LA FOOD GOD

Soon To Be A Hotspot, Not A Hideout...

2011-08-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

3 Square Cafe is a hip, artsy feeling small cafe and bakery that cooks up an eclectic menu whether it's Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. At Breakfast they do fun dishes like Grilled Weisswurst with 2 eggs, Bavarian sweet mustand and bratkartoffeln and a pretzel roll or a crispy Poached

Who Made Me? The Copycat Sandwich

2010-04-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Who am I? I taste like the Godmother. I smell like the Godmother. My bread seems almost identical to the Godmother. I have hot or mild peppers. I am stuffed with spicy capocollo, mortadella, prosciutto di parma, ham and provolone. You can order me with the works and in a medium or large size. I even look like The Godmother from Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica, but I am not the

Let's Try it Again

2010-04-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

CASA LINDA - No Website - Abbot Kinney, Venice Beach It used to be Tortilla Grill and apparently that didn't work out so well. It was sold, remodeled and then reopened as Casa Linda, a much better designed, bright warm and comfortable environment. The menu is still pretty similar, tacos, burritos and tortas in the typical quick service Mexican restaurant. There really isn't anything special

Spring Break Grubbin', Drinkin' and Puffin' - San Francisco 2010 Pt.3

2010-03-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

Besides what the toll the non-stop drinking in San Francisco was doing to our bodies the last few meals we consumbed weren't helping much either. We felt like Lindsey Lohan killing ourselves and we had no one around to step in and help us. We did burgers, donuts, pizza and burgers again. After walking 1.6 miles to Pearl's Deluxe Burgers then finding out they were closed (it was a Sunday they

It's about the PIE, not the Burger

2010-03-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

PIE 'n BURGER - Pasadena, CA - http://www.pienburger.com/ I know why it's called Pie n' Burger and not Burger n' Pie. Here the burger is second tier to the Pie, namely the Cheese Cake. I started with the burger and fries but after eating the cheese cake the rest was forgettable. The cheese cake has a crumbly gram-cracker crust, a very thick dense creamy center and an almost icy top crust.

Spring Break Grubbin', Drinkin' and Puffin' - San Francisco 2010 Pt.2

2010-03-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

We knew where we were headed. We had been told by at least 10 people we had to go there and if we didn't get there early we'd be waiting in line. The second part we screwed up. After we were able to regain our equilibrium, walk and shake off the head fog from the previous night we headed towards MAMA'S ON WASHINGTON SQUARE - North Beach Washington Square - San Francisco - http://

Spring Break Grubbin', Drinkin' and Puffin' - San Francisco 2010 Pt.1

2010-03-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

It seems like at some point in your mid to late twenties you outgrow spring break. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have spring break ever year, but after college it's tough, everyone you know has a job, people starting selling their souls to the devil and getting married, others just don't have the drive to drink and do drugs for days on end. I've never been on a real bender, this drinking,

CART FOR A CAUSE by St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Organization

2010-03-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

CART FOR A CAUSE - www.stvincentmow.org It seems like everyone loves the new LA taco truck scene…everyone except for me. I know, you probably think I’m stupid or missing out on something. But it’s just that I don’t want my food to be mobile. I wanna know where it is at all times when I want it. I don’t want to have to do research to get food. I also want to eat a good meal at a table while

Burgers From a Modern Steakhouse

2010-03-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

BOA STEAKHOUSE - http://www.boasteak.com/balboa/index.htm 101 Santa Monica Blvd, SM, 90401 310.899.4466 I've heard great things about Boa as a steakhouse and in searching for great burgers Boa was listed on www.burgerbusiness.com 's list of Top 25 Steakhouse burgers in America. So the purpose of this visit was to checkout the burger. Next time, I'll checkout the steak. And if you have time,

GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO

2010-03-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

HEY EVERYONE I'M GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO AND I WANNA EAT SOME GREAT FOOD! IF YOU KNOW OF ANY RESTAURANTS I SHOULDN'T MISS PLEASE LET ME KNOW. SEND SUGGESTIONS TO LAFOODGOD@GMAIL.COM THANKS LA FOOD GOD

