Layne Murphy's Profile
Ba in Highland Park?
We haven't been yet either. Am very curious but agree, for a neighborhood joint, the prices on their website seem quite steep. I get the concept of a limited menu but the one posted on the website was minimal to the extreme. My fussy husband would choose nothing and even for my less neurotic self it would sort of be a lesser of evils thing. Understand the menu is ever changing though. Hoping someone takes one for the team pronto...
Faux Meat - Recommendations
I am an inconsistent vegetarian and some folks make a big stink about the use of faux meat but I actually love it. The trick in most cases is that it be used as an ingredient for flavor and mouth feel rather than served as is. I like some of the Field Roast products and agree that Gardein and Quorn, as mentioned here, are about the best. But there's a South African brand Fry's that is available at a few places here in LA. I've tried a number of their products and all are excellent, particularly the hot dogs. For those located in Los Angeles, the Buddhist vegetarian store in Rosemead has a ginormous selection of frozen fakery. Recommend "shrimp" and "ham" particularly.
LA why do you vex me so?
It's quite a recent phenomena but you really won't be sacrificing quality by sticking with Downtown. Just prepare to do a bit of walking and avail yourself of the Dash. The Water Grill just remodeled (finally) but the food has always been noteworthy. Newish places I've enjoyed very much are The Lazy Ox, Ytza, Spice Table, The Gorbals. The Nickel Diner if you're not up for pastrami at Langer's would be fun for lunch. Plus you're close to Grand Central Market, Chinatown, Little Tokyo and even though it looks touristy, there are a couple of decent restaurants on Olvera St. And the Umamicatessen is just opening and sounds interesting. Other hounds will have other great downtown recs. Enjoy!.
Tar and Roses off to Promising Start and Tar Free
We seldom venture into brand new places but it piqued my interest, although husband noted that the word "tar" in the name of a restaurant is not particularly appetizing. I'm going to have to rely on my memory which was a bit clouded by a scrumptious Downtown Brown Ale on tap because the menu isn't up on the website-although they expect to post it this week. Didn't bother with the wine list but there's a nice selection of on tap and bottled beer. Beer expert/cheapskate Husband had Craftmen Peated Scotch ale which was outstanding, and according to him, fairly priced.
There's a separate menu of starters mix and match style--3 for $12. There are three different brushettas, a selection of cheeses and a number of charcuterie choices. We had a lovely California goat cheese along with brandade and white anchovy brushettas. There is also a duck rillette brushetta that we didn't try. Starters are served on a board with a jar of homemade pickles including multicolored carrots, Jerusalem artichokes in addition to cukes. There was a few slices of a fruit nut toast and dollops of membrillo and honey and a sliced apple. A very hospitable start indeed.
The main menu has a section of snacks which seems kind of redundant because the starter menu falls into the same category. Nevertheless, there were some interesting items like chicken "oysters.' Side dishes are divided into starch and a number of great sounding vegetable preparations. As my dining companion is not fond of vegetables I chose only a chanterelle "stuffing"which pretty much tasted like turkey stuffing with lots of sage, delicious but not too mushroomy. Also had a wood fired broccoli garnished with what was called 'Parmesan pudding," kind of a grandiose description of a tiny blob of a creamy parmesan concoction-very tasty but kind of spartan at $8. We shared a wood roasted branzino that was stuffed with herbs and lemons. Simple perfection and served with a Myer lemon risotto which was maybe a nonce heavy on butter. Dessert was a mind blowing Strawberry Crostada on a marcona almond crust and served with phenomenal honey ice cream.
