upstarter's Profile
Randy's Donuts
The chocolate and malpe bars from randy's are the best I've ever had. The "frosting they use" is second to none!
Best Creme Brulee in LA???
So I tried Porto's CB and while certainly not the best (by a mile) I've had, it *was* good enough and for the price, unbeatable! Definitely load up on 'em next time I'm in Burbank.
Fleming's had a good one too. Unfortunately, everything else at Fleming's left me wanting more.
Agony and Ecstasy - Life Beyond The Tender, Juicy, Heavenly Pastrami at Langer's Delicatessen - [Review] w/ Pics!
I was disappointed with the tuna melt when I had it. The cornbeef hash on the other hand is too die for!
Breakfasts
The corn beef hash at Langers is TO DIE FOR!!!! I had it on the rec of a fellow chowhounder and I loved it. I'm gonna ask them to make me a pastrami hash next time...
Eat at Joes is good in the south bay
Best Crepes in Los Angeles?
Using Google Streetview:
It is between Louella and Glencoe ave, next to Queens Market On Venice. It's on the North side of the Venice Blvd.
Hope this helps!
Best Crepes in Los Angeles?
Has anyone tried that crepe place across from Venice High on Venice in Mar Vista?
It looks run down and I always wanted to go there when i pass by, but never got the chance.
The MOST AMAZING/TRANSCENDENTAL burger that I wasn't expecting: Glencrest BBQ in...... Venice???
errr...I'll take your word for it. Not a fan of turkey "burgers" but to each his/her own. I ate the burger today to confirm my initial judgment and it truly is a knockout.
The MOST AMAZING/TRANSCENDENTAL burger that I wasn't expecting: Glencrest BBQ in...... Venice???
Abbott Kinney is not a place where I'd expect a great, sloppy burger to be found. But a fellow hound who works down the street from Glencrest BBQ has told me for almost a year now that this is the best cheeseburger in LA. Finally, I took him up on the offer.
First off, I was relieved to find the establishment devoid of any sense of interior design. This looks like the place that you stop in when you're driving cross country and you're low on gas in Canute, Oklahoma. I had to ask: yes, they own the building (thank God for all of us).
The burger: WOW!!! It was GREAT! The "Cheeseburger Special" is actually a Double Cheeseburger, fries and a drink for $5.95! THAT'S HIGHWAY ROBBERY!!! Granted the fries were sysco (I ate sysco fries everyday in college and recognize them a mile away) but the burger was legit.
2 thick patties, perfectly grilled, cheese, and the perfect mayo-tomato-pickle-onion mixture that makes or breaks burgers.
As a frame of reference, I ate 5 Guys the next day after a trip to Ikea and was grossed out. I thought it tasted like Wendy's.
I can't comment on the bbq (which i quickly scanned yelp, it appears to be mediocre) but the burger has entered my #1 spot as the best burger in LA.
Other thoughts on the burger are welcome!
Upstarter
Eatalian - new and exciting Italian in the South Bay
Went here last night. Overall, I was VERY pleased.
Had the rock pizza (the one with blue cheese everyone was raving about) and it was AWESOME! I hate blue cheese too, but this was the perfect accent.
We had another pizza too, but i don't remember the name. Both were crisp (unlike some people here mentioned). My only complaint is that the pizza needs to be eaten hot, b/c if you let it sit for more than 10-15 minutes, it looses its wow factor.
We also had a mozzarella salad (nothing to write home about) and a Carbonara spaghetti which was FANTASTIC! Real carbonarra (aka, not bacon mixed in with spaghetti alfredo). Perfect portion too.
Service was slow, but there was a group of 100 in there from some auto convention. However, we were always taken care of and our server told us to come back on a Wednesday when all cylinders are running. While not yet efficient (they said they were overwhelmed), definitely sincere.
I also spoke with the owner (Antoni?). WHAT A GREAT GUY!!!! Stereotypically Italian: very warm, loud, lots of hand movements, jokester, and we probably talked for about 10 minutes. His wife was also there and is also a very nice woman.
My only complaint was that the ABC Family channel was being projected on the wall. I'm sure something pleasant could go there instead!
Overall, I want to go back on a less busy night and really explore the menu. A very welcome addition to the LA dining scene!
Upstarter
Innovation: the CHOW Tour
While I'm somewhat cheating, this takes my vote:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/628782?tag=boards;topic-628782
Best French Toast in LA
I wouldn't drive for it, but the french toast at louis burgers on Artesia in Redondo is fantastic in you're looking for a cheap french toast. It's egg bread dipped in pancake batter! Yum!
