Best Ice Cream in los angeles????

Last time I went to Trader Joe's the ice cream brands changed to Trader Joe's brand, as well as Ben & Jerry's. Maybe it was just that visit, but then again, everything at TJ's seems to be switching to private label.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Carnation Frozen Malts in LA/OC?

You can always try sending a message via the Carnation website...here's a link:

http://www.nestle-icecream.com/Pages/moreproducts.asp

robl in Los Angeles Area

Claro Market Rec's?

Claro's-made garlic sausage is wonderful, though only made fresh on Thursday I believe...other days you must buy it frozen in 1# packages.

The proscuitto poppers are a salty/savory treat. A bit expensive, but worth it IMO. You'll find these at the deli counter.

There are often made in store pizza slices at the hot counter, which are good and filling, though there is better out there elsewhere. Theirs reminds me of something your aunt/grandma/mom made at home...authentic.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Between the Bun

Reviving this old post!!! I've driven by here a few times to go to Juan Pollo (just around the corner) The place is still closed, but now there are signs about HOT DOGS etc that look like they've recently been put up. Anybody have any news?

robl in Los Angeles Area

Wilmington Suggestions

Unfortunately, I have to mention a place NOT to visit. On a recent visit to Wilmington, I had asked a local where to go for local food. I asked some of the staff at the Hilton where to go, since the Hilton was going through renovations. I was told the Copper Penny or Jackson's Big Oak BBQ were two good choices. We tried Jackson's and it was a poor choice. Maybe the foods are an acquired taste, but I didn't care for the looks or taste of the food, which was stewed looking meats, odd cole slaw/salads, and sauces were runny and heavily vinegar based. Left with a stomach ache and it was a big disappointment. We went to the Copper Penny for pub grub another day, and it was a decent choice.

robl in General South Archive

Knife Sharpening and Chef's Warehouse

A bit off topic:

Chef's Warehouse is actually part of what used to be Van Rex Gourmet Foods and they have a warehouse somewhere in City of Industry. Van Rex sold import foods wholesale to restaurants and such. They had hard to find items in bulk that Sysco and others wouldn't dare carry, but 10 years later everybody has it. Chef's Warehouse incorporated some of their items, such as small wares and appliances, but they also brought in their cheapo spices and lower quality product line and dropped some of the items Van Rex had for so many years.

In regards to knife sharpening, beware of the different techniques they all use. Ross puts such as thin edge on knives, that they chip when you cut any semi brittle items. Diamond Sharp is one of the big players in sharpening, and the other I can't remember (Italian name?) that does about the same job. There was a company out of Orange County called Chef's toys that comes around to do the service and I thought they were consistent and likable.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Food/beverages invented in Los Angeles

Add to the list:

Taco Bell
King's Hawaiian Bread
Fat Burger
Naugles (ala Del Taco)
Hot Dog on A Stick
Carl's Jr
Foster's (Old Fashioned) Freeze

robl in Los Angeles Area

Inland Empire: Favorite Supermarket

I used to live in Claremont in the late 80's. Some things haven't changed much in that area, and gourmet options seem to be crawling along!!

Wolfe's is now called Wolfe's Marketplace, and is a good neighborhood grocer. The old Alpha Beta became a Ralph's and is now a "natural market" of some sort. Outside of Claremont you can find a great Italian Market called Claro's in Upland.

Claro's Market
1655 North Mountain Ave.
Upland, CA, 91786

A place you may appreciate (coming from VT) would be the Farm Store at Cal Poly Pomona. There are a variety of farm stand produce items, some campus raised meats (kind of sparse) a nursery, and some somewhat highly priced grocery items from small gourmet food companies mixed in with their groceries. You'd have to go there to experience it to see if it's something you'd like I guess.

The Farm Store at CSPU Pomona
4102 S. University Drive
Pomona, CA 91768
http://www.csupomona.edu/~farmstore/index.html

robl in Los Angeles Area

best french bakery?

