Need easy dessert ideas for a dinner party I am throwing. Would like something light, since the menu is rather filling and rich. Any ideas?

Menu:
Pear, pancetta and ricotta salata on arugula with honey vinaigrette
Porter braised brisket with carrots and mushrooms
Creme fraiche mashed potatoes with chives
Sautéed french green beans

Just got back and you were right, Oran Mor was fantastic. Arguably, the best meal we have had in a long time! Excellent food, service, ambiance. Thanks for the tip. We also went to Cru for lunch and liked it very much.

If you're willing to travel east, there is a great Mexican restaurant in Eagle Rock called Cacao Mexicatessan on Colorado Blvd that specializes in regional Mexican that is not Tex Mex. very family friendly and they do great breakfast dishes as well. Fits right into your budget. For good taco trucks, I'd hit up Highland Park. La Estrella tacos on York has a truck that's permanently parked there and the truck, Tacos Sinaloa on Figuroa has my vote for best al pastor tacos.
If you are near Hollywood, try Square One for what may be the best breakfast in town at the moment.

Yay: frozen belgian waffles, edamame hummus, lemon gingersnap ice cream, mini stroop waffle cookies, unsalted whole peeled tomatoes, baby kale/chard lettuce, steamed lentils, organic white basmati rice, roasted Marcona almonds, Chimay beer, mini pain rustiques, ciabatta, pancetta, egg pappardelle noodles, frozen molten chocolate cake, frozen puff pastry squares, tarte Alsace, hearts of palm, Romano ceasar dressing, armenian spinach pizza, frozen wild salmon chimichurri, pita chips, roasted seaweed.

No way: jarred pasta sauce- every one has oregano in it, which makes it taste like pizza sauce. Ready made salads- all have onions- ewww. Some of their fruit has no taste, even the organic ones, just blah. (berries, peaches, nectarines, apples), most ready made food- way to much salt. Their sushi- indelible and atrocious.

Will be in Nantucket in October for a short stay. What are some great places to eat? Im ok with both low and high end, open to any type of cuisine. Just want some good meals! breakfast, lunch, dinner?

Will be in Moultonborough in October while visiting friends in Tamworth. Any good restaurants to check out that are close by and delicious? Open to anything...

We'll be in Boston (North End) for 4 days. Nantucket for 2 days, Tamworth for 2 days. As this is s road trip, we will have a car. No specific price points. Would like a mix of both low and high end. Will post in north and south boards as well...Thanks in advance.

My husband and I will be in Boston, Nantucket and Tamworth this fall and I am looking for some recommendations for restaurants. We love to eat and don't get much New England fare living in LA. That being said, we are open to any type of food, from dive shacks to white linens. Our only requirement is that it have great food, places you eat at again and again. (Obviously, we'd like to stay away from tourist traps.) Breakfast spots, lunch and dinner and the best places to grab good coffee. Fire away!

I'm looking for an awesome taco guy to make tacos for a party at my house. I'd like to have carne asada and al pastor. I'd appreciate any leads. So far, I've been recommended to Pauline's, but I'm open to suggestions. Looking for authentic Mexican with big, bold flavor! Fire away....

Don't know if making your own is an option, but it is super easy! Just fruit, sugar and water in a blender. You can add herbs (mint, basil) or a little lime juice if you want. Chill and serve over ice. Watermelon and cantaloupe are delicious right now.

In Glendale or in adjacent Eagle Rock, La Canada, and Atwater Village:

Glendale: Raffi's Place on Broadway for excellent kababs and Persian Cuisine
Rincon Argentino Market on Colorado for Argentinean empanadas and sausages to go.
Mario's Italian Deli on Broadway for classic subs and Italian imports.

Eagle Rock: Cacao Mexicatessan for regional Mexican food and the world's best horchata.
Senor Fish for fish tacos and a cold beer on a sunny, outdoor patio.
Four Cafe for seasonal, delicious, organic soups, sandwiches, salads.

La Canada/Montrose
Cafe Sole on Verdugo for authentic Neopolitan Italian. Very good pastas.
Paradis gelato on Honolulu.

Atwater Village
Canele on Glendale for Cal/French/Med. (more spendy for a nice dinner)
Proof bakery on Glendale for amazing croissants, pastries and coffee.
Viet Noodle Bar for good Vietnamese (bad service though)

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Canele
3219 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Raffi's Place Restaurant
211 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205

Viet Noodle Bar
3133 1 2 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Cafe Sole
1929 Verdugo Blvd, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

I live in Glendale and can recommend Canele in nearby Atwater Village (just off the 5 fwy).

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Canele
3219 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

La Cabanita is pretty decent for Mexican food. Not amazing, but, the best I have found in Glendale so far. Frida's at the Americana can be good, but never at night- waaay too loud and those mariachis make it impossible to have a conversation.

