melodyn's Profile
Best Omakase (L.A.)
My pick: Asanebo (the B course, which is around 100-120 per person)
Philips BBQ is totally over-rated
I agree with you. My friend from NY read about this place highly rated on zagat so we went there. The shredded pork sandwich was horrible...dried and hard. The beef rib was better, but still the sauce was too overpowering and one note tasting (yes I only got mild. My friend's shredded pork was hot chili and it's still no better, like you said, it's this tomato paste taste), I just want to shave off that thick coat of sauce.
Best Dumplings in Los Angeles - Ding Tai Fong
DTF is from Taiwan, so DTF in Shanghai isn't the original store nor worth helding up as some stand.
If I were in Shanghai, I'd rather seek out some local Shanghai women (or men) who might make better homemade xiao long bao. My father know this shanghai woman in LA who makes better xiao long bao than any restaurant here (though she only makes them for personal friends).
Best Dumplings in Los Angeles - Ding Tai Fong
Also added in my agreement. DTF is WAY overrated (given the long waiting line and media buzz). Delicate hundred folds (not that you'd really count them when you gulp it down) is a gimmick that does not make it taste any better. I prefer and craved J&J.
There should be also warning sign up at DTF: do NOT order any other non dumpling food. As AquaW point out, Atrocity is exactly the word I'd use to describe the quality of their fried rice, fried pork, noodle...etc. basically all the other food. How can you mess up something so simple that even boba cafe can make beter.
Best Breakfast in LA?
Aunti Em's Kitchen at Eagle rock, inventive egg breakfast (I had a brie, shitake mushroom scramble), pretty and tasty waffles...etc. search the name on the boards here and you'd find many entries.
Yung Ho Dou Jiang at San Gabriel, Mandarin breakfast with different kinds of soymilk and fried breadsticks
Atlantic Cafe at Pasadena, Cuban breakfast
Michel Richard on 3rd, for croissants, pates.
I second Amandine, get it all there: breakfast, coffee, soup, pastries, cakes.
Best Breakfast in LA?
I had breakfast at Pacific Dining car this past Sunday as well. We had EB and the other breakfast combo plate. The Hollandaise sauce was very creamy and rich. The sausage, pancake...everything is excellent. Very traditional, very pricey ($16+), but quite an experience~
What happened to Amuse Cafe?
Last time I went there was Summer 2005, since then whenever I tried to go or just pass by, they were closed. Are they closed temporarily (for remodeling, or avoid the construction next door) or closed for real...forever? Sometimes I saw staffs inside the yellow house even though the close sign was up?
Playa del Rey, dining doldrums, is it the weather?
yes indeed it is a sleepy little town where retired people hang out at cafes and chit chat all day, everyone knows each other. That's why don't expect any worthy nightime dining spot. There used to be Chloe, which close down because of landlord problems. I haven't tried Minotaur but with so many 'scene' winebars these day, it is possible that it's just another one of those tapas place with no real dining substance.
The biggest restaurant there is Outlaws, which I'd never step into as I'm not into huge greasy American BBQ food. But it is probably the only attraction in this area. There's Bistro du Soleil, an okay but rather bland French bistro. The Shack is a so-so burger joint. And Cafe Penguini is already the only slightly 'upscale' restaurant there. There just isn't any place special enough for outsiders to pay special visit. It is a very local-centric area.
I worked right by the beach and my walking distance lunch spot is a neighborhood cafe called Cafe Milan. Good salad, sandwich sets and lots of bakery delights (danish, bagels, etc.), but it's really a cheap everyday lunch spot kind of place.
There was a local rumor that they will tear down one of the historic buildings here to built new luxury condos. Perhaps some developer is interested into 'develop' this place? I surely hope not, the locals were pretty against it, I guess they like to remain sleepy and undisturbed.
Traditional Japanese Teahouse in LA area?
I wonder if anyone knows a proper traditional Japanese teahouse (with sweets) in LA area?
Not necessarily a very traditional Cha-do one,
but even one like Cha-an of NYC East Village ( http://www.cha-an.com/ )?
Square One - PK's Review
Seems like the rating C+ for food was a bit 'controversial' here? The Egg Benedict was no wow factor for me but it's at least above average. I had the baked eggs the other day and it was delicious~ B+ worthy!