I have also heard (but have never had) that Amadine on Wilshire has a good french toast, but I've been pretty much disappointing in everything I've had there and refuse to spend more money there.
Sweet & Sour Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, Shrimp in Lobster Sauce!! WHERE CAN I FIND THEM!!!
Ogawak, how insightful your post was!!! What was your opinion of OSI? It was my favorite place for that type of food. Do you have any other places you like? I'm gonna have to give JR's a try.
I will say OSI's Hot & Sour Soup never impressed me though...
Sweet & Sour Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, Shrimp in Lobster Sauce!! WHERE CAN I FIND THEM!!!
I live right across the street from this place. It's not as good as the best of American Chinese food that I've eaten from the past...
Sweet & Sour Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, Shrimp in Lobster Sauce!! WHERE CAN I FIND THEM!!!
I'm sorry but one of my guilty pleasures (used to be) American Chinese food. You know, the classics: Sweet & Pungent chicken, mushu pork, Hot & Sour soup, etc.
BUT, ever since Seafood Port (?) closed on Washington & Lincoln 7(?) years ago, I've become DEPRESSED trying to find a decent substitute. The last month, I've sampled a variety of places and seriously wanted to puke at half of them.
WHERE CAN I GET GOOD AMERICAN CHINESE FOOD!?!?!?!??!
I'm willing to drive (I'm in the South Bay). SGV?? China town? I'M DESPERATE!!!
Thank you in advance,
Upstarter
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Seafood Port
21180 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Kung Pao Restaurant
4911 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Good, inexpensive fish on the Westside?
I wonder if you could buy fish from Mariscos Chente. It's the best fish I've had in America...
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Mariscos Chente
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Best Restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles
I personally did not think Church and State was anything special and we tried a lot of things. I sadly won't be returning.
Great atmosphere and staff though.
Best Creme Brulee in LA???
I tried the one at Church and State. Good but not memorable. The search continues!
Diddy Riese: Thumbs up or thumbs down?
i had it recently for the first time in 4 years. I was SO dissapointed. Even for the price, it's not worth it. The cookies are flavorless. "Freshly Baked" cookies sold at the LA art walk are my current faves, besides of course homemade cookies.
Pepe's Galley - Mar Vista Bowling Alley
I love the atmosphere, but the food is nothing special. In this economy, i'd rather put my money somewhere else.
Above average bacon though for this type of restaurant.
Looking for a great food experience between LAX and Anaheim
Yes, sorry, lol. typo. It is tikka masala!
Looking for a great food experience between LAX and Anaheim
The best butter chicken (aka tissa massala) is at Al Noor, which is literally right next to the freeway, off the Inglewood blvd exit. I also love the saag panneer and the chicken tala ghost.
In general, Al Noor and Al Watan are considered the 2 best indian places in the region, so it comes down to personal preference, like coke vs. pepsi. I personally like Al Noor better.
Upstarter
p.s. there is also an In n Out across the street, so if the little ones don't want to eat Pakastani food, then they can get a cheeseburger.
Where should I get wings for the Superbowl?
Are you guys serious?????
Ye Rustic inn on Hillhurst in Los Feliz has the best wings, and is closer to you probably than many of the other places listed.
For some reason, they were amazing the 2nd time i had them and have been good after that time but not as transcendental as that one time. Still pretty damn good though.
Best hot and sour soup in San Gabriel area?
I would be VERY interested in someone knowledgeable answering this question. I can't remember the least time I had a good H&S soup!!!
BEST hearty BREAKFAST in Los Angeles area! Bacon, Eggs, Potatoes, Pancakes, French Toast! The Works!
The South Bay owns breakfast. Anywhere here mentioned is good, including Eat at Joes (I like Joe's special) and Uncle Bill's. Haven't had OPH in years, so won't comment.
Also, any Greek hamburger joint (or tommy's imposter) anywhere in LA usually has a damn good breakfast. I like Louis Burgers in Redondo beach on Artesia, though I know many others are good. Have also heard Big Tom's on the corner of Pico and Sawtelle is good for breakfast, though haven't been there in years (not really close by to where I live).
Though not answering your question, I'd say Roscoe's has the best waffles i've ever had (Gower location)
Upstarter
Pizzeria Mozza - help
i like the bone marrow a lot. 2nd the bacon w/ ricotta pizza.
In general, i like the appetizers much more than the pizzas.
QUESTION: Are the mussels any good? I'm going back to mozza in a month,
How does everyone feel about Tommy's?
A double chili cheeseburger, when done right at the right location, is literally perfection.
Pizzeria Mozza - your thoughts
The pizzas are good, but nothing that's transcendental. That said, I think the appetizers are sublime, especially the caprese salad and the bone marrow.