In Highland Park on York and Figueroa you can find my tacos tucked into a mini-mall next to a Chinese buffet. I don't think twice when I can go to My Tacos. There Mexican food is most authentica. The burritos, my favorite, are stuffed with an even amount of rice, beans, meat, and pico de gallo. You can taste everything equally. Most mexican joints on the west side skimp on the carne and add beans and rice to fill the burrito. Their salsa lacks in my opinion but their salsa bar rocks other than that, with radish, roasted peppers, carrots & onions, cilantro & diced onion, (cebello) and three salsas, ranchero, hot, and verde.
Their rojo enchiladas are very good too. Yet since then I have made killer pollo enchiladas at home.
I can always count on a very good, consistent burrito here. Although, I must branch out and try their various other dishes.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
TALAY THAI
Hello my Thai friends at a lovely small local restaurant just above the 405 freeway on Santa Monica Blvd. Talay Thai is fairly nicely appointed, just needing a little attention to detail, and with the pleasant music, it will be great. I parked my car in the parking lot behind the restaurant. I felt like I would be hit walking in as a red car sped to the upper parking spot. Perhaps they were late to work.
I chose a table where a young man beside me was coughing and coughing. I changed my seat to a dusty region, where I moved once again. I moved to another table when I noticed that the closet door holding the cleaning supplies was opening up to my table. I finally moved one last time where the waitress had to move about 15 menus from the table.
I settled in and ordered pork fried rice. It was delicious, moist, and with many vegetables. I finally found a restaurant that serves good fried rice, which you would think to be an easy task. I find that Chinese restaurants lack a moistness, added by vegetables, and egg. A lot of restaurants seem to skimp on the egg and over cook it, leaving it dry. Thai restaurants seem to do a better job.
I told the waitress, Tan how happy I was with their fried rice, and she got a big smile on her face. She said that she would tell the chef that the customer found the best fried rice in town. Of course I put alot of chili paste on the rice and always use chopsticks, except maybe not at the finish, to get every morsel.
A little expensive for a lunch out at $7.99 but a large serving, enough for one more meal.
I will come back for the lunch special, making sure that it's not the weekend, since they don't offer the special at that time. Even though someone else ordered the lunch special on Saturday, that's okay, they food is good enough to allow them wiggle room. Yet, it certainly had it's challenges in getting to the rice, but nice, nice, nice. The music is pleasant, and the decor is good, it just nice some TLC. And Tan, you rock!
I chose a table where a young man beside me was coughing and coughing. I changed my seat to a dusty region, where I moved once again. I moved to another table when I noticed that the closet door holding the cleaning supplies was opening up to my table. I finally moved one last time where the waitress had to move about 15 menus from the table.
I settled in and ordered pork fried rice. It was delicious, moist, and with many vegetables. I finally found a restaurant that serves good fried rice, which you would think to be an easy task. I find that Chinese restaurants lack a moistness, added by vegetables, and egg. A lot of restaurants seem to skimp on the egg and over cook it, leaving it dry. Thai restaurants seem to do a better job.
I told the waitress, Tan how happy I was with their fried rice, and she got a big smile on her face. She said that she would tell the chef that the customer found the best fried rice in town. Of course I put alot of chili paste on the rice and always use chopsticks, except maybe not at the finish, to get every morsel.
A little expensive for a lunch out at $7.99 but a large serving, enough for one more meal.
I will come back for the lunch special, making sure that it's not the weekend, since they don't offer the special at that time. Even though someone else ordered the lunch special on Saturday, that's okay, they food is good enough to allow them wiggle room. Yet, it certainly had it's challenges in getting to the rice, but nice, nice, nice. The music is pleasant, and the decor is good, it just nice some TLC. And Tan, you rock!
