recovering_vegetarian's Profile
New(ish) restaurant on Washington Blvd. in Mar Vista area?
Sorry you had such a bad experience, dillah. I tried the place about a week ago, and was pleasantly surprised. The boyfriend and I shared the burrata pie, pepperoni pizza and house salad. All were definitely worth ordering again. I was especially delighted by the pepperoni pizza, perhaps because I'm not much of a meat-eater and had low expectations. The fresh basil really made it special. Also, our service was fantastic--super attentive and efficient. Since I've only been once, I have no idea if that's the norm. I'll definitely give it another shot, though. I hope you'll do the same.
Another great dinner at Quinoa
This is a very suspicious thread... I mean, there is no info online about a restaurant called "Quinoa" or even evidence that one exists. And the only positive reviews (if you can call them that) were written by people with no other posts... What the hell is going on here?
New(ish) restaurant on Washington Blvd. in Mar Vista area?
I was driving west on Washington Blvd. tonight and passed a restaurant that I'd never seen/noticed before. It had large windows facing the blvd, and all I could see was the word "YES" in large red letters. I only caught a glimpse, but it looked kind of modern or maybe even gastropub-y. Anyone know what this is? I can't remember the cross street... maybe somewhere around Walgrove? It was the Mar Vista/MDR/Venice neighborhood. I've tried searching on this board, and I did a Google search-- nothing. Anyone?
P.O.G., (the Hawaiian drink) where can I find it in LA?
I'm not sure what you mean by "frozen" POG. I was born and raised in Hawaii, and the only POG I ever drink came in a can by Hawaiian Sun (so to me, that is the "authentic" kind.) If that type will satisfy your craving, you should head to Mitsuwa on Venice & Centinela in West LA--or even Long's Drugs. The one I go to (at Palms @ Sepulveda) often carries 6-packs.
Last minute HELP: Downtown Culver City
What about Gyenari? You could do traditional Korean BBQ in the dining room or fusion small plates in the lounge; both options would fit into your budget just fine, and the atmosphere is really nice.
Honestly, you could probably do any of the nice restaurants in downtown Culver City for that budget. Even Fraiche isn't that expensive, compared to other places of its caliber in other neighborhoods. It mostly depends on how much you drink with your meal, and what your ordering style is (each person gets 3 courses vs. share 1 app and 1 dessert, etc.)
Venice/MDR Cheap &/Or Unique Eats
I've never been to Hal's, so I can't comment on the service there. However, a lot of restaurants ask you to close out your bar tab before you are seated. It's not an uncommon policy at all; it's to ensure that the bartender gets paid for the service he/she is providing.
Best Saturday brunch/lunch near Venice?
I second 26 Beach. I am absolutely in love with their French toast(s), but they have lots of healthier options as well. And the interior is really cute, especially if you sit in the enclosed patio.
I also like 3 Square on Abbot Kinney for brunch.
Fresh Squeezed Juices
Not sure how "fresh" it needs to be, but most grocery stores carry pure lemon or lime juice in those little yellow or green fruit-shaped bottles. I've bought them from my local Albertson's before to cook with.
Star Struck Friend Coming to Town
"You stay in one spot in LA long enough and you're bound to see someone famous"
True. Every restaurant I've worked at in this city has drawn celebrities--and I've never worked at Spago, Cut, or any place of that caliber.
If you really want to see someone famous, I'd say pick a shopping street over a particular restaurant. Melrose, Robinson and Montana are all good places to start--spend an hour walking around, focusing on the coffee shops, and you're bound to spot someone.
If you're really after one particular restaurant that will always have someone famous in it at any given time, your best bet is a studio cafeteria... if you can get past security, of course :-)
Best Mac n Cheese In LA?
I haven't been impressed with much else on their menu but I swear to God, the Mac & Cheese at Rush Street (Culver City) is the best I've ever had. It falls into the "more cheesy than creamy" category.
CHEAP drinks in santa monica?? help!!
Dive bars aren't really my thing (nor are they Santa Monica's thing) so instead I focused on the "AND amazing happy hours" part of the question.
CHEAP drinks in santa monica?? help!!
These are all good suggestions. As far as Border Grill goes, the drink specials are $4 margaritas, mojitos, and house beer and wine--a steal, considering the margaritas are usually $12+
And if you like beer, Barney's just may be your best bet.
I've also heard that Warszawa on Lincoln has a good HH, but I've never been.
You could also head to Main Street and check out Enterprise Fish Company. I'm blanking on the prices, but I have memories of their happy hour being really good...
Killer Shrimp recipe [split from L.A. board]
I've heard there is a stick of butter in every order. Is that just a rumor, or is it true? (Actually, I don't know if I even want to know...)
Killer Shrimp?
