balsamic onion compote, melty blue cheese and gruyere, and a generous smear of lemon aioli on a buttery toasted French baguette.

Best happy hour: SALT Restaurant & Bar

13534 Bali Way
SALT’s happy hour, which runs weekdays from 4 to 6pm, is the area’s best-kept secret. Deals include quality apps like pork meatballs in San Marzano sauce and fried Alaskan cod tacos (both $9), $6 wines, and priceless harbor views — okay, that last one’s not so much a deal as a reason to scope the place early and get a seat by the outdoor fire pits. The restaurant, which is part of the Marina del Rey Hotel, also has food offerings for every other hour of the day, including a poolside menu (get the fried chicken bucket), breakfast (served with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys on weekends), and dinner (where the Maine lobster pasta flavored with yuzu, vadouvan, and brown butter dashi is a must, as are the other seafood-heavy entrees).

Best for carb feasting: Casa Ado

12 W Washington Blvd
The pastas at this cozy Italian spot are homemade and perfectly cooked, which means you won’t feel too bad blowing your cheat day budget here. Menu all-stars include the black ink tagliolini noodles tossed in a spicy marinara, as well as Casa Ado’s famous red beet pasta served in Parmesan fondue.

Best Italian: Locanda Positano

4059 Lincoln Blvd
Marina del Rey clearly has plenty of top-notch Italian spots, but this intimate restaurant is the local favorite. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming location across from an IHOP; the wild boar pappardelle and fresh seafood linguine here will transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast. Don’t skip the complimentary bread, which is served warm and crusty alongside flavored olive oils, or the dessert: people rave about the lemon sorbet served with homemade limoncello and gelato trio

Best BBQ: Morfia’s Ribs & Pies

4077 Lincoln Blvd
When you’re craving legit Texas BBQ in MDR, go to Morfia’s for sauce-drenched ribs smoked in a brick pit — alright, maybe the sauce-drenched part is a bit more LA than TX, but you won’t be complaining. The portions are always generous, the meat’s always moist, and even if you’re stuffed, you can’t end the meal without a slice of peach cobbler or sweet potato pie.

Best date spot: Brennan’s

4089 Lincoln Blvd
Yep: the dive bar known for its legendary turtle races every Thursday is actually a fantastic date idea. Thanks to a facelift last year, this long-standing MDR pub has a new, airy look with a marble-topped bar and spacious outdoor area for cornhole, Jenga, and other games (just in case there are any awkward first-date silences). The menu got an upgrade too, so you can snack on fried chickpeas, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and for late-night eaters, great pizzas — all while guzzling some eclectic beers. And aside from the excitement of the turtle races (which are still going strong), Brennan’s always has something cool going on — whether it’s Sunday dog yoga or Friday pizza nights where you can get a complimentary pie while listening to live music.

Best multi-ethnic food: Doma Kitchen

4325 Glencoe Ave #8
Family-owned Doma Kitchen’s moved around a bit (first opening in Redondo, then relocating to Manhattan Beach) before settling on its current home. Now it’s serving Uzbek rice, borscht, and other Eastern European/Central Asian dishes to Marina del Rey diners who didn’t realize they loved Lithuanian-style slow-braised buckwheat but can’t imagine their lives without it now. Chef Kristina Miksyte, a Lithuanian native, uses farm-fresh ingredients and house-made spices in every dish. For summer, there’s a peach-themed menu that stars a raspberry-drizzled bistro salad and a grilled peach dessert with toasted walnuts and balsamic glaze.

Best lunch spot: Tender Greens

13455 Maxella Ave
No place does a build-your-own lunch plate better than Tender Greens, with options like consistently tender chipotle barbecue chicken, garlic vinaigrette-dressed kale, and silky mashed potatoes on the menu. They’re also mixing things up with a new special called the Endless Summer Bowl, which is packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and flavors like tahini yogurt, eggplant, grilled trumpet mushrooms, and pickled golden raisins served with earthy kamut grains and a coriander- and cumin-infused dressing.

Best Japanese: Irori Sushi

4371 Glencoe Ave #B4
The tone is set the minute you step foot inside Irori, where — in true Japanese tradition — you’re not allowed to wear your funky-smelling shoes (they provide sandals instead) at the low, sunken tables. The incredibly fresh fish just further solidifies this place’s authenticity; if it’s in season, get the succulent toro trio that boasts a scary-but-worth-it market price. Irori also does a few creative takes on sashimi, though, mixing bluefin tuna with burrata and putting black truffle on halibut for an umami sensory overload.

Best place to take the family: C&O Trattoria

31 Washington Blvd
This beach-adjacent institution straddles the Venice/Marina del Rey border, but if you want to get technical, it belongs to the latter (plus, Venice’s restaurant scene is already brimming). The outdoor patio is always lively, the staff hosts a nightly sing-a-long, and everyone’s happy because even if you’re not full off of the generous pasta portions, there’s an unlimited, complimentary supply of garlic knots that practically slip out of your fingers because they’re so drenched in olive oil and butter.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

August 15, 2018

LAFC's New Food Hall Is Now Open

The Fields LA opened this Tuesday, August 14, billing itself as “a stylized urban food hall” as well as a celebration of Los Angeles’ culinary diversity. Situated in Exposition Park next to Banc of California Stadium — the recently opened home to Los Angeles Football Club — The Fields’ main floor features nine different vendors offering a variety of cuisines, plus two bars.

