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    Home » 99 Essential Restaurants » Jonathan Gold is My Essential LA Hero - 99 Essential LA Restaurants 2006

    June 2006 99 Essential Restaurants

    Jonathan Gold is My Essential LA Hero - 99 Essential LA Restaurants 2006

    LA Weekly Jonathan Gold, 99 Essential LA Restaurants
    It’s no secret that I am fond of lists, so when LA Weekly published my all-time favorite restaurant reviewer’s list of 99 Essential LA Restaurants, I pretty much had one of those listgeek moments. I drew the blinds and curled up in my chair with a bottle of sparkling wine and my copy of the LA Weekly. That’s right. Date night with Jonathan Gold, dining out all around town, without having to drive a single nail-biting, hair-raising, fist-shaking roadrageous mile in LA traffic.

    It is important to understand that J. Gold’s 99 choices are not necessarily the very best, most high-end, upscale, influential or popular restaurants in Los Angeles. He explains:

    "An essential restaurant is a restaurant that reflects Los Angeles in a startling and unusual way, that uses fresh local ingredients in a fashion that respects the land in which they were grown, that showcases cooking echoing both foreign-trained chefs’ region of origin and the hypercharged mosaic of the Los Angeles dining scene. An essential restaurant moves people, inspires them to think about food in a new way, inspires them to think about Southern California as a great agricultural region, a great port, a builder of the shiny symbolism that is a large factor in how the rest of the world thinks of itself. And it’s also a damned good place to eat."

    I think he did a good job of cherry-picking restaurants that fit within those parameters.

    But then again, he also picked Geisha House, which I swear, is none of the above, especially not “a damned good place to eat.” I can only venture to guess that Geisha House made the list for one or more of the following reasons: 1) Ashton Kutcher’s twin brother is... none other than Jonathan Gold 2) the management paid J. Gold off, or 3) for some reason known only to Satan, Geisha House is always mentioned on any sort of list, good or bad, no matter what. It’s just something that we layfolk will never understand.

    Because I am a freaky listfreak like that, I have to include the list here, but rather than just re-printing the entire list of mini-reviews here (for which I might get a nasty email from the publishers of LA Weekly), I am only re-printing the list with vital stats (a/s/l, or something to that effect).

    And because I don’t have a real job, leaving me with a dangerous amount of idle time, I crunched some numbers. I don’t know if they are helpful in any way shape or form to anyone else, but they sure kept me out of trouble for about an hour.

    Of the 99 restaurants, I am embarassed to say that I have only eaten at just over a third of them (38 to be exact), even though I have lived in Los Angeles for almost 10 years, which in Angeleno time, makes me a “native.” And I call myself an Angeleno?!?! No, actually, I have never once called myself an “Angeleno.”

    Of the 38 restaurants that J. Gold and I share in our experiences, 24 of them appear here on this silly little blog, which is atill almost one third of the his list. That is kind of cool. Of course, that number will go up in the next few weeks as I get myself together and write about my adventures that have been piling up in my to-do queue like northbound traffic behind a minor fender bender on the 405. Jar. Torafuku. And a few more, but I can’t give it all away now. A girl has to have something to teasingly dangle over your head, right?

    Now here is where I reveal my utterly pathetic geekness. I tilly tallied the 99 restaurants by geographical location and by cuisine, as if I were writing some kind of Executive Summary for a de-briefing meeting because I miss working that much. Whether I exported the data into pie chart format in Excel is for me to know and you to never find out.

    Los Angeles – 36. It includes everything from the Fairfax area to downtown
    Westside – 19. Oh my. Yes. Weeessssiiiiide.
    Hollywood – 11. Natch.
    Beverly Hills – 8. Natch.
    The Valley – 7. No comment.
    San Gabriel Valley – 7. Because J. Gold loves Chinatown, version2.0
    West Hollywood – 4
    Pasadena – 3
    Silverlake/Eagle Rock – 2
    South Bay and Whittier each have one. Yes, Whittier.