I wish more restaurants were like this

2010-03-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

LIBRARY ALEHOUSE - http://www.libraryalehouse.com/index.php 2911 Main Street, Santa Monica You know the kind of restaurant that you just feel at home in. The kind of place that seems to do everything right. The food is always good no matter what you order. The variety of options make it perfect for almost any occasion. The people are nice, service is great, there's always a crowd and the

One of the Worst Restaurants in LA

2010-03-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

SWEET, LOVE, HANGOVER - http://www.slhhollywood.com/ I don't want to give you the address. It's for your own protection. There wasn't much Sweet. Nothing tasted like it was made with Love. The banquette was lined with nighttime employees that definitely had Hangovers. We walked into Sweet, Love, Hangover around 12:45 pm and there was only 1 table of four guys. Then we realized they work for

N.Y. & C. doing Pizza Late Nights

2010-03-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

N.Y. and C. PIZZA - http://www.nyandcpizza.com/ 1120 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica 90401 The best thing to know about N.Y. and C. is they are open late and I guess that means the second best thing about N.Y and C. is that if you didn't find sum booty to take home at the Bar of Club you have one last opportunity to find some over a piece of greasy pizza. (Sunday through Wednesday till 2:30 am and

More LameAss Than BadAss

2010-03-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

BABY'S BADASS BURGERS - http://www.babysbadassburgers.com/ We used to call em' Roach Coaches - They are mobile so no address. Let's begin with just because it comes off a truck doesn't mean I lower my standards one bit. This burger costs as much as any gourmet restaurant's burger so it better stack up. That's what I thought going in. Then the glitz and glamour of Travel Channel, the cute

Dive Bar meets ahhhh... a Strip Club? Is this real?

2010-03-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

JUMBO'S CLOWN ROOM - http://www.jumbos.com/ 5153 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 90027 323.666.1187 Almost immediately after walking into Jumbo's a friend texted me. She asked me where my friends and I were hanging out? I told her I was out in Hollywood for a friend's Birthdays at this dive bar that is somehow also a kind of Strip Club/Pole Dancing spot. I was having trouble describing where I was.

Hawaiian Hole in the Wall

2010-03-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

RUTT'S - www.ruttscafe.com 12114 Washington Blvd, LA 90066 You've probably have never heard of Rutt's. It's the kind of place you only hear about from a friend who loves it, then finds out you've never been and feels a sense of responsibility to open up your world to this awesome little Hawaiian Cafe. I'm not sure what Hawaiian food technically is, but to me Hawaiian food is veggies, rice,

Burger Battle: The Challenger... Foundry on Melrose

2010-02-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

FOUNDRY ON MELROSE - http://www.thefoundryonmelrose.com/ 7465 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90046 323.651.0915 A while back I read an article about how Foundry on Melrose Chef/Owner Eric Greenspan recently dressed up in all black and in the darkness of night went out and posted burger challenge banners at the two Father's Office locations (http://www.laweekly.com/2009-07-30/eat-drink/eric-greenspan-

Whole Foods Foundation BBQ

2010-02-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

WHOLE FOODS MARKET - Venice - http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/venice/storecalendar.php I've written about the Whole Foods Venice BBQ before. It's a solid BBQ with high quality food, typically all natural ingredients, with no hormones or antibiotics, good flavor and pretty affordable. This time I happened to pass by when they were grillin' it up out in the parking lot (usually it's an

The Lexington Steele of Sandwiches

2010-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

BRENT'S DELI - http://www.brentsdeli.com/ Westlake Village and Northridge I've heard about Brent's Deli many times. I've seen it on TV and read reviews but I've never eaten at one nor seen one in person. Visiting my elderly Grandparents in Thousand Oaks they suggested we go to Brent's for lunch. After all the hype surrounding this deli I was ready to see what it had to offer. Typically, when

You can't sleep? Had a long Night? A Vampire? Options for Late Night Dining

2010-02-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

BEST OF LA SERIES - PART II - LATE NIGHT DINING I started this "Best of LA" series talking about coffee shops. What's the point of coffee if it doesn't keep you up late so you're able to check out the best Late Night Dining has to offer. I love eating out late but the options are pretty scarce. If you don't care, have low standards or just lack sufficient taste buds, fast food is always an

What's A Name That Will Kill Dinner Business? LUNCH...