Some of the city’s best chefs are part of the culinary team here. Tim Hollingsworth (Otium and Barrel & Ashes) helms C.J. Boyd’s Fried Chicken, which features five different chicken sandwiches and banana pudding. Jason Fullilove drops in a third location of his soul food restaurant Barbara Jean. Other cuisines represented include Chinese-American, Middle Eastern, Italian, and Mexican (a burrito spot, Nayarit-style seafood, and a Mexico City-style taqueria).

Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Open every day of the year except Christmas, this food hall isn’t just for soccer fans on game day. Developers are betting that the unique offerings, combined with the location (a stone’s throw from the USC campus and the nearby Expo Park Metro station) will make The Fields LA a year-round destination. The pricing — $10 for a top-quality gourmet chicken sandwich and $7 or $8 for many of the craft beers — is more accessible that you might expect from an operation of this scope. The size — seating for 200 inside and 90 at the outdoor cafe — is ambitious.

During a press preview this past week, We Like LA sampled some of the many offerings, and left impressed by more than a few standouts: short rib on a bed of smoked hummus dotted with pomegranate seeds at Akko Port; the K-Town chicken sandwich (laden with chili, ginger, cabbage, daikon, and sesame mayo) at C.J. Boyd’s; beef and sweet carrot potstickers and cheese foam oolong tea at Ms. Chi; mac and cheese studded with crawfish at Barbara Jean; tostaditas, heavy with shrimp and octopus, at Coni’Seafood; the birria quesadilla at Burritos La Palma. They also loved the focaccia sandwich with mortadella and parmesan crema at Piccolo Antico Pizzeria Focacceria, a pop-up that will be there for just three months.

Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

The drink menus include a well-curated array of wine, craft beer, and handmade cocktails from Nick Meyer and Julian Cox. The cocktails are exceptional, including two shockingly good frozen concoctions: a Mai Tai and the spicy, tequila-based Poblano Escobar. Also very good: the Strawberry Fields and a margarita, both served on tap. Tin City’s rosé cider is also a singular choice.

Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

The Fields’ second floor, expected to open as soon as September, will be home to Free Play, a new restaurant and bar from Hollingsworth, featuring bar bites, a full bar, live music, a DJ booth and games. The third floor, an expansive rooftop deck with impressive city views, will be available to rent as an event space.

The Fields LA, is located at 3939 S. Figueroa. The food hall is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Article by We Like LA.

August 7, 2018

LA's History Of Food-Shaped Restaurants

After decades of dashed hopes and broken promises, Tail o’ the Pup, Los Angeles’s famous hot dog-shaped hot dog stand, will finally reopen.

The last we heard, this gem of novelty architecture was heading to the Valley Relics Museum in Chatsworth, where it would be on display but wouldn’t dish out franks.

Now, just in time for National Mustard Day (yes, it’s a holiday and it happens the first Saturday in August) comes word that the 1933 Group has acquired the landmark — and plans to bring it back as a restaurant.

Two customers eat at Eddie Blake’s Tail o’ the Pup, a famous hot dog stand located at 300 N. La Cienega Boulevard. (David Clarke from the Security Pacific National Bank Collection via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

The 1933 Group owns a bunch of bars around town — Bigfoot, Sassafrass, Thirsty Crow, Oldfield’s, a few others — all themed, often with a heavy vintage vibe. These are the folks who restored Highland Park Bowl to its Jazz Age splendor, resurrected the Idle Hour, a once popular North Hollywood bar and restaurant shaped like a giant barrel, and are in the midst of revamping the Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood. They respect the history of the venues they acquire and they seem to know what they’re doing, so fingers crossed that they’ll treat Tail o’ the Pup with the care it deserves.

The Idle Hour in North Hollywood was built in 1941 and renovated in 2015. (Photo by Mike Hume/Flickr Creative Commons)

Built in 1946, Tail o’ the Pup operated (not always at the same location) until 2005. After shuttering, it spent years moldering in storage facilities including a Torrance warehouse and a Lake Elsinore salvage yard.

Excited about eating at this landmark? You can thank Alison Martino, who runs Vintage Los Angeles. According to Los Angeles magazine, she spent years searching for the stand then working with the family of Tail o’ the Pup founder Eddie Blake to get it back. Now, the 1933 Group is looking for a new home for the Pup, somewhere street-facing in West Hollywood or Hollywood, near the stand’s original location.

Tail o’ the Pup is one of L.A.’s most famous examples of “programmatic architecture” — buildings designed to look like food, animals or other items — but it’s hardly the only one. Southern California has a rich history of buildings shaped like boots, owls, toads, pigs, airplanes and more. In fact, we were ground zero for the bizarre building boom.

The giant donut on the roof of Randy’s Donuts is adorned with a mini Space Shuttle on October 11, 2012 in Inglewood. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

The trend reached its apex in the early 20th century. Motoring was still a new pastime and business owners wanted to catch the eye of passing drivers. Unhampered by modern building codes, they threw up these cool and kooky structures.

Sadly, most have been demolished. You can still see a few, including the famous Randy’s Donuts and a couple of old Chili Bowl locations

Fortunately, Southern California’s rich history of novelty architecture remains well documented.

