Category Archives: Uncategorized

A favorite of locals and a darling of restaurant reviewers, Ackee Bamboo on Degnan helps to alleviate LA’s need for some good Jamaican food. Kingston-born proprietress Marlene Sinclair and her husband Delroy serve up generous portions to the hungry customers … Continue reading →

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Ever since I started writing food reviews, I have been haunted by Jonathan Gold. I would be researching pho for a post, and come across one of his articles, “Cinnamon, anise and the funk of simmering beef, the soup’s unmistakable … Continue reading →

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As Lou Reed put it, “The first thing you learn is you always gotta wait.” But when you are jonesing, you are always willing to wait. And the catfish at Cafe Soul definitely brings the jones down on me. Cafe … Continue reading →

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A few weeks ago, I wandered over to MacArthur Park and hit the tamale festival! I was even thinking about going back again the next day for the one treat I missed, and then I realized that I would have … Continue reading →

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Sometimes it seems like the only people who actually eat at Taix are the musicians. Taix is kind enough to actually give the performing bands drink and meal tickets. I’ve never even eaten in the restaurant itself, but I’ve spent … Continue reading →

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I just got back from Sebastian’s in Burbank, the latest restaurant to be crucified by Gordon Ramsey, get buried, and come out all shiny and new on Kitchen Nightmares. When I walked into the dining room I was absolutely giddy, … Continue reading →

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If you are on the Westside and thinking pastrami, you are probably thinking about Johnnie’s on Sepulveda. If you are in South Los Angeles and you are thinking pastrami, you are definitely thinking about Johnny’s on Adams. That’s Johnny’s with … Continue reading →

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For the fifth year in a row, Liquid Kitty on Pico has won Citysearch’s title of Best Martini in LA. Liquid Kitty harkens back to LA’s dark, Chandleresque side, with dim lights and strong drinks. It reminds me of both … Continue reading →

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Sometimes I think the sign out front ought to read: EL INDIO: PROUDLY HELPING DRUNKS SOAK UP THE ALCOHOL FOR OVER 30 YEARS! 24-hours a day, this Northridge taco stand buzzes with a steady stream of policemen, students, and blue … Continue reading →

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When your husband is in four bands, you become kind of selective about going to his gigs. But when a show is going to be at Safari Sam’s, I always say yes. Because I know I’m going to have a … Continue reading →

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I had one of the worst meals of my life on a date at Yai #1. Back then they were simply known as “Yai.” They were also known for their “boat noodles.” For the uninitiated, boat noodles include things like … Continue reading →

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On the furthest edge of Thai Town, in the very back of a sparsely occupied shopping center, just down the sidewalk from the fish market, sits A&P Pastries. The tiny bakery is like a jewel in the rough. I love … Continue reading →

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If Hollywood’s Thai Town has a center, it is the bustling block of Thailand Plaza. The two-story Plaza houses not only a restaurant, but is home to a Thai bookstore and a giant, well-stocked grocery. Thailand Plaza is easily identifiable … Continue reading →

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The San Fernando Valley rivals the Westside and the Fairfax District in the deli department. In Northridge alone, there are three competing delis: Brent’s, Abe’s and Weiler’s. Each one has its own fans. Brents 19565 Parthenia St. Northridge (818) 886-5679 … Continue reading →

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