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Liu's Cafe, Westwood
Chinese

Liu's Cafe, Westwood

Had a chance to visit Lou’s Café in Westwood thought it was really good. I kinda like this interior better than the Ktown one I like the counter. It’s kind of cool to sit at a counter. This time we had the chicken rice and also the Hong Kong style toast. The toast was really good at inside. It had condensed milk, which is sweet. It’s actually a really tasty dessert. Again I would recommend and I would visit again. Just like the ktown one. Amazingly they have a nice following with small menu.

Moo's Craft Barbecue, East LA
BBQ

Moo's Craft Barbecue, East LA

I want to discuss the frito pie. Interestingly I grew up in Southern California and I had the frito pie when I playing little league. And it wasn’t called that back then. I knew it as pepper bellies - and some times it included beans. I would argue with some of my Midwest friends about this nomenclature about the correct name, which was a non-winning expenditure of mental effortness - which I regret. But after all these not having pepper bellies - it took me back to the good old days of little league. Makes me want to make some at home. . . .

Cantonese Bbq pork and roast pork belly over rice and...
Chinese

Cantonese Bbq pork and roast pork belly over rice and...

Cantonese Bbq pork and roast pork belly over rice and pork meat ball soup. At short stop at HKG airport with a classic Cantonese deli meal. When I lived in HKG this was my favorite meal. I found great little restaurants that served this classic dish. Yet the first time I had this dish was in LA. I remember my mom bringing home bbq pork in a paper bag lined with foil. I remember later in college, we’d go to Sam Woo’s 三和 in Chinatown to order this or beef chow fun. I later grew to appreciate roast pork belly, too. Bbq pork or chasu or 叉燒 or cha siu. . . .

Levain, Los Angeles
Bakery

Levain, Los Angeles

Some of the best cookies in LA . . . are from NYC. The five dollar cookie craze. Big oversized and pricey cookies! So as a I tried a bunch. Chocolate Chip Walnut, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, oatmeal raisin, and Rocky road. Though I am not a big fan of dark chocolate cookies, these were pretty good. I try not to eat sweets, but cookies are my weakness. At Levain, luckily when we got there, the line wasn’t that long. I don’t think I would have stood in a much longer line. The peanut butter chip was my favorite. The cookies all had a nice crumble and weren’t overly soft and cake-line. Texture was just right. The flavor was on the sweeter side, just bordering my sweet limit. Would I return - yes. Would I recommend - yes. Would I fight traffic and stand in a long ass line just to get cookies - no. I would come again if I was in the area. . . . .

Chinatown Summer Nights, Chinatown
BBQ

Chinatown Summer Nights, Chinatown

BBQ in Chinatown. LA Brisket. We ordered the OG bowl with Beef Brisket. But it was a little too dry. And the brisket slices were unexpectedly thin. Not sure about the accompanying green salsa sauce. Reminded me of salsa verde. The slaw was really good and sour - just the way I like it. The pork ribs, seemed like small portion. They taste well and had good flavor and texture (that’s the CBJ in me). The loaded fries with brisket was quite hearty, yet seemed to lack enough fries, strangely. I liked the fries a lot. The single Texas toast was good, wish they gave us another slice. Not sure if I recommend, yet. But I’d return just to try others. Brisket 7 for taste, 8 for tenderness, 7 for appearance. Pork ribs 8 taste, 8 for tenderness, and 8 for appearance. . . . . . . .chinatown

Accomplice, Culver City
Taiwanese

Accomplice, Culver City

Taiwanese food at Accomplice. Nice little neighborhood bar with Taiwanese food. Only tried fried tofu and the scallion pancakes. But I think the sauce is more Shanghainese with the sweetness. I am more used to a spicier and less sweet sauce for tifu. And the scallion pancakes, not sure of the vinegar sauce dipping sauce. I think this is more of a china flavor. Plus I think the scallion pancakes seems deep fried rather than the traditional pan fried. I get that this catering more to an American palate. Perhaps the chef is from china, instead of Taiwan. Next time I want to the other dishes. Regardless this is a cool car with a good selection of whiskeys. Almost had the full selection of Nikki whiskeys, they were missing the takesuru and days. I had a glass of the buffalo trace bourbon. They also had a really good green cocktail that was spicy. That was really good. . . . . . .

