archer's Profile
Passover Dessert
For tradition's sake, we have a few sips of the old Concord Grape during the Seder service, but decided long ago to then defy tradition and have good, real wine (non-Kosher/passover) w/ the actual dinner.
Thanks to all for excellent suggestions, which I will definitely explore. I'm thinking that the Victor Benes' fruit tart sounds good (and very convenient to pick up); I also want to check out other possibilities. Delice Bakery in particular looks interesting.
Passover Dessert
Thanks for the tips. This is not at all an observant group so it just needs to be appropriate for Passover, not certifiably kosher (i.e. flourless is fine). However, I suspect that I will likely find the best selection in a kosher bakery.
Passover Dessert
Need to bring a cake to serve 8 to seder. Preferably from bakery in Beverly Hills/Beverlywood area, but Sherman Oaks to No. Hollywood would be fine as well (would rather not go east of La Cienega, West of Bev Hills or in Valley, west of Sherman Oaks, which unfortunately rules out Bea's) Also, nothing too expensive, no more than $25 at most. Used to get delicious apricot/marzipan dessert fr: European bakery that's now closed. Would love to find something similar, but open to all suggestions.
Studio City/NoHo on a budget
Definitely recommend Daichan--warm, casual, tasty Japanese country cooking, very reasonable. Sri Siam is delicious, but be aware that it is brightly lit storefront w/ no real ambiance (Great food however). Also agree w/ Ramen Jinya recommendation w/ proviso that they don't have a wine/beer license yet (at least last time I checked) & you cannot BYOB. Also suggest Mantee in Studio City, wonderful Armenian/Meditterranean on Ventura Blvd w/ lovely patio. W/in budget, particularly if you order a selection of their small plates & appetizers, which I find more interesting than their entree kabobs.
Hard question: Sushi meal under 30 bucks per person??? Where would you go?
I usually spend right around $30 for delicious, fresh sushi at Iwata in Sherman Oaks (that's probably w/ tax, but not including sake or tip). If you order carefully & don't have a huge appetite, you may be able to pay a bit less as well. Also agree w/ Don Sasabune in Studio City for truly bargain sushi (excellent fish, same as expensive Sasabune, limited selection, combo specials $12-$15)
Restuarant on Ventura - I need help!!!!
Boneyard seems the most likely, but it is a block east of Woodman (but is it possible brother is mistaken about location?). From description, it seems that OP is looking for a restaurant between Woodman & Van Nuys, on the north side of street (which eliminates Jinkys & Senor Fred)
Goup of 8-10, Santa Monica-ish, cheap-ish?
I was at Warszawa a long time ago & recall it being more, but I suspect the difference may be the price of drinks/wine, rather than the food, which probably is comparable in cost.
Goup of 8-10, Santa Monica-ish, cheap-ish?
I've actually found both restaurants less $ than Warszawa, but it probably depends on how one orders (particularly @ Musha). My average bill @ Musha is never more than $30 (which includes plenty of sake). Not much more @ Tlapazola (entree under $20+1 margarita+ 1 coffee). But it's a good idea for OP to check on-line menus and see if either are w/in budget.
We're eloping! Where should we celebrate, just the two of us.
How about Fig (delicious food) & the Fairmont Miramar. You can be relaxed and not have to worry about transportation once you get to Santa Monica. Plus, there's something particularly romantic about waking up near the water..
Goup of 8-10, Santa Monica-ish, cheap-ish?
Another vote for Tlapazola. Also, you could get a tatami room @ Musha on Wilshire, if Japanese small plates appeal to your group.
Drinks, snacks and good jazz?
Can't help w/ OC, but in L.A., there's Vibrato on top of Beverly Glen (elegant restaurant owned by Herb Alpert, good but expensive food, excellent jazz, nice bar). Catalina in Hollywood is classic, great jazz; not so great, but acceptable food (opt for simplest, least expensive dishes) and fine drinks. Also in Valley (on Tujunga) is Upstairs @ Vitello's for good jazz, tasty pizza, drinks. And in downtown L.A., recommend Blue Whale for cool ambiance, terrific jazz, often draws a younger crowd, a favorite of young up-and-coming musicians. No traditional table service, but tasty snacks and a solid bar (and lots of food choices in area as well)
Where to get good breakfast AND good coffee
Also highly recommend Nat's Early Bite for great breakfast, ranging from classics to delicious, spicy Mexican-style choices; their coffee though is just adequate (but drinkable).
Where to get good breakfast AND good coffee
Sweet Butter in Sherman Oaks has delicious breakfasts (great eggs, pastries, hot cereal, etc) and serves excellent Intelligensia coffee.
Italian Pine Nuts in L.A.?