I'd refer you to Caprice for any true French pastries and other sweets. I've tried several items, though not THEIR Croquembouche. They offer higher quality items, that are worth the extra $.

Caprice
3213 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica CA
310.453.1932
http://www.capricefrenchpastries.com/

robl in Los Angeles Area

Fresh Yeast in Long Beach

In Long Beach, no. But I know for certain that all Claro's markets sell a 1 pound block for about $3 which is a steal. It keeps for about 2 weeks in the ref.

Locations: San Gabriel, Tustin, Arcadia, Upland, Covina, & La Habra.

http://store.claros.com

robl in Los Angeles Area

TESCO Fresh and Easy

I went for a return visit today (11/13) and I noticed that much of the refrigerated foods look picked over. Completely sold out on sandwiches, salads, fresh pizza, pasta, and sauces (only a few) I asked about this, and was told that they still have not fully recovered from the grand opening and that the 11/14 delivery would replenish most of the emptiness.

In Re to British Items here is what I've noticed (repeating mostly what everyone sees here):

-Uncured British "style" Back Bacon, 1# package
-Shortbread (Walker's style) cookies
-English Breakfast Tea
-Scones (Fresh bakery section)
-Shepherd's Pie (Frozen Foods section)

In Re to Indian Foods that haven't had much mention here:

-Garlic and Regular FRESH Naan and Roti (Fresh Bakery Section)
-Shelf stable vegetarian food items (Grocery section - Empty/SOLD OUT)
-F&E Brand Indian condiments-chutney etc (Grocery section)
-Indian Entreé items (Frozen Food section)
-Spice blends (End section of grocery)

Also not mentioned by anybody are the $6 discount coupons there were giving out during grand opening ($6 off $30 purchase until 11/22 I believe)

robl in Chains

TESCO Fresh and Easy

British Products? I didn't read your post until after my visit, but one of the items I do recall seeing is British Back Bacon for $4.99/# (Fresh & Easy Brand) I looked for clotted cream, as I sometimes like to have that, but I was not able to find any.

Also of note, many prepared foods are available as mentioned, but anything that you would eat hot or warm requires heating at home, there are no hot prepared foods, and no food bars. Everything with little exception is in a package which is alarming, even though they state environmental friendly packaging is used...my question is all of the packaging even necessary?

robl in Chains

New Whole Foods Pasadena to be Regional Flagship

Cross reference this thread for those following along:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/458385

robl in Los Angeles Area

Pasadena Whole Foods - wow!

I was there today as well, Got an email at about 2:30pm that they opened today, as I'm subscribed to their e-newletter "fl@vors".

I concur with the commentary on the narrow manouvering when driving around the parking lot.

Some other items of note that I'd like to add:

Free valet parking - though limited spaces on first floor of parking
FIRST FLOOR:
Short Cut Chef - Offers prepped produce, salsas and grilled veggies
Seafood Bar - a variety of ceviche style salads priced by the pound
Smoked Seafood Station - Simply delicious variety of in-house smoked seafood
Seafood Bistro- Made to order fish & chips, and a variety of made/cooked at the seafood counter selections as well as beer on tap
SECOND FLOOR:
Hot Smoked Meats Counter - "This Chow's" favorite section; small but nicely done beef brisket and pork with choices of a few sides. Manager informed me they will smoke any meat item for you with advance notice. They offer sandwiches and meat plates at a decent value.
Cheese/Charcuterie/Specialty station not as comprehensive (esp cheese section) as other WF locations, but mostly cut to order items.
Meat Department -Features Beef (Mostly all Choice grade and a couple of Prime grade, as well as natural and organic beef) Poultry, Lamb, Pork, and interestingly several choices/cuts of Buffalo.
Hot/Cold Food bar about the same as Glendale
Prepared Foods decent... notable small section of VEGAN foods
Grocery section somewhat expanded, nice selection of GLUTEN FREE and VEGAN foods available.
Wine and Tapas Bar - didn't get to have a look around, was completely packed during my 2 hour visit to the store.

