search_for_the_holy_gruel's Profile
ISO a spot for 50-75 people for 50th bday party
Hi,
I'm looking for a place that's fun, good food, reasonably priced, and can accommodate 50-75 people (not including kids). Preferably in a private room. Doesn't have to be super chic but can't be too "ghetto", either. Outdoor setting would be good, too.
I'll run w/any suggestions.
Thanks!
SFTHG
[Edit] Oops, locations would be smart (thanks Jwsel). Studio City, Sherman Oaks, West L.A., Los Feliz, Silverlake/Echo Park, Hollywood/W. Hollywood, Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA.
There's something about Anthony Bourdain
I think what makes Bourdain so appealing is that he's a "blue collared chef" . And he's proud of that. He also doesn't take himself too seriously and knows his place on the food chain, so to speak.
At least, that's why I like him.
Anyone else LOVE Nigella?
i love nigella. initially i liked her cuz i thought she was very pretty and i loved the lighting and cinematography on her Nigella Bites show (which giada obviously copied...or i should say FN). then i bought some of her cookbooks and i have to admit my best dishes are from her recipes. and they're so simple and easy. she makes ME look like a domestic goddess (joke).
Business Dinner near Encino
I 3rd Max. But if you prefer to stay in Encino (Max is in Sherman Oaks), there's always Delmonico's. Never been disappointed at the Encino location.
Grace's Fro-Yo...ISO of something similar
Has anyone had the homemade fro-yo at Grace? It's probably the best I've tasted yet. If you know what I'm talking about, can you recommend a fro-yo place that serves up some that tastes similar? I doubt I can go to Grace every time I want fro-yo and just order that. Although, it's so good I would do that. Thanks!
Grace
My SO and I dined there last Saturday. We actually ate at the bar (which we prefer over the main dining room). We shared the pork belly appetizer, the steak filet & finished with their donuts w/homemade fro-yo for dessert. EVERYTHING was delicious. Esp. the pork belly. I think the trick is to just order their staples. I love Grace, too, and would give it another go before writing it off completely.
Btw, the homemade fro-yo...probably the best I've ever had.
Best pizza in town - informal opinion poll
Who would have thought that pizza can elicit such passionate debates. Here's my list (I'm not going to list Mulberry and Casa Bianca cuz it's been named so often):
Good when it's good but BAD when it's bad:
DAMIANO'S ( I do prefer their spinach calzone)
NUMERO UNO (I agree, it depends on location)
JOE PEEP'S
Guilty Pleasure:
COSTCO
Whatever their style...it's pretty good to me:
PAGLIACCIS (Studio City)
QUICKIE'S (Studio City)
ROCCO'S (on Wilshire - their white sauce pizza is so good)
CAIOTI PIZZA
Great mac n cheese in pasadena/sgv/LA area?
i like the mac & cheese at luna park (w/out the ham, though) and fleming's steak house serves a good version, as well.
Who has the best chai latte in SoCal?
that's how i order my chai lattes at coffee bean. so yummy. i also like the chai lattes at groundworks.
Hamburger Bun Frustrations
kroger's does have good hamburger and hot dog buns. but, if you have a vallarta market (hispanic market chain) near you, their buns are better than kroger's. and cheaper.
asian market in the valley where I can purchase fresh tofu?
i wouldn't say one is better than the other. they're...different. 99 ranch obviously has a more chinese influenced selection and the galleria market is korean. but for tofu, i think you can to either one.
Green bamboo in little tokyo
I really enjoy the food here. I go during my lunch breaks and sometimes I even pick up food to go on my way home (and I live in the Valley). My favorite is their pork chow fun.
SONA (long review) - won't be back
I'm sorry you didn't have a great meal. Each time I've gone, I've always had such great service and spectacular food. But I will say that the only time I've been disappointed was when we did indulge in the tasting menu. The food wasn't on the same level as I've come to expect it to be. And I've heard that from others who would try the tasting menu. I've stuck to just ordering straight off the menu after that and haven't been let down since.
Koreatown - Eun Daegu Jorim recs?
Hodori on Vermont & Olympic. It's probably their best dish. I always order it from here.
Low Cal Restaurants in L.A./Valley
It really depends on the diner and what they choose. I don't think their beet salad is high in calories. Their nachos I'm sure are because of all the tortilla chips and beans. It may not be all low-cal but you definitely have a wide choice between the items that are.
Low Cal Restaurants in L.A./Valley
One other place...I don't remember the name but there's a Greek/Middle Eastern place on Van Nuys Blvd, south of Ventura right next to the newsstand (I think it's called The Pita Kitchen). A hole in the wall but the food is so fresh, authentic & always delicious. Their eggplant salad is the best I've ever had. But they're usually crowded so it's hard to get a table and they only take cash. And parking's a b****.
Low Cal Restaurants in L.A./Valley
There's a vegetarian Mexican restaurant in Studio City on Moorpark St. called Leonor's. Right across the street from the Oyster House near the corner of Moorpark & Whitsett. Everything is soy based, it's cheap, and the portions are huge. And their flax seed iced tea is so good. I recommend their pizzas, the beet salad, the California burger, nachos, Mike's quesadilla, Bolivian sandwich, and the chicken salad sandwich. Their chili is good, too.
Chef Akira in J-Town
So I tried Garden Cafe yesterday for lunch. Had the beef short rib stew w/steamed rice and a small side salad. Very good. Unfortunately, mookiecat was right - today is their last day. They'll be shutting down their doors. I wish I would have discovered this place sooner.
Chef Akira in J-Town
I work right next to J-Town so I usually hop over there for lunch. Today I noticed a little cafe while driving down 1st street. I didn't catch the name but underneath I noticed it said "Chef Akira's casual dining" (or something like that). Does anybody know what I'm talking about? Has anyone eaten there and do you have any recommendations?
Recommendations for omuraisu
i always get it at hodori on the corner of vermont & olympic. i think it's good but it's mostly out of habit cuz i've been ordering it there for about 15 yrs now. also cuz they're open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Best Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving?
Not 100% pecan, but Trader Joe's just came out w/a pumpkin/pecan/cranberries pie...it's SOOOOO yummy. More like a cake than a pie, tho.
REVIEW w/ pics: Father's Office
Oh my...it's def. time to make a trip to Father's Office. Next time, try the other items on the menu. I haven't been disappointed, yet. Their beet salad is my absolute fave - I crave it, it's so good.
What is the name of the sushi place on the corner by the Pantages?
For the life of me I can't think of the name. I know it's designed by Phillippe Starck.
CHILAQUILES
I actually like the chilaquiles at Luna Park on La Brea. They only serve it during weekend brunch, though (try their grilled cheese & tomato"soup", too).
Oyster Bars in LA?
I live walking distance to The Oyster House and dine there at least once a week. I've never had a less than delicious order of oysters. And it's 1/2 the cost of other places. I also recommend their crab cakes (probably their signature dish - SO good), the linguini de la casa, and their garlicky chicken. Their service is so friendly and they have live music almost every night of the week (ranging from jazz to rock). One night they had ex members of Steely Dan performing.
What's the name of French place on Ventura blvd in Sherman Oaks next Jinkys?
Beau Rivage? The one next to L.A. Optometrique?
Ondal or Ondal 2?
I'm dying to try this place after reading reviews of their crab stew. My question is, are they the same or is one better than the other? And is there anything I should know or must have when I go?
Thanks!
Mastro's Providence or Grace
I agree...don't bother w/Mastro's. Personally, I'd go to Sona. But any one of the places listed previously will be a good choice.