    California – 17
    American – 16
    Japanese – 9
    Italian and Mexican – 8 each
    French – 6
    Thai – 4
    Asian Fusion, Chinese, Middle Eastern – 3 each
    Bakery, Indian, Korean, Peruvian, Seafood, Steak – 2 each
    And single representation for Brazilian, Caribbean, Deli, Ethiopian, Greek, Moroccan, Pan-Latin, Serbian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

    The list part is, of course, an important part, but I don’t want that to completely overshadow my absolute adoration of J. Gold himself. He is The Man. J. Gold is my Hero. I love his writing. I love his taste, though I don’t always agree with his opinions. I wish I could write like he does, but I dare not suggest that a mere mortal like myself could even try to aspire to him. Do I gush? Yeah, I do.

    J. Gold, if you bless me again by laying your hungry eyes here on my naked blog, just know that if you were to make an indecent proposal that involved you, me and a million dollars’ worth of fois gras, I’d do it. I have absolutely no integrity and will swallow every hateful word I have ever said about that vile stuff.

    *inhale*

    *exhale*

    Okay, I have sufficiently pulled myself together now.

    So here it is: my hero’s 99 Essential LA Restaurants, including all the additional information thatI normally don't include, like hours. I have also annotated and linked to appropriate The Delicious Life posts where applicable, because I just can’t keep my opinions to myself, and besides, I like showing myself how many experience I have in common with J. Gold.

    Alcazar
    17239 Ventura Blvd, Encino
    818.789.0991
    Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm and 5:30–10:30 pm, Sat 11:30 am–mid, Sun noon–9 pm.
    Full bar. Hookah and cigar lounge. Takeout. Lot parking in rear. AE, MC, V. Lebanese. $

    Alegria
    3510 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake
    323.913.1422
    www.alegriaonsunse
    t.com

    Mon–Thu 10 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 10 am–11 pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Mexican. $

    Al-Watan
    13611 Inglewood Ave., Hawthorne
    310.644.6395
    Open daily 11 am–10 pm No alcohol. MC, V. Indian. $

    Angeli Caffe
    7274 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
    323.936.9086
    www.angelicaffe.com
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm; dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5–10 pm, Fri–Sat 5–11 pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Rustic regional Italian. $

    Angelini Osteria - been there, but no post
    7313 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
    323.297.0070
    www.angeliniosteria.com
    Lunch Tue–Fri noon–2:30 pm; dinner Tue–Sun 5:30–10:30 pm.
    Beer and wine. Valet parking. AE, JCB, MC, V. Italian. $$

    Antequera de Oaxaca
    5200 Melrose Ave., Hollywood
    323.466.1101
    Open daily 9 am–8:30 pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. MC, V. Oaxacan. $

    AOC - check!
    8022 W. Third St, Los Angeles
    323.653.6359
    www.aocwinebar.com
    Mon–Fri 6–11 pm, Sat 5:30–11 pm, Sun 5:30–10 pm.
    Wine bar. Valet parking. AE, DC, MC, V. French-Mediterranean-influenced small plates. $$

    Asanebo
    11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
    818.760.3348
    Lunch Tue–Fri noon–2 pm; dinner Tue–Thu 6–10:30 pm, Fri–Sat 6–11:30 pm, Sun 6–10 pm.
    Takeout. Street parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

    Attari
    1388 Westwood Blvd, Westwood (entrance on Wilkins)
    310.441.5488
    Tue–Sun 11 am–6 pm
    No alcohol. Street parking, plus validated lot parking at Borders. Cash only. Iranian. $

    Babita
    1823 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel
    626.288.7265
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am-3:30 pm; dinner Sun and Tue–Thu 5:30–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. Street parking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Mexican. $

    Beacon: An Asian Cafe - check!
    3280 Helms Ave, Los Angeles
    310.838.7500
    www.beacon-la.com
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2 pm; dinner Tue–Wed and Sun 5:30–8:15 pm, Thu–Sat 5:30–9:15 pm.
    Beer and wine. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Asian Fusion. $$$

    Beechwood - check!
    822 Washington Blvd, Venice
    310.448.8884
    www.beechwoodrestaurant.com
    Dinner menu Tue–Sat 6–11 pm; bar menu served late into the evening and also Sun–Mon. Full bar. Valet parking. New American. $$

    Bistro K
    1000 S. Fremont Ave., South Pasadena
    626.799.5052
    www.lqmanagementservices.com
    Wed–Sat 5:30–9 pm.
    Free corkage. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. French Bistro. $$$