There service was super friendly and obliging. At first I thought a bit bordering on unctuous but the restaurant has only been open two weeks and it seems the staff is just terrifically ebullient at how swimmingly it's going. The only sign that we weren't at a long established and perfectly oiled machine is that they were out of decaf coffee. Shocking but given how good everything else was, forgivable. The room is brick and modern light fixtures and a bit drafty in the booths that provide a view of the kitchen. It was fun hearing the server to cook patter although when it was announced there was VIP on table 24 I felt sort of hoi polloi. Perhaps the presence of big shots should be noted a bit more discreetly. The serving vessels-cunning little casseroles, planks and jars-are adorable. The music is a bit loud and the mix started with Neil Diamond and Suzanne Vega but fortunately got a bit more innocuous so I didn't have to blow my brains out. We had a 5:45 reservation and the joint was full by six. Think it's going to become a tough reservation but one I definitely hope to finagle again.
Atwater Village Farm is open for business
I agree here. I've been back a couple of times and there still isn't a lot of merchandise. I needed to pick up some eggs in a hurry but they were $7 a pop. Sorry, can't patronize chickens that apparently live better than I do. They did have cardoons which you don't see every day but again, I think these prices might fly in Beverly Hills, they are pretty out of line for humble Atwater. Such a cute shop and so convenient a location. I hope they do a little reality check pronto.
Most Divisive Restaurants?
Definately not the best deli in town but a great sentimental favorite. The bakery is actually pretty good. The knishes are o.k. as are many of the soups. Haven't been for a while but I believe they still have baked apples. Always great people watching and fun.
Atwater Village Farm is open for business
Here's their website. Very nice folks.
http://avillagefarm.tumblr.com/
Atwater Village Farm is open for business
It's on the way home and we've been watching through the window for some time so stopped on Friday, their opening day. No signage yet but on the corner of Larga and Glendale Blvd. The store is handsome and has a really gallery feel. The shelves aren't teeming but there is an interesting array of local products. The produce rack has high quality items at very steep prices. There are enticing small jars of local jams and chutneys at $12 a crack. I found a good brand of tomato paste in a tube and also picked up some harrisa, also in a tube and something I'd never seen before. Both items were $3 which seems fair. There is a counter with pretty baked goods, including a good selection of vegan items, and as I recall the prices weren't posted. The staff was genial and happy to add items to a wishlist they are compiling. I suspect that when they're more fully stocked there will be more items in the proletariat price range. An extremely pleasant place to shop and the parking is less treacherous than Trader Joe's. If they cater a bit more to folks who lack unlimited disposable income I predict they'll thrive as a friendly neighborhood haven of fine foods.
Most Divisive Restaurants?
I'll throw in Urth Cafe and Freres Taix. Hate the former and find the latter pleasant nostalgia with a number of decent menu items but opinions here vary wildly.
Need Health Food Store recommendations - Los Feliz/Silverlake/Echo Park
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. No good purveyors in Los Feliz area that I know of but the Sunday Atwater Farmer's Market is excellent. Figueroa Produce is quirky and sometimes the pricing seems sort of steep but you can't do better karma wise and they have some stuff I can't find elsewhere. I also like Sprouts in Burbank a lot, sort of a poor man's Whole Foods. Fair prices. Good selection. Icky prepared foods.
Dinner mit beer twixt Santa Monica and Hollywood?
Six absolutely a contender. Also scoping out Steingarten and Golden State. Any recent intelligence?
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The Golden State
426 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Dinner mit beer twixt Santa Monica and Hollywood?
We go west of La Brea about once a decade but have persuaded the hub to visit the Santa Monica Museum of Art and then see a play at Melrose and Vista. Anyplace interesting between the two destinations? He's into beer. We're both pescaterians except don't eat shellfish. We are boring old fogies. Oh, and cheap too. I almost always have an appetizer as a main and he'll have a beer or two which I sip on. I've checked this board and two of the lightly candidates-District and Test Kitchen have bitten the dust and we'd prefer somewhere that isn't closed. Would like to keep tab under $70 and noise below ear splitting. No one will be surprised that we will be dining early. Culver City out of the way. GAS IS EXPENSIVE.
