Tag: food

Check Out These New Places to Eat in LA

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Los Angeles is known for many things, but its food is one of its staples. You needn’t look further than this list for those looking for new offerings for breakfast or something for lunch and dinner.

(Saying Goodbye to) Breakfast at All Day Baby

Many find it hard to say goodbye to a restaurant that offers vibrant experiences. However, All Day Baby, which ends its long five-year run on December 15, is one of those goodbyes that will be especially hard. This late fall, the wait to get in has been pushed to an hour as people have flocked in droves to arrive as first-timers or regulars to bid farewell.

The classic breakfast biscuit with sausage, slathered with jam and topped with eggs and cheese, is a fan favorite. There will be a few breakfast sandwiches made like those at All Day Baby, sweet and tender, and with a crisp biscuit to top the salty and fatty notes.

Be sure to get in to eat at All Day Baby before December 15, as afterward, the restaurant will no longer be in business. All Day Baby is available at 3200 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Sandwiches at Torinos Sandwiches

Tongue sandwiches at Torinos Sandwiches in Pasadena are hot on the menu. Tucked between a bakery and a travel agency on Washington Boulevard, the shop has been around since 1986. It boasts a robust menu of sandwiches, including panini, and composed plates that highlight various Middle Eastern dishes ranging from garlic chicken to falafel and sujuk.

Their tongue sandwich is one of their specialties and arrives neatly sliced and wrapped in parchment paper. Tenderized tongue, tomatoes, pickles, and fresh jalapeno spears are meticulously layered between toasted bread with a generous swipe of toum in every bite. Add in some pickled pepperoncini for extra spice and tang.

You can find Torninos Sandwiches at 1672 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104.

Pork Sisig Try Mumshies Kitchen

Mumshies Kitchen is a Filipino homestyle restaurant. Founded by Frances Vergara in Van Nuys, the former Etihad flight attendant aimed to pursue cooking dreams. The sisig, one of Vergara’s specialties, is made with chopped pork belly, pig ears, pig snout, chicken liver, and onion, accompanied by a properly fried egg and spicy vinegar. The meat is well-chopped and blended with warm, fluffy rice to enhance the flavor of porcine.

You can find Mumshies Kitchen at 14435 Victory Boulevard, Van Nuys, CA, 91401.

Noodles at Ding’s Garden

Ding’s Garden has been a neighborhood favorite serving pan-regional Chinese since its opening in 1998 for years. The wok dishes are excellent, including chicken fried noodles and pork chop over fried rice. Their version of dan dan noodles also hit the post, as they are served with extra-long wheat noodles and a spicy, nutty sauce.

Ding’s Garden is at 733 W. Naomi Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007.

Chicken Drumettes From Thunderbolt

The cocktail destination Thunderbolt in Historic Filipinotown is close to downtown, and Mama Leah’s chicken drumettes are the perfect snack. Initially inspired by chef Johneric Concordia’s mother, the drumettes feature crisp, sugary outsides and juicy meat within. They are nicely paired with drinks, including the La Frutera #3, which fuses tequila, guanabana, and smoked pineapple.

Thunderbolt is at 1263 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Tostadas at Tacos San Miguel Arcangel

Last but not least, some restaurants make the perfect comfort food. Tacos San Miguel Arcangel, a street stand, evokes feelings of comfort for Mexican taquerias. With sunflower-draped tables, their burritos are served with Oaxacan-styled pollo, tasajo, cecina, and chorizo alongside fluffy telera bread tortas, mulitas, memelas, and quesadillas.

However, their tostadas are a standout. They are almost as large as the paper plates served on and topped with grilled tasajo, stringy queso Oaxaca, crisp cabbage, avocado, and tomatillo salsa.

You can find Tacos San Miguel Arcangel at 12814 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

December 14, 2024
Where to Find a Brunch Experience for a Holiday Break in LA

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As another busy holiday season picks up, residents across LA rush to the shops and work overtime to complete their holiday checklists. With visiting family, day trips, and deadlines, this time of year can prove hectic.

For those looking to spend some of the season relaxing and making time with their loved ones, the legendary LA dining scene is an excellent place to turn. Between shopping trips and chores this weekend, here are some top-ranking brunch menus at some of the city’s best restaurants.