    Bluebird Cafe
    8572 National Blvd, Culver City
    310.841.0939
    www.bluebirdcafela.com
    Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm, Sat 8 am–3 pm.
    Free lot parking. AE, MC, V. American. $$

    Border Grill - check!
    1445 Fourth St, Santa Monica
    310.451.1655
    www.bordergrill.com
    Sun–Thu 11:30 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat till 11 pm. Full bar open till mid.
    Takeout. Street and valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Modern Mexican. $$

    Bridge Restaurant & Lounge
    755 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
    310.659.3535
    www.bridgela.com
    Restaurant Mon–Sat 6–11 pm; Lounge 8 pm–2 am.
    Full bar. Street and valet parking. AE, MC, V. Italian. $$$

    Caioti Pizza Cafe
    4346 Tujunga Ave., Studio City
    818.761.3588
    www.caiotipizzacafe.com
    Sun–Thu 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat till 11 pm; brunch Sat 9–11 am, Sun 9 am–3 pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. MC, V. Contemporary California. $

    Campanile - check!
    624 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
    323.938.1447
    www.campanilerestaurant.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm; dinner Mon–Wed 6–10 pm, Thu–Sat 5:30–11 pm; brunch Sat–Sun 9:30 am–1:30 pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, DC, MC, V. California/Mediterranean. $$$

    Casa Bianca
    1650 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock
    323.256.9617
    Dinner Tue–Thu 4 pm–mid, Fri–Sat 4pm–1am.
    Beer and wine. Street parking. Cash only. Italian. $

    Chameau - check!
    339 N. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
    323.951.0039
    www.chameaurestaurant.com
    Dinner Tue–Sat 6–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Street parking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. French Moroccan. $$$

    Chichen Itza
    In Mercado La Paloma, 3655 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles
    213.741.1075
    www.mercadolapaloma.com
    Sun–Wed 8am–6:30pm, Thu–Sat 8am–8pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Yucatecan. $$

    Chosun Galbi - check!
    3330 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
    323.734.3330
    www.chosungalbee.com
    Open daily 11am–11pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Korean barbecue. $$

    Citizen Smith
    1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood
    323.461.5001
    www.citizensmith.com
    Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; dinner nightly 6pm-2am.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. American. $

    Ciudad - check!
    445 S. Figueroa Street, downtown
    213.486.5171
    www.ciudad-la.com
    Mon–Tue 11:30am–9pm, Wed–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri 11:30am–11pm, Sat 5–11pm, Sun 5–9pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Pan-Latino. $

    Clementine - check, but no post
    1751 Ensley Ave., Los Angeles
    310.552-1080
    www.clementineonline.com
    Mon–Fri 7am–7:30pm, Sat 8am–5pm.
    No alcohol. Parking in rear lot and on street. AE, DC, MC, V. American. ¢

    Cobras & Matadors - check!
    7615 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
    323.932.6178
    and
    4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz
    323.669.3922
    Dinner Sun–Thu 6–11pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–mid.
    BYOB. Valet parking. MC, V. Spanish. $

    Cora’s Coffee Shoppe
    1802 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
    310.451.9562
    Tue–Sat 7am–9pm. Closed Sun–Mon.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Continental, Italian-based. $

    Cut
    9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills
    310.275.5200
    Dinner Mon–Sat.
    F
    ull bar. Valet parking a half-block south of Wilshire Blvd. on Rodeo Drive. AE, D, MC, V. California Contemporary. $$$

    Daikokuya
    327 E. First St., downtown
    213.626.1680
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11am–2:20pm; dinner Mon–Thu 5pm–mid, Fri–Sat 5pm–1am, Sun noon–7pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. Street parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $

    Europane
    950 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena
    626.577.1828
    Mon–Sat 7am–5:30pm, Sun till 3pm.
    No alcohol. Street parking. MC, V. California Bakery. ¢

    Father’s Office - been there, but no post
    1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica
    310.393.BEER
    www.fathersoffice.com
    Food served Mon–Wed 5–10pm, Thu 5–11pm, Fri 4–11pm, Sat 3–11pm, Sun 3–10pm.
    21 and over only. Beer and wine. Takeout. Difficult street parking. AE, M, V. California Contemporary. $