The Toed Inn, shaped like a frog, was originally located on on Channel Road in Santa Monica. After it was damaged by a flood in 1938, it was moved to 12008 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood. (1920) (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Shaped like an owl, the Hoot Owl Cafe had a head that rotated, blinking eyes made from Buick headlamps and a sign that read: “Hoot hoot, I scream.” It was designed by Roy Hattrup in 1926 – 27 and for more than 50 years, his wife, Tillie, ran it. It was originally located in Rosemead but was moved to two subsequent locations, both in South Gate, before being demolished in 1979. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

“There was an old woman, who lived in a shoe; she had so many children, she didn’t know what to do.” Apparently, she opened the Mother Goose Pantry at 1951 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. (1928) (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Launched in 1931 by former amateur boxer Art Whizin, the Chili Bowl chain had 22 outposts at its peak. Each building was round and shaped like a chili bowl with 26 stools around a circular counter where diners could get the signature dish: an open-faced burger blanketed with chili. This 1937 photo shows the original Chili Bowl, located at 3012 Crenshaw Boulevard. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Although the exact L.A. location of The Airplane Café is unknown, the airplane-shaped restaurant came with wings, a propeller and wheels, although it rested on raised slabs of wood. (circa 1924) (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Originally built as an ice cream parlor with an oversized ice cream cone at each corner, the building became the Feed Rack restaurant during the Depression. Notice the sign: “Hello, Oldtimer! Are you hungry? Stop and get some coffee & donuts. They are on us.” (circa 1930) (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

The Teepee was a popular ice cream stand in Long Beach on 2nd St. at Covina Ave, 1931. During this time, the swastika was commonly displayed as a positive symbol before the Nazi Party adopted it and gave it its hateful connotations. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Located at 1124 Vine St. in Hollywood, the Hollywood Flower Pot is both the name of this flower shop and an accurate description of its facade. (1930) (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

The Pig Cafe was built in 1934 near La Brea and Rosewood avenues in Hollywood. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

This photo of the Sphinx Realty Company, located at 537 N. Fairfax Ave. across from where Fairfax High School now stands, supposedly dates to 1920, so it’s too early for it to have been inspired by the Egyptology craze that swept the U.S. after Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922. Notice the signs listing nearby properties for sale. Back then you could buy a six-bedroom, corner stucco house for $7,200. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

A giant grand piano marks the entrance of the California Piano Supply Co., which was renamed the Big Red Piano in the 1960s. (circa 1920s – ’30s) (Photograph via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Shaped like a blimp (aka a zeppelin), the Zep Diner was located at 515 W. Florence Ave. near Figueroa St. (1931) (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

As its name suggests, the Tamale, located at 6421 Whittier Blvd. in East L.A., specialized in Mexican food as well as hamburgers, chili, malted milk and something called “Spanish delight.” The structure went on to become Charley’s Beauty Salon in 2001. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Shaped like a milk can, the Cream Can sold buttermilk (5 cents), orange juice, root beer and other beverages. (Photo via Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Cars exit The Donut Hole drive-in restaurant, located on Elliot Avenue at Amar Road in La Puente, on January 4, 1983. (Herald-Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

1934: Exterior view of the first Brown Derby restaurant at Wilshire Blvd. and Alexandria Ave., with its large “Eat in the Hat” neon sign atop the dome. There were four Brown Derby restaurants — in Beverly Hills, Los Feliz, Hollywood and Wilshire — but only this one, the original was shaped like a bowler hat. It was first located at 3427 Wilshire Blvd. but in 1937 was moved one block over to 3347 Wilshire Blvd. (Works Progress Administration Collection/Los Angeles Public Library)

Picketers protest in front of the Brown Derby Restaurant on Wilshire Blvd., in 1980, hoping to prevent the restaurant from being razed and replaced by a high-rise. The restaurant had suddenly closed its doors after paying and dismissing employees. In September of 1980, it was torn down and replaced with a parking lot and later a strip mall with a domed structure on the third floor of the building, to resemble the original hat-shaped building. (Mike Mullen/Herald-Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library)

Article courtesy of LAist.

July 31, 2018

How To Enjoy A Day In Santa Monica Without A Car

Sometimes it’s nice not having car. Sometimes what you really want is to be in a place where you don’t need a car. Santa Monica can be such a place, especially if you’re a visitor just trying to make a day of it.

This beachside city offers a world of opportunities, attractions, and landmarks all concentrated in a central downtown area, and/or easily accessible via public transit. Shopping, art, food, and entertainment are available virtually everywhere you look. But where to start?

Let’s imagine you’ve just arrived at the Downtown Santa Monica Metro station. Or maybe you’re staying at a nearby hotel for work or pleasure. It’s 11 a.m. and you’re now standing at the corner of 4th and Colorado with an open day you aim to fill with adventure.

Where might you go? What might you do? How will you get there? Let us offer you a few starting points below.

Photo by Christina Champlin / We Like L.A.

Getting Around Santa Monica

The great news is that public transit in Downtown Santa Monica is in no short supply. As a primer, we wanted to just go over a couple of local transit options so there’s no confusion if we make references later on.

Metro (L.A.’s light rail system) has an east-west route called the Expo Line that originates at the 7th Street station in Downtown Los Angeles and ends at the Downtown Santa Monica Station. If you’re coming into the city from an outside area and want to avoid the traffic, this is a terrific entry point. One-way rides on Metro are $1.75 and you can purchase a day-pass for $7. For more detail we suggest checking out their fare sheet and trip planner.

The Big Blue Bus is Santa Monica’s municipal bus line, which offers a dense grid of service routes criss-crossing the DTSM area. Individual rides are $1.25 if you pay cash. For more info check out the BBB fare sheet and Routes & Schedules page.

In addition to the city-run public transit options, you might use ridesharing services (like Uber and Lyft), or bike and scooter rentals (like the ubiquitous Bird scooters). Any or all of these can be handy in a pinch depending on where you need to go, and how fast you need to get there.