Halong Bay Vietnamese French in Eagle Rock
This is a new place created by the owners of Lemon Grass and located next door. There are brick walls and a minimalist decor that sort of feels unfinished and not intentionally spare. The menus are printed on scrolls that are unrolled. Cute, but plastic and not the easiest to read. The service was warm and professional. We shared some vegetarian egg rolls which had sort of a bitter taste and were served with inadequate lettuce for wrapping. My teenage companion ordered Bo Lac Chao--Filet mignon sautéed with honey, chili, chopped shallots and garlic. He pronounced it outstanding but complained that the portion was skimpy although that is the nature of the beast. I ordered Cam Tim Nuong-grilled eggplant with butter and homemade tamarind fish sauce. It looked like sort of a skimpy plate of unadorned grilled eggplant when it arrived but the flavors were actually complex and mindblowingly delicious. We'll definitely go back although I don't get how the concept is radically different than Lemon Grass, which I also like very much and find it curious that they've opened such a similar restaurant right next door. Publicity materials state that Halong Bay leans more heavily on the French influence but I really didn't see it on the menu. Nevertheless, both places are good and I hope both flourish.
Dessert ideas--Vegan AND Sugar Free
Thanks for the great advice. Just for the record, my friend does tolerate agave and dried fruit without a problem if we're strict with portion control. Greater concern is refined sugar. Also, I found some vegan gelatine at Whole Foods that I'm going to play around with. Will keep you posted.
Dessert ideas--Vegan AND Sugar Free
I have a friend with some health problems, including diabetes, who I cook for. I've nailed a very good oatmeal cookie with tons of dried raisins and cherries macerated in cider and a combo of stevia and agave but this is getting boring. Tried some peanut butter cookies which weren't thrilling. Any other interesting ideas? TIA
Has anyone ordered Banh Mi for catering? In ALhambra?
I had a lousy experience with Bahn Mi My Tho. I needed sandwiches two weekends in a row and they were never ready on time and the last straw was when I arrived they hadn't even started making them and weren't the least bit apolegetic even though I'd purchased about 1000 sandwiches in the past. They're too small an operation to handle large orders and they've changed the bread and it isn't as good as it was. When I arrived to find my order not started I called Mr. Baguette-a few miles down Valley in Rosemead. They had 100 sandwiches ready in 10 minutes. It's a large operation. I think the bread is the best in San Gabriel. They are substantially more expensive than most but I think well worth it.
Where to buy fake vegan meat (Asian style) in LA?
Bodhi Vegetarian Supply
8450 Valley Blvd
Ste 106
Rosemead, CA 91770
They have a large selection of frozen foods and don't open until ten. Credit cards only for $20 or more purchase. Bought some excellent vegan ham and shrimp and some other items I haven't tried. I guess it was a fluke but when I was there last week there was a broken freezer that was taped up and marked broken but none of the food had been removed and unfortunately the place smelled. The operating freezers seemed very cold and the stuff seemed quite solidly frozen so I took a chance but it is peculiar that food would be left rotting. Nevertheless the items I got were so good (better than anything I've found at 99 Ranch, etc) I would probably risk it again if the offending freezer and stinky contents are gone.
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99 Ranch
17713 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA
Jaime Oliver's Revolution Menu at Patra's Glassell Park
I suspect that the beef burgers on the Revolution menu at Patra's may be better than the vegetarian selections. Orean's is a kick but most things are deep fried so I don't really consider it health food. Green Earth was pretty good but I really like My Vegan on Arroyo. Nice people. Very extensive menu.
Echo Park delivery options
Mae Ploy delivers to Echo Park and I like it very much. Also, Farfalla would probably too. Masa delivers and has an extensive menu, mostly quite good. Tomato Pie definitely-efficient and reliable and some pretty good pizzis. Rudelli's for lower end pizza and lovely people is another alternative.
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Mae Ploy
2606 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Rudelliss
2320 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Bulan, Vegan House 2, Doomie's Home Cookin' or Truly: A Vegan Restaurant?