Classic LA Dining at Botanica

Botanica at Silver Lake offers true, seasonal, southern California cooking. Founded by Emily Fiffer and Heather Sperling in 2017, this local favorite focuses on sustainability and responsible farming.

Botanica serves brunch Wednesday through Thursday between 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The day menu includes Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as the morning mezze and Turkish eggs and breakfast classics such as a refreshing heirloom tomato tartine. For beverages, Botanica has a house mimosa with flavor options of yuzu, orange, and grapefruit, along with options for other botanical-focused cocktails.

Midwestern Comfort at Moonlark’s Dinette

With dishes crafted by chef Chris Pandel, Moonlark’s Dinette brings Midwestern-inspired cuisine to downtown LA. This stylish little diner offers classic breakfast and lunch every day from 7:30 am to 3 pm.

For a hearty breakfast that will last the rest of the day, Moonlark’s has the biscuit sandwich, which includes pork sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese, and spicy mayo between an old-fashioned buttermilk biscuit. You could also choose not to overthink it and go for a simple breakfast plate with made-to-order eggs, toast, hashbrowns, and proteins. Moonlark offers plenty of a la carte options, sandwiches, and hand-made cocktails.

A Dim Sum Breakfast at Lunasia

When venturing outside the traditional brunch menu, Lunasia, the beloved dim sum house in Pasadena, Alhambra, and Torrance, may be an excellent option. These LA-based restaurants are known for their Cantonese “small bite” dishes traditionally served in tea houses.

The Lunasia restaurants offer diners a variety of dim sum dishes, from savory to sweet. One notable selection is a puffy pastry bun made with hot almond milk and a flaky top. Diners can also choose from different meat, vegetable, and noodle dishes that fit any time of day and appetite. The Chinese teas can make for a complete breakfast, perfect for relaxation or a good start to a long day.

An Elegant Atmosphere at Redbird

For many, brunch is a getaway dining experience to enjoy a slow morning in luxury. The famous Redbird creates a classy and elegant brunch experience, with a full brunch menu served on Sundays and Saturdays between 10 am to 2 pm. Located downtown and built inside the historic former rectory building of Vibiana, Redbird is a memorable piece of the LA dining experience.

The Redbird brunch menu includes many classic dishes, including fried egg sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and pumpkin-spiced French toast. There are also splurge options, such as whole crispy branzino served in Thai broth.

Redbird has additionally assembled a complete brunch cocktail menu, ranging from the all-important Bloody Mary to sweet and tropical choices such as the Good Morning Vietnam, made with Alambique serrano rum, amaro, cold brew, and coconut cream.

Jazzy Mornings at Post & Beam

With live jazz on the patio and a southern-inspired menu, the Post & Beam on Santa Rosalia Drive might be the best location to make brunch a full outing.

In addition to its southern comfort dishes, the Post & Beam offers a special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Post & Beam’s brunch menu contains the sought-after bottomless mimosas option for diners, making it a great place to relax and celebrate the weekend-long into the afternoon. For food, the menu includes plenty of off-the-griddle favorites, as well as plant-based and vegan options.

November 26, 2024
The L.A. Thanksgiving Dining Experience

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As Thanksgiving nears, many LA residents are heading to the stores to stock up on essential ingredients for their holiday feasts. However, not everyone has the cooking skills or the time to prepare their own home-cooked entrees. For those with schedules too packed to spend an entire day on cooking or for any who just wish to enjoy a relaxed holiday weekend, these restaurants are combining the best of L.A. dining with Thanksgiving traditions.

Thanksgiving Celebration at Spago

For a fine dining experience with the trappings of a holiday feast, Spago is offering diners a four-course, family-style meal of Thanksgiving classics. Located in Beverly Hills, Spago has long been synonymous with the culinary arts of the famous Wolfgang Puck.

For $210 per person, diners will enjoy a slow-roasted organic turkey with sourdough and chanterelle mushroom stuffing, sage natural gravy, cavatappi mac & cheese, and a Yukon gold potato purée. For dessert, there will be an assortment of decadent options at Della’s pie station.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving in West Holiday

Diners who require vegetarian-friendly options but still want a Michelin-star experience can visit Ardor at the West Hollywood EDITION. Founded by Michelin-recognized chef John Fraser, this signature hotel restaurant will provide both traditional meat entrees and a variety of vegetarian options in a menu that combines Ardor signatures with holiday classics.