2010-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

LUNCH - www.EatAtLUNCH.com 3829 Main Street, Culver City, 90232 As I was eating lunch at LUNCH I was already mapping out my review of this two week old Lunch and surprisingly Dinner cafe (sandwiches, soups and salads). My review was headed in one direction, then I met the owner's boyfriend and her mother, both unbelievably nice, friendly and loving people. After meeting them I had to alter the

Houston's meets Broadway Deli but so much cooler

2010-02-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

LA GRANDE ORANGE - www.lagrandeorangesm.com 2000 Main Street, Santa Monica 90405 - 310.396.9145 Let's just cut to the chase and talk about what really matters... Their freshly baked cookies. These cookies are incredible. They're like Porn for your mouth. Throughout the day they bake all kinds of fresh baked deliciousness, but it's their cookies that got my attention. They don't do shakes,

Santa Monica Farms - I hope you go out of business

2010-02-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

SANTA MONICA FARMS JR. - Main Street, Santa Monica What a douche bag the little Asian owner is. I parked out front, went in to ask for some change so I could pay the meter then return to the store and purchase some items. This little prick of an owner didn't even look up when I asked him for change. He just rudely yelled "No! at me and did it in such a way that you want to punch the guy.

Tuna Melt Obsession - The Quesadilla

2010-01-24T08:32:00.000-08:00

NOVEL CAFE - www.novelcafe.com 2901 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, 90405 310.450.8260 Ever since I was a kid I've loved Tuna Melts. I remember making them myself in the toaster oven and doming the top of the tuna with lots of gooey cheeses or visiting the Sand and Sea Club in the summer (before 90210 and Saved By The Bell starting shooting there) with my best friend and running up from the

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop - Great Sandwich at a Great Price

2010-01-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

CAPRIOTTI'S SANDWICH SHOP - www.capriottis.com 9683 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills 90212 310.858.1383 And they have locations in 9 other states I'm not sure why I'm on such a sandwich kick. It's probably good, gives my body a break from Burgers. Me eating a sandwich instead of a burger is like an alcoholic drinking a Zima instead of Whiskey. As I've said previously Bay Cities

Still the Sandwich King

2010-01-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

BAY CITIES ITALIAN DELI AND BAKERY - http://www.baycitiesitaliandeli.com/ 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica 90401 310-395-8279 Living in LA and not knowing about Bay Cities is like living in Afghanistan and not knowing about the Taliban. Supposedly Bay Cities has been doin' the damn thing since 1925 and maybe that's just how long it's taken to perfect the LA's Greatest Sandwich. If you've been

Been Living a Lie

2010-01-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

FATHER'S OFFICE - www.fathersoffice.com Santa Monica and Culver City While everyone and there mother, me included has praised Father's Office's, Office Burger as the Holy Grail of Hamburgers I now feel as if I have been living a lie. For the last five or so years I have been one of Father's Office biggest fans. I claimed this place was the Megan Fox of burgers. Oh, so I feel I've let burger

Extreme Disappointment

2010-01-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

JR's BBQ - http://www.jrs-bbq.com/jr_home_06.swf 3055 S. La Cienega Blvd, Culver City 90232 WARNING: JR'S WEBSITE IS MISLEADING - NOT SUITABLE FOR FOOD LOVERS OR ANY HONEST FOLKS... Please do not be fooled by JR's BBQ website. The website makes the restaurant and the food appear glamours, of high quality and beautifully plated. However, I did not see any of this anywhere in the restaurant.

LA's Newest Great Mexican Restaurant

2010-01-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

ROSA MEXICANO @ L.A. LIVE - http://www.rosamexicano.com/Default.aspx 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, 90015 I've been hearing about this new Mexican restaurant at L.A. Live; a New York Mexican concept. I was a little confused, Mexican Food on the East Coast isn't typically very good or authentic, but I kept hearning good things about Rosa Mexianco. I happened to be in Downtown with a few

Sick Days

2010-01-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

When you're sick you usually don't eat much, maybe some chicken soup and you probably drink tea, OJ and Gatorade. When I'm sick there is one thing I always look forward to, Cinnamon Toast. My Mom used to make it for me as a kid on Sourdough. I have continued the tradition but I carry it on making it on my favorite bread Milton's Multi Grain Bread. How this bread is healthy I will never