Things to Do and See in Santa Monica if You’re Car Free

Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier

Walk west on Colorado from the Expo station and in just a few short blocks you’ll arrive at the world famous Santa Monica Pier. Chief among the Pier’s many attractions is Pacific Park, L.A. County’s only admission-free amusement park (and the only amusement park located on a pier on the west coast!). A visit to Pacific Park includes everything you’d want in an authentic California experience: games, twelve different rides, cotton candy, ice cream, an ocean-air food court, and tons of family fun. Rides and attractions are priced individually and range in price from $5 to $10, or you could buy an unlimited ride wristband for $32.95 (or grab them online ahead of time for a discounted price) that gives you access to all 12 rides as many times as you’d like.

Additional to-dos along the Pier include Trapeze School New York, Playland Arcade, and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (just to name a few). More than anything, you’ll want to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sights and sounds!

Photo by Christina Champlin / We Like L.A.

Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica State Beach stretches over 3.5 miles of Southern California coast line, with the sand space divided in two by the Santa Monica Pier. Just south of the Pier is the Original Muscle Beach (not to be confused with Muscle Beach Venice), and at the far north end you’ll find one of our favorite spots in all of Santa Monica: The Annenberg Community Beach House.

The Annenberg Community Beach House offers all you’d ever want from a private beach club experience, just without the fancy price. In fact, it’s free. So what does free get you? Among the features and amenities are a pool, playground, splash pad, beach courts and fields, beach access, free wi-fi, tables, chairs, and umbrellas. Some free reservations are available online, but mostly it’s first-come, first-serve. A couple things to keep in mind: It’ll draw big crowds on hot days (you could be put on a wait list) and the pool is closed from October to May.

There isn’t a bus stop directly in front of the Beach House on Pacific Coast Highway so if you’re coming from near the pier your options become walk (about 30 minutes), rent a bike to go along the beach path (about 10 minutes), or perhaps, most advisedly, take a rideshare (7 minutes during low traffic times… longer if there’s gridlock on PCH)

Photo by Christina Champlin / We Like L.A.

Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica’s most walkable street features four lively blocks of retail shops, restaurants and performers of all sorts. On the southern end you’ll find Santa Monica Place, a traditional outdoor mall sprinkled with luxury boutiques. Dining options around the Promenade are endless, but we have a few suggestions you might look into. Try SUGARFISH for a five star sushi fix or True Food Kitchen for innovative and delicious health conscious eats. Top the evening off with a posh cocktail at Copa d’Oro, a dimly lit bar with speakeasy vibes.

Third Street Promenade is also near a few unique spots worth going off the path for. We Like L.A. recommendations includes live music at Harvelle’s Blues Club located on 4th street (jazz, hip-hop, blues and more every evening since 1931) and M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater which offers affordable ticketed improv shows and occasional drop-ins by some of the most famous names in comedy (Dave Chappelle, Dana Carvey, Judd Apatow, Zach Galifianakis, Tig Notaro, to name a few).

Bergamot Station

Bergamot is a massive art gallery complex spread over 5 acres of city-owned land multiple buildings that offer more than 60,000 square feet of space. The site is open daily, with most galleries open for view from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Two great things about Bergamot: entry is free, and there is an Expo line stop literarily at the doorstep of the facility.

Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

McCabe’s Guitar Shop

McCabe’s Guitar Shop claims to have the “largest collection of stringed things to make music in California,” which would be impressive enough on its own. What’s even cooler is their stripped-down backroom / concert space, which regularly showcases some amazing players and musicians. Any guitar player or hardcore music fan owes themselves a visit if they’re in the area.

The shop is about 2.5 miles from Downtown Santa Monica. You could take the Expo line, depart at Bergamot Station and then walk an extra 15 minutes (0.8 miles). If that’s not in the cards, a rideshare works just as well, and the Big Blue Bus #7 has a stop on Pico Blvd not too far away.

Camera Obscura at the Santa Monica Art Lab

The Camera Obscura Art Lab on Ocean Ave plays host to a number of community classes and workshops throughout the year, but perhaps the most unique feature is a dark room on the second floor that contains a four-foot disk in the middle of the space. Light from outside is projected onto the disk via a mirror from the ceiling and casts an image of what’s happening directly outside the building. It’s kind of like being on the inside of a giant, working camera as you watch what looks like a surveillance footage being beamed in from above. You won’t spend a ton of time here, but the cost (free!) makes it worth a visit. The Camera Obscura mechanism is free to visit on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo by Christina Champlin / We Like L.A.

Tongva Park

Tongva Park is a beautiful six-acre public space divided into four sections (or hills). The park features gardens, a natural amphitheater, a children’s splash pad, shaded picnic areas, a restroom, and free-wifi. It makes for a perfect morning walk destination, or a lovely spot for an afternoon family outing. You can get there with a short walk southwest from the Downtown Santa Monica Expo Line station.

Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market

The best Los Angeles chefs know you won’t find fresher produce anywhere in the city than at The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market, which you’ll find twice weekly on Arizona Ave near 2nd St. Two version of this market happen weekly: The Wednesday edition (that’s the larger one) runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, and routinely hosts over 75 different farmers. A smaller affair focused on organic produce runs at the same location (but a couple blocks shorter) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market makes for a perfect morning stroll filled with plenty of tasty samples to enjoy.

Santa Monica Farmers Market. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Santa Monica History Museum

If you want to learn about the Santa Monica of yesteryear, the Santa Monica History Museum is the place. The museum features six galleries and a research library. The collections include over six hundred rare photographs, and a permanent exhibit on the city’s history that features authentic artifacts and fabricated environments. Admission is normally $10 per adult, $15 for couples (two adults), and the museum offers a free day every second Thursday of each month. To get there is about a 10-minute walk from the Third Street Promenade at Santa Monica Blvd.