Those who reserve their table for Thanksgiving will be able to choose between a traditional roasted turkey, prime rib, sweet potato curry, and branzino for their main course. The menu will also feature many cozy sides, such as mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable medley stuffin’, in addition to various starters, appetizers, and a mid-course pumpkin agnolotti.

Deep-fried Turkey at Little Dom’s

Deep-fried turkey has grown from a fad into a family holiday tradition. For those who would like to sample turkey dinners done in this fashion without purchasing their own deep fryers, Little Dom’s is cooking up deep-fried turkeys to go. Blending Italian and American fare, Little Dom’s has specialized in crafting favorite local dishes.

Little Dom’s Thanksgiving offerings will be take-out exclusive. Customers can pick up a single deep-fried turkey to take to their holiday table or grab an entire Thanksgiving bundle featuring a deep-fried turkey with two sides or pies for $246.10.

Smoked Turkey at Charcoal

If deep-frying turkeys is one fad, smoking is a cooking style many eager cooks and diners want to bring to their holiday spreads. Charcoal Venice specializes in comfort foods prepared over the coals and served family-style. Their Thanksgiving menu features a smoked turkey with wild mushroom-chicken-apple-stuffing and gravy.

For $125 each, diners will enjoy a five-course dinner with fiery starters such as cabbage “baked in embers,” a roasted pear and persimmon salad, a choice between smoked turkey or slow-roasted prime rib for a main course, traditional and inventive sides, such as whipped potatoes or Szechuan green beans, and seasonal pies for dessert.

Giving Back with Everytable

For those looking for a casual Thanksgiving experience and who also want to honor the sentiment of the holiday, Everytable is teaming up with My Friends Place to create a holiday meal perfect for a family or group. Everytable has worked with local governments, nonprofits, and schools to serve fresh, ready-to-eat meals to local communities, and My Friend’s Place is an L.A.-based nonprofit that supports unhoused youths.

The collaborated My Friends Holiday Meal will feature roast turkey breast, savory cranberry stuffing, sweet potato mash, charred brussel sprouts, chipotle cider gravy, and cranberry chutney. Customers can order two days in advance to support these organizations and bring classic Thanksgiving dishes back home.

November 24, 2024
Four Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles This Fall

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Spice up the month with four delicious restaurant recommendations in Los Angeles. As the weather cools off, enjoy refreshments at The Punchbowl, warm hearty meals at Holy Basil, a breakfast of champions at John O’ Groats, and indulge in Korean food at Ham Ji Park. These four eateries will satisfy any indulgences that come with the beautiful fall weather.

Sweet Smoothies and Refreshing Juice: The Punchbowl

The Punchbowl has introduced a new pumpkin spice shake to the menu. Smoothies don’t have to be only for summer months– enjoy the spice flavors of fall-themed drinks. With generous-sized portions, The Punchbowl packs organic goodness into all drinks.

Their juices are raw, cold-pressed ingredients that don’t compromise quality or health. Smoothies don’t have fillers like ice or preservatives, just fruit, homemade nut milk, coconut water, or cold-pressed juice.

The outdoor seating allows customers to enjoy the beautiful LA weather year-round. Feel the breeze while sipping the chocolate frost for a nostalgic, chocolatey taste, or The Golden Idol for a health kick with turmeric and cayenne.

The owners created The Punchbowl with a peaceful environment in mind. Their menu reflects that amity by combining vegan options into delicious sippable drinks.

4645 Melbourne Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Holy Basil: Thai Cooking From Your Dreams

Atwater Village is home to Holy Basil’s second-ever location. Featuring a hearty menu with mouth-watering options like Pad Thai Noodle, Gra Pow, and Thai Shrimp Fried Rice, Holy Basil’s options will leave you craving more.

Reviewers rave about their signature Moo Krob and Gra Pow, both made with pork belly or optional Wagyu Beef for the latter. The restaurant also offers sides to elevate any meal or as a smaller, affordable option. Holy Basil’s luxurious vegan desserts will make your meal a lasting memory. Drink options include several teas and lemonades—a great refresher with such a rich meal.

