cagey's Profile
The Sandwich at Roma Deli
re: pretense and price:
Agree with you on that. Roma reminds me of what Bay Cities (in Santa Monica) used to be like in the late 80s.... before the deluge.
The Sandwich at Roma Deli
I'll throw in with the "fan base" here on this one as well. Just went by to pick up a few "Sandwiches" for co-workers and was not disappointed. A real Italian cold-cut-sandwich purist's delight. Perhaps I envisioned a "humble sandwich" but this one really filled me up. I could not see knocking a second one back - or even another 1/2 a sandwich. Price is really unbeatable for the quality.
Rosario was at his perch, friendly and amicable. "57 years I've been here..." I felt like I just received a "hiyooo" from Ed McMahon himself. The smells alone (as you walk in) were a real delight. Next time, I'll stock up on cheeses.
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
>>>>in a scant 6 hours of LA grazing
Good lord man, 6 hours! You didn't say you were on a "bombing run!" Logistics alone for your foray was daunting to say the least. Am again sorry that I led you astray on LB's. I work nearby and occasionally do Friday-lunch with fellow Caltech folks - nowhere near as determined in their culinary perfections.
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
Show me pre-dunked bread on a ploughman's plate and I'll show you a.... er,.... well... Not sure what that would be. ( I've shot at one once.)
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
>>>Today was just one of those things (bad beer, etc.) that seem to tumble downhill.
I feel like I owe you one.
>>So is Pink's generally not looked on as kosher?
Not to stray off topic, but I don't know if it's kosher as you might relate to an east-coast ripper dog or a chicago dog. Pinks is fine if you can stand up to (and see past) the hype.
>>The lamb french dip was rather underwhelming but the bread much less ersatz.
You have me scratching my head here. At Philippe's, the bread usually plays 3rd fiddle to the meats (mostly with soppy, soaked up juice).
...and gosh, had I known you were so adamant in your quest I might have given more details about LB's shortcomings - of which there are MANY. Do try the King's Head in Santa Monica next time you're around. The fayre there (menu items) are worth the trip alone. Cheers.
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
Well, then I guess I should be flogged. My apologies for a wasted trip.
I noted in my response that what LB's had was "good" Cheddar and Stilton. Maybe not to your standards, but it's hard to find the real thing around here unless you go to a fancy cheese shop and build it yourself. (There simply aren't any Neil's Yard shops around when you need one.) Did not fully understand your desire for imported cheese. (Was it THAT bad?!)
Perhaps I did not take into account the quest for beer perfection either. I have noted on occasion that LB's does have "flat" tasting beer lines. I've had outstanding pints there, and dismal ones.
I really don't find the bread that "ersatz." (And yes, I have seen that type of bland french baguette type served all over the UK). It's french bread in a city where such bread isn't really the strong suit. I've never seen someone get so frothy about a loaf of french bread..... sliced, hacked, cut, or otherwise. (??) I never centered my enjoyment of a Ploughman's lunch based on the bread. I think you seek the dry, crusty, baking-soda tasting bread that certain italian restaurants find appealing? Dunno, it's just me.
Again sorry. I recommended it because I have yet to find another "pub" in LA that has a ploughman's lunch even close to what I used to get in my travels to Shropshire, Yorkshire, Somerset, or even London. And even there, I've had some "lame substitutes" in the mix.
You had a lot of *hard* and intransigent prerequisites there. Good luck in your quest.
(Pinks? Chili dog? really.... Hmmm).
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
>>>>However, don't be lulled in into thinking that everything at Lucky Baldwins is authentic British pub fare.
Well stated. I would stay far away from their sandwiches, as well as their F & C. (The Golden Hind, Marylebone, they are *not*). Far better F & C to be found at Robin Hood Pub or Kings Head.
Noting that the OP's enquiry was for a proper ploughman's, between Lucky's, Robin Hood, and King's head -- imo Lucky's wins out in my book.
rec's near LMU , Playa del Rey
Sold me Servorg. I haven't been to Panns since my gramps passed when he lived nearby - some 20 years ago. A 2/3 patty melt worth munching? Count me in.
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
I've searched LA far and wide for a good ploughmans (with prerequisites above) and found the best and brightest to be at Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena.
Prerequisites:
- English Cheese - Check. Good Cheddar and Stilton
- Pickled onions (preferably lots of) - Available on request
- Branston Pickle - Check. (I usually request extra).
- Non ersatz bread (ideally unheated but will likely have to let that prerequisite go) Check. They have french baguettes heated or otherwise. Again I ask an extra portion to handle all the cheeze and branstons.
- Looks akin to attached! - No fruit. No problem. Ploughman's plate is look-alike, only larger.