Have tried 2 of 4. Bulan a bit far afield from Arclight but really very good. The typical Thai vegan stuff and some interesting specials, all done well. Sweet service.
Doomie's is fun and funky. Can be a bit on the slow side but most of the food is really good and a riff on Americana at its richest, prepared without meat but just as fattening. Fake fried chicken a very guilty pleasure. Not blown away by the desserts but everything else was very good although definitely not health food.
ISO uncooked turkey parts
Gelson's almost always has legs, wings and thighs. I think the thighs are nicer to cook with because there's less cartilage and tendon.
Hugo's Atwater-Formidable Tortas
We get office lunch once in a while from Hugo's in Atwater because they're efficient and have a good selection for our mix of vegetarians and meat-eaters. The tacos are pretty good and you can get a cheap little side of decent guacamole. There was uniform enthusiasm about the tortas though and so I tried one today, with grilled fish. I wouldn't claim to be a world authority on tortas although I have driven 15 miles or so (when gas was cheaper) to consume one based on recommendations at this board. The torta from Hugo's was jaw droppingly good. The bread was ultra fresh and soft, but not too soft. There was a thin coat of guacamole and a dainty layer of white beans and grilled onions. The fish had a nice flavor and was complimented, rather than drowned out, by the accompaniments. I hadn't been keen on ordering this because the menu claims it's dipped in honey chipotle, griddle cooked, and spicy. I was concerned it might be on the hot side and more importantly, messy. It was neither. The chipotle sauce was applied very sparingly and left the bread with a lovely glaze. Good to find something local and delicious now that the price of fuel makes me think twice about food sorties.
Decent Thai food with out door seating in Thai Town?
A tiny bit west of Thai town proper but Sompun on Santa Monica near the Sunset Junction has good food, nice service and a lovely patio.
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Sompun Restaurant
12051 Ventura Pl, Studio City, CA 91604
Is Vietnamese Soy Cafe closed?
I presume you mean the one on Hyperion which I understand is not affiliated with Viet Noodle in Atwater. I had a banh mi from the Soy Cafe yesterday. I believe they are open only MF 11-3. Viet Noodle, in Atwater, sadly no longer serves bahn mi at night.
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Viet Noodle Bar
3133 1 2 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Out of ideas for my birthday dinner...
Luna Park kind of hit or miss. Curtained booths cool. Food can be pretty good but unreliable. I too am crazy about Babrix and I love the patio at Cliff's Edge although the food isn't necessarily as lovely the ambiance. I have also been consistantly impressed with the quality of food and service at Little Dom's although sometimes the noise level can be a bit of an issue.
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Cliff's Edge
3626 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Luna Park
672 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Frozen fava beans
Super King definitely and probably Jon's or a number of the small Middle Eastern Markets in the East Hollywood area.
Hollywood Palladium eats??
For walking distance Off Vine is pretty reliable, if not earth shattering. Cafe Was is nearby. Haven't tried but might be interesting.
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Off Vine
6263 Leland Way, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Cafe Was
1521 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028
Report-Long weekend with frugal husband and hungry teens.
I got amazing recommendations for my family’s long weekend. Thanks so very much everyone who generously contributed and a special nod to Kathryn who I presume is the goddess of the NYC board and Aching whose food map is a pretty awesome creation.
Social obligations and staying next door to the Grandaisy Bakery reeked havoc on our plans but we did some fine eating. Three days in NY meant three trips to the Grandaisy and amazing roasted cauliflower pizza and stellar lemon ginger cookies. I wanted to buy a boatload to take home but got there a few minutes after closing time. The girl was sweeping up and the cases were still full and she saw my sad face at the door but showed no pity.
