nikky's Profile
Best Italian (money no object) in L.A. area for a VERY picky eater
Madeo...or maybe Via Veneto
New "it" spots in Century City/Brentwood/Santa Monica/Venice
gjelina, Ado, Le Saint Amour (Culver City, but same general area)??
Downtown L.A. Lunch and Dinner
For lunch, it may be fun to wander around the Grand Central Market, but definitely not a sit-down option...
For dinner, Drago Centro.
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Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071
The Palm Steakhouse
My SO and I eat there pretty regularly, and while I agree with the above posters re: the steak and the lobster, more than half the time we order the chicken parm, veal parm or the veal martini...
Thoughts on my food itinery (so far)?
In my experience, I just keep hitting redial until I get through. It can take a while. But I agree with kathryn, getting a reso at this late date may prove difficult unless you're willing to eat on the fairly early or late side. Another option is to try an early (5:30/6 pm) walk-in...
Quiet, clubby drink
Temple Bar, the bar at the Palace Hotel or Lexington Bar and Books come to mind...
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Temple Bar
332 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Lexington Bar and Books
1020 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021
Verrazano's Pizza on La Brea
I'm a little late to the party on this one. Tried a plain pie with fresh mozz and fresh basil from Verrazano's last night. Based upon the comments above, it would seem the pizza's improved a bit. I generally stick with Vito's (or Joe's if I'm in SM), but wanted to give them a shot. I thought the sauce was still lacking something (it was sweet enough but strangely seemed to lack salt), but the slices were a good size, the crust was nice, thin and crispy (not burnt), no wilting tip, with good quality cheese and basil. All in all, a good addition to the neighborhood.
Best outdoor space in LA
Wilshire is nice, but I'm rather partial to the view from the roof of the Sunset Tower Hotel.
broken-hearted pizza lover needs help: Vito's to Rocco's (on Vermont)
Not sure about Rocco's either, but Vito's is definitely still around.
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Vito's Pizza
846 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
looking for new place near Arclight
Magnolia, the Bowery and Delancy come to mind...
Dinner Suggestions for Hollywood?
I'd add Delancy - same owners as Bowery, but opened fairly recently...
Give up on Studio City/Ventura?? a few good spots
we've only just started exploring the area, but i'll add a couple more suggestions off the top of my head - for indian, we used to like gangadin, but have been converted to lal mirch on ventura; for quick, casual, we like zach's cafe; i like dupars but my SO prefers good neighbor; and of course porto's in burbank. and, if we're talking non-gourmet here, the daily grill makes a pretty good sandwich. dino's for pizza in burbank isn't bad either, but the quality's been a bit spotty in our (limited) experience.
have you tried pinot bistro?
i'd avoid Mexicali but for the margaritas. ditto casa vega, but that place at least has a certain charm.
Cheesesteaks
definitely wogie's. the owners are from philly and, if you're like me, you'll be happy they have the hot and sweet peppers on the side. place is totally packed in the fall for the eagles games.
kitschy/fun mexican restaurant
Gardens of Taxco is a great call. Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks may also fit the bill.
Best Indian in Studio City?
I'll third (fourth?) Lal Mirch. Gangadin wasn't bad, but it was a bit bland and our chicken vindaloo was really oily. I haven't yet tried the tikka masala at Lal Mirch, but I'm obsessed with the Chana Saag.
Going to Apizz - Any Recommendations?
Always go to Apizz hungry. :) The pizzas are definitely a good size for sharing. Also check to see if they have any specials. Barring that, I enthusiastically recommend the meatballs and the lasagna - hands down my favorites on the menu.
A good steak for my man.
I'd avoid Sparks - I have yet to get a steak there that isn't overcooked. In my experience, Craftsteak is hit or miss. Keens is fab, but definitely more old school. BLT Prime or Striphouse are probably your best options. IMO, I wouldn't judge Prime on the basis of BLT Burger - I've eaten at BLT Prime numerous times and have always had a perfectly cooked steak, good sides, fun atmosphere (read: less stuffy). I also love Dylan Prime, but it's not quite in the same "steakhouse" category - don't get me wrong, I've had probably more than 10 really good meals there, but it was more the entire package than just the steak.
Suggestions in meat packing district/ drinks
For dessert, I'd add Magnolia Bakery and Milk and Cookies.