El Morfi is good for Argentinian food. Good empanadas, steaks, etc.
Also great is Rincon Argentino, which is an Argentine market/carniceria where you can pick up stuff to take home. Great empanadas, wine, cookies, sausages and sandwiches de miga.

I like the Mexican street style tacos at Taco Azteca. (cheap and good)

You didn't mention Cuban food, but I like the homestyle cooking at Baracoa Cuban Cafe in Atwater. Good arroz con pollo, cubanos, chicken.

If you are up for a drive, the Peruvian food at Mo Chica in Downtown's Mercado La Paloma cannot be beat. Best ceviche in the world, great rice dishes, everything is awesome. (if you don't mind the lousy atmosphere)

La Cabanita
3445 N Verdugo Rd
Glendale, CA 91208

El Morfi
241 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203

Rincon Argentino
1375 E Colorado Blvd
Glendale, CA 91205

Taco Azteca
143 S Verdugo Rd
Glendale, CA 91205

Baracoa Cuban Cafe
3175 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

Mo Chica
3655 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90007

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La Cabanita
3447 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208

Mercado La Paloma
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

The Verdugo Bar
3408 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Taco Azteca
143 S Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91205

Baracoa Cuban Cafe
3175 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Thanks guys!!!

My husband and I will be in Madrid for a week. I travel there often for work, so I'm pretty accustomed to typical Spanish food already. As much as I love all the jamon, seafood, and salt, I often grow bored eating the same flavor profiles day after day. I'm looking for some recommendations for other ethnic food (middle eastern, italian, asian, etc) that are tasty and not too pricey. We are not picky eaters and are open to suggestions....Thanks!

There's a nice little Italian deli in Encino called Domingo's. They make fresh ravioli (cheese, meat, mushroom) and sell them in their frozen section for you to cook up at home. Much better than Monterey or anything you can buy at Trader Joe's...

Domingo's Italian Grocery
17548 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91316
(818) 981-4466

I am new to the area, just having moved from the restaurant mecca of Beverly Blvd. I need some serious foodie recs for great food in Glendale. Ambiance is NOT a requirement- it just has to be authentic! Any price point is fine, from cheap eats to fine dining. I've already heard about Palate, Portos, and I am a huge fan of Raffi's already. What are the best restaurants for: Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Korean, French, Sushi etc... I love ethnic food, so please, please, please....tell me you favorites and hidden gems! Help me fall in love with my new hood!

best butcher: Gelson's over whole foods anyday
best fish monger: special orders through Universal Seafood in North Hollywood.
best general grocery store: Tough: Whole Foods for specialty stuff. Trader Joe's for everyday.
best farmers market: Santa Monica

best kitchenwares store: Surfas and Sur La Table. I also like Star Restaurant Equipment in Van Nuys.
best baking supply store:
best cake decorating store:

best icecream: Milk on Beverly
best chocolatier: Jin Patisserie in Venice and Xuan Patisserie (online orders only)
best candy store: Boule
best gourmet/specialty store: Monsieur Marcel in Farmer's Market on 3rd and Fairfax
best italian grocer: Domingo's Italian Grocery in Encino
best spice shop (like, where can i find culinary lavender?): Penzey's (online)
best cheese shop: Cheese Store of Beverly Hills or Silverlake
best baguette: B&L Gourmet Pastries on 3rd St and Paris Baguette on Western
best health food store: Whole Foods (NOT EREWHON!!!!)
best french pastries: Michel Richard and Susina in LA, Le Bon Bread in Woodland Hills
best italian pastry: Nicolosi in Encino
best scandinavian pastry:
best chinese bakery:
best japanese bakery:
best bakery other: Nata's Pastries in Sherman Oaks (portuguese bakery!)

best asian grocery stores: 99 Ranch Market
best indian chaat/snack foods: India's Sweets and Spices
best indian restaurant: India's Grill on San Vicente
best persian food (kabobs): Raffi's Place in Glendale
best vietnamese sandwich: KP's Deli in Silverlake (but it's closing I hear....)
best vietnamese restaurant: Pho 79
best boba tea:
best dim sum: Empress Pavillion
best cheap/authentic thai: Chao Krung on Fairfax
best cheap sushi: Restaurant Komasa on 2nd St in Litlle Tokyo

best sandwiches: Larchmont Wine and Cheese on Larchmont and Giamella's subs
best burger: Boulevard Burgers and Rib Ranch in Woodland Hills (In-N-Out too of course)
best bargain steak: Lala's on Melrose- the flat iron is the best!
best french bistro: Pastis, Mistral, Cafe Stella
best gourmet pizza: Mozza and Caioti Pizza
best cheapo pizza: Mulberry Street
best funky vegetarian restaurant: Gingergrass or Vegan Glory
best hot dog: bacon wrapped dogs by street vendors. extra crispy.
best shwarma: Cafe du Liban in Tarzana
best schnitzel:
best falafel:
best bbq: Dr. Hogley Wogly's Tyler Texas Barbeque in Van Nuys, Rib Ranch and My Brother's BBQ (both in Woodland Hills)
best fried chicken:
best soul food:

best breakfast: Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose and Cafe Verona on La Brea
best LATE NIGHT eat: Swingers

it is a hidden gem indeed and it is called La Creme Bakery. It is in the right hand corner of the same shopping center of Baja Fresh, between Corbin and Winnetka on Ventura Blvd. They have amazing cakes and the owner is really friendly. I have ordered lots of cakes from there, my favorites being the Chocolate Parisienne and the Tres Leches. Soooo good in fact that I chose them to do my wedding cake. Top notch bakery!!!

