Welcome new readers...! And some information for current (but not forgotten) readers!
Hey everyone! I just wanted to inform current readers, and give a quick welcome to anyone being directed here from la.foodblogging.com! I am now a "guest writer" on one of the best food resource websites pertaining to LA...I sure use it a lot to scope out places to eat, and I wanted to contribute back to one of the sites that inspired me to do this blog.
So concurrently, there will be new postings on both sites, but the bulk of my posts will still originate from this blog, and not everything that I put up on this blog will go to la.foodblogging (gotta keep it fresh, right?)
So, strap in tight and please keep enjoying my food adventures throughout LA and beyond!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Fiore "Natural Italian Yogurt"
Little Tokyo, Downtown LA
Getting into the whole "natural yogurt" fad is Fiore, on the coattails of the success of Pinkberry (which I admit, still haven't been there!). A revolution in frozen yogurt? This I had to experience for myself. Stopping by the Japanese Plaza area I frequent fairly often, Fiore was quickly remodeled from a tacky souvenir shop that used to hock cheesy backpacks and California postcards (or is that the place next door?? Perhaps they combined to make UBER tacky shop with stuff for tourists.) I appreciated the redesign, as the space was suited to a more modern look - clean lines, candy colored chairs, mod couch.
Little Tokyo, Downtown LA
Getting into the whole "natural yogurt" fad is Fiore, on the coattails of the success of Pinkberry (which I admit, still haven't been there!). A revolution in frozen yogurt? This I had to experience for myself. Stopping by the Japanese Plaza area I frequent fairly often, Fiore was quickly remodeled from a tacky souvenir shop that used to hock cheesy backpacks and California postcards (or is that the place next door?? Perhaps they combined to make UBER tacky shop with stuff for tourists.) I appreciated the redesign, as the space was suited to a more modern look - clean lines, candy colored chairs, mod couch.
This place was hopping with people, and a line that stretched to the door. Unfazed, we waited, and the line moved swiftly. Once reaching the front of the line, I saw all the delicious fruit that was laid out for possible toppings - all of them looked fresh. I quickly made my choice:
I haven't tried Pinkberry yet (I'm slow on the craze, I know!) but if natural yogurt is the "must try" new thing I think Fiore did a decent job. I love the fresh fruit, and wished they had the same quality standard at other frozen yogurt places. The yogurt itself was not something I crave - just a little too sour for my taste. If I had a choice of my favorite frozen yogurt from The Bigg Chill or these new fangled yogurts - I'd choose old faithful, Bigg Chill.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
S&W's Country Diner
Close to the Sony Lot in downtown Culver City
Close to the Sony Lot in downtown Culver City
S&W's is ALWAYS without FAIL crowded on a weekend. I know this because I actually waited one time. And I was really really hungry. Nowadays, I try to go when the wait time is a little lighter - during the weekday, when there's mostly people from the Sony lot down the street, in their black outfits and constantly on the phone. I met up with Owen and got a seat outside, even though the interior of the restaurant has fun things to look at (stuff that any self respecting diner would have - chachkeys, signs that say weird country sayings, old timey posters). We wanted to have our meal in the open air. And there was no wait for the outside table, so there ya go. Our waitress was prompt and we got our food pretty quickly.
Even though S&W is known for their breakfasts, I chose to try one of their lunch offerings. Yep, just call me a rebel! I got their turkey club sandwich with curly fries.
Be aware, S&W's only takes cash (as noted by their sign - "In god we trust...so cash only") but they are really friendly on the wallet, so check this place out on a weekday lunch - it doesn't always have to be a weekend brunch spot!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Storyteller's Cafe
In the Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Resort
In the Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Resort
More Disneyland food, hooray...ever since more of our friends got annual passes, it's been great fun going every other week or so (honestly!). It's also great to go to the restaurants in the resort - and the 10% pass discount doesn't hurt either.
Storyteller's Cafe has great atmosphere - earthy and welcoming, and smells deliciously of cinnamon-y BBQ sauce (the kind they put on their rack of ribs.) It almost doesn't feel like a Disneyland Resort restaurant. The wait isn't so bad, because they set out a cart with free apple cider and little cups. This cider is realllly good and addictive, and warms you up instantly on a cold night.
I can't say I've ever had bad service here, although the one time when my parents went without me, they said they were "ignored"...but I give them the benefit of the doubt, they've been very attentive every time I've been.
Once sitting down, a big ole basket of breads was placed before us...
This restaurant is a good place to relax after a busy day walking around Disneyland/California Adventure. It's a bit secluded from the crowds (although a ton of people go here still, but I'm comparing it to restaurants that are located INSIDE the theme parks), and the food is very decent.