Farther's Office, Los Angeles
American

Farther's Office, Los Angeles

The burger at Farther’s Office in DTLA’s Arts District. Very yummy burger and nicely spiced fries. Washed it down with some tart pear cider. I needed that acidic cider since burger was lusciously rich and decadent. Its no wonder that the F.O. Burger is one of the notable burgers of LA. It’s tough to grab a snapshot of this burger. I’ve tried so often it not easy to find the right angle at night while a little buzzed. The fries were surprisingly good. I expected something a little more than something dried bordering on stale. But the flavor was good along with the dipping sauce. Anyways. I was more surprised that F.O. Wasn’t too crowded on a Saturday night. . . . . .

Cole's French Dip, Downtown LA
American

Cole's French Dip, Downtown LA

Cole’s French Dip. I had to have Cole’s also. But in reality, I had Cole’s first then Phillipe’s. Everyone will ask - which is better? Let’s point out the differences - thicker slices of beef at Cole’s. Larger bread roll. Larger portions, too 😀 And Cole’s serves these French dip sandwiches till 11:30pm. Plus you can get mixed drinks at Cole’s. I think the hot spicy horse radish mustard is about the same. Nice bite. I did like the gator tots. I think it comes down to personal preference. I can really do both. . . . . .

Xiang La Hui, Los Angeles
Chinese

Xiang La Hui, Los Angeles

Sichuan food 川菜 at Xiang La Hui 香辣汇. We had Spicy Roasted Fish with Red Peppers 香辣风味烤鱼, which was super spicy. The square caldron of fire had a simmering oily broth of goodness with cauliflower, potatoes, peanuts, a fish, and of course spicy and mouth numbing Sichuan peppercorns called Hua Jiao 花椒. Out mouths were in a constant state of fire. But with the fish and hua Jiao, it numbed our tongues to allow us to eat more. Not sure if that is a good thing. Later on, I realized that we needed to have the plum juice 酸梅湯, which is a sweet and sour juice. This juice, a typical Chinese drink, is offered at hot pot joints as well as Sichuan restaurants, really hits the spot and soothes your overly excited taste buds and neutralizes that spicy mouth fire tingly sensation, just so you can eat more. I’m sure you’ll pay for it later, if you know what I mean 🚽. We also had House Special Pork Belly 梅菜扣肉, which isn’t a Sichuan dish, but it was perfect for us. The sliced pork was overly salty which had its place for our taste buds, since we had spicy, sweet, sour, and now salty. We each had a bowl of rice to make sure we were full. I recommend this place, but I caution those who might not be ready for a full tongue sensory overload. . . . . .

Manuela, Downtown LA
American

Manuela, Downtown LA

Lunch at Manuela in the arts district in DTLA. Started off with the house Bloody Mary with heirloom tomatoes. Then we shared an order of their cast iron biscuits. And we had the venison burger, chilaquiles, and Mary’s grilled chicken sandwich. Their outdoor seating in this reclaimed flour factory is a really interesting setting. With the art galleries nearby it resembles the Beijing’s 798 art district. Manuela also has a garden area that is open evenings where you can eats and drink next to a chicken coop. Parking sucks in this area. But they do have valet parking available. . . . . . .

Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop, Los Angeles
Chinese

Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop, Los Angeles

Cold brew tea and lunch at Steep. Had the braised pork on rice, the chicken rice, and pork soup noodles. I think the pork soup noodles were the best. I loved the flavorful broth. The chicken rice, similar to a Hainan chicken rice, did have the expected garlic rice - but it wasn’t suppose to hence the name. The braised pork over rice with the soft boiled egg was not bad. I did like my pu-erh tea. I like the glass bottles. . . . . . . .