There were two locations--on Ventura, and in MDR. The one in the Valley closed a while back; the one on the West Side closed more recently, but it's still been a few months. I joined their mailing list so that they would keep me updated (since they said they were relocating, not closing) but I still haven't heard anything. Sadly to say, I think it's over.
The Counter MDR
Ha. I love that a post on the Counter turned into a debate of Father's Office vs. Boneyard Bistro (BTW, I don't think I could ever justify spending $20+ on a burger... well, that's not true--but the ingredients would have to be a lot more impressive than the ones listed here! And $19 for Velveeta? Seriously?!)
Back to the Counter... Burger Boy, I think that by ordering the basic cheese burger, you kind of missed the point here. As weird as it may seem, the burgers aren't what the Counter is about (although I do like the turkey burger)--it's the toppings, and the fact that you can customize everything. It is a great place for people like me, who like to experiment with different flavor combinations and get bored with food easily. It's not so great for people who are burger purists. I mean, the burger patties are pre-frozen, after all. Their shakes, though, are excellent. And as for the common gripes: I've never had a bun fall apart. This might be because I never order the beef patty, or it might have to do with what toppings you choose? Also, they don't mean to have the fries come out with the burgers--that's why they are listed as "starters" on the menu. I'm not saying I agree with that idea, but it is part of their whole concept. I'm also not saying the Counter is amazing, but I do appreciate it for what it is.
Absolut LA vodka--where is it?
I just saw it the other night at a random liquor store on Venice Blvd. (can't remember the cross street, but it had to have been somewhere between Hughes and Sepulveda). If it's there, I'm sure it's in many other places.
Deep Fried Jalapeno Stuffed with Cream Cheese
I also appreciated the Sinead :-)
And: Even though this is sooooo un-chowhoundish of me, I also appreciate the stuffed jalapenos at Jack N' The Box. (Maybe because I only wind up there when I'm drunk? Hmmm...)
Another great dinner at Quinoa
Yeah--where is this place? I've never heard of it, and couldn't find anything online.
Ideas for an amazing 30th Birthday Party for my Boyfriend??
I stand by my suggestion (I'd also recommend Beechwood, BTW). I don't think the food sucks at Rush St. I actually went the other night, and was pleasantly surprised... And it is definitely hip and trendy right now, which neither of your suggestions really is. The OP said that ambience is the most important thing, and I think Rush has that--especially given the age in question (my BF is also turning 30 this year, and he loves the place.)
Ideas for an amazing 30th Birthday Party for my Boyfriend??
What about Rush Street in Culver City? I think it fulfills all your requirements.
New Restaurant on Abbot Kinney?
Thanks for the info, Bunnie!
Oh, and PS: The more PC term is "bussers" :-)
Pacifico's Culver City no more??
Yeah, it's closed--and I can't say I'll miss it. I found Pacifico's to be reliably disappointing. Supposedly Kay & Dave's is taking over the spot and opening a new branch there:
http://la.eater.com/archives/2008/07/31/plywood_report_wurstkuche_downtown_unnamed_in_venice_kay_daves_le_saint_amour.php
Don't know how I feel about that, as I've never been to a Kay & Dave's.
New Restaurant on Abbot Kinney?
Oooh, sounds great. Do you remember anything else that was on the menu? I can't seem to find any info online.
What the ?*#$!...... No side au jus at Phillipe's?
Yes, they will do the au jus on the side if the sandwich is to go. and FYI: they put a LOT in that to-go cup!
Gyenari - Korean BBQ in Culver City
it is kinda fusion-y, but the actual BBQ items are pretty authentic.
Where should we eat in Culver City?
Honestly, there are so many good restaurants in Culver City right now it is hard to choose. I would just take a stroll along the Washington/Culver Blvd intersection (they cross at one point, and the line gets blurry) in downtown CC and see what looks good (most restaurants keep their menus--or at least their daily specials--posted out front.) That's only if it's a week night, though. If it's a weekend, you'll probably want to make a reservation.
Best "Small Plates" Restaurant?
I am also a huge fan of the small plates concept, and I whole-heartedly agree with the recommendations for AOC and Orris. They're actually two of my favorite restaurants in LA. I also like Violet. There's also Mako (I'm not a fan, but it gets raves on this board) and Upstairs 2 (haven't been yet, but it's on my list.)
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Mako Restaurant
225 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Violet
3221 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Upstairs 2
2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Howard Hughes Promenade
I've tried a few times to have dinner @ Howard Hughes before or after a movie, and I've been disappointed every time. That being said, If I had to eat there I'd go to Rubio's or On the Border (if you want more of a restaurant atmosphere.) Both are generic chain Mexican, but the latter has margaritas and they are both palatable. There's also Islands (which is fine if you like Islands) and Ben and Jerry's. I've never been to the place that's actually IN the theater. Don't go to the sushi place.