Ending the Decade the way I started it

2010-01-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

McDonald's - Anywhere in The World When I was in high school I ate Micky D's at least once a week. I was lovin' it! I loved the burgers. I loved the fries. I love breakfast. I loved the play areas. I love the little cheeseburgers that used to be 59 cents. I loved the hash browns. I loved the shakes and when I was little I loved the Happy Meals. I once, at about ten years old, ate 3 Big

Christmas Deliciousness

2009-12-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is really just about sharing what my Mom and I created for Christmas breakfast, dinner and dessert. I hope you enjoy seeing it as much as my family enjoyed eating it. If you want to get in on meals like this get invited to our family dinners. My brother is single, maybe it's the opportunity you've been waiting for. He 24, 6'1, good looking, does yoga, the Santa Monica Stairs, Krav Maga,

The Best Pastrami and Corned Beef

2009-12-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

LABEL'S TABLE DELI - http://www.labelstabledeli.com/west_about.htm 9226 West Pico Blvd. West Los Angeles, 90035 If you feel the need to complain about money problems or rising costs of the world around us and wanted some sympathetic ears, Label's Table Deli in West LA boasts as many old Jews as a concentration camp. Sorry. I suppose that was inappropriate. I should just say, there are a lot

San Diego - A BURGER ADVENTURE - Burger Lounge, CrazeeBurger and Hodad's...

2009-12-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

SAN DIEGO - A BURGER ADVENTURE So I told my buddy who I was staying with in San Diego that I've been out of my mind reviewing restaurants, especially burgers. I even went to 6, yes I said SIX, burger restaurants back to back on one afternoon to test out differnt burgers. He loved it. And he wanted to do it in SD. So he picked three places he'd heard about but hadn't been to and we were off.

THE GREAT LOST FOODS OF THE 80'S/90'S

2009-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Last night while watching Home Alone I noticed one of my favorite 80's and 90's foods in the background of the movie, CRUNCH GATOR chips by Fritos. (cant' find them anywhere online.) They were hot and spicy jalapeno chips with a great crunch. Who remembers these? Sadly, they aren't on sale anymore and were discontinued. This got me thinking, what are other foods from the 80's and 90's that

AN UP AND COMER... RUBICON DELI - SAN DIEGO

2009-12-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

RUBICON DELI - no website yet. 3819 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 858.488.3354 This little Deli is a sleeper right now. It's in a pre glory stage. Like A-Rod in his early years with Seattle, playing side by side next to Griffey. Or like Will Smith on Fresh Prince of Bel Air before Six Degrees of Separation or George Clooney on Family Ties or Steve Young as Montana's backup or The

Italian Food near a Magical Place

2009-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

NAPLES RISTORANTE e PIZZERIA - Downtown Disney http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurant.php?restaurants_id=43 1550 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim 92802 Typically, I'm not a fan of Italian restaurants. I often feel the food is bland and water down, when really it's just not made with love. When you grow up with a Sicilian Grandmother who used to slave all day in the kitchen to make the best Lasagna,

I'm Tired of all these Baby Burgers

2009-12-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

STOUT - No website yet 1544 N Cahuenga Blvd, LA, 90028 The owners of Stout must be some really confident guys. They opened a gourmet burger and beer bar in what I like to think of as LA's Ground Zero of Burgers. Within walking distance is Lucky Devils, Umami Burger, The Bowery, Hungry Cat, 25 Degrees isn't far away and Kitchen 24 and Citizen Smith aren't known for burgers but have them on the

Celadon - A new Thai Kitchen in Venice

2009-12-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

CELADON THAI KITCHEN - www.celadonthaikitchen.com 13364 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90066 310.823.8192 I wouldn't expect much from where it's located, a strip mall on Washington just east of Lincoln Blvd. It just doesn't scream great restaruants. Shit, it shares a parking lot with a Papa Johns. I don't know any good restaurant that do that. And typically, I won't go into a restaurant

Best of LA Series Part I - Coffee Shops

2009-12-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

BEST OF LA - A Series of Adventures or Ideas for Adventures... I thought it might be fun to write a series of articles that suggest good restaurants, coffee shops or bars to go to depending on the many situations that we find ourselves in; first dates, quick meals, family restaurants, romantic evenings, late night dinning, happy hour, a stop for sweets, breakfast spots, stoner meals and so on.

