The clam cakes, too.

We had an outstanding one at Littlefork in Hollywood last night. Super fresh lobster, light on the mayo and a perfectly toasted bun. Its my new champion.

Another Drago? They're nice people, but it's getting to be over the top.

We've been going for years. This week, they stopped answering the phone and appear to be closed for good. Does anyone know what happened?

Huntington Meats in Farmer's Market sells it on a special order basis.

Is anyone else annoyed with the intense emphasis on craft cocktails at some L.A. restaurants?

I like a good drink as much as the next guy, but sometimes I just want a regular martini that's made with a vodka or gin that I've heard of. Lately, we've been two to relatively new restaurants that made a big deal of their drink menus. In both instances, the waitresses seemed exasperated when we went off menu and asked for more traditional cocktails. I respect mixology, but why can't they cater to both camps?

In one instance, I felt like we were being punished for being too predictable. The martinis came in a glass that was just slightly bigger than a thimble. By the time it arrived we were halfway through the meal. Another time I was told that customers were not allowed to ask for call brands. The mixologist had to determine which vodka went best with which cocktail.

I'm not naming the restaurants because both had very good food and it seems unfair to punish the chefs for something they may not control. Maybe it's all just a phase. I miss my martinis.

Ditto. We've had nothing but great experiences there.

Little Dom's in Los Feliz makes a good oyster Po'Boy. BP Oysterette in Santa Monica had a pretty good soft shell crab rendition as of last week.

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Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

BP Oysterette
1355 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

There a new place called Elephant Hut just west of the Arclight in Encino. Good food and nice people.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

Looking for a restaurant with a great seafood tower for a birthday.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

Not a fine dining experience, but very well executed dishes. The swordfish is a standout.

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Cafe Zoolu
860 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

McCall's has more of a boutique, specialty store vibe. The selection is limited, but the meat and seafood is pristine and very high quality. The others are good, too, just a different experience.

It's 4 on 6, not 4 on 1.

We had a great meal there. Very good pastas in particular. And the grilled bread is tough to put down.

We tried it for the first time last night, after it received a glowing review in the L.A. Times. Based on our experience, the review was warranted. It's a hip place that reflects its Sunset Strip locale, but it's also very friendly and fairly priced. We started with the mushrooms and green onion tart , then had a hanger steak, the duck confit and the french fries. Everything was excellent, but the Times correctly called out the fries as some of the best you'll find anywhere. With corkage and a martini, our bill was just over $100. That's one of the best deals around. We were surprised that it was only about two-thirds full. Maybe it takes time for word to get around, but we'll be back.

Salsa & Beer in Encino, next door, also fits the bill.

Here's one out of left field. Years ago, when there was a Red Lobster in Studio City, they had a surprisingly good gumbo. And I'm from New Orleans. I wonder if that's true of other branches? .

This is very helpful. Thanks for the replies.

Any recommendations on where to buy good smoked salmon, or lox?

The Valley/Westside areas are most convenient.

Thanks.

Huntington Meats is a great choice. So are other specialty shops, when you have time to use them. But, day to day, you can't beat the Hillshire Farm hot links that are available at most grocery stores. They grill up really well and go with almost everything. But it has to be the small links.

We had a surprisingly good fried oyster appetizer at McCormick & Schmick's in Burbank.
Also, Little Dom's in Los Feliz makes a killer fried oyster po-boy.

If you have time to wait on delivery, this is the best source for all sorts of beans: http://www.ranchogordo.com/. His products are great, and the prices are reasonable.

Cafe Etc., 6371 Selma (at Cahuenga), has a good selection of fresh salads. So does Zen Zoo at 1517 N. Vine.

Can't speak to the geography, but it's a cool place with perfectly good food. I've mostly been there at lunch. I think it turns into a scene as the night progresses, but most of the food is well executed. It probably helps that they're not overly ambitious.

Gelson's and Bristol Farms have them.

I met a friend at Comme Ca for breakfast this morning and it was closed. There was no sign, but the restaurant was dark and there were circulars piled up against the door. This was 9 a.m., so we weren't too early. I assume they've killed off their breakfast service.

If so, that's too bad, because it was a quiet, serene place in the morning, unlike other times of day. The food was very good, especially the truffled eggs. Maybe this is just another sign of the times.

That's a huge turnoff to me. They should take customer service more seriously. It's not like it's hard to find sushi elsewhere in Studio City.

Has anyone been to Kiwami, the new sushi restaurant in Studio City from Katsuya Uechi?

It got a very positive review in the L.A. Times this week. I called numerous times today, including during the early dinner hour, and there's no answer. That's unfathomable behavior for a restaurant, especially in this economy. I wonder what gives.

Artisan Cheese Shop in Studio City is the only place I know of. Very authentic.