2 posts tagged “food”

Today is Food Independence Day according to several groups organizing the movement. 

What are you eating this July 4?

Thanks to everyone who sent us email with their favorite place to eat out.

Nina writes that Din Tai Fung in Arcadia is her favorite spot.  "There are two of them.  The one in the mini-mall has better atmosphere.  The best dish: vegetable/pork dumplings, Shanghai Rice Cakes. Fresh dumplings made fresh daily.  Excellent service, fast and crowded. Get there early!"

Wendy's favorite is Tortas de Mexico in Pasadena on Fair Oaks.  It has "absolutely delicious Enchiladas Mole, and Tacos Al Pastor, Chicken Tinga, Chorizo / Campechano Tacos. -- even though they use fake cheese on their Nachos, stay away from them."

Mark likes Sprazzo in Westwood, "specializing in the romantic flavors of Tuscany, although they serve dishes from all regions of Italy. The place is intimate, quiet and romantic, with wonderful service.  For a few months a year, through Valentine's Day, they have, as a special, a pumpkin/sage ravioli that's so wonderful it will bring tears to your eyes. If I want to have a romantic, delicious date, Sprazzo is my first choice. (And it's across the street from Borders bookstore, so I can read her some romantic poetry afterwards!)"

Another listener recommended Follow Your Heart Vegetarian Restaurant. "There's a reason that Follow Your Heart has been around since 1970.   There is no other place like it and there is no other place that serves its delicious food. I can even take non vegetarians and they will love it. Plus, it isn't expensive for the quality you get and the customers, personnel are some of the warmest people you'll ever meet.  Yum!"

Laura's pick is La Sirena in Laguna Beach, with a new location, in El Segundo.  "Fresh, delicious Mexican, eco-conscious."

Amy thinks that Sona is her favorite restaurant in Los Angeles.  "The tasting menu is beautiful. Different everyweek fresh clean inventive and absolute flavor that gifts the palate with each bite. And the bartender pairs each course magically. Only sit at bar. Fantastic!!!!"

Danielle writes: "My current favorite place Pho Café in Silverlake. They are very affordable and the giant bowls of steaming soup are delicious! I also love their coffee!"

Kamren loves J&S in Montebello. "The little walk-up stand, located right off the 60 at the foot of Quite Cannon, has been a neighborhood favorite since the 60's. The taquitos are the bomb and served with a generous amount of always fresh guacamole and a side of salsa. Ask for the salsa negro, a deep red salsa that has hints of mole. The veterana taking your order will probably mad dog you because the stuff is so sacred, but it's worth the attitude. Oh yeah, the bonus: the food is super cheap and the place never closes. I'm talking getting full for $3 (with an orange bang to wash it all down) at any hour of the day!"

Jessie says that her favorite place to eat out is the Corner Place on James Wood Blvd. in Korea town.  "Of course, the BBQ is yummy and I love the green onion salad, but what really sets this place apart for me is the pon chon. I love the hot daikon soup and the sweet/sour flavors of the cold kimchee soup, the cold sliced daikon, and, of course, and the cold noodles to finish off your meal."

Sherrie tells us that she likes "to eat out at a simple bistro/diner in Eagle Rock called Auntie Em's.  What's on the specials?  Eggplant gratinata for breakfast with a side of eggs?  Cheesy grits with turkey sausage, fresh tomatoes, and a side of fruit?  Wash it all down with big unending cups of Intelligentsia Coffee.  Delight comes easy at Auntie Em's, especially if you end it all with the best red velvet cupcake in the city."

Roseanne prefers Tender Greens in Culver City "because they use local organic produce, every dish tastes great, the food is healthy and not too high in fat or salt content, and it's reasonably priced. It's a great treat for these tough economic times."

 Michelle says that "Tasca Wine Bar on Third Street is my go-to restaurant for date night, celebrations, and dinner with out-of-town guests. Both the interior design and the food balance elegance with approachability, and the wine list encourages exploration. The staff is friendly and knowledgable, able to suggest appropriate pairings for the chef's creative small plates and always willing to share their favorites."

Stephanie eats at "The Neighborhood Bar ( everything is $4.00) in Santa Barbara."

Bianca wrote: "This is sooo hard as who can really narrow it down to one favorite place to eat at.  There are so many cool, non-obvious, ethnic joints I can mention for sheer hope of winning but when it comes down to it what place do I go gaga for - PIZZERIA MOZZA.  There are lots of lovers and haters out there, but all I can attest to is that every meal I have had there has been orgasmic.  I cherish every morsel, give no thought of the caloric intake, don't mind the cramped quarters and feel so blessed to have this restaurant in my city."

Susan likes a place called "Hollywood Studio Bar and Grill (it was formerly known as Tidal Wave and still has a Tidal Wave sign as well as the new sign).  The owner/chef is Juan Mercado, formerly executive chef at Columbia Bar and Grill, before it became Pinot Hollywood and then E.A.T. on Sunset.  His real genius is with fish and seafood – I have enjoyed his ceviche tostadas more times than I can remember, and the salsa casera that he makes and serves with the ceviche is to die for."

Sarah's favorite place is Food on Pico and Manning in West LA. "I can't say enough good things about this place; from the great quality of the ingredients, to the decor, to the personable and friendly staff, to Judy herself who runs the place. I go there almost every Saturday - and hope they've not sold out of their ricotta pancakes. I feel a home there - every time I go in Judy is there on the weekends chatting with everyone and pouring out cups of flavourful steaming coffee."