We chose Trattoria Cinque for our first meal because it was close and easy to score an Open Table reservation. The room is reasonably attractive but the food was pretty disappointing. The menu offers a caesar salad mixed at the table—very old school and something I thought my kids would enjoy. The salad arrived pre-tossed, way over dressed and comprised of tough outer romaine leaves. My husband’s bread soup had no visible bread and in fact no liquid at all, just a lukewarm skillet of beans. Huh? I ordered a special--pasta with a mix of fresh tomatoes. The tomatoes hadn’t much flavor and the dish was pretty much something I’d make at home on a low energy weeknight. My husband’s branzino was nice but only a thimbleful of fish served with a flavorless couscous salad. One kid liked the short rib stuffed ravioli and the other’s ribeye was so big it literally draped over the plate; the disparity of portion size fish vs. beef was pretty odd. The ricotta cheesecake was a nice desert but rocked no one’s world. My husband did love the Brooklyn (Red? Amber?) Ale that’s on tap. The service was indifferent although the restaurant was less than 25% full. At one point the whole staff was huddled in a corner and laughing loudly and hilariously which sort of rubbed me the wrong way not having been asked how I was enjoying the meal and now left out on the joke.
Breakfast a Bubby’s was pretty good and the place is cute and sunny looking but the service was a tad flaky. Son proclaimed pancakes exceptional. Eggs done very well. Bagel left me mystified as to why New York bagels are considered superior to L.A. version. Coffee was very good and reminded me of the NY custom of serving cup o’ joe with a spoon in it.
I met a friend for lady’s lunch at Tea and Sympathy which is pretty enchanting. I had mushroom on seven grain toast and a lovely cup of tea that seemed correctly English. Warm service and lots of tea-ish Brit stuff you don’t see on a menu very often. I think even beans on toast but lots of stuff I would actually consider eating.
We had dinner at Walker’s and I liked the food more than I would have if I hadn’t loved the feel of the place. I did have a fantastic NY hard cider and husband enjoyed very much a seasonal beer-Spring Fling from the Bluepoint Brewery. We started with smoked salmon on pumpernickel. The salmon portion was generous but the fish itself a bit gnarly and the toasts a tad burned. I ordered a halibut special which was quite overcooked and hot enough to suggest microwave and served in an indistinctive green sauce. The accompanying mashed potatoes were buttery and flavorful but lukewarm. My husband’s fish and chips were fine and served with a decent red slaw. The server was so loose and friendly we’d happily eat the less than stellar food again just for the warm juju.
My husband gave me the stink eye when I dragged him into the predominately pink Kitchenette but he enjoyed his oatmeal. The eggs were perfectly prepared and fresh but the potatoes were large clumsy salty oafs, not befitting the dainty atmosphere. The butter was mixed with strawberry jam and lovely on a fresh biscuit. Again, good coffee, served with spoon that isn’t necessarily used.
Our friend invited us to Via Pacri and I guess the name of the restaurant section is La Gazzetta. The music was a bit loud and we noticed that all the eye candy was seated by the window and the frumpy families like us with teenagers were seated in the back of the joint. The bruschetta with truffle honey and ricotta may have been the best thing I ate on the visit and I am so over truffle oil. The fish special was well prepared, the fish cooked perfectly. I had linguine with parmesan and black pepper which was a bit heavy with both cheese and peppercorns. One kid had roast chicken and the other a burger and both looked very good and despite enormous portions sons qualified for clean plate club. The service and décor are uber Italian and the prices are uber Manhattan.
Our favorite breakfast was at the terrifically friendly Grey Dog. The coffee alas was missing the New York spoon but also sadly served in a paper cup. Nevertheless, good java and my husband was impressed when the server actually tied leaves into a tea bag for a nice cup of English Breakfast. The baked oatmeal is delicious, sort of a riff on bread pudding and the omelet was great and the accompanying potatoes with onions and peppers perfectly prepared. This, probably because you order at the counter, was the least expensive breakfast we had at one of the few places with prices comparable to L.A.
The last meal was at Colicchio and Sons Tap Room sans progeny. Even though I warned them off it, the kids insisted on Katz’s Deli. They reported the wait was miserable, the service the meanest they’d ever encountered and the meat was nowhere near as good as Langer’s in L.A. Do not flame me for this. I am reporting on behalf of my children who do not read Chowhound.