OTHER
If any of you have been to Austin, TX Grand Central Market....This is close to a small version of that, though not as impressive. Lots of sampling going on, and lots of helpful staff at every corner. Check out is mostly set up for 1st Floor, check out lines are a bit confusing (ala Target Check out Counters) Roadwork on Arroyo Parkway adds to the added traffic caused by the store; stop and go for 1 mile each way near entrance. Very convenient to those riding the Gold Line. They are passing out event calendars and for a limited time you get one Cloth Whole Foods shopping bag for a min $40 purchase.

robl in Los Angeles Area

New Whole Foods Pasadena to be Regional Flagship

I don't see that this has been mentioned, though there has been discusion of the newest Whole Foods which is due to open the first week of November in Pasadena. The location is on the correr of Arroyo Parkway and Bellevue, and the article states that it will be a two-level 76,000 square feet and be labeled a Regional Flagship location. "Wonderful" I say,.. though not sure how traffic and parking are going to work. Also to be decided is the fate of the recently converted (due to WF/WO merger) Wild Oats at California and Lake.

Very exciting..and I'm looking forward to checking it out. Nice to have some of this kind of goodness in my side of LA.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/pr_10-05-07.html

robl in Los Angeles Area

Tired of Baja Fresh, Chipotle

Here's a place that I enjoy, though very few locations in Central LA County.

Sharky's Woodfired Grill
http://www.sharkys.com

Their food made with organic ingredients, good flavored food, and the portions are decent.

robl in Los Angeles Area

How do the Cemitas taco trucks rate?

I tried to find this last night (Monday 10-1030PM) and not luck finding any Cemitas Poblanas trucks, let along Taco Trucks on Venice Blvd. I looked from Robertson, all the way down to Lincoln on Venice and no luck at all.

robl in Los Angeles Area

wild salmon within 15 mile radius of Buena Park?

McComick and Schmick has a location in Santa Ana off of I-5 and Main St and they are very likely to have several choices for salmon.

Another choice for a local seafood place that is not really high end, but is excellent and friendly would be Market Broiler. There are two locaitons "close" to BP, Huntington Beach and the Block in Orange. This would be my first choice!!

http://www.marketbroiler.com

robl in Los Angeles Area

Best Chicken tikka masala

I had some Indian food the other day, but it just isn't the same. Anybody else every hear of Lawrence of India or know where their chef/family might have moved to?

Would be greatly appreciated.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Spring Street Smoke House

Sorry, I've been here a few times and I'm not a big fan. I started questioning myself "I Could do better than these guys, couldn't I?"

The Brisket was okay, but the sauces have alot of aftertaste. Everything seems over-seasoned on the pepper end (not too salty, just cayenne pepper, etc.) The sides I have not found any that I like.....first of all only about a 4 ounce plastic portion cup...then the contents. Mac & Cheese (somebody is heavy handed on the cayenne again) Cole Slaw (nothing inspirational) Beans (nothing inspirational) Grilled veggies (I could not eat them as they were burnt and limp).

I'm not making accusations, but some of the posting for restaurants as of late (Pizza place in Monterey Park and this one) sound like somebody "tooting their own horn" or a "friend" of the restaurant giving a free plug to get people jazzed about the place.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Looking for a local Co-Op

I might try calling the Santa Monica Co-Oppertunity and asking if they know. The only closest thing I've seen in comparision in the area is the Farm Store at Cal Poly Pomona.

http://www.csupomona.edu/~farmstore/index.html

Mother's Market in Costa Mesa may be similar, though not a co-op.

robl in Los Angeles Area

It's It Ice Cream Sandwiches - Westside

Alhambra Albertson's is a no go. Looks like Glendale is the closest so far.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Good Gyros in LA?

Though it is a chain, and Chowhounds will be the first to negate my post as such, my favorite Quick Greek Place in So Cal is Daphnie's....has been for 5 years. The Gyros Platter is a beter value, but to each their own.

http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/index.htm

robl in Los Angeles Area

Great eats between USC and LAX?