Article by We Like LA.

June 26, 2018

20 Eateries To Explore In Manhattan Beach

It’s easy to mistake Manhattan Beach for a sleepy beach town (especially compared to its busier northern neighbors like Santa Monica or Venice), but don’t be fooled: the dining scene here is full of diverse and legitimately great choices, from modern Southeast Asian to simple, homey American. Here are 20 local eateries you need to explore in MB.

The Strand House

Seasonally focused, elegantly plated fare with dazzling ocean views
The Strand House could serve canned food and still command crowds for its sweeping Pacific Ocean panoramas — but thankfully, executive chef Austin Cobb’s beautifully executed plates live up to the view. Though signature mainstays like Parker House rolls are still on the menu, Cobb’s added a few eclectic dishes: chili-dusted avocado (influenced by a trip to Mexico City) with a crème fraîche-filled core served over crunchy jicama; fluffy Italian gnudi dumplings stuffed with silky ricotta (Cobb picked up many of his current techniques and seasonal approach to cooking via a stint working in Southern Italy); and tender Kurobuta pork chop accompanied by German-style spaetzle and braised cabbage. Save room for equally jaw-dropping desserts — like citrus-olive oil cake and a bubble waffle paired with cheesecake curd maple ice cream — on a list that leaves no room for unimaginative flourless chocolate cakes. While you’re there, you might also get a sense of Cobb’s warm hospitality; the chef grew up in the South Bay himself, but his family, naturally, hails from the South.

Jute Coastal Bar + Kitchen

Tasteful, coastal-inspired hotel restaurant with shared-plates menu
Located inside a sleek, brand-new Marriott International Autograph Collection hotel called Westdrift, Jute is helmed by executive chef Octavio Sabado, who formerly worked at SLS Hotel’s The Bazaar. The focus here is on shareable small and large plates made with worldly ingredients and seasonal produce, all served in an airy, sunlit space. Try the caviar-topped avocado toast for breakfast; sophisticated flatbreads and refreshing salads for lunch; and wagyu beef cheeks, kimchee ravioli, and lamb sliders for dinner. The cocktail menu nods to a bicoastal theme: Manhattan & A Side of Coffee (bourbon, nitro coffee, and black walnut bitters) sits on the East Coast side, while LA Women (vodka rose, mulberry gin, and fruity syrup) resides on the West.

Simmzy’s

Open-air, upbeat gastropub offering craft beers and burgs
On any given day of the week, the original Simmzy’s — which has since expanded to Burbank, Venice, and other neighborhoods — is still one of the most fun, energetic joints on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Come for the rotating selection of excellent craft beers (from Belgian-style tripels to American IPAs and sweeter stouts), and stay for bar-friendly bites like blue cheese fries, grilled corn served street-style, and substantial burgers.

Cafe Wild

Relaxed, family-friendly cafe serving all three meals
This casual spot had some big shoes to fill after moving into the space formerly occupied by Manhattan Beach’s beloved Four Daughters Cafe, but so far it’s done a solid job. With a menu that boasts eggs Benedict, seared ahi tuna salad, and a spicy fried chicken sandwich, they’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, but (in this case at least) that isn’t a bad thing. Bottomless mimosas during brunch certainly help.

Zinc

All-day hotel restaurant and lounge with alfresco terrace
Inside the luxury boutique Shade Hotel, you’ll find Zinc: an all-around crowdpleaser with a farm-to-table approach, an extensive beverage menu of California wines and craft cocktails, and a cool, beachy ambiance that comes alive in the evening (thanks to outdoor fire pits and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays). Some of the best dishes on the dinner menu are Asian-inspired, like the pork belly buns with mint sambal or the coconut curry shrimp, while weekend brunch includes classic items with clever twists, like vanilla bean brioche French toast and an Emmenthal cheese and mushroom omelet.

Nick’s Manhattan Beach

Popular bistro that’s perfected flavor-packed American comfort food
Nick’s is situated in a stylish outdoor shopping center, but the place is far from your standard mall restaurant. For one, its attractive space includes handsome leather booths and a sweet, sheltered patio. Secondly, the overall menu is classic but boasts a few made-you-think-twice touches, like deep-fried asparagus spears with a crisp Parmesan crust, and a fantastic sandwich of buttermilk-fried chicken, sweet slaw, and havarti nestled in a honey-mustard-and-mayo-smeared brioche bun.

SunLife Organics

One-stop shop for fresh juices and quick, healthy bowls
Since opening its Manhattan Beach outpost in 2016, SunLife Organics has fit right in with the beach crowd. This wellness-focused cafe serves up fresh-squeezed juices, superfood-enhanced shakes, bone broth, and more, but this isn’t the kind of health food that leaves you hungry afterward: bowls are hearty and satiating, ingredient-packed smoothies are rich, and everything on the menu is delicious. Located a few blocks from the pier, this spot offers the perfect pre- or post-beach bite for surfers and sunbathers (although, if you’re really lazy, they also offer takeout and delivery via the ChowNow app).

Manhattan Beach Post

Farm-to-table shared plates served in a boisterous environment
Chef David LeFevre kick-started Manhattan Beach’s restaurant renaissance by opening MB Post back in 2011, and while there’s a lot more competition in the area now, locals still flock to this OG spot. Here’s why: brunch is always reliably excellent, with a range of sweet and savory dishes (LeFevre’s famously fluffy bacon-Cheddar biscuits are the perfect vehicle for an addictive maple butter spread), and the evening’s small-plates-focused menu is perfect for people who like to graze on cured meats, mushroom mac & cheese, and seared diver scallops.