All Day Baby, Downtown LA
American

All Day Baby, Downtown LA

Weekend brunch at All Day Baby on Sunset. Of course I had the Bloody Mary. Had the ADB breakfast biscuit sandwich with sausage, which was an extravagant McDonald’s sausage biscuit sandwich. Sausage was thick, juicy, and flavorful. Then there was the hot crab sandwich with avocado. We had the weekend only black pepper fennel sausage roll, which was heavy on fennel and black pepper which I dig. And finished with the PBJ fluffer nutter and a mini banana cream pie. The bans cream pie was exceptional, which the solid banana chunks, the caramel sauces bottom, and the flaky crust. Good day to enjoy brunch on a sunny weekend morning. . . . . .

Maxwell Chicken Rice, Downtown LA
Chinese

Maxwell Chicken Rice, Downtown LA

Our third stop for Hainan Chicken Rice is at Maxwell Chicken Rice in DTLA Chinatown. Maxwell is the name of Food Centre in Singapore with famous hawkers selling street food including Hainan Chicken rice. And in DTLA, this place does not disappoint. The tender and not dry dark meat chicken is succulent with slight flavors. Then again it isn’t about bold flavors. The sauces provide the added taste along with the fragrant garlic chicken rice. Unfortunately I didn’t take picture of the sauces. What makes Maxwell standout is there fried egg and their Vietnamese-influence garlic noodles. I would try again and recommend. . . . . . .

Row Dtla, Downtown LA
French

Row Dtla, Downtown LA

Dinner in DTLA. Joined the DTLA Dinner Club and had a great dinner with six courses. First was the endive lobster boat, then 2nd was the caramelized fennel and leek gratin. For the third course, we had the uni bacon on baguette. The fourth course was a summer salad. And fifth course was braised mocha beef cheeks. And the final course was a homemade donut with ricotta. Nice outdoor terrace with great weather and to meet interesting people. Very cool joint. . . . . .

Hanchic, Los Angeles
Korean

Hanchic, Los Angeles

Hanchic. I would characterize this place as modern Korean or Korean fusion. We had their interpretation of Kalbi Jjim. It had all the flavors and textures of tradition Kalbi Jjim but presented in a different way. It was my favorite dish. Check out that large beef rib bone. We also had ragu tteokbokki and the chamchi toast as starters. And with the one-in Kalbi Jjim, we had the bulgogi risotto. Everything was really good and had the familiar flavors. Also, they don’t have their liquor license yet, so it is byob. There is a liquor store nearby if you need to pick up some booze. . . . . . . .la

Carnitas Michoacán, East Los Angeles
Mexican

Carnitas Michoacán, East Los Angeles

The final addition to the Chronicles of Carnitas of East Los Angeles - Carnitas Michoacán. I argue that the best Mexican food region in the US is right here in East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights. The long-standing community has great establishments that celebrate carnitas and culture. Carnitas Michoacán is a 24 hour restaurant that my friends and I used to frequent at the end of a fun night out. Close to the freeway and with a big menu, it is still a place I would stop by late at night. It is said that carnitas was originated in the state of Michoacán. . . . . . .

Burgers Never Say Die, Los Angeles
American

Burgers Never Say Die, Los Angeles

Double Cheese Smashed Burger from Burgers Never Say Die. Pretty solid burger with an interesting crunchy texture from the thin burger patties. I like it. But the burgers seem small in portion. I should have considered ordering two. Their price seems a bit high for a single order of their “regular” burger. Their fries are just ok - but generous in portion. This place is popular from youtubers. Would I go again? Yes. Do I recommend? Yes. Would I drive this far again just for it - maybe. . . . . .

Eataly, Los Angeles
Italian

Eataly, Los Angeles

Affogato at Eataly. A new favorite drink (or dessert). What is it? It sounds like avocado (which is how I will remember it). The Classico is espresso with a couple of scoops of Fior Di Latte Gelato (a sweet heavy cream milk gelato, originally/mistakenly thought as just vanilla ice cream). This sort of Root Beer Float is pretty good. The gelato sweetens the espresso and makes a yummy icey coffee drink. . . . . . . . I was feeling blue with my nails today 🤪

JiouDing Hot Pot, Los Angeles
Chinese

JiouDing Hot Pot, Los Angeles

Chuan Chuan in LA at JiouDing Hot Pot. Spicy as hell. One of the most uncomfortable meals, but I can’t wait to try it again. 🤪 imagine this - you go pick a bunch of skewers of meats and vegetables. Then they take them and return them in a cauldron of hot spicy flavorful oil. Then you snack on each of the skewers after a quick dip in garlic oil. We had 52 skewers at $0.39 a skewer. Make sure you get the plum juice. Yum! Unlike anything I’ve ever had. Even in China! . . . . .

