PaulF's Profile
800 Degree Pizza Falls Flat
And that's why it's so crowded.
At that price, even students can eat there. It just so happens the OP for this thread chose to order the most expensive pizza on the menu. If everything on the menu cost $11.85 it would be a different discussion; the ROI for a 12 dollar pizza is different than for a 6 or 7 dollar pizza. But most people are having lunch/dinner there and getting change from a 10 dollar bill. That's rare for, as you say, a 14 inch pizza made with high quality ingredients.
I'm not sure you can get a low quality Pizza Hut pizza for that price.
For me -- I rarely if ever order pizza anywhere -- but I do like 800 degrees for the quality and the price.
800 Degree Pizza Falls Flat
In all honesty, 800 Degrees shouldn't even have take out boxes. I'm only sort of kidding.
Their pizza seems to be prepared to be eaten immediately -- anyone who does take out here is going to be disappointed.
Ramen Yamada-ya coming to Culver City in May
Not crazy.
We went there Saturday night right when the Lakers were playing and there was a short wait -- maybe 10 minutes. We attributed it (the relatively short wait) to the fact that the Lakers game was on. (We recorded it and watched it when we got home.)
So, not so crazy, possibly due to a local favorite team being in the playoffs.
We've also been to the WW location on Saturday night -- there was no wait at all there.
So, less crazy, but far from empty.
Ramen Yamada-ya coming to Culver City in May
I tried the chicken based ramen, the shoyu version. (In reading the menu, it was actually confusing as to which had a fish broth ... weird.)
I thought it was a very good bowl of noodles. I kept trying to compare it to a bowl of chicken noodle soup in a deli. It wasn't really the same.
Though I liked it, I'm not sure I liked it better than the pork based ramen (I also like the shoyu version of that.) The regular shoyu ramen is, to me, transcendent. On the other hand, I never feel well after eating it -- I feel woozy, light headed, almost drunk on pork richness. The chicken didn't knock me out for the evening.
I didn't think the spicy tuna rice bowl that came with the combo was all that great, wouldn't order it again.
A Saturday Night Dinner Near the Whiskey on Sunset
Seeing a show at The Whiskey next month. For the record, the Whiskey is located at 8901 West Sunset Boulevard, right on the The Strip.
The headliner won't go on until 11 or so, so we'd like to have dinner around nine o'clock, give or take.
We want to park once and eat and see the show, so I'm looking for places within half a mile, three quarters of a mile of The Whiskey.
I'm thinking about the Rainbow Bar and Grill. It's hard for me to believe, but after 30 years of seeing shows on The Strip at the Roxy, The Whiskey, Key Club and Gazzari's, I've never eaten in the Rainbow. I hear they have good chicken soup, but I'm not sure I want a bowl of chicken soup for dinner before the show. Maybe they have some other good things on the menu?
So, any recs within walking distance of The Whiskey. It'll be a Saturday night and it's only a couple of days from my birthday, so we're calling this a birthday dinner (if that matters.)
Chocolate Covered Strawberries - West LA? Today or tonight.
Thanks Swede.
I should let everyone know that my son's romantic gesture was derailed. He crashed on his bike (he's okay, just shaken up) and decided to go to sleep early. This morning, he stopped at the store and bought flowers.
Really appreciate all the recs -- hope that they came in handy for others as well. But we were not able to go out and buy any strawberries.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries - West LA? Today or tonight.
Yesterday during our Mother's Day celebration we had some chocolate covered strawberries from the King's Hawaiian Bakery in Torrance.
Tomorrow is my son's girlfriend's birthday and he would like to buy some similar strawberries, but we will not have time to drive to Torrance.
Any place to buy CCS in Westwood, West LA, Culver City, Palms, Mar Vista area would be great, even supermarkets would be okay, or a chocolate store. We need to buy them today or tongiht.
TIA
Cheap Lunch in Santa Monica?
The prices are a tiny bit higher than you specified (more like
I eat there every time I take my kid to see his doctor at the hospital over there. It's at the corner of 16th and Wilshire.
http://www.cafezella.com/menu.html
pickled everything in Silverlake?