    Fogo de Chao
    133 N. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills
    310.289.7755
    www.fogodechao.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm; dinner Mon–Thu 5–10pm, Fri 5–10:30pm, Sat 4:30–10:30pm, Sun 4–9:30pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. All major credit cards accepted. Southern Brazilian. $$$

    Ford’s Filling Station
    9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City
    310.202.1470
    www.fordsfillingstation.net
    Mon–Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 5–11pm.
    Full bar. Parking at city lot around the corner. AE, MC, V. California Contemporary. $

    Geisha House - check!
    6633 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
    323.460.6300
    www.geishahousehollywood.com
    Sun–Wed 6–10:30pm, Thu 6–11:30pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–1am.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

    Golden Triangle
    7011 S. Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier
    562.945.6778
    Mon–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. AE, D, MC, V. Thai-Burmese. $

    Grace
    7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
    323.934.4400
    www.gracerestaurant.com
    Tue–Thu 6–10:30pm, Fri–Sat 6–11pm, Sun 6–10pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking; difficult street parking. AE, MC, V. American. $$

    The Griddle
    7916 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
    323.874.0377
    www.thegriddlecafe.com
    Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat–Sun 8am–4pm.
    Beer. Lot parking in rear. AE, D, MC, V. American. $

    The Grill on the Alley
    9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills
    310.276.0615
    www.thegrill.com
    Mon–Thu 11:30am–10:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–11pm, Sun 5–9pm.
    Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking after 6 p.m.; free street parking before that. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Traditional American Steak House. $$

    Guelaguetza - check!
    3337½ W. Eighth Street, Los Angeles
    213.427.0779
    www.guelaguetzarestaurante.com
    Daily 8am–10pm.
    No alcohol. Street parking. AE, MC, V. Oaxacan. $

    Haru Ulala
    368 E. Second Street, downtown
    213.620.0977
    www.haruulala.com
    Mon–Thu 6pm–mid, Fri–Sat 6pm–2am.
    Street parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

    Hatfield’s - check!
    7458 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
    323.935.2977
    Mon–Sat 6–10pm.
    Beer and wine. AE, MC, V. California Contemporary. $$

    Hungry Cat - check!
    1535 N. Vine Street, Hollywood
    323.462.2155
    www.thehungrycat.com
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; brunch Sun 11am–3pm; dinner Mon–Sat 5:30pm–mid, Sun 5–11pm.
    Beer and wine. Validated parking. AE, MC, V. Seafood. $$

    Jar - check!
    8225 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 655-6566
    www.thejar.com
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–11pm; brunch Sun 10am–2pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. California American. $$

    JiRaffe - check!
    502 Santa Monica Bpoulevard, Santa Monica
    310.917.6671
    www.jirafferestaurant.com
    Mon 6–9pm, Tue–Thu 6-10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm, Sun 5:30–9pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. California Bistro. $$

    Josie
    2424 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica
    310.581.9888
    www.josierestaurant.com
    Dinner Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6-11pm, Sun 5:30–9pm.
    Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. Progressive American with French and Italian. $$

    Kagaya
    418 E. Second Street, downtown
    213.617.1016
    Tue–Sat 6–10:30pm, Sun 6–10pm.
    Wine, beer, sake. Lot parking. DC, MC, V. Japanese. $

    Kiriko - check!
    11301 Olympic Boulevard, No. 102, West Los Angeles
    310.478.7769
    www.kirikosushi.com
    Lunch Tue–Fri noon–2:15pm; dinner Tue–Sun 6–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Parking lot. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

    Koi - check!
    730 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles
    310.659.9449
    www.koirestaurant.com
    Dinner Mon–Wed 6–11pm, Thu 6–11:30pm, Fri–Sat 6–mid, Sun 6–10pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. All major credit cards. California Contemporary. $$

    Krua Thai
    13130 Sherman Way, North Hollywood
    818.759.7998
    and
    935 S. Glendora Avenue, West Covina
    626.480.0116
    Daily 11am–3:30am.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. All major credit cards accepted. Thai. $

    Langer’s - check!
    704 S. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles
    213.483.8050
    www.langersdeli.com
    Mon–Sat 8am–4pm.
    Beer and wine. Curbside service (call ahead). Validated lot parking (on corner of Westlake Ave. and Seventh St.). MC, V. Jewish Deli. ¢