My thoughts on Doughboys can be summed up in three words....bland, hipster hype.
Good food? Where? I've gone here two times and actually left angry. Like, pissed that I got duped...again. Does the kitchen use salt? Is this a diabetic cafeteria masquerading as a ligitimate cafe? Please! Seasoning is a basic step in cooking and Doughboys needs some schooling on the subject. It's hospital food at best. Save your time and money.

I'm gonna have to just say it. This was the best breakfast I have ever had. Period. I can't believe that someone finally got it right! You would think that in a city as big as Los Angeles, that breakfast would be hard to screw up. Wrong. So many times I have left countless breakfast spots completely unimpressed and underwhelmed. If I can make it myself at home (I mean, it's eggs, come on!) then why go out for breakfast when it is usually done so...mediocre? Not the case here. Blu Jam is my new favorite breakfast spot (sorry Cafe Verona). The service is so friendly you would think you've been there before and the owner is so warm and gracious (rare). I had the eggs bohmeia which, ok I was hungover, was soooooo f-cking good I almost licked my plate. Absolutely delicious!! Good coffee to boot. All this in a cool place with good jazz playing. You can really tell when a place cooks with passion and soul. Please don't lose that!!! My only complaint is that the seating is a bit tight. But I can deal....

I also live around the corner and go here frequently. I love it. It's got a great covered patio that is like a little garden haven on busy la brea. The frittatas are excellent and come with a little side of a delicious sweet pototo mash! I've taken many people here and we always have a great breakfast. Sweet spot that not many people know about. It's my (not for long) hidden gem.

yup. that's the one. next to the motel and beauty salon.

I've always had a good experience there, but I also always go out to eat on Tuesday nights, when it's less busy. However, if the food is good, I'm willing to put up with less than stellar service 9 out of 10 times.

I use to live four blocks from this place and it IS fantastic. Must try the spicy scallops in lemon cup. It's not on the menu, but it's so refreshing and light. Another highlight is the spicy tuna with wonton chips. Great starter. As is the salmon tower. Fish is very fresh and I like the casual atmosphere. A real value for the money.

Luckily, you won't have to drive too far! I grew up in the valley and although I no longer live there, I can assure you that there are some good eats there. Here is my list of tops in no particular order. Some are fancy, some are dives, but they all have excellent food. Enjoy!

Mexican: Las Fuentes for affordable classics, Sol y Luna for food+ fun +margaritas.,
Senor Fred in Sherman Oaks for excellent upscale, though slightly
Gringofied, food and great margaritas. Also has the best happy hour bites in
town.

Indian: Anabargh is arguably the best in the entire LA area and it's in Woodland Hills.

Burgers: Boulevard Burgers for the best cheeseburgers and fantastic fries. Trust me.

Italian: Oliva in Sherman Oaks. The atmosphere is lacking, but the food is amazing.
Great seafood and pasta.

Persian: Shirin Restaurant is the best persian food in the valley hands down. Great
kabobs and rice. Huge portions.

Sushi: Katsu-Ya in Encino for their creative menu and rock shrimp tempura.
Iwata in Sheman Oaks for value and solid, fresh sushi.

BBQ- Dr. Hogley Wogley's in Van Nuys for Texas style barbeque. Dismal joint, but oh
so good! This place is a time warp.
Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks for great ribs and fried mac and cheese.

French: Mistral in Sherman Oaks for classic bistro fare.

Cal Asian- Max Restaurant in Sherman Oaks is wonderful. Always a great meal.
Perfect lumpia rolls and braised short ribs.

Bakery: Le Bon Bread makes fantastic almond croissants and other pastries.
La Creme Bakery for the tastiest tres leches cake.

Subs: Dan's Subs for straight forward hoagies.

Taquerias: El Tapatio on Victory Blvd makes some fiery, authentic tacos. The
carnitas, al pastor and carne asada are favorites. Awesome salsas.
Poquito Mas makes some surprisingly good carnitas tacos too.

I've had the tres leches cake at Vallarta's and thought it was cloyingly sweet, too aggressive and overly saturated with syrup. I've had a fantastic tres leches at a fairly unknown bakery in the valley called Plusko's in Canoga Park. Don't know if they still make them, but it, along with ALL of their cakes have always drawn rave reviews when I've served them....