UPDATE MAY 2012:
Was looking around for a store that sells their own pickles and sauerkraut and came across Kruegermann's. Anyone know of a place closer to the Westside? Or is this L.A.s place for pickles and pickled products?
Any Westside Farmer's Markets have homemade pickle products?
Thanks ...
Red Chili Beef Tamales at La Indiana Tamales
A search of the board for La Indiana Tamales only reveals some years-old threads, so I figured it was time for a quick rec:
My next door neighbor owns a bunch of commercial property downtown and when she is down there checking up on a tenant, she brings us back a sack of tamales from La Indiana Tamales.
She only brings us the red chili beef tamales, though a glance at their web site reveals a number of different types.
http://www.laindianatamales.com/home.html
I've never been to the shop myself (it's actually in East LA as far as I can tell), so I can't describe the atmosphere or the service or the parking or anything like that.
I can tell you the red chili beef tamale is damn good. It's got a nice spice (not really hot and spicy, though), great corn taste in the masa ... it's a good tamale. Greasy, though, your fingers will turn orange as you try to peel open the wrapper and the corn husks to get to the tamale.
I really like the texture of the meat in these tamales. It's so soft, it's almost creamy, softer than my mother's brisket.
Like I said, the threads that mention La Indiana are old, so I'm re-recommending and wondering if anyone else has tried any of the other tamales here.
1142 S. Indiana Street,
Los Angeles Ca 90023.
Telephone No.: (323) 262-4682
Fax No.: (323) 262-5013
Duke's Coffee Shop on Sunset ... gone ...
http://la.eater.com/archives/2012/04/20/dukes_on_sunset_shuttered_new_concept_moving_in.php
I'm a little nostalgic about this.
I don't remember ever going to it when it was in that motel in WeHo, but went pretty regularly to the Sunset location.
I liked it when it was divey. They had a couple of good burgers, some good breakfasts (including a scramble with hot peppers that I loved) and good diner coffee.
When they remodeled -- it was never the same. The old vibe was gone. The communal tables were gone. Some of the staff remained, which was nice, but the feeling was different. It felt ... corporate.
Some new beer and wine bar is moving in. End of an era -- nothing lasts forever.
Meatball Subs
Ronnie's has all around good food. I'm blanking on the meatloaf at the moment -- I think (not sure) it's a daily special. They might not have it every night. I'm sure I've enjoyed, but I don't remember if it's a Chow worthy meatloaf. Let's put it this way: Even if you don't think it's the greatest meatloaf you've ever had, you'll still think it's a good meal.
Ronnie's is a place I don't spend a lot of time recommending on the board. It's just good solid diner food, that's a bit healthier and less greasy than most diners. For example, I don't eat or drink much dairy -- and Ronnie's will give you a pitcher of soy milk for your coffee. Their breakfast is really great, to me.
When I started going there ten years ago, it wasn't very crowded.
Now they do a real good business on the weekends for breakfast. It's not packed at dinner time.
Just a nice, neighborhood spot.
And -- Kevin -- there is an Italian joint in the same parking lot called Vinny's. I've only been there a couple of times, but my son really likes it. They do a sub with meatballs and sausage and pepperoni (or something like that.) Give them a try, too.
Meatball Subs
Kevin, when I feel like eating a meatball sub, I always go to Victor Jr.s on Washington near the studio.
No idea if it's all beef or not.
Sorrento's has an interesting meatball sub. The sauce is more like gravy than a rich, red sauce. It's a little different than others I've had.
Last hurrah -- where to go?
Red Medicine is certainly doing well.
I remember that flap with the Times restaurant reviewer had a lot of people "vowing" never to eat there. They seem to have survived and thrived.
800° Degrees Pizza is now officially open for business - YAY!
Question on the crowd ...
Even though I work near Westwood, we went there on Saturday night so the kids could try it. The line was really long, maybe 70 people or so. We didn't stay.