Yashima Japanese Restaurant
Sawtelle and Olympic - 2nd floor
Sawtelle and Olympic - 2nd floor
Where to eat on Halloween...Amber and I searched for a place to go during lunch. We had wanted to try the new rotating sushi bar...but upon arrival at the door, found that they were CLOSED on Halloween?? What self respecting business closes their doors on HALLOWEEN? I would understand every Sunday, or even MLK Jr. Day...but Halloween? Suspicious...
So we continued our search. Amber mentioned this small restaurant around the corner in the same complex...so we went there. Yashima has sparse decor - oddly enough, I would describe it as 80's minimalist. Trust me, you just have to see it for yourself.
We were seated quickly and presented with a menu that mostly consisted of udons, soba and rice bowls. Water was quickly served. This place was fast. Awesome.
Yashima was a nice little place to eat during lunch. I'm going again!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
KC's Crepes
Lincoln Blvd and Manchester - close to Otis and Loyola
I'm letting my readers in on the biggest semi undiscovered crepe/boba place on the westside..shhh! I don't want everyone to flood to it, to make it more crowded than it already is on a Saturday afternoon...but as a dedication to my quest for good food, I must share this place with the blog-0-sphere (whoever is reading out there, anyways.) Otis and LMU students might know this place well - a tiny little space in a nano-mall, with one of the parking spaces converted to a little patio oasis to enjoy the outdoor breeze. Walk in, and usually KC himself (I'm assuming that's his name - the really nice Japanese surfer guy with a baseball cap that welcomes you) will take your order and make your drink. Such delicious drinks they have, too...
Lincoln Blvd and Manchester - close to Otis and Loyola
I'm letting my readers in on the biggest semi undiscovered crepe/boba place on the westside..shhh! I don't want everyone to flood to it, to make it more crowded than it already is on a Saturday afternoon...but as a dedication to my quest for good food, I must share this place with the blog-0-sphere (whoever is reading out there, anyways.) Otis and LMU students might know this place well - a tiny little space in a nano-mall, with one of the parking spaces converted to a little patio oasis to enjoy the outdoor breeze. Walk in, and usually KC himself (I'm assuming that's his name - the really nice Japanese surfer guy with a baseball cap that welcomes you) will take your order and make your drink. Such delicious drinks they have, too...
I think the only thing that I'd have to complain about this place is the prices - these are not cheap crepes (Jay's, being the most expensive, was around 7 dollars!) It's like JAPAN prices. Also, it's a CASH ONLY place. But KC has a card system - buy 10 get the 11th free, for bobas and crepes...so that takes the edge off of it. And I like supporting him, as he goes off to make drinks and surf on his off days...so GO KC CREPES!
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Counter Burger
Ocean Park across the street from Activision
Ocean Park across the street from Activision
Burgery goodness! A good meaty burger was just what we were all craving one Friday night, so we all met up at the Counter. The wait was long (the place is fairly small and trendy - so the crowds were thick) and once we sat down we were ready to GRUB! We had already filled out our checklists of what we wanted in our burgers (so convenient - and so many possibilities) so we chatted an waited for our food...
The Counter lives up to its' fame...good burger place, I love the ease of ordering exactly how I want my burger dressed, but the wait is a problem...I guess it is to be expected for such a trendy hotspot.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Oh man. I know this is a bold statement...but there is such a thing as the perfect meal. There are different versions of this perfect meal (fancy perfect meal, casual perfect meal, etc.). This is the perfect sandwich craving meal. Yep. Anyone else that has been here will have to agree - this place is awesome.
However, there are a few pitfalls - first being parking. The parking is in a small lot on the side of the store, and is always packed. Richy Santa Monica folks will murderously and inconsiderately cut you off for that lone half spot in the back. It's a huge bummer. Secondly, EVERYONE comes here for a sandwich from the deli - take a number and then wait for at least a half an hour for your number to be called. This is not a joke. For instance, our number was 43. They were on number 5. Don't get me wrong, those guys behind the counter work hard and they're super nice. There's just so many people that are waiting for exactly the same thing you want. And that is a DELICIOUS SANDWICH! They bake their own amazing bread there - these Italian rolls that have a crunchy crispy crust and a soft as anything interior. Super fresh. If you grab a loaf while mulling around the store waiting for your number to be called, there's almost always a fresh, HOT baguette stack near the front of the store.
In any case, yes, it's worth it to jump through these hoops and get to what you've been waiting for...
genoa salami, mortadella coppacola, ham, prosciutto, provolone. No substitutes. There's no NEED for substitues. This thing is amazing.