    La Terza - check!
    8384 W. Third Street, Los Angeles
    323.782.8384
    Breakfast 7–11am. Lunch 11:30am–2pm; dinner 5:30–11pm.
    Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Italian. $$

    Lawry’s the Prime Rib - check!
    100 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills
    310.652.2827
    www.lawrysonline.com
    Mon–Thu 5–10pm, Fri 5–11pm, Sat 4:30–11pm, Sun 4–10pm.
    Full bar. Takeout. Valet and street parking. All major credit cards. American. $$

    Literati II
    12081 Wilshire Boulevard, West Los Angeles
    310.479.3400
    www.literati2.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; dinner Mon-Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–10pm; brunch Sat–Sun 10am–2pm.
    Full bar. $2 valet parking in rear. AE, MC, V. California Contemporary. $$

    Lodge
    14 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills
    310.854.0024
    Open nightly 5pm–1am.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. California Steak House. $$

    Los Balcones del Peru
    1360 N. Vine St., Hollywood
    323.871.9600
    Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Validated parking at ArcLight Cinema. AE, MC, V. Peruvian. $$

    Lou
    724 N. Vine Street, Hollywood
    323.962-6369
    Mon–Thu 5–11pm, Fri–Sat 5pm–mid.
    Wine. Lot parking. MC, V. California Contemporary. $$

    Lucques - been there, but no post
    8474 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
    323.655.6277
    www.lucques.com
    Sunday nights feature 3-course prix fixe dinners. Lunch Tue–Sat noon–2:30pm; dinner Tue–Sat 6–11pm, Sun 5:30–10pm.
    Full bar (limited bar menu available 10 p.m.–mid.). Valet parking. AE, MC, V. French. $$

    Magnolia - check!
    6266½ W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood
    323.467.0660
    www.magnoliahollywood.com
    Daily 11am–2am.
    Full bar. Valet parking. California Contemporary. $$

    Mama’s Hot Tamales Cafe
    2124 W. Seventh Street, Los Angeles
    213.487.7474
    Daily 9:30am–3:30pm.
    No alcohol. Coffee bar. Takeout. Validated parking around the corner on Lake Street in the Unified parking lot. Mexican. $

    Mama Voula’s - check!
    11923 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Los Angeles
    310.478.9464
    Mon 11am–9pm, Tue–Thu 11am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 1–9pm.
    BYOB. Lot parking. Mediterranean/Greek. $

    Marouch
    4905 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles
    323.662.9325
    www.marouchrestaurant.com
    Tue–Sun 11am–11pm.
    Beer and wine. Lot parking. Middle Eastern/Lebanese/Armenian. $

    Matsuhisa - been there, but no post
    129 N. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills
    310.659.9639
    www.nobumatsuhisa.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:45am–2:15pm; dinner Mon–Sun 5:45–10:15pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. All major credit cards. Japanese. $

    Max
    13355 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks
    818.784.2915
    www.maxrestaurant.com
    Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–11pm.
    Full bar. Street parking. Takeout. California Asian. $

    Meals by Genet
    1053 S. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
    323.938.9304
    www.mealsbygenet.com
    Lunch and dinner Wed–Fri 5:30pm–10pm, Sat–Sun 11:30am–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Catering. Street parking. MC, V. Ethiopian. $

    M Cafe de Chaya
    7119 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
    323.525.0588
    www.mcafedechaya.com
    Open daily 9am–9pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Limited lot parking. All major credit cards. California Contemporary. $

    Metro Cafe
    11188 Washington Place, Culver City
    310.559.6821
    Breakfast and lunch 7am–3pm; dinner 6–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Parking in Travelodge lot. MC, V. Serbian. $

    Michael’s - been there, but no post
    1147 Third St, Santa Monica
    310.451.0843
    www.micahelssantamonica.com
    Mon–Fri noon–2:30pm, 6–10:30pm, Sat 6–10:30pm.
    Full bar. Nonsmoking, including patio. Takeout. Valet and street parking. All major credit cards. California. $

    Mimosa
    8009 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles
    323.655.8895
    www.mimosarestaurant.com
    Dinner Mon–Sat 6–10:30pm.
    Beer and wine. Valet and street parking. AE, D, MC, V. Reservations recommended on weekends. French Bistro. $