Nobody on here mentions this place much, but you might give this place a shot:

El Puerto Escondido
915 W Arbor Vitae St /La Cienega
Inglewood, CA 90301

It's VERY casual and maybe a step up above fast mexican food, and it's mostly Mariscos/Seafood. Also as good selection of Mexican Bottled beers. A bit rich for me, but excellent flavor and fresh stuff. A friend turned me on to that place about 15 years ago, and it's still just as good.

robl in Los Angeles Area

Where to buy small (school-size) milk cartons?

I've seen them at Smart and Final as well, but you can ask your local Alta Dena Dairy stop if there's one around your place as well. Restaurant Depot (membership required) lets you buy them by the piece and not just the case for about .30 cents each or less.

If you live anywhere near Montebello, Chowhound favorite BROGUIERE'S DAIRY has milk in a variety of small plastic bottles, including the prize winning chocolate milk, (but I think they're about .65 cents each for that one.) I was just there today!!
That Choco Milk is expensive no matter where you buy it, but it's thick and creamy like melted ice cream.

Broguiere's Farm Fresh Dairy
505 S Maple Ave.
Montebello CA
Open Daily, but only until 2pm on Sunday

robl in Los Angeles Area

Best LA Butcher?

http://www.chowhound.com/places/1798

robl in Los Angeles Area

Hawaiian groceries - where can I find them?

All of the suggestions thus far have been for you to drive to the South Bay. Here are a couple of other options. The suggestion of NOH Foods seasonings, etc., is pretty decent, I've used some of it, and it works pretty well. Many grocery stores carry these products in the Asian section. All of the Ralph's here in the SGV carry about 1/3 of the items, not sure, but you can just go to the closest Ralph's and browse around. If you're in Thousand Oaks area for a visit, try Ralph's at 1500 N Moorpark (they have more exclusive and gourmet items at this one) I know for a fact that all HOWS markets have NOH, Aloha Sodas, Linguisa, etc.. There's one in Malibu near Trancas or up in Granada Hills. Have a look at the NOH foods website, they will ship items to you, but you'd have to pay the shipping fees. Lots of recipes etc on there as well.

http://www.nohfoods.com/index.htm

robl in Los Angeles Area

SOUPLANTATION

AFAIK, Souplantation has always had that name, at least since 1993 or so when I first knew about them. They are known as Sweet Tomatoes in Texas and some other areas (maybe even N Cal).

There was a short-lived competitor called Fresh Choice, but they closed down almost all locations in So Cal and pretty much went bankrupt. Still surviving in N Cal.

robl in Chains

What are the kitchen supply stores in LA and OC?

Nolita:

Please provide specifics of what you may be looking for...food items, small ware, equipment, commercial, home use...etc.

Here are a few to add to the list:

COMMERCIAL SUPPLIERS:

Ace Fixture Company
1120 W Lincoln Ave
Anaheim, CA 92805

Superior Products - Super Store (Next Day Gourmet)
330 E Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA 92805

Golden West Equipment (Open To The Trade ONLY)
1000 S Euclid St
La Habra, CA 90631

Also, though nobody has mentioned it, Smart and Final has many of the basic items for both home and commerical use, and they are all over Southern California and open to the public.

http://www.smartandfinal.com/index.aspx

Action Supply was another good suggestion, easier than dealing with parking Downtown LA etc. It's in East LA between Fwy 60 and 10, just East of 710.

FOR HOME AND LESS COMMERCIAL:

This place I've known about for 12 years or so is somewhat eclectic and has quite a selection of baker's supplies for cake decorating and such, as well as a decent supply of cookware and some food items:

Cookin' Stuff
Southwood Shopping Center
22217 Palos Verdes Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
http://www.cookinstuff.com/

If I think of any others, I'll post them. Feel free to elaborate on your needs NOLITA

robl in Los Angeles Area