3170 Glendale Blvd, Unit C, Los Angeles, CA 90039

A Breakfast of Champions: Say Good Morning at John O’Groats

John O’Groats is a local family-owned diner “serving old-fashioned Americana and Biscuits from Heaven,” according to their website.

And it sure does look like heaven, as their menu features mouth-watering photos of strawberry pancakes, fresh eggs, and sizzling bacon. John O’Groats has several pancake options that satisfy many particular tastes, including spiced pumpkin pancakes representing the heart of fall.

For a more satiating meal, try John O’Groats’s egg and choice of meat options with fries, cantaloupe, cottage cheese, and biscuits or toast on the side. Ziggy’s Get Fit menu is an excellent option for high-protein or lower-carb meals that still please the taste buds.

Accompany your meal with sides like cheesy grits for a southern twist or additional meat for those particularly hungry mornings.

10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Ham Ji Park: For a Taste of the East in The West

Ham Ji Park is a Korean restaurant famous for its Dwaeji Galbi (Pork Spare Ribs) and Gamjatang (Pork Neck Bone Stew). You’ll rarely find such elite, traditional Korean meals in the far west US.

The restaurant has an outdoor seating area that accommodates customers for their preferred dining experience. One reviewer recommends that everyone try Ham Ji Park, including Korean customers who may know the dishes well.

Customers love the huge portion sizes provided, leaving a full tummy and a satisfied experience. Ham Ji Park has rich appetizer options such as squid and octopus to start your meal with a bang. There are also vegetable options for customers who prefer not to eat meat, making Ham Ji Park a great restaurant that caters to all food accommodations.

Find your next meal at Ham Ji Park with a stew, barbecue, or even a simple kimchi rice bowl. They are sure to fill your heart and stomach’s desires.

3407 W 6th St Ste 101C Los Angeles, CA 90020

September 25, 2024
Beloved Los Angeles Butcher Dies at age 44, Sending the Food Community Reeling

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The Los Angeles food community has been stunned by the loss of beloved local butcher Jared Standing, who died by suicide on February 22nd, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Standing has left a legacy of social connections, touched lives, and impacted how LA thinks of its food.

Jared Standing opened his butcher shop, Standing’s Butchery, in Hancock Park in 2017. Many of his connections met him behind the counter, where he was known for his friendly demeanor and how he freely shared his wisdom and food knowledge.

Standing was a former vegetarian who advocated for sustainable sourcing and animal welfare, and his shop was founded on these principles. He sourced his meat from California farmers who prioritized policies like all-grass diets, free-range habitats, and heritage breeds. Standing’s zero-waste policy led to inventive products incorporating scraps and bone into stocks, chili, and premium dog food.

Standing’s Butchery became a hub for providing meat to area shoppers and chefs and for education about sustainable practices and closed-loop farming. The shop hosted butchery classes, and Standing also spread his knowledge online through his social media channels.

“He was able to impact such a large scene from one small shop,” Kelsy Lee, the wholesale manager of Four Star Seafood, told the Los Angeles Times. “He was largely responsible for [getting many] Los Angeles chefs [t] consider the way that they source their ingredients, and also the way that people get food into their homes.” Kelsy had been consulting with Standing for a future location for another Standing’s Butchery.

Standing had been planning to expand his business. He had been running successful burger pop-ups, Burgers by Standing, and had spoken about aspirations to open a permanent establishment for some time. He had announced a Westside location for Standing’s Butchery.

In a social media post made back in 2022, Standing discussed his life story and ambitions. He discussed how “impossible it seemed” for him to open his own butchery shop but explained that he believed that honest hard work would pay off. He spoke about his ambition and how he has spent much time thinking about the future and “all that I want and don’t yet have.”

Standing had come a long way since his beginnings. He had once been homeless, sleeping in a $500 Toyota Corolla. It had taken a job in the meat department of a Whole Foods to teach him the basics of butchery while he found his way financially. He had educated himself in better butchery practices online while he worked his way up to better jobs until he was finally able to open Standing’s Butchery. Standing built a reputation and legacy that will endure through his work ethic and diligent self-improvement.

Suicide rates in the U.S. have set new records in both 2022 and 2023. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline continues to work against this trend and can be reached by phone at 800-273-8255. Other resources include online chat at 988lifeline.org and the text Crisis Line at 741741.

March 8, 2024