Pine & Crane, Silver Lake
Taiwanese

Pine & Crane, Silver Lake

Lunch at Pine & Crane. Taiwanese fare in Silver Lake, minutes from DTLA. Couldn’t order in Taiwanese, was skeptical. But was slightly surprised. Shrimp dumplings had good sauce. Noodle texture was right on the Jia Jiang Mian and Dan Dan mian, but wasn’t the right noodle for me - but that’s just me. The luo ruo fan (braised pork over rice) was ok - preferred diced pork belly instead of ground pork. Sausage, cold sides, and drinks is good for the authentic experience, especially the Taiwan Apple Sidra. And enjoyed the scallion pancake 蔥油餅. Yes, I am Taiwanese and I have set a high bar and should. I’m glad to see so many non-Asians discovering, trying, and accepting Taiwanese food. I dig it. . .

Bavel, Downtown LA
Mediterranean

Bavel, Downtown LA

Wonderful dinner at Bavel, sister restaurant of Bestia. Unexpectedly refreshing Middle Eastern cuisine that we usually don’t have. We had foie gras halva and olives to start. Then we had my favorite - the Malawach flat bread. The grilled oyster mushrooms and grilled octopus was yummy. I want to reproduce the mushrooms at home, seriously. And finished off with the grilled lamb saddle chop - never had that before. Yum! Can’t wait to visit again. . .

Majordomo, Downtown LA
Fusion

Majordomo, Downtown LA

2nd time at Majordomo. Started with the Bread Bing with Benton’s Reserve Ham to go with a couple of drinks. Next up was the Tapioca Lo Mein - which was the standout of the night. The humongous Spicy Bo Ssäm (for 4-6 people) arrived. Though it was flavorful - it wasn’t as moist (fatty) as we would have liked. Then the requisite veggie dish came (finally) - the Marinated Mushrooms - which was better than expected. Then they stuffed us with the Japanese shaved ice dessert kakigöri, which was the only repeat from our first visit. Yummy but so full. 謝謝 to FYI pork butt = pork shoulder.

Majordomo, Downtown LA
Fusion

Majordomo, Downtown LA

Dinner at David Chang’s Majordomo. We had 2 Bings - a smoked pork neck & fried egg and a eggs & smoked roe. Both were better than expected. Then had fried butter ball potatoes which had salsa seca and peanuts with interesting texture mix. The Jumeokbap - a DIY rice ball was a crowd pleaser. The black cod in paper, unfortunately not photogenic, had familiar and like-able Chinese or Asian flavors. We also mixed in some yummy fried onion rings. And we finished off the entrees with the popular crispy pork belly with lettuce leaves. We finished off this feast with the two desserts - the only ones available. A shaved ice with fruit - my favorite - that literally melted in your mouth (as soon as you touch it). And had an interesting cinnamon sweet bing (forgot the name) that was also memorable. We need another visit to try the other dishes, like the meats and noodles. Yummy and Yay!

One of my favorite ramen shops in LA, Los Angeles
Japanese

One of my favorite ramen shops in LA, Los Angeles

One of my favorite ramen shops in LA. Super crowded on a Saturday night. It strangely they are now the Spirit Airlines of ramen, which means everything is a la carte. Their basic ramen is just noodles, broth, green onions, ginger, and a couple of slices of pork. Everything else, like typical the typical egg, bamboo shoots, corn, seaweed, etc is extra. Sure they have preset combinations - which is so American. Anyways.m, I still like the place, but hate the wait. Check out their big festival at the beginning of September st their Gardena location. I think we might just go. .restaurant.gr