- Beer available on premises. Good Lord. Plenty actually, and great choices. If you require Fullers ESB or a few of the usual English imported kegs, they have them. (Sadly, they pale to the real thing in UK). Guinness usually works well for me.
Not sure how far you'll have to go, but it is "feasible."
Good luck, happy hunting.
Lucky Baldwins Pub - hhttp://www.luckybaldwins.com/iweb/ (I usually frequent the original on Raymond St.
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Right across the road (and on a recommendation from our concierge at Tulemar this past summer) we tried Kapi Kapi one evening. Was pleasantly surprised. It's slightly on the pricey side - but someone tell me what *isn't* priced up in M.A. I had excellent homemade lobster ravioli and wife had a very good filet mignon.
My son enjoys the kick @#$ burger at Aqua Azul down the road. Excellent view, and far better food that El Avion (although Avion's ambience is ok for an appetizer and drink). It's nearly impossible to find a good burger in Costa Rica, so Azul stands out.
Down the road (toward Quepos) there's a place called Rancho Tipical Bijagual. Wife (who is a Tica) is partial to the typical cooking - the chicharrones are very good (and possibly the only ones you'd find w/out driving into Quepos). You won't be blown away by the ambience but if you're looking for a respite from the commercialization element.
Australian Lobster tails - retail
Well, to round this thread out..... Did purchase Brazilian tails from Sprouts @ that same price. Gelsons Honduras tails were the size of tiger shrimps.... No go. We will see how they taste. Thanks Servorg and Dommy for tips.
Australian Lobster tails - retail
Thanks Dommy. Yes Sprouts has "brazilian" tails for that price (or slightly more). I'm going to check out SM Seafood first - then if I get cold feet on the price, I'll settle for the Honduran tails from Gelson's. Thx again. Happy New Year.
Australian Lobster tails - retail
Not able to get through (past corporate office). Suspect these guys are more wholesalers? Again, thanks Servorg.
Australian Lobster tails - retail
SM Seafood does have them - at $54.99 a pound. A step up from Bristol Farms. Fish King, $59 per pound. Getting warmer. I'll keep searching, thanks!
Australian Lobster tails - retail
I've searched previous posts on this, and found quite a bit on where to buy whole Maine lobsters. We're looking to find some Australian lobster tails for New Years. In previous years, Costco (and other stores) carried them. Now, the only ones they carry are the Brazilian tails. Other markets (Gelson's, Sprouts, etc) also have Brazilian and/or tails from Honduras. Same bug I would assume - greenish in color. However, I have found them to be inferior to cold-water Aussie tails.
The only store I've found thus far that sells Aussie tales is Bristol Farms - at $79 a pound. Ouch. If anyone can tell me where else to look, I'd appreciate it. (No, we're not looking for whole Mainers but thanks.)
ABC Seafood (?) Kind of Reopens
>>Whatever you liked at Full House you will like here.
Is that so?!? I used to get their Wor Won Ton soup at the old location and it was great. And now that "B's Won Tons" is no more (moved to San Gabriel) I'm wondering if ABC will offer that as well.
As for the roast pork, a pic is worth 1,000 drools. Thanks.
Playa Del Rey - House Sitting
Confirmed with staff of Hacienda Del Rey (Westchester) that the owners are aiming for late November opening of Hacienda Playa. I doubt it'll be that quick, but the balls rolling.
A welcome addition to the PDR neighborhood.
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Hacienda Del Rey
8347 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Playa Del Rey - House Sitting
I do know the owners and most of the waiters up at HDR, so maybe i'll pop in this weekend to ask. Would be nice to add another decent mexican place with good margaritas to the canyon there. Last one I recall was Acapulco's across the street in the late 80s.
Playa Del Rey - House Sitting
Agree on Beri's demise. Hacienda as in "del rey" folks? Expansion or move? Curious.
Tito's Tacos T.V. Ad This AM in Los Angeles
Good lord.... I think I fished it out another way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDUxp5dE9us.
ugh.... did I have to watch it again?
I will actually be working in Culver City tomorrow and damn you if this didn't give me a hankering for 2 tacos and a beef burrito!?!!? @#$#$%
Tito's Tacos T.V. Ad This AM in Los Angeles
Servorg, I'm with you on this one. If it's the ad I'm thinking of (broken youtube link aside), it's one of the worst, cheeziest and dated ads ever. And uh, annoying. Count me among the "love" Tito's crowd (in moderation these days of course), but the commercial is embarrassing. I suspect it's run by cable / satellite companies as a local ad and appears pretty much day or night. People in the ad look pretty "80s" to me as well, check the hairdo and shades on the guy at the end of the commercial. Boardwalk, Venice, 1987 brah.
Try not to think of the commercial as you stand in line or you'll somehow feel douched.....