I eat the pine nuts from TJs often (use in salads) & find them to be very good as well as extremely well priced. However, I checked my bag & it says "product of Vietnam, Russia & Korea" so clearly not what you're looking for. However, I've never had any ill-effects from eating them.
I used to get my pine nuts from Whole Foods & they're definitely excellent (probably better than TJ) but switched to TJ for economical reasons when they became so expensive.
Ellen DeGeneres Opening Vegan Restaurant -- ??
Bokado is (was?) further east, near Whitsett. Or are you thinking of something else? I'm looking forward to the vegan restaurant; glad it will be nearby. Any info on when it will open?
Cooks County--Has Anyone Tried?
Thanks! I look forward to trying, particularly since it indeed seems very affordable.
Cooks County--Has Anyone Tried?
Curious about Cooks County, new restaurant opened in old Bistro LQ space. Menu looks excellent and very reasonable.
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Bistro LQ
8009 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048
good, authentic chinese food in/near sherman oaks?
Definitely Sam Woo. Great roast duck, roast pork. Excellent calamari. I think best, most authentic Chinese in Valley by far (at least in Mid to East Valley; have not tried any Chinese west of Encino).
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Sam Woo Cafe
727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Business Lunch in Sherman Oaks or Encino
Just east of Sherman Oaks (Ventura & Coldwater) is Pinot Bistro, which is elegant and always reliable for this type of lunch.
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Pinot Bistro
12969 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Any casual, cheap Parisian-style couscous places in LA area?
Recommend Simon's Cafe in Sherman Oaks (on Sepulveda Blvd., south of Ventura). Very casual cafe style, personal service from Simon himself, similar to the feel of Algerian places in Paris. Note that the delicious tagines & couscous dishes are large and can easily be shared by 2 people w/ maybe the addition of a shared appetizer and/or salad.
Ombra? New in Studio City
Agreed. I should have followed up after eating there. Went about a month or so ago & loved everything we had. A much needed and appreciated addition to Valley dining! Pasta was excellent (had the cavatelli w/ dungeness crab). We also thoroughly enjoyed the octopus salad. Highly recommended! Added plus is low corkage ($8, I think) which helps keep the price down. Looking forward to returning (and maybe trying the pasta tasting)!
One notch down from Providence/Melisse - recommendation sought
Foundry is of course not the dining experience of Providence, but it has a beautiful, inviting patio, carefully prepared, very well-priced food (as well as no or very low corkage) and entertaining jazz in bar to enjoy w/ a post-dinner drink.
Also agree w/ Ray's recommendation--particularly nice if you tie it to a LACMA visit
Free Corkage In or Near Studio City?
Not free, but Ombra in Studio City has reasonable $8 corkage; delicious Italian--an excellent and much needed addition to the Valley.
Need a great "salads" restaurant in LA...thoughts?
Momed, M Cafe and Urth, all in Beverly Hills.
Also Melrose locations for M Cafe and Urth (which of course too is in Santa Monica).
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Momed
233 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Romantic restaurant for 30th birthday, don't want to spend too much more than $100
Great idea! The free corkage & b-day coupon will definitely bring the meal in on or under budget. Plus you can enjoy the museum first, which I always find romantic. And, if you go on Friday, you have the bonus of jazz fr: 6--8. .
Hound-worthy Mexican with good margaritas and ambience?
Agree that Tlapazola doesn't have much ambiance (assume you're talking about one on Gateway), but disagree about drinks. They have a wide selection of tequilas and when I've been there, a very accommodating bartender took pride in his very good margaritas (and he will adjust them if needed according to your preference).
San Fernando Valley,... food and music??
*Charlie O's is on Victory, just west of Woodman
San Fernando Valley,... food and music??
Highly recommend Charlie O's for great jazz, good drinks & beer, solid (not distinctive) food. Wonderful old-style bar/club ambiance. Much more expensive, but excellent food is Vibrato @ top of Beverly GLen (just beyond Valley limits). Elegant dining, wonderful jazz (many of same musicians who play Charlie O's for much less $)
Romantic 30th birthday on a weekday (and a budget)
How about Restaurant 2117 on Sawtelle? Low-key but appealing ambiance; delicious, interesting menu. The a la carte menu is reasonable. You could combine sharing some small plates & maybe one larger entree. Or, perhaps the more extensive prix fixe @ $38 would work if you save $ by bringing your own wine. Corkage is only $10.
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Restaurant 2117
2117 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Where's someplace great for dessert that's not a usual suspect?
Natas Portuguese Bakery (and cafe) in Sherman Oaks (Ventura & Fulton). Delicious sweet & savory Portuguese pastries--particularly great natas, of course.