I WANNA LIVE... Bring on the Ostrich.

2009-12-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

CAFE BUNA - no website 3105 Washington Blvd Marina Del Rey (310) 823-2430 Shockingly, I've never reviewed Cafe Buna. Odd. I was sure I had reguarding their breakfast, which is one of the best in the city. I'll definitely have to do a breakfast review on them soon. The other day I went for lunch. I was tempted to still order breakfast, but then I noticed the burger options. Now, I know.

Thanksgiving 2009 - My House

2009-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

MY HOUSE - THANKSGIVING 2009 14 People were all left stuffed! This was a fantastic, happy and fun Thanksgiving. The traditional Thanksgiving Diner pair with the always raunchy and funny dinner conversation. Saturday a close friend got married and USC smashed on ucla in Football once again which capped off the weekend. In terms of this year's Thanksgiving food, it wasn't the best I've ever

Burger Bar... Ahhhhhh... Las Vegas PART 2

2009-11-25T10:40:00.000-08:00

BURGER BAR - http://www.fleurdelyssf.com/ Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Also 2 other locations in San Francisco and St. Louis. 702.632.9364 This meal was not great. This meal was not special. Frankly, this meal was very disappointing. I own Hubert Keller's Burger Bar book and it has some great ideas and recipes. I own a lot of burger books and his is one of the best. However, his restaurant

2 MEALS IN VEGAS; Christ and the Apostles... Part I

2009-11-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

STRIPSTEAK - Las Vegas, NV The Hotel at Mandalay Bay http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/StripSteak.aspx 702.632.7414 I hadn't planned on going to Stripsteak. I didn't know Esquire Magazine had voted them Best Steak in America. I didn't know it was Chef Michael Mina's restaurant. I wanted to go to Red Square, but the menu wasn't exciting and the host was a dude in a suit. I stopped at Chef

The Messiah of Waffles

2009-11-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

JOHN O'GROATS - www.ogroatsrestaurant.com 10516 W. Pico Blvd, LA 310.204.0692 When you think of breakfast in LA or even Southern California, you think of Omelets or eggs, probably with only egg whites maybe some chicken or veggies mixed in, but healthy. Maybe you think of pancakes with fruit on them or 83-grain toast or some healthy fiber cereal that helps you make poop. I don't know, maybe

Whole Foods Has a Hidden SmokeHouse in Venice

2009-11-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

WHOLE FOODS "SMOKEHOUSE IN VENICE" - http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/venice/ 225 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 310.566.9480 Who knew the Whole Foods in Venice has a smokehouse? I suppose a psychic, Pauly Shore or anyone that ventures into this mecca of the organic market. Then again, they have do everything else, why wouldn't' they also have a SmokeHouse. It's a bit hidden in the back

HAMBURGER-PALOOZA - DAY 1

2009-11-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

6 Burger Restaurants in 5 hours. That was the goal. Each burger would be judged on this experience alone and would not be rewarded or punished for prior experiences. Each burger would be judged based on it's price, whether sides were included or not, the presentation, the meat (flavor and binding), toppings, bacon, cheese, sauce, bun and overall as well as any additional notes. We didn't

The Bowery Hollywood - A Burger Scam of Epic Proportions

2009-11-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

THE BOWERY - www.theboweryhollywood.com 6268 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood 323.465.3400 This is their claim on the front of their menu, "LA's First Gastropub Located in the Heart of Hollywood and Still LA's Best Burger". Those are some fightin' words. I don't know if they were actually LA's first Gastropub. In fact, I don't even know what a Gastropub is. I feel like it's a scam word, something they

HAHA, I SAID ZWIENER... Best Traditional Burger

2009-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

WOLFGANG'S STEAKHOUSE - www.wolfgangssteakhouse.com 4 Locations - 2-NY, 1-LA, 1-Waikiki and a few under construction 445 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 310.385.0640 If you're ripping off names and you're an actor, I'd go with Pitt, Vaughn or maybe Jolie. If you're in fashion, Gucci works. Sports, Jordan or Lebron would be a slam dunk. If you're in business Trump carries weight and if you're

VANCOUVER, BC RESTAURANTS

2009-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

VANCOUVER, BC Vancouver is a great city, up there with NY, LA, Seattle and Chicago. However, I wouldn't exactly call it a great restaurant city. While the city does have a wide variety of great upscale, corporate trendy spots, trashy ethnic restaurants and fast food type places, it seems to lack great mom and pop or hole in the wall gems. After 5 days of walking and talking to locals about

Portland, OR - Part 3 The End...