Ercoles 1101

Beachside neighborhood dive slinging cheap drinks and bomb burgers
Beloved Ercoles isn’t fancy, but you don’t need a cloth napkin to sop up the juice from this dive bar’s phenomenal burger. Expect a high-quality beef patty (from Manhattan Meats next door) loaded with toppings and tucked inside a small bun for a sloppy, satisfying experience. But don’t just come for the food: stay for a game of pool with the old-timers and beach volleyball players dragging sand in on their flip-flops, or enjoy a cheap pitcher while sitting in one of the well-worn booths, which have been around since Ercoles first opened in 1927.

Love & Salt

Lively Italian trattoria known for its wood-fired pizzas
Love & Salt is more than a pizza place, but it’s hard not to feel laser-focused on the pies when you consider how they’re made. The dough recipe requires only four ingredients (flour, water, yeast, and salt), but a minimum of 48 hours — involving a long, slow, cold-fermenting process that creates a crisp, crunchy, light-as-air crust. (According to chef Michael Fiorelli, that’s why you can eat so many duck egg slices without keeling over.) The restaurant also just debuted its Early Bird Special; every Saturday, the first 15 guests get a chicken sausage sandwich on the house.

The Arthur J

Sleek, upscale steakhouse with an impressive meat selection
When you need to close the deal — whether it’s with your date’s parents or a potential client — take them to LeFevre’s first-class steakhouse. At a place like this, meat is the star of the menu: Japanese wagyu streaked with white marbling; prime, dry-aged steak, like the nutty-sweet bone-in tomahawk; and pot roast slow-cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth texture. But the sides are no afterthought. There are football-sized popovers filled with the sharp tang of Emmenthal cheese, crisped-up Brussels sprouts roasted with dates and red onions, and a creamed spinach that’s, well, exceptionally creamy.

FishBar

Elevated sports bar specializing in seafood and artisanal drinks
Like every sports bar worth its salt, FishBar has themed days like Monday Margarita Madness or Wine & Crab Wednesdays. But the differences end there, because this spot serves nothing like your typical bar fare. Instead, you’ll find seafood-heavy items with a touch of sophistication, like mesquite-grilled scallop skewers laced with applewood smoked bacon, truffle crab mac & cheese, and smoked salmon chowder. There’s also a popular weekday oyster hour from 2:30-5:30pm — $1.75 each, in increments of six — and a sizable selection of draft beers, wines by the glass, and handcrafted cocktails with marine-inspired names like The Mermaid.

Fishing With Dynamite

Local favorite with consistently spectacular seafood dishes
This LeFevre gem, which celebrated its fifth birthday on May 1 with a lobster boil, serves up some of South Bay’s best seafood. That’s no small feat, considering the area’s full of fish-focused restaurants. LeFevre’s chilled seafood platters are stunning arrangements of succulent shellfish and oysters on beds of crushed ice, while the raw bar boasts lobster, crab legs, and Peruvian scallops. But Fishing With Dynamite’s more inventive dishes can’t be missed either. Go for the yellowfin tuna crudo, which comes with interesting flavors like chili and hazelnut, and Koshihikari rice — a creamy, risotto-like puddle of blue crab, shrimp, uni, and egg yolk.

Petros

Bright, airy Greek/Cali restaurant with alfresco seating
Feel free to bring an obnoxiously large group of friends here: Petros’s patio can accommodate bigger parties, and its various dips and appetizers make tapas-style dining easy. The distinctly Mediterranean dishes are a combination of fresh California produce and imported ingredients from Greece — like the karpouzi salad, which is watermelon and heirloom tomatoes tossed with Greek semi-soft manouri cheese, honey, and olive oil.

Rice

Vegan-friendly Japanese joint for rolls, ramen, and izakaya-style bites
Rice markets itself as vegan-friendly, but there’s plenty of fish on the menu for non-vegans. This under-the-radar Japanese restaurant prepares mostly healthy-ish, organic, gluten-free food — which, against all stereotypes, is downright mouthwatering under the direction of chef Hiroyuki Igarashi. Nosh on spicy miso ramen made with tempeh, organic brown rice rolls, bluefin toro presented with crispy kale, and a variety of shareable veggie plates — ideally washed down with a sake/sangria fusion cocktail.

North End Caffe

Homey, all-day spot known for hefty breakfast plates and sandwiches
Sure, it’s tough to mess up a sandwich, but it’s also difficult to come by a truly memorable one. The latter — freshly made, hearty, full of quality ingredients — is what North End boasts on its comprehensive sammie menu, which includes everything from the tasty Hermana (a hard-fried egg tucked in with brie, bacon, mashed avo, and green chilies) to the carnivore-friendly Guapo (layers of ham, bacon, sausage, Cheddar, and tomato).

Little Sister

Modern Southeast Asian eats with a trendy vibe
There’s never a quiet moment at this upscale Southeast Asian spot — in part due to its popularity since opening in 2013 and a hip-hop playlist. Influenced by a hodgepodge of cuisines — Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, colonial Dutch, and more — chef Tin Vuong prepares food that tastes both traditional and incredibly modern. Prepare for a flavor blowout: butter-drenched lobster dressed in salt, pepper, chilies, and garlic; shaky shaky beef, a favorite dish made with burnt butter soy and tomato-garlic fried rice; and ginger-scallion satay with a sweet soy sauce.

El Tarasco

Reliably greasy and satisfying Mexican food
This hole in the wall has served up greasy, flavorful, easy-on-the-wallet Mexican food to locals for decades. Feel free to come here shirtless, shoeless, and starving straight from the beach — no one will blink an eye.

