torimo's Profile
Jack in the Box tacos
Problem is, they "jacked" up the price of the drinks. So now, a medium soda adds another $1.79 to the cost. They always get you somewhere.
Jack in the Box tacos
Perhaps even throw them in the toilet and cut out yet another step.
New, from Jack In The Box!
How funny... so what did they do? Cut the tacos into quarters and pour the rest of the ingredients on top? The tacos are nasty to be sure. I'll crave them maybe once a year though. Something about throwing the whole shell in to the fryer with meat stuck inside that is so wrong that it's sometimes even right.
What makes Tito's so good
Interesting! I guess that doesn't surprise me. She told me the place generated a tremendous amount of cash. Her biggest issue has been what to do to reinvest the profits. She gets hit up continuously by people who want to "invest" in the concept -- to own a piece of the success, but raising capital is the last problem they have -- and keeping the money/control in the family is the smartest decision. If I'm not impressed by the food, I'm still definitely impressed (envious perhaps?) by the soundness of the business model.
Best Pho in LA?
Just make sure the place has a rating of "B" or better yet "C". I have yet to enjoy good pho in a place that garners an "A" from any health department. This rule of thumb, I learned from my Vietnamese sorority sister... and have found it a good one to live by.
LAX before security check.
I once met a friend flying through LAX. We did go to Tom Bradley International. I think they may actually be the ONLY terminal with sit-down restaurant service outside of security check. Encounters is the landmark restaurant but I wouldn't recommend it based on my limited experience 5 years ago. They've remodeled though, and I'd be curious to see what it's like now.
What makes Tito's so good
I actually met the daughter of the family; she runs Tito's Tacos. Nice young businesswoman. I didn't have the nerve to tell her what I really thought of the food... but we chatted for a while about how her family created an institution. She was interested in expanding it, I think, but worried about replicating the quality. In truth, the place is so systematic and the ingredients lacking in complexity. It is entirely built around its own mystique. The food is soupy and cheap, the lines long, and the wait unbearable. And their food costs are rock bottom. But people can't stop eating there...
Best pastrami in L.A.
Nobody has made a better pastrami than Johnny's. It's heart-attack inducing, and some of the most fatty and flavorful sandwiches I've ever eaten. The Hat's not a bad place, but maybe because I live too close to one, I'm not as appreciative of it. But the mere thought of Johnny's makes the drool happen.
pasadena recs, please?
Ditto on Gus' BBQ. True excellence. Roscoe's is quintessential L.A. eating, but I wouldn't consider it as a first-choice experience. If you want basics, comfort-type food, I'd consider Smitty's... though I can't recall if it fits within the price range guidelines.
Los 5 Puntas: L.A.'s Greatest Taco?
If you're adventurous, take the trek out to 543 W Arbor Vitae Street in Inglewood. LAX Tacos is cheap and incredibly flavorful. Even the beans they use in the recipe are cooked and seasoned to perfection. The place gets nil for ambiance, but given the incredible variety and authentic flavor, it's my favorite taco place in LA. Which reminds me, I haven't been in a year and can't wait to go back now!
Crepes??
not sure how you could even think that. I love that place! and I eat there because the opposite is true. I'm not saying you have to like it or to eat there, but go check again. The chicken in bechamel is juicy and flavorful and I love the breakfast crepes with cracked egg and ham. the sweet stuff is fresh fruits, awesome ice cream, real whipped cream, and real nutella straight from the jar.
I'm really a fan of Acadie, though it's a bit of a trek for me. I agree that the service sucks there, but the buckwheat batter is as close to perfection as you can get. They have a farmers market booth too in Santa Monica but the best is sitting outside on the store near Third Street.
Bistro du Soliel is fantastic as well. I second the recommendation. It's a nice sit-down place and the portions are decent.