2009-10-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is it, my last day in P-Town. I was hoping to make the most of it, but the rich, creamy, cheesy, sweet, fatty and yet very delicious foods were taking it's told. However, two days of Portland food were fantasic so far that I wouldn't let this sabotage me. I was excited for what places we would find, discover and be told about. We started the day late with only a huge cup of coffee so

Portland, OR - Part 2

2009-10-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

After Day One I think I gained 10 pounds, but the food here is good, so I had to keep eating. When it comes to food I wasn't about to quit. So far I've been lucky and everything has been pretty good. Here's Portland Day 2, which includes one of the best burgers I've ever had and some crazy desserts. BESAW'S - www.besaws.com 2301 NW Savier St, Portland, Oregon 503.223.2619 Yesterday,

Portland, OR - Part I - NW District

2009-10-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm eating my way through Portland, Oregon. He's what I find, what I love, what I hate (not much so far) and my recommendations. I'm eating so much food for you people, just to report back, so you know where to eat if you're ever in PTOWN... DAY 1 STEPPING STONE CAFE - www.steppingstonecafe.com 2390 NW Quimby St, Portland, OR‎ - (503) 222-1132 This typical any town USA diner has been

A Basic Yet Decent Italian Deli - Part I

2009-10-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

CENTANNI - The Old Italian Deli - Venice No Website OK EVERYONE HOLD THE FUCK UP! DON'T BE MISTAKEN! DO NOT BE FOOLED! DON'T LISTEN TO ANY ONLINE WEBSITES OR ANYONE THAT TELLS YOU CENTANNI IS ANYTHING LIKE BAY CITIES! IT HURTS ME JUST TO PUT THESE TWO IN THE SAME SENTENCE. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying that saying Centanni talian Deli is like Bay Cities Italian Deli is like

Good Breakfast Spot to take the Fam

2009-10-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

BLD Restaurant - Los Angeles www.bldrestaurant.com Don't ask me about the name. Yes, I think it's stupid. No, I don't think it helps them market or brand themselves in the consumer market. No, it's no catchy. No, I don't know what it stands for. Maybe, BIG LADIES DINING or BANKRUPTING LOCAL DINERS. I don't know. No, it's not cleaver. Yes, it's name is close to that other place's name,

Hidden In West LA

2009-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

THE NOOK - West Los Angeles www.nookbistro.com I've driven by The Nook thousands of times. I even knew it was there. It is so hidden, tucked away in the back corner of a shit strip mall in West LA you'd never think to check it out. So why did I check it out, cause I heard the food kicks ass. This place is small, a hobbit hole of a restaurant, but it's nice, simple, clean and fresh feeling,

Cafe Was... GREAT!

2009-10-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

IVAN KANE'S CAFE WAS - Hollywood www.cafewas.com If you just heard the name Ivan Kane, you're probably thinking, "Wasn't that the bad guy in a Bruce Willis movie, or the name of the terrorist who took over the plane in Air-force One? Was he a horrible Czar of Russia during the cold war or maybe it's the name of the guy down the hall who's always dressing up like a chick on the weekends?" If

Good Pizza in a Zen Tea meets Whole Foods Environment

2009-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

PIZZA FUSION - Santa Monica www.pizzafusion.com I ate at two chains in one week. What the hell is goin' on. Next I'll be saying Chilis or Red Lobster are my favorite restaurants... OK. That's never gonna happen, unless I become super ghetto, then yeah, Red Lobster looks about as good as say Lil Kim. I was dragged to Pizza Fusion by my girlfriend after numberous recomendations from her as

