that episode sounds interesting, i must catch it on rerun - this is one of my fav restaurants in la - the food is very polished and thoughtful. i'm not very knowledgeable about chefs but i recently learned that Michael Cimarusti used to the be the chef at Water Grill, which used to be my fav restaurant until i discovered providence...figures i must just really like his cooking :)

thanks for the Lu Gi recommendation! i'm taking a drive to SGV this weekend - can't wait, my mouth is already watering..

I like:
Japanese - Mitsuwa in Torrance and Santa Monica
Chinese - 168 Market in Alhambra (good/cheap live seafood selection)
Korean - Galleria Market/Han Nam in Koreatown (both on Olympic)

I have never had Chinese hot pot - I've heard so much about it and can't wait to try this tongue numbing experience. Where can I go to get properly introduced to this dish in LA or its vincinities?