We also got some Hava Chips (Owen's favorite) and I got an Orange Pellegrino drink (sooo good). This makes for a great meal and quelling of any sandwich cravings you could ever have. Just have patience while waiting for your number to be called...ignore your urge to go to the Jack in the Box down the street as your stomach growls...you will thank yourself over and over again as you're taking a big bite out of this sandwich.
Zen Zoo
Sunset Blvd in Hollywood
The morning after the art show, a few friends were in town (LAUREN!!) so we met up with them at Zen Zoo, after trying to go to Budda's Belly (which was closed.) The atmosphere here was really relaxing and pleasant - really did the whole "asian atmosphere" tastefully but not over the top. Nice.
Sunset Blvd in Hollywood
The morning after the art show, a few friends were in town (LAUREN!!) so we met up with them at Zen Zoo, after trying to go to Budda's Belly (which was closed.) The atmosphere here was really relaxing and pleasant - really did the whole "asian atmosphere" tastefully but not over the top. Nice.
Zen Zoo was a great thumbs up from all of us. It wasn't one of those "authentic" places but it was a good rendition of it, and really relaxing.
Wedding Food
A wedding reception is supposed to have the most killer food. So here's a quick review on food we had at Owen's aunt's wedding...
We didn't stay for the cake because we had to go, but I heard the cake was a carrot cake and really yucky. Like, hard shell outside for the frosting. Carrot cake should always be moist and have a good cream cheese frosting or something like that on the outside to balance out the cake. So thumbs down on that even though we didn't have it.
Overall, I've definitely had better wedding food, and the service was horrific - we didn't get served dinner until 9pm (the ceremony ended at 4:30pm!!) And it was freezing in the Malibu mountains. So yes, even though this is not a restaurant I wouldn't suggest using whatever catering service they used, haha.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
El Coyote
Beverly Blvd.
By the way, yes, I've been lagging! I know, I know, I gotta gear up again for some major foodblogging, I've been plagued with stress and illness. No matter, Let's get to it!
Mmm, Mexican food. Why is it so good, the combination of meat in a tortilla, and some rice and beans? It's satisfying and substancial, especially when executed by a decent restaurant. I've been to plenty of Mexican food restaurants, and I have to admit, this is one of the superstars.
We were seated at a cozy table near the back, which suited me fine. Their drinks were superb...I got an Arnold Palmer as usual...
Beverly Blvd.
By the way, yes, I've been lagging! I know, I know, I gotta gear up again for some major foodblogging, I've been plagued with stress and illness. No matter, Let's get to it!
Mmm, Mexican food. Why is it so good, the combination of meat in a tortilla, and some rice and beans? It's satisfying and substancial, especially when executed by a decent restaurant. I've been to plenty of Mexican food restaurants, and I have to admit, this is one of the superstars.
We were seated at a cozy table near the back, which suited me fine. Their drinks were superb...I got an Arnold Palmer as usual...
My verdict? This was a good place to go, despite my dislike for valet parking and really really tacky Halloween decorations. There's a lot of mexican food out there, and even though I wouldn't say it's as good as Tacomiendo (food wise), they got the booze and tasty drinks going for it, and a lot of clientele that swear by it. A very decent LA institution.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
C&O Cucina
Washington Blvd and almost to Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Italian food is always iffy to me as a choice when wanting to go out to eat, because I almost always feel jipped. Why? Because spaghetti and meatballs are the easiest thing to cook at home, and paying 15 dollars and up for a meal that sometimes equally tastes as good as frozen meatballs and dried pasta noodles from TJ's (so good, so cheap) is a travesty. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule. One of these exceptions is C&O's Cucina/Trattoria.
C&O's Trattoria is actually better than C&O's Cucina, for the ambience, waitstaff and location (closer to the water.) However, they're always more crowded, the wait-time is longer and the valet is more expensive. Cucina is really almost as good, considering the tradeoff.
First off...the Killer garlic rolls...
Washington Blvd and almost to Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Italian food is always iffy to me as a choice when wanting to go out to eat, because I almost always feel jipped. Why? Because spaghetti and meatballs are the easiest thing to cook at home, and paying 15 dollars and up for a meal that sometimes equally tastes as good as frozen meatballs and dried pasta noodles from TJ's (so good, so cheap) is a travesty. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule. One of these exceptions is C&O's Cucina/Trattoria.
C&O's Trattoria is actually better than C&O's Cucina, for the ambience, waitstaff and location (closer to the water.) However, they're always more crowded, the wait-time is longer and the valet is more expensive. Cucina is really almost as good, considering the tradeoff.
First off...the Killer garlic rolls...
C&O's motto is "People generally don't leave here hungry." I can attest to that statement...I was full to bursting when leaving, full of carby carbs and holding enough leftovers to feed me and Owen for the next few days. C&O's rules!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)