For those who brave the crowds, is it worth it? I would have been willing to wait, but it looked like even when we got our pizza, there would be no place to sit. It was just packed. So, I guess my question is, even if you wait in the line, is it easy to sit and find a table and eat your pizza without feeling like you need to gobble really quick and get out. For me, the chaos seemed worse than the length of time.
For what it's worth, we just walked over to the WW Yamadaya. First time there after 20 visits to Culver City location. My shoyu ramen was very much the same. The karage chicken was a bit tastier in WW. The pork cutlet was less meaty than CC, though one order is hardly a fair sample size.
WW has octopus balls, didn't try them. They have no beer, which depressed me. At around 8 on Saturday, no wait for a table. Same time in CC and you'll wait 30 minutes at least.
Capriotti's
Capriotti's just opened a location in my neighborhood, Culver City, California.
Oddly enough, the opened up right across the street from Culver City's venerable Italian deli, Sorrento's, where I eat and buy groceries all the time.
But today on my Sorrento's run I noticed a big crowd at Capriotti's.
I only saw one reference on the board to Capriotti's -- in a thread about Jersey Mike's. (FWIW -- I tried Jersey Mike's, thought it was pretty good, not amazing.)
Anyone have any thoughts about Capriotti's. I must admit: I eat at chains sometimes for burgers (Fatburger, In and Out, Five Bros, Tommy's), but I admit to a prejudice against chain sub places. Not really into Quizno's. Subway only when there is nothing else around Jersey Mike's once or twice.
Still, I'm curious about Capriotti's and wonder why I would go there when our neighborhood has at least three mom-and-pop Italian sub places that we like.
TIA
Five Guys vs. In-N-Out? [moved from Los Angeles board]
I've worked and lived on the westside for my whole life. I've driven by Marty's 50,000 times. For some reason, I've never stopped in.
Next week, I'm going.
Why Do Restaurants Decline Over Time?
I thought this article from Slate was very interesting.
Didn't agree with everything, but liked this part:
"I was particularly struck by this because he applies it as an explanation of the general phenomenon of restaurant decline, which I think is better explained by a very different model. Imagine some diners are, by temperament, venturesome while others are regulars. Over the long term, the best business strategy is to appeal to regulars since they offer a stable client base. But when a restaurant is new, it by definition lacks regulars and needs to appeal to venturesome diners both to get an initial wave of customers and also to attract "buzz" and get the temperamental regulars in the door. Over time, a successful restaurant will attempt to switch and become more a place for regulars, which means that venturesome diners will come to like it less. At the same time, alienating venturesome foodies is very low cost because being venturesome they would perceive their own growing familiarity with the food as declining quality one way or the other. One reason venturesome foodies like Cowen particularly enjoy very "authentic" "ethnic" restaurants is that what counts as comfort food for the Annandale Korean community (thus ensuring the existence of a sustainable business model) counts as venturesome dining for the mainstream American diner."
Here is the link: http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2012/04/16/why_do_restaurants_decline_over_time_.html
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
Good rec.
I've been enjoying Elijah Craig lately.
The Beverage Warehouse in my neighborhood gets a whole barrel bottled after taste testing and the bottle I've got is really nice. I'm not expert enough to note the distinctive flavors -- I just like it.
Dango Mochi & Mar Vista breakfast
One extra note to dshea77:
Pepy's Galley is cash only.
It's also the safest restaurant in L.A. The place is always filled with police officers.
Pancakes R Us in Costa Mesa
Here is their about page.
http://pancakesrus.com/?page_id=2
I hope the IHOPIness of the place isn't a deterrent. I don't like IHOP very much, but did enjoy PrU.
Maybe it's an IHOP if IHOP was good.
Lawrence of India has fantastic Indian/Goan food!
I live around the corner from TM and so does Lawrence. I chatted with him once about why the location change, but I can't remember what he said. Nice guy.
Pancakes R Us in Costa Mesa
Just wanted to briefly recommend Pancakes R Us in Costa Mesa.
My son had a game in Costa Mesa and we had time to kill between the time his coaches wanted him dropped off and the start of the game.
