hpcat's Profile
Top Five L.A. Sandwiches?
I have no argument with the replies. I wanted to add Oinkster's pulled pork. I admit, I haven't had it for awhile, but it's one of the few sandwiches I've ever craved.
Best in Chinatown
I would definitely recommend Yum Cha on Broadway. Very cheap and the dumplings and soup are excellent. I also occasionally get take-out from ABC. A half soy-sauce chicken is 3.75 and quite good. If I'm there around lunch time and the food looks fresh, I'll also stock up on vegetables and shrimp. Strickly take-out and also very cheap. I prefer CBS for eat-in dim sum. Zen Mei Bistro is also one of my cheap go-tos for seafood. Lobster is 9.95. They also have other specials and I've liked everything I've had from there. I would second the Grand Central Market.
Romantic Thai??
There's Lannathai on Van Nuys just north of Ventura. It has an actual swimming pool in the restaurant. I haven't eaten there in years but the food was decent then.
Figueroa Produce - New market in Highland Park
I didn't think they were going to open, either. But given their produce and prices, and having to wait in those aggravating lines at Super A, I'll take Fig Produce any day.
Figueroa Produce - New market in Highland Park
I didn't make the grand opening, but I'm putting this place on my regular rotation. I suspect the place will only get even more awesome, as the owners and staff are very eager to please. I hope all chows in the area will give it lots of support.
Figueroa Produce - New market in Highland Park
A new market has opened on York near Figueroa (in the 99 cent store shopping center). It's run by a couple of young, handsome guys who are very welcoming and friendly and are really eager to support the community. The produce is fresh and CHEAP. Raspberries were $1.59, blueberries 2.59 (for a large container). Plums and other summer fruit are priced at .49 to .79 a pound. There's a fresh meat counter, and some frozen and refrigerated items, including two flavors of Dr. Bob's ice cream. They also sell some packaged bulk items, like JORDAN ALMONDS. They had Italian biscotti for 2.99. I think this place is a gem and I hope it succeeds. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Please give them your support. They are having a grand opening this Sunday (July 13) from noon to 5, with free samples. Oh, and the tamales sold out of the back of a truck in that parking lot are superb.
Sanam Luang Cafe in North Hollywood or Lotus in Vegas?
I like Sanamluang, prefer the Hollywood over the N. Hollywood location. I think it's good for basic Thai and I love the Pad See Ew. I loved the meals I had at Jitlada for the incredible flavors that I haven't had anywhere else. I have eaten at Lotus of Siam, but I was with family and I had no choice in the order. Fairly ordinary dishes were ordered and it wasn't memorable for me. I need to try the 'Nakorns.
dessert anyone?
I love all the desserts at Auntie Em's in Eagle Rock. Cake, cupcakes, fruit crumbles, yum...
Any good kabob takeout places in/around Los Feliz??
Try Marouch, on Santa Monica Blvd near Normandie. I loved their food.
buying korean side dishes nr. downtown
There's a Korean supermarket on Olympic, just west of Vermont (south side of street) that has lots of prepared sides. After 8pm, some are marked 1/2 off.
Lookin for the best taco truck
Here is my ode to Highland Park: El Pique on York and Ave. 53 and La Estrella on York and Ave. 54. The La Estrella truck on Figueroa north of York is also very good. I love the carnitas, al pastor, and lengua at all of these.
Have any Chowhound Faves Broken Your Heart
I looked forward to eating at Parkway Grill, but the entrees were disappointing both times I was there (lunchtime). The first time, the lamb shank was tender but completely devoid of flavor. The second time I ordered the seared albacore, and it was sliced lengthwise and completely overcooked. I've had tuna out of the can that was more tender and flavorful. Why they would do this, I have no idea. Another person at my lunch ordered this and his was even more overcooked. A restaurant this classy and expensive should know better. The rest of the meal was fine. But I thought I'd have food that was a real stand-out. Not.
ISO Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
I just had a good lemonade at Pho 97 (formally Pho 79) in Chinatown.