A Simple Little Place

2009-10-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

BARNEY'S GOURMET HAMBURGERS - Brentwood http://www.barneyshamburgers.com/ Barney's Hamburgers is not to be confused with Barney's Beanery. This place has pride in what they do, while the beanery is more frat party at a dirty frat. While Barney's maybe just a basic little hamburger spot. It's tasty, clean, fresh and simple. They do burgers 27 different ways, 15 styles of chicken burgers, 10

So Much More Than a Fancy Dog House

2009-10-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

THE LAZY DOG CAFE - Thousand Oaks www.lazydogcafe.com At first glance it looks like ANY typical chain restaurant... that was at first glance. By the time I went through the menu and ordered, I was in love with this chain...even though the menu was on on crack. Typically, I hate chain restaurants. Besides Cheesecake Factory and maybe California Pizza Kitchen, I think chains are the worst

Best BBQ in LA

2009-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

BABY BLUES BBQ - Venice and West Hollywood www.babybluesbbqvenice.com It all started with a hole in the wall BBQ joint, Lincoln Blvd, Venice Beach and two guys Danny and Rick... I drove by this little place with blue awnings for four years before I ever thought about stepping inside. It was a four years of delicious food eating that was wasted. From that first time in Baby Blues I knew this

A Modern So Cal Tavern

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

WESTSIDE TAVERN - West LA www.westsidetavernla.com It only took about 20 years for Westside Pavilion to do something productive with Westside II. It started be demolishing the most pointless mall addition ever. Then it got interesting when they added a great movie theather to the Westside. And now with the addition of Westside Tavern this mall has relevance. Westside Tavern is like

What Appears to be 12 Great Burgers

2009-09-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

I think Epicurious did a great job finding 12 great burgers in 12 different cities. Check it out. If you've been to any of these spots let me know how they were. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/diningtravel/restaurants/burgers_intro

This is what Mom's kitchens should feel like.

2009-09-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

GRUB - Hollywood www.grub-la.com Not too many restaurants make you feel like you're in Mom's kitchen. That is exactly what Grub in Hollywood sets out to do and it accomplishes it's goal. Grub claims to be "The Happiest Place on Earth". I don't know about that, but when you start a meal by putting a little bowl of delicious sweet mixed cereal on the table for diners to snack on, it does

Fat is an understatement...

2009-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

FATBURGER - Any Location www.fatburger.com Fat is an understatement. Tasty is right on. Quality is surely lacking. Those three statements basically sum up Fatburger's Double King Burger with bacon and cheese. Their claim, the Double King Burger is 16 oz of meat before cooking. A few ounces cook off, then they add bacon, cheese, mustard, mayo, onions, tomato, lettuce and relish so it's got to

It's like a lil Thai Whore House that servers tasty food...

2009-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

CHAN DARA - West LA www.chandarawestla.com The website claims, "LA's Hip Thai Restaurant". Hip...Hummm! This place isn't really hip, it's just that they've hired every hot Asian girl with tattoos in LA and trained them on how to make drinks and flirt with dirty old white men. And at Chan Dara there are plenty of old white men that come for the hot Asian ass...I mean staff! The Happy Hour is

It's good, but it's just an over priced cafeteria!!!

2009-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

LEMONADE - Venice www.lemonadela.com If Brandon, Dylan, Kelly, Donna, David and the rest of the original 90210 cast had really been students at "West Beverly" and they had dared to step foot into the cafeteria, which a Beverly Hills high school student would never do, especially ones as dreamy as they were, that high school cafeteria would have looked like Lemonade. This is the nicest "

Let's talk great Happy Hours or Happy Nights

2009-09-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

CAFE DEL REY - Marina Del Rey - www.cafedelreymarina.com This is probably the nicest place in the Marina, Venice Beach area. It's really too nice as a place for fun practical frequent dining, unless I guess you're going to prom on a regular basis or you're 50+. What I love about Cafe Del Rey is the amazing Happy Hour, except it's not really a Happy Hour. At Cafe Del Rey Happy Hour goes from

26 Beach Cafe - Secretly serving amazing burgers.

2009-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

26 BEACH CAFE - Venice www.26beach.com TOP 5 BURGERS IN LA 26 Beach is...well interesting. The food is fantastic, however the decor is like Grandma's dining room meets a Southern cafe. It's very odd to say the least. The exterior is simple, it's mostly a brick building. The interior is where the decor gets nutty. There are tacky old statues and pieces of old beat up furniture, old dressers