Manhattan Beach Creamery

Beloved local ice creamery crafting small-batch flavors
Ice cream here comes in 28 made-from-scratch flavors, using 14% butterfat (an ingredient that helps lend a decadent, velvety mouthfeel) and only about 70% overrun. The latter refers to the amount of air whipped into the cream while it’s made; a lower percentage creates a creamier, smoother, and richer consistency. All the usual suspects, like cookie dough and salted caramel, are here, but so are some out-of-the-box offerings, such as maple bacon crunch, red velvet, and sticky bun crunch.

The Kettle

24-hour restaurant perfect for late-night munchies
This landmark Manhattan Beach diner, which is open 24 hours a day, has something on the menu for everyone — and they mean it. You can customize any item to your liking, whether it’s the crispy breakfast potato nachos, crab cake po’ boy sandwich, or spicy chicken parmesan. No matter what you decide on, though, you have to try The Kettle’s warm, homemade muffins (seriously, everyone talks about them), which they sometimes sample along with hot coffee during long wait times.

Story courtesy of Thrillist.

May 9, 2018

Great Brunch Spots in Los Angeles for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day 2018 is just around the corner, so why not show mom your appreciation by treating her to brunch?

If you haven’t made reservations, you’ll want to get planning soon. Whether your mother likes Michelin-starred elegance, an elevated outdoor jazz brunch with views of the Hollywood sign, or Japanese food, make it a brunch to remember with the help of our list of 17 great Los Angeles spots for Mother’s Day brunch.

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1. Farmhouse (West Hollywood)

Opened just weeks ago at the Beverly Center, Farmhouse showcases “seed-to-plate” cuisine using hyperlocal produce from top farms, along with responsibly sourced fish, meat, and poultry. For Mother’s Day, Farmhouse is offering a $45 prix-fixe brunch menu, with dishes like peas and burrata salad, pork belly eggs benedict, breakfast pizza topped with Fresno chilis, French toast with local bananas, herb and goat cheese omelets, fennel-scented pavlova and rhubarb clafoutis. -> More information

2. Portofino Hotel & Marina (Redondo Beach)

Baleen Kitchen, located at the four-star Portofino Hotel & Marina, is offering a luxe buffet brunch — with marina views — that includes ceviche, cracked crab claws, Asian soba salad, an artisan cheese display, omelet, pasta and Belgian waffle stations, charcuterie and crudité displays, a carving station, and more. Adults are $63, while kids are $39. -> More information

3. Panxa Cocina (Long Beach)

Enjoy the cuisine of New Mexico at Panxa Cocina, which reflects the influences of Chef Arthur Gonzalez, who as a child cooked with his Oaxacan grandmother and later dwelled for years in New Mexico before returning to Los Angeles. Panxa’s Mother’s Day brunch includes Southwestern specialties like New Mexican stacked enchiladas, a hatch chile burger, and blue corn pinon pancakes. You’re more than welcome to bring your canine along — this eatery features a doggy brunch menu as well! -> More information

4. The Ebell of Los Angeles (Mid-Wilshire)

The elegant and historic Ebell, founded over a century ago, is opening its lounge for a Mother’s Day brunch buffet, with choices such as carved roast beef, poached salmon, made-to-order omelets, fresh waffles, and bottomless champagne. Enjoy entertainment from the Y-Huan Zhao string quartet, while the kiddos can marvel at children’s magician extraordinaire The Amazing Dave. Brunch is $60 fro adults, $35 for youths 6-18, and free for kids under 5. -> More information

5. Celestino Ristorante (Pasadena)

Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, Pasadena’s Celestino is offering a four-course, prix-fixe brunch on Mother’s Day for $58. Begin with buffalo mozzarella salad, followed by artichoke ravioli with black truffle sauce or spinach and pea risotto. The main course, grilled salmon with sorelle, will be followed by a special dessert: Torta della Nonna, a pastry topped with pine nuts and filled with rich custard. -> More information

6. Patina (DTLA)

Michelin-starred Patina is housed in Downtown’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. This Mother’s Day, Patina’s special three-course prix-fixe brunch menu ($70 for adults/$35 for children) will feature crudo tostada, buttermilk fried quail jidori chicken, and Scottish smoked salmon. -> More information

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7. Filifera (Hollywood)

Take in gorgeous views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory at rooftop bar and lounge Filifera, located 22 stories high at the Hollywood Proper Residences. Brunch guests will enjoy a complimentary mimosa and a sweet treat as they savor brunch classics and listen to live jazz. -> More information

8. Avec Nous at Viceroy L’Ermitage (Beverly Hills)

Consider taking Mom to Avec Nous, the beautiful modern update on a timeless French bistro located at the Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. Offering a three-course buffet meal on Mother’s Day, guests can savor delicious offerings like braised short rib pappardelle pasta or grilled prawns in sauce vierge with cippolini onions. -> More information

9. ROKU (West Hollywood)

Trendy Japanese restaurant ROKU will feature a special four-course menu just for Mother’s Day. For $55, savor king crab brûlée, ginger-marinated salmon, Ume Matsu sushi with Spicy Tuna Roll, and a mini chocolate volcano. Mothers will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. -> More information

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10. The Mission Inn (Riverside)

The Mission Inn, a beautiful Mission Revival-style hotel dating back to 1876, is a National Historic Landmark renowned for its Sunday brunch. This Mother’s Day, visit the Inn for live music and traditional brunch fare, along with champagne, a mimosa bar, and luxe dishes like crab leg, Norwegian salmon, and scallop ceviche. -> More information