Best cheap Food in LA.
Yum Cha is also now in Chinatown. Each item is around a buck. There are tables at the Chinatown location. I would also recommend the taco trucks in Highland Park on York. Either Pique or La Estrella. Tacos are 1.25.
Urasawa - World-Class Excellence in L.A.! [Review] w/ Pics
What an amazing review. Thank you!
"Don't Miss" or "Steer Clear" Places?
I'll second. The brunch is a deal and the food is very good. I also like dining al fresco on their nice patio.
Any Cheap Chinese-style Crab deals?
Zen Mei restaurant in Chinatown has permanent specials, 9.99 for lobster, a few dollars more for crab. I've gotten the lobster several times and it's always good (tastes fresh). The one time I tried to order the crab they were out (it was late) but you may have better luck.
BBQ - Where to find the best in LA?
I used to love HW for the beef ribs, but the last time I ordered them (to go) they were incredibly tough and close to inedible. A huge disappointment, especially since the meal is about $20. I would recommend taking a drive and going to Jay Bee's. I loved the food there and they were super nice. Down on Avalon. Not close, but worth it. And the beef rib dinner there is $13.
Is there such a thing as an "LA-style Bagel"?
I loved I 'n Joy, too. The Brooklyn Bagel is a good bagel but is it my imagination or have they gotten a lot smaller? I hadn't gotten them in awhile and when I recently bought them I was taken aback at how small they seemed. I grew up on midwestern bagels, and I also agree that putting blueberries, cheese, or jalapeno in bagels is a travesty! I also have to say that new york bagels are too hard and chewy for me.
La Estrella...what else??
I love the La Estrella trucks on York at Ave 54 and on Figueroa north of York on the west side of the street. Both have excellent tacos. I've had the al pastor at El Pique, and I personnal prefer La Estrella. I haven't been, put I've heard raves about a taco truck in Pasadena on Fair Oaks, north of California on the east side of the street. They're only there after 6:00 PM or so.
Sandwich Contest
Somehow, Imissed this post! Since Langer's has been mentioned so many times, I'd have to list mine as:
1) Pulled pork at Oinkster
2) Egg Salad at Europane
3) Eggplant pita with hummous at that kosher restaurant on Victory in N. Hollywood
5 Meals 2 Days in Pasadena Area (Best of...)
Please note that Gerlach's is to go only. I would second the rec for Tonny's. Good Mexican food in a casual environment with table service.
Langer's: Hand cut vs. Not
They use the machine to slice the stuff to go. I tried to order some bulk hand cut and they gave me an explanation for why it doesn't work. I wish I could remember it! It seemed plausible at the time...I was transporting it up north in a cooler and I think that the hand-sliced was hot and in order to keep it cool, the machine sliced was from a refrigerated hunk, maybe too cool to hand slice? ARRG I wish I could remember. If you ask your options, they'll tell you, I know that much!
Mom's Artichoke Hummus -- Packaged Panacea?
Mom's is also at the S. Pasadena FM on Thursday evenings.
Hornblower Yacht Dinner Cruise - Food?
I was on a Hornblower cruise in San Diego in December and the food was surprisingly decent. I was served a large and fresh salad, steak that was tender and cooked to order, fresh vegetables, potato, cheese cake. The cruise was nice, too. It will be even nicer in warm weather when hanging out on the decks will be comfortable.
Where are some of the best bakeries in LA?
I'll third the Paradise rec. And the prices are great, too.
amazing bbq in the pasadena area
I recently had the pulled pork at Hutch's and I was very disappointed. The meat was tasteless and there was an overabundance of gloppy sauce to cover it. I LOVE the pulled pork at Oinkster, though. I thought Big Mama's was decent. Not like Jay Bee's but good for the area. I haven't been to Zeke's or Beans.
NE hound on a mad dash through L.A. needs help
For a very L.A. treat, if you're going to York in Highland Park, keep going west to Avenues 54 and 53 and order some tacos from either the La Estella or Pinque taco trucks.
