Oakland-based Champa Garden will soon be opening a new branch just off Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, and Chowhounds have the scoop.
The CHOW Blog 
Insights, tips, and restaurant reports from CHOW editors and Chowhound.
Chowhound Find: Oda House Brings Georgian Flavors to Manhattan
It's a good bet that New Yorkers who've come to love Georgian dumplings, salads, and hot, cheesy breads first got to know the cuisine in Brooklyn. That's where they've had to go to enjoy it—often alongside Russian expats hungering for flavors from the former Soviet republics. Now they can score Georgian food in Manhattan at Oda House, which just opened in the East Village space previously occupied by Caffe Buon Gusto. READ MORE
LA’s Historic Grand Central Market
The Grand Central Market is a window into downtown LA's past: a nearly century-old open-air market full of affordable produce stands and international food stalls. Though it's currently undergoing a somewhat contentious face-lift—new paint, lounge furniture, and Wi-Fi are on the way—all of its vendors are open for business. Here's where Chowhounds queue up for a quick, casual lunch in the historic space: READ MORE
3 Tried-and-True Tiki Bars in LA
If the only tiki room in LA you know is the one with robot birds choral singing above Dole Whip–eating Disneyland patrons, local 'hounds have news for you: There are still a few classic tiki bars around town, hidden lounges with an easy vibe, dim lighting, stiff drinks, and nary a kid in sight. Don't miss these three favorites. READ MORE
Chowhound Find: Superior Okonomiyaki at Doya Doya in Torrance
Where to go for flavorful ramen or who has the best sashimi are oft-debated topics on the LA Chowhound board, but another Japanese dish that's well-represented in the area and deserves attention is okonomiyaki, a savory, pancakelike item that's generally made with flour, nagaimo yam, water, and cabbage, plus any requested add-ins. In a recent discussion, 'hound bulavinaka divulged her favorite spot for the treat: Doya Doya Okonomiyaki in Torrance. READ MORE
Marmite and Vegemite: What’s the Difference?
Vegemite and Marmite are brown pastes made from yeast extract, popular in Australia, throughout the British diaspora, and beyond. It's hard to make them look or sound appealing, but devotees love the concentrated umami flavor. So what are the differences between these two brands? READ MORE
Top Toaster Brands for Perfect Toast Every Time
Sometimes a simple toaster is all you need—nothing fancy, just a straightforward machine that makes crunchy toast every time. So which toasters are the best?
Dualit toasters get a lot of love from Chowhounds, though they are pricey. Antilope recommends the Dualit Classic. Sherri agrees; her Dualit is "a workhorse and will probably outlive me," she says. She only wishes she'd opted for a four-slice model over a two-slice, to simultaneously toast two English muffins! READ MORE
Are the Best Anchovies Oil-Packed or Salt-Packed?
Cured anchovies, packed with umami, deepen the flavor of sauces and salad dressings. They're available packed in salt or filleted and packed in oil, and how much prep they need depends on which type you use. READ MORE
Early Report: 3 Master Chefs Unite for Trois Mec
When Ludo Lefebvre announced that his LudoBites pop-up series would go the way of the dodo, fans eagerly awaited the chef’s next move. After months of preparation and speculation, Lefebvre is back in action, this time at a permanent shop aptly named Trois Mec (“three guys”) where he works alongside Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Animal, Son of a Gun). READ MORE
