clairelouise's Profile
Restaurant wedding locations
I don't know your budget but I have been to lovely weddings at Il Cielo. The owner, Pasquale, helped up plan a party for my mother-in-law and we found them surprisingly accommodating on the budget. It's very charming.
Yays and nays from Trader Joe's, lately [OLD]
MAJOR YAYS:
the tarte d'Alscace - ohhhhh so good! just make sure it browns all over. yum!
the tri-tip, marinated or not. I have served this to some pretty discerning eaters and have received compliments every time. just follow the directions on the sticker
the giant chocolate bar - I am a chocolate fan, but kind of a picky one. this bar reminds me of Cadbury in its super creamy flavor.
the baby beets from the deli case.
also, the chicken breasts that are individually vacuum packed are great because they freeze and thaw really nicely and are a great price for high quality.
NAYS:
I had some horrendous mochi (sweet japanese rice balls)
All in all, I love TJ's. It's such a CA thing - I'm so glad so many more of the country gets to scour the aisles now. Happy hunting!
Looking for eats near LAX
There was a place right by the airport - with a view of the runways - with an aeronautical theme and fabulous burgers. An old boyfriend's dad used to go there with his fellow tech-heads who all worked in El Segundo. Does anyone remember this place? Is it still there? I think it may have had an Irish name? Help!
Just ate at Hamburger Hamlet
I LOVE the Hamlet. I am from Los Angeles and in high school Hamlet was a date night favorite. Zucchini zircles and a burger and off to the movies.
We still love the one on Sunset and it's great to take out of towners to look for celebs. One night, Elton John took over the tap room for his birthday party.
Do they still have Goth bingo night?
ISO really good sukiyaki on westside
I am sure there are some good spots on Sawtelle but which are the treasures? SOS!
Three Cheers for Bossa Nova Delivery
If it weren't for Bossa Nova delivery, my family would have starved to death right after both of my daughters were born. I'm so happy to see someone else giving them some props. I think I'll order in tomorrow night.
Under-rated/Under-hyped
Instead of griping,let's share some places we think are real gems - fine dining, taco truck, whatever.
Kitschy Birthday Dinner?
It's apparently closing soon, but how about Lowenbrou. That place is the kitschy-est place you will ever enter.
Know a good knife sharpener ???
The Bristol Farms on Beverly (the old Chasen's spot) used to sharpen knives for free back at the butcher's counter.
Romantic Place in LA?
Il Cielo on Burton Way is very romantic and they have a ravioli (mushroom I think? anyone know?) that is absolutely lovely.
Best breakfast in L.A.
The Farm (both locations) make a lovely benedict and I believe you can order them all day. Gardens on Glendon (in Westwood) also has really good benedict but is a bit expensive. Great Bloody Marys, too.
KID FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
This is kind of a tough one. I have two small daughters and we often go to The Farm at The Grove because you can sit outside and the kids love to watch the fountains and the trolley. I think they make a darn good hamburger, BTW.
Great Dinner at Patina Last Night
It's so nice to see someone post a topic that is positive! I think it's so easy to fall into snarkiness. I know it is for me.
I have always had a lovely time at Patina with great food and excellent, friendly and knowledgable service.
Happy Birthday.
Crazy Fish - What's the appeal?
I am so happy to see some others wondering about this. This is not good sushi! When I went (which was quite a few years ago) we ordered some roll that was about the size of a plate, stuffed with three or four different kinds of fish, and it was just, well, vulgar.
Barney's Beanery WH....Ugh!
Oh, you poor thing. I had forgotten that place even existed even though I drive by all the time. Let this serve as a warning to all others - DON'T GO THERE. IT'S A PIT.
Good Inexpensive Eats in the Westide/Culver
Try Shamshiri for some great Persian food. And don't just order kabobs, get into the stews. If you haven't had Persian food, it's really interesting and not quite like anything else.
Welcome!
Help! 1st Date in Brentwood/WLA
Another vote for Nook! It's fits all of your reqs. Good luck!
Best Breakfast Bars
I now have Carnation Breakfast Bar on the brain and it is making me nuts! I remember them so well and they were kind of pebbly and soooooo good. RATS!
recs for sat nite dinner between sm & brentwood?
orris on sawtelle just north of olympic is really good.
Good "old boy" bars?
If you like dives The Bounty on Wilshire across from the former site of the Ambassador is pretty good.
Need a Romantic Lunch Spot in Beverly Hills
Il Cielo is very romantic, even at lunch-time. It is on Burton Way very close to the Four Seasons.
which hotel has the best brunch buffet?
The Jonathan Club is a members-only club and not open to the public.
which hotel has the best brunch buffet?
There is no other answer than the Four Seasons BH. Absolutely the best buffet brunch in town and I have been to every single one.
Cafe 50's Diner - Worst Diner in L.A.; What is the best L.A. Diner?
Also, don't go to Dinah's. It's AWFUL. Even their so-called specialty apple pancake. YUCK.
Cafe 50's Diner - Worst Diner in L.A.; What is the best L.A. Diner?
It's been a long time but Rae's on Pico used to have great biscuits and white gravy. Anyone been there lately?
Good "old boy" bars?
I second the Chez Jay nomination. Despite all of the winging from others, I do think Father's Office has very good bar food and great beer.
What's the big deal about Dinah's?
I know what you mean! My in-laws drag our entire family down there whenever anyone visits from out-of-town for the apple pancake and, I swear, you do better at IHOP. Plus it smells. YUCK!
Cinnamon rolls or other tasty breakfast treat in West LA
There are lots of yummy backed goods and everything else at Clementine on Ensley Ave.