How Are These Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica?
Have to admit I'm partial to Gilbert's for the same reasons. Known the family, early Sunday breakfasts with margaritas, Fernando's Burritos after SMC.... many moons ago. I can't argue with the "cash only" policy, only because a super mule still runs just under $10 bucks.
2 a.m. in any city (not just Santa Monica) is very limited. It was either La Cabana or Tom's #5 on Ocean (predates Tommy's) or Topp's (current location of Tommy's). I never had a problem with La Cabana at 2:00 a.m. frankly. Again, I'm not the 2:00 a.m. diner that I once was....
Between Gilbert's, Lares, and Don Antonio's, it all depends on the mood (and the type of dish I'm craving.) Each holds a niche.
Hound-worthy Mexican with good margaritas and ambience?
Yxta looks very nice actually. Must have missed that in the list above. I'll try it some evening on my way back home.
Not mentioned here (but in other CH posts) was La Sirena just off Sepulveda between El Segundo and Manhattan Beach. (I think westsidegal once commented on it, but I'd like her take now based on the new criteria from the O.P.) The thing about "bright shiny restaurants" kind of takes away some of the"ambiance," but that's just personal preference. (Echo-chambers aren't my thing.)
Both Yxta and Sirena look rather pricey too (for what you get). Correct me if I'm wrong.
Hound-worthy Mexican with good margaritas and ambience?
Wow, if Mr. Gold can't completely satisfy an answer to the "big 3" requirements there (decent food, ambiance and serviceable margaritas), then who can?
I'm sure this debate will rage on, but I find it difficult to get all 3. And reviewing the suggestions above - which are noble, if not subjective - I usually have to sacrifice one to get the other(s). I grew up loving the "Pico Corridor" (of Lares, Gilbert's, Don Antonio's, El Sarape) and more recently Tlapazola on the west side, which are ok, but not "great." Have since tried 90% of the others on the list - but none seems to satisfy the Big 3 itch.
I hope this thread stays alive and suggestions keep rolling in.
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Don Antonio's
11755 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
El Sarape Restaurant
11520 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
What happened to Hakata?
That does make me a bit sad.... But hardly a surprise. When previous owner Margie sold the place about 10+ years ago, it took a bit of a dip in my book. Assuming it's closed for good, it will always have a place in my heart (along with Noma further down Wilshire) as my first real intro to sushi back in the 70s. And a fun place to meet up with buddies for a drink and late evening meal. Nothing in S.M. lasts forever it seems -- (including me). Hope it's only temporary, but just in case, RIP Hakata.
Good Vietnamese supermarkets in Alhambra/Rosemead/Monterey Park?
Yes, got it... understood. I will be making a foray this Friday into Alhambra/Rosemead so I'll try a few of the above suggestions. It'll be tough to get a laundry-list of items from any one store. (In fact, it's impossible at ABC as well, since you have dozens of bakeries, sandwich places, etc adjacent to it in the mini mall).
Thanks for all the feedback.
Good Vietnamese supermarkets in Alhambra/Rosemead/Monterey Park?
Great, thanks. Shun fat *looks* about like what I'd need. I can also try 168 as well. Heading further afoot toward El Monte might be out of my way a bit, but.... That one-stop-shop ideal in Westminster is hard to beat though.
Good Vietnamese supermarkets in Alhambra/Rosemead/Monterey Park?
Recently made a trip down to Little Saigon to ABC supermarket (bolsa @ magnolia). While having gone to the other stores in that shopping center (che cali, pho, bbq, bakery, etc.) this was really a great market to pick up all things Vietnamese. Great (!) fish selection, and they even had Daikon already prepared (which made a great addition to a pulled pork bbq sandwiches we had over Memorial Day). Noodles, meatballs, etc. in deli section, decent selection of fruit and veggies. Very busy, but a terrific stop.
My question (to those familiar with ABC down there), is there a comparable supermarket (Vietnamese) in Alhambra or Monterey Park? (Not sure if Ranch 99, Hawaii, or 168 fits that bill). Or if there's perhaps even something similar in Chinatown proper (considering the influx of vietnamese influence). ABC Supermarket in Westminster would be tough to beat for the all-around shopping splurge, but I'm looking for something that's on my path to and from work. Thanks.
Won Ton Soup (for on the go) - Chinatown
I like Yum Cha Cafe for what it is. Cheap bowl of won ton soup. Still looking though for that great broth and spicy wontons that used to be thick on the ground in Chinatown. Have they all moved to Alhambra/Monterrey park (and in comes Thai and Vietnamese)? Don't get me wrong, I love both but sometimes still crave simple classic wor wonton soup. Keep C-town suggestions coming (if any). Thanks.