    Mission 261
    261 Mission Drive, San Gabriel
    626.588.1666
    Mon–Fri 10:30am–3pm, 5:30–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–3pm, 5:30–10:30pm.
    Full bar. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, D, MC, V. Cantonese. $

    Musso & Frank Grill
    6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
    323.467.7788
    Tue–Sat 11am–11pm.
    Full bar. Validated parking in rear. AE, DC, MC, V. American. $

    New Concept
    700 S. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park
    626.282.6800
    Dim sum Mon–Fri 10:30am–3pm, Sat–Sun 10am–3pm; dinner nightly 5–11pm.
    No alcohol. Street parking. MC, V. Chinese. $

    Nook - check!
    11628 Santa Monica Blvd, No. 9, West Los Angeles
    310.207.5160
    www.nookbistro.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm; dinner Mon–Sat 5–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. American Bistro. $

    Norman’s - been there but no post
    8570 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
    310.657.2400
    www.normans.com
    Tue–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm; lounge open Tue–Sat at 5:30pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. Takeout. AE, MC, V. Caribbean. $

    O-Dae San
    2889 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
    213.383.9800
    Open daily 11am–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Korean. $

    101 Noodle Express
    1408 E. Valley Blvd, Alhambra
    626.300.8654
    Mon–Fri 10am–3pm, 5–10pm; Sat–Sun 10am–11pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Chinese. $

    Orris - check!
    2006 Sawtelle Blvd, West Los Angeles
    310.268.2212
    www.orrisrestaurant.com
    Dinner Mon–Fri 6–10pm, Sat 5:30–10:30pm, Sun 5:30–9:30pm.
    Beer, wine and sake. Lot parking (valet Wed.–Sat.). AE, D, MC, V. Small-plate cuisine. $

    Ortolan
    8338 W. Third St., Los Angeles
    323.653.3300
    www.ortolanrestaurant.com
    Tue–Sat 6–10pm (Closed Sun–Mon in summer).
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. French. $

    Philippe the Original - check!
    1001 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles
    213.628.3781
    www.philippes.com
    Open daily 6am–10pm.
    Beer and wine. For takeout, must call ahead, and order must be over $40. Lot parking. Cash only. American. ¢

    Phillips’ Barbecue - been there, but no post
    4307 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles
    323.292.7613
    Mon 11am–8pm, Tue–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–mid, Sun 11am–6pm.
    and 2619 S. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles
    323.731.4772
    Tue–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–6pm.
    and 1517 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles
    310.412.7135.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Barbecue. $

    Pie ’n Burger
    913 E. California Blvd, Pasadena
    626.795.1123
    www.pienburger.com
    Mon–Fri 6am–10pm, Sat 7am–10pm, Sun 7am–9pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash or check. American. $

    Pink’s - check
    !
    709 N. La Brea Ave, Hollywood
    323.931.4223
    www.pinkshollywood.com
    Sun–Thu 9:30am–2am, Fri–Sat 9:30am–3am.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. American. ¢

    Pollo a la Brasa
    764 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles
    213.382.4090
    Lunch and dinner Wed–Mon 11am–10pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. MC, V. Peruvian. ¢

    Providence
    5955 Melrose Ave, Hancock Park
    323.460.4170
    www.providencela.com
    Mon–Fri 6–10pm, Sat 5:30–10pm, Sun 5:30–9pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Modern American Seafood. $

    Red Corner Asia
    5267 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
    323.466.6722
    www.redcornerasia.com
    Open daily 11–2am.
    No alcohol (liquor license pending). Takeout. Valet parking on weekends. AE, MC, V. Asian Fusion. $

    Sapp Coffee Shop
    5183 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
    323.665.1035
    Lunch and dinner 7am–8:30pm; closed Wed.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Thai. $

    Sona
    401 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
    310.659.7708
    www.sonarestaurant.com
    Dinner Tue–Thu 6–10pm, Fri 6–11pm, Sat 5:30–11pm. Closed Sun–Mon.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Modern French (with global influences). $

    Spago - been there, but no post
    176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills
    310.385.0880
    www.wolfgangpuck.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:15pm, Sat noon–2:15pm; dinner Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–11pm, Sun 5:30–10:30pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. California with Asia and Europe. $