11. OUE Skyspace LA (DTLA)

Looking for Mother’s Day in L.A. with a 360-degree view of the city? Skyspace LA will offer an unlimited brunch at their event space high above the DTLA skyline. The deal ($60 for adults, $30 for kids 5-12) includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, a live string quartet, selfie stations with special Mother’s Day backgrounds, and a large physical Mother’s Day-themed backdrop with floral arrangements. Kids also get unlimited rides on the Skyslide. -> More information

12. Lobby Restaurant at NoMad (DTLA)

Try Mother’s Day brunch at the chic new NoMad Hotel’s Lobby restaurant. Priced at $55 per person, the menu will feature starters like carrot tartare, English pea flatbread, and avocado toast; main dishes such as lemon-poppy pancakes, eggs Benedict with salmon, or fava bean pappardelle; and an ice cream sandwich as a sweet finale. -> More information

13. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)

Beloved Mexican vegan eatery Gracias Madre is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch, with such specials as cashew ricotta-stuffed French toast with lemon curd and berries or rosemary grilled asparagus with olives and wine reduction. -> More information

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14. Jean-Georges at the Waldorf Astoria (Beverly Hills)

Jean-Georges’ luxurious Mother’s Day brunch includes such options as a chilled shellfish platter with kumamoto oysters, king crab and Maine lobster; Pacific snapper with organic potato puree; and lychee rhubarb trifle with almond crumble. Brunch begins at $155 a person. -> More information

15. Rosaliné (West Hollywood)

Ricardo Zarate’s Rosaliné is an especially fitting choice for Mother’s Day, as the renowned Peruvian chef named the eatery after his own mother. Expect dishes inspired by Peruvian flavors, such as quinoa toast with apple ginger tamarind soy dressing; a sweet potato pumpkin beignet with fig chancaca sauce; or the Mamacita Bowl with steak, chicken or mushrooms over brown rice quinoa, huacatay cilantro pesto, and mixed veggies. -> More information

16. Hotel Shangri-La (Santa Monica)

Indulge in a poolside brunch buffet and live music at art deco landmark the Hotel Shangri-La. Culinary options include a carving station, an omelet station, gazpacho shooters, assorted pancakes, pan-seared halibut and more. All moms will receive a complimentary glass of champagne and a rose. -> More information

17. Margo’s (Santa Monica)

This modern Montana Avenue eatery will offer Mother’s Day brunch specials like strawberry French toast and spring vegetable frittata, along with their popular bottomless mimosa brunch. To make things even more special, each mom will receive a free succulent plant to take home! -> More information

Story courtesy of We like LA.

May 4, 2018

Rodeo Realty Pacific Palisades hosts Tres De Mayo Fiesta

Rodeo Realty Pacific Palisades kicked off Cinco de Mayo with a Tres de Mayo Fiesta on Thursday.

The rooftop event included a Mariachi band, drinks, and a taco bar with plenty of guacamole, chips and salsa!

More than 100 people attended the fiesta, which was held from 4 – 8 p.m.

May 3, 2018

Soccer Star Opens Restaurant in Beverly Grove

A modern Italian restaurant called N. 10 recently opened on W. 3rd Street just east of La Cienega Blvd. The new neighborhood addition is a charming date night spot, with lots of handsome leather seating and a street-facing raised patio with a fireplace. It also boasts a world famous athlete as a key backer.

N. 10 takes its name for one of its owners, former Italian professional soccer star and 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero was born in Conegliano, Italy. At just 18, he began playing for Juventus, where he remained for 19 seasons. He wore the number 10 on his jersey throughout his career, which is where the restaurant derives its name.

“Aside from football, opening a restaurant has always been my dream. Living in Los Angeles, I got inspired by the amazing hospitality industry and atmosphere and finally worked hard to make that dream a reality,” Del Piero said. “We found the perfect spot in a great neighborhood full of restaurant life; we couldn’t be happier with the location and venue.”

This particular area of 3rd has seen plenty of new life lately, including Farmhouse across the street and Israeli restaurant Jaffa several blocks east.

American chef Nick Parker and Italian-born chef Fabio Ugoletti run the the N. 10 kitchen. The two combine Ugoletti’s knowledge of old-school Italian food with Parker’s contemporary style. Guests might share a pizza and charcuterie, or delve into the pasta menu for Gnocchi with sausage and back truffles or ravioli stuffed with kale, artichoke and pumpkin seed pesto. Heartier entrees include a sizable and flaky Mediterranean sea bass cartoccio, meaning its cooked in plastic with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and olives. A favorite entree is the brick chicken, served with a bright salsa verde.

Ugoletti, who grew up in Parma, and says his menu is imbued with both professional and personal experiences.

“More than a contribution from my hometown, there is the desire to convey the love for the quality of food and for the ‘conviviality’ that is perceived in Italy and that I have breathed all my life,” Ugoletti said. “‘Gnocco fritto e salumi (fried dumplings and sausage) is from my childhood in the family; carne cruda is how I like to accompany a good glass of Tuscan wine before starting the meal. Lasagna, freshly baked, has the aroma of my Italian Sundays. Potato gnocchi with mushrooms and truffles has the taste of the walks in the woods. Cartoccio brings me back to the Mediterranean sea breeze on a terrace.”

Behind the bar is a selection of wines—including several Italian wines, but also a fair amount of domestic offerings—and cocktails. Swap the traditional post-meal espresso for the signature No. 10, made with vodka, Bailey’s, vanilla liqueur and chocolate bitters over espresso ice if you’re looking to transition from dinner to cocktails.

N. 10 is located 8436 W 3rd St, Los Angeles. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.