Mercedes Grill - The Burger - More like a Ford than a Mercedes

2009-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

MERCEDES GRILLE - Marina Del Rey - www.mercedesgrille.com After about my sixth beer, shockingly my buddy encouraged to continue my chase for LA's best burger. Recently, I was told that Mercedes Grille in Marina Del Rey had an amazing Gorgonzola Burger...so I had to see what the deal was. Conveniently, I was drinking just steps down the street, so I took the short walk from the bar to Mercedes

Umami Burger - Apparently our fifth sense did not agree

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

UMAMI BURGER - Los Angeles - www.umamiburger.com It's almost as if Owner Adam Fleischman wanted to open a sushi restaurant...then suddenly the day before opening he realized he couldn't get fish, so scrambling he got meat, so he opened a burger restaurant with an Asian theme. From the look alone it feels like you've entered an Americanized sushi bar. This feeling is further confirmed when

LA Food Show... The Food in LA is so much better than this place!

2009-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

LA Food Show - Beverly Hills - www.lafoodshow.com I had heard about this new place in Beverly Hills that served everything from Burgers to Chinese Food, Adobe Chicken Enchiladas, Tuscan Turkey Meatloaf and other LA favorites like Chicken and Waffles. I heard it was started by the guys that started CPK, which made me curious. I heard the food was great and the place had a cool look... Then

The Cheap Hooker of Sushi

2009-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

SUSHI MAC - West LA It's like the Jiffy Lube of sushi. And I know that sounds bad, but at $3 bucks per plate it's a great deal. Look, it's not the greatest sushi you've ever had, it's never gotten me sick, but it's gotten me full for a lot less money than the typical sushi spot. And how bad could it be? I was the only non Asian in the place. The sushi isn't cheap because it's old, it's

The 10 Hamburger Commandments

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

THE 10 HAMBURGER COMMANDMENTS America's favorite food is undoubtedly the Hamburger and while everyone has their favorite hamburger place, stand or restaurant and every food website or blogger has their list of best burger spots, I haven't seen anyone really breakdown what makes a perfect burger. I feel I must do what others have shied away from and break down what makes a great burger. A

Sauce on Hampton

2009-08-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

SAUCE ON HAMPTON - Venice Beach - www.sauceonhampton.com This place is always a pleasant surprise. First, they do breakfast all day which is always titillating. The menu is small, organic, delicious and goes with the vibe of the quaint size of the restaurant. The owner/chef Sassan has created some really tasty plates not to mention he's a really nice guy. He's also always around making sure

The Whaler - This place should just be a bar.

2009-08-08T10:10:00.001-07:00

The Whaler - Marina Del Rey/Venice Beach - www.venicewhaler.com Someone once told me if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. So that's it then, I won't say anything at all. Wait... hold up. Read a little bit more... I thought of something good... Jonas, the downstairs bartender, he's covered in 80's actor tattoos, tough to miss. He pours a good heavy drink, his banter is

The Organic Panifico/The Waterfront...???

2009-08-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Organic Panifico/The Waterfront - Marina Del Rey - www.organicpanificio.comIf you have a child and they screw up you give them another chance...or you beat them within an inch of their life. While obviously both ways are perfectly acceptable, the point is you give them another chance. When it comes to restaurants how many chances is acceptable? The first impression is huge and highly

Animal - The Beast Being Unleashed on Fairfax

2009-07-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

ANIMAL - Fairfax, Los Angeles - www.animalrestaurant.com You'd only know where it was located if you read the valet sign...or I suppose if you'd looked it up on Google Maps. The latter we didn't do. However, from the website, www.animalrestaurant.com we knew it was only four store fronts north of Canter's. The front is plain, nothing special. Inside we were instantly greeted by a husky

Saddle Ranch of Confusion - Universal City Walk

2009-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Saddle Ranch Chop House - Universal City Walk - www.srrestaurants.comIt all starts with a horrible maze of confusion upon entering. While the outer gate sign tells you to see the hostess, there is no hostess or host stand anywhere in view unless I suppose you have X-Ray vision. All the wood fences and lack of direction kinda makes you feel like cattle without a wrangler. If you're not sure