The Tap Room is a gorgeous place and the soundtrack is not too loud and chosen to appeal to old farts without being unctuous or embarrassing. My beerhead was in heaven and our server was incredibly knowledgeable. The list is ginormous but beer is served in flights and half pints. The first flight was of Brooklyn Toasted Lager; False Start (local brewery) Ale; Ubu Ale (upstate NY). All were really good but the Ubu was a standout. Two of the beers on the Chocolate Flight weren’t available but we were happy with another Ubu, a Smuttynose Porter and a Brother Thelonious Abbey Ale. We also shared a half of Gnomegang-a serendipitous collaboration of the Upstate New York Ommengang and Hubertus Belgian breweries. All excellent.
I notice the preparations were a bit different when we ate there than is posted on website menu so specific ingredients maybe be a bit sketchy. We started fatty salmon garnished with smoked egg. The texture and the flavor of the salmon were remarkable. The cavatelli with mint, fresh peas and I forget which cheese was delicious but if I hadn’t been drinking beer, probably a bit too salty. The salmon entrée came with a beet wine reduction that actually tasted a bit vinegary and was thoughtfully served on the side for my beet hating husband. The accompanying spring garlic would have been nicer sliced more delicately and prepared with a bit less butter. The dessert menu is sort of a snooze. We had a pineapple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream that was pleasant and not overly sweet but perhaps unexciting enough to send a chef packing knives. The food is well designed to pair with beer and I like the notion of higher end beer chow. I know the objective is to have a limited menu but I did wish for a few more non-carnivorous choices. The service was also a bit stiff and formal but our server warmed up a lot upon discovering a real beer enthusiast.
So much food and so little time. We look forward to returning soon and sampling more of the Chowhound recommendations. I thank you all for your patience with my demanding questions and hope my own L.A. board reciprocates as generously when NY hounds are in the neighborhood.
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Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Kitchenette
156 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007
Bubby's Pie Co.
120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Walker's
16 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013
Grey Dog Coffee
33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Grandaisy Bakery
250 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Trattoria Cinque
363 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013
Colicchio & Sons
85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
La Gazzetta
55 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
Hungry teens/cheapskate husband. Can this vacation be saved?
Greetings from L.A. I know the importance of research and people on our board get really petulant when people say, "I'm coming to L.A, tell me what to eat." I'm visiting Manhattan for long weekend with husband and two teenage boys. We're staying in Tribeca and our itinerary includes Whitney, MOMA and Guggenheim. I've poured over the Chowhound, the NY Times and some other sites and my head is spinning. I see places on the map but I really don't have an accurate idea of travel time which complicates planning an itinerary. Here are our specifics: Three of us are non-shell fish eating pescatarians. The older kid eats anything and will require at least one big red meat extravaganza. It seems to me also that my boys could blow any competitive eating champion out of the water and having had a little sticker shock perusing NY menus I am concerned. Husband very thrifty and hates more than anything waiting in a line although good beer assuages the crustiness a bit. There has been some debate about the quintessential New Yorkiness of Shake Shack but I think the kids would like it. I also want to try Vegetarian Dim Sum because to my knowledge there's nothing like this in L.A. Otherwise, outstanding Asian and Mexican are in our regular rotation so unless there's something mind blowing and not budget busting, we'd probably stick to other cuisines. Our budget for the four of us is $250 a day and this should include tips and a couple beers. We all like pasta and the three males love pizza which I can take or leave. I will rationalize this with my intention to do a lot of walking but L.A. is notorious for mediocre bread so good sandwich and breakfast recommendations will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Doomie's Vegan Home Cooking. Named by a cardiologist?
It's in the mini mall and in the space that used to be the empanada place. Although I didn't love the desserts, I really did think the food was excellent and I will be back the next time I finish a 10K.