    Susina Bakery and Cafe - check!
    7122 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
    323.934.7900
    www.susinabakery.com
    Mon–Fri 7am–11pm, Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 8am–11pm.
    No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. AE, MC, V. European Bakery. ¢

    Table 8
    7661 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
    323.782.8258
    www.table8la.com
    Mon–Thu 6–10pm (late-night menu until 10:30), Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm (late-night menu until 11:30).
    Full bar. Takeout. Valet and street parking. All major credit cards. California Seasonal. $

    Tacos Baja Ensenada
    5385 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles
    323.887.1980
    Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun 10am–9pm.
    No alcohol. Lot parking. Cash only. Mexican. ¢

    Tiara
    127 E. Ninth St., downtown
    213.623.3663
    Food served Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm; Market open Mon– Fri 8am–5pm.
    Beer, wine, sake, and Champagne only. Street parking. All major credit cards. California Seasonal. $

    Torafuku - check!
    10914 Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles
    310.470.0014
    www.torafuku-usa.com
    Lunch Mon–Sat noon–2:30pm; dinner Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30 pm, Sun 5–10pm.
    Beer, wine and sake. Valet and street parking. AE, MC, V. Prix fixe starts at $80, set dinners $38, bento lunches $8.50–$12, à la carte meals vary, takeout $55. Traditional Japanese. $

    Trattoria Tre Venezie
    119 W. Green Street, Pasadena
    626.795.4455
    Lunch Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; dinner Tue–Sun 5:30–10pm.
    Full bar. Valet and street parking. AE, DC, MC, V. Italian. $

    Urasawa
    218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
    310.247.8939
    Mon–Sun 6–8:30pm.
    Full bar. Valet. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $

    Vietnam House
    710 W. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel
    626.282.6327
    Lunch and dinner Mon, Wed, Thu 10am-9pm, Fri–Sun 10am–10pm.
    Beer only. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Vietnamese. $

    Vincenti
    11930 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood
    310.207.0127
    www.vincentiristorante.com
    Mon–Sat 6–10pm, Friday for lunch noon–2pm.
    Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. Italian. $

    Wat Thai
    8225 Coldwater Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood
    818.785.9552
    www.watthaiusa.org
    Open weekends only 10am-2pm.
    No alcohol. Parking lot. Cash only. Thai. $

    Wilshire - check!
    2454 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
    310.586.1707
    www.wilshirerestaurant.com
    Lunch Mon–Fri noon–2pm; dinner Mon–Wed 6–10pm, Thu–Sat 6–10:45pm.
    Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. California Seasonal. $

    Woodlands
    9840 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Chatsworth
    818.998.3031
    and
    11833 Artesia Blvd, Artesia
    562.860.6500
    Tue–Sun 11:30am–3pm, 5–10pm.
    Beer and wine. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Indian. $

    ** a year ago today, i stuffed my French toast with strawberries and cream cheese and vowed to eat cheap **

    tags :: food : and drink : restaurants : reviews : los angeles

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    Comments

    1. KT says

      July 09, 2006 at 11:17 pm

      I am just in the middle of going through this and with a similar amount of geekitude, compiling where I have been and not been, and where I really want to go, where I now want to go after reading the list, and where I am not likely to go ever (i.e., Whittier, Geisha House).

      I LOVE lists.

      I was also puzzled by Geisha House. I can only imagine it is included because it is "so very L.A." that it has that unique sense of place he was going after?

      It certainly reflects Los Angeles quite startlingly.

      Reply
    2. santos. says

      July 11, 2006 at 5:12 am

      red corner asia, also suspect. it's sort of like the "nice" looking restaurant you can take people who fear thai town restaurants to. food is okay. safe. and that volcano chicken he's so enamoured with is like a costco rotisserie chicken set on fire. bleah.

      Reply
    3. qryan says

      July 14, 2006 at 6:42 am

      I've been to 10. Isn't that pretty good for a San Francisco boy? I love these lists, as long as they confirm my taste in restaurants.

      Reply
    4. copykat says

      July 23, 2006 at 5:44 pm

      if you make your way to torafuku, go during lunch. it's much cheaper (they have great specials) and a good way to sample their offerings.

      Reply
    5. Peter Peter says

      January 02, 2008 at 3:37 pm

      So far away from L.A. am I. Anybody know how I can get in touch with Jonathon? I'd like to talk shop.

      Reply

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