There are plenty of Denny's and other chains on Harbor Boulevard down there, but we wanted something more "local." So, we Chowhounded and Yelped and decided to breakfast at a place called Pancakes R Us.
PRU is the type of place most towns have, for some reason the vibe said "San Pedro" but it could have been Long Beach or Lakewood. It's the place those who live in the neighborhood go.
Though it was jamming at 10 am on a Saturday, we lucked out and were seated right away. The restaurant has indoor seating and a covered patio. We got an indoor booth in a corner. The busperson asked for our drink order right away and brought over two carafes of coffee (I drink decaf, oh well). The carafes were full and we were able to refill our own coffee through the meal. It wasn't the most awesome coffee of all time but it was strong and hot and it tasted like coffee. It was fine.
The menu is extensive (I only really focused on the breakfast, but it looked like they had an extensive sandwich/lunch menu, too. None of the breakfasts I considered were for the feint of heart -- they seem to specialize in big combos with multiple meats, eggs, and pancakes.
I had the "Classic Combo" not to be confused with the "Big Classic Combo." It had two eggs (over easy for me), two pancakes, two sausage links, two strips of ham, two strips of bacon and a pile of hash browns for 9.49. It was a ridiculous amount of food, but good enough to finish. The pancakes were very good, for what it's worth, but the best thing on the plate were the eggs. Over easy isn't always easy to do -- if they timing if off they sit before being served and harden a bit or whites burn a little. They did these perfectly, I was impressed. (I like to eat pancakes without syrup or butter -- and if you think that's weird, I also prefer salt and pepper on french toast -- and I broke one of the yokes over the pancakes and it was perfectly the way I liked it.)
My wife had Pigs in a Blanket. She was only able to finish two of the four (though a couple of starving rugby players finished them off after the game). She said it was good, though, and they brought her warm maple syrup for dipping.
Judging from what others were eating, the crepes might be the thing to get here. It looked like every table had some crepes on them.
Very friendly and attentive service.
All in all, I recommend Pancakes R Us. I wouldn't drive to CM from WLA just to eat there, but if I find myself down there for another game some time, I'd definitely return.
Pancakes R Us is on 17th between Santa Ana and Tustin.
http://pancakesrus.com/
Gallegos Mexican Deli (Mar Vista) is Closing
That's sad.
But, honestly, it was never the same after they moved from 15th and Broadway.
I'm Sick of These Threads
I have a suggestion for you or anyone else who doesn't like to see the threads they are no longer interested in jumping to the top of the list of threads on their profile page.
Right above the topics, there is a toggle that allows you to switch from "recent activity" (which is triggered by anyone who posts in a thread and is the reason why old threads you aren't interested in keep jumping to the top) and "my post date" (which lists the thread topics by when you last participated.)
If you toggle to the latter, then threads you are no longer participating in no longer jump to the top of the list of topics. Basically, it changes the list to your most recent interests, not the most recent interests of other posters.
Give it a shot. It's not a perfect solution, but it might work for you.
Last Post or Date Started?
I'm curious to know if people elect to keep their CH setting on Last Post or Date Started?
I've always kept it on Last Post. But I decided I hate opening "new" threads that are actually bumped up threads from 2005 or whatever. (I'd love to know why people feel the need to post a response to years-old threads -- especially when they are answering a question like "I'll be in L.A. over the weekend and need a vegetarian-friendly French restaurant ... because if the question was posted in 2004 it's pretty likely the original poster has come and gone from L.A.)
I started thinking that it would be great if, along with seeing a date stamp for the most recent post, there was also a date stamp for the original post -- even if your setting is on Last Post and not Date Started -- because I personally would like to avoid wasting my time reading old threads that have been bumped to the top.
But before I made that suggestion, I figured I'd give Date Started a try.
Does anyone else keep their setting on Date Started and do you find that preferable to Last Post?
(You can tell I'm on deadline at work, because a post like this is half genuine curiosity and interest and about half "i need to keep procrastinating.)
Thanks for indulging me ... truly interested in the responses.
Thai in culver city area
I have a thing for one of their dishes, a spicy seafood spaghetti thing ... so, I was just curious.
