Who has the Best CALAMARI?

I think Angeli Caffe on Melrose does a good calamari.

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Angeli Caffe
7274 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046

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Best Mac n Cheese in LA

I'm not a huge fan of the rest of Taste's menu, but if you are going just for mac and cheese, you will leave a happy camper.

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Best Mac n Cheese in LA

My favorites are Nook's version and the truffle mac at Taste in WeHo. Honorable mention to Luna Park's as well -- the only thing worth ordering on their menu IMHO.

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Nook Bistro
11628 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 9, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Luna Park
672 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Taste
8454 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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who is making the best chocolate confections in los angeles?

Compartes Chocolatier in Brentwood makes amazing truffles -- the smoked salt and honey peanut butter salt truffles are particularly delectable.

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Comparte's Chocolatier
912 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

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First Date Suggestions

I love Angeli Caffe on Melrose - amazing lasagna and the complimentary pizza bread is to die for.

Might also consider Terroni on Beverly - fun atmosphere, but they don't take reservations.

BLD (across the street on Beverly) is also fairly reasonable, though I do prefer it for brunch than for dinner.

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BLD Restaurant
7450 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Angeli Caffe
7274 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

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CiCi's VS The Griddle Pancakes?

I've been to both. In terms of French toast, the Griddle wins hands down, no contest. As for the pancakes, I think it's more a question of personal preference. CiCi's are considerably smaller (ie. they fit on the plate) and are mostly of the dense, buttermilk variety. The Griddle's are behometh-sized, but seem to be a bit less dense and fluffier. Both have the crazy flavors, and both do a mean pumpkin pancake. I'd say CiCi's is worth a try, but to me, it is sort of a copy cat of the original great pancake purveyor in LA.

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Where is the best Red Velvet Cake?

I love the red velvet cupcakes/cake at SusieCakes, and was also impressed with the ones at Sweet Lady Jane. Both are supremely moist, and SusieCakes' cupcakes come with an additional squirt of cream cheese frosting in the middle. Delish!

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SusieCakes Bakery
11708 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

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Best Carrot Cake in the OC (Orange County)?

Second the Susie Cakes rec -- hands down the best carrot cake I've ever had!

Here's a visual -
http://dianatakesabite.blogspot.com/2009/03/susiecakes-carrot-cake-thank-god-i-gave.html

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