La Islas Mariscos
I was recommended the taco truck in Venice, West of Rose Avenue. There was small line, especially of men, around 12 o'clock. I ordered one carnitas taco and one carne asada taco for there. They were out of carne asada so I chose chicken. They packed up in foil to go so I didn't get the radish and lime. I was disappointed. In tasting the tacos, both had nothing spectacularly outstanding. I was disappointed again. Perhaps I could try again next time, if I dare.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
L A FARM RESTAURANT
It was October 2nd. I was a little nervous going to an upscale restaurant by myself, but it was a Monday night and not too busy. I purchased 500 miles of my United frequent flyer miles for a $25.00 meal gift certificate in order for it not to expire. It seemed like a good solution for a time sensitive issue. I dressed in a skirt and arrived promptly to valet. As soon as Christian took my car I felt relieved not having to park it and then find the restaurant.
I was welcomed warmly at the door with Lauren and Dominico, my waiter. He stated that he is an expert chef himself, making several dishes at home. At first notice when I entered I saw the cool slate floor, against the warm wood wall. I commented on it's beauty and Lauren proudly stated that it was recently installed. The wall color lacked warmth or connection to the rest of the decor but Lauren said that it was also soon to change.
When Lauren took me to my table facing an open wall with windows to the hallway there was another patron sitting by himself. After chatting about Lauren's recommendations, he stated that his name was Ricardo, and that he was from Central America, Panama specifically. I said that I just saw the beautiful beaches of Panama on the HGTV station and that it looks lovely.
After reviewing the menu I ordered something different than I anticipated. I had previously read about the oysters, and the halibut, but they weren't recommended. I didn't even see the halibut on the menu.
What was recommended was the lamb with polenta and the steak frittes, which I was going to order up. Since the gift certificate minimum was $35.00, I could therefore splurge on appetizers. I thought about what would would compliment the steak. The menu had other dishes that were all particular flavors, not blending well with my combination. I thought that the truffle pea arancali could be delightful, anything with truffles is good, right? Two fried balls nicely browned came to my table. A creamy delight, perfectly browned, creamy inside, with the right amount of peas, to taste them. A good way to begin.
I was left with ordering the brussels sprouts instead on the previously planned asparagus. They came with pine nuts, which I didn't like at all. It seemed too heavy and not seasoned or cooked well enough to enjoy. Dominico graciously brought it back, removing the pine nuts and adding balsamic vinegar, which was an improvement, still no raves.
My new friend across the way, Ricardo Alfonso, noticed the breeze of Creedence Clearwater Revival streaming through the speakers. They sang of the Bayou, when I mentioned that I had a friend that I recently lost, that was from there. This seemed to strum up a conversation. I spoke of Woody and his birthday past. I felt his energy when I first walked into the room. He said that he used to go to Agape across the street, before it moved to Culver City, and has been enjoying this restaurant ever since.
He had beautiful grey dreadlocks, said he was a physician and that I did not agree with giving people a specific date of death. I agreed saying that it makes humans playing God. He had present eyes, there was a kindness shining through his them While we exchange telephone numbers he said that maybe we could come here again. He shook my hand firmly. Ricardo told me that he maybe we could come here again together.
I love the large knife. Six pieces of steak sliced with great melting garlic butter blotted onto the cut slices of meat, the liquid reducing. Yum! A splash of watercress sat on the top. I really enjoyed the watecress flavor, it offset the richness of the meat reduction. Laura glanced over my way, with her dimpled cheeks, and warm smile. She came over to see what I ending up ordering. She liked the scallops, the carpacio, and I forget what else, sorry. That's what happens when you don't write the blog right away, after the experience.
I begin to melt into this experience. Of course now a fly landed on my rack of bread. Flies always seem to find me. As it became dark I could barely see to finish my meal. A fire pit was lit next to me, surrounded by a leather open sofa. It was warm and inviting. A young boy came up and glared at the flame of the light for quite a while.
I was finished and ready to go when Dominico said that he wanted to bring me a lollipop for dessert. It's stick was carefully placed a lucite square, firmly holding a red wine with chocolate stripe. I enjoyed this immensely. When I returned to my car Christian and I spoke of some of the traditions of his country. The moon was half full and the sky clear.
I was welcomed warmly at the door with Lauren and Dominico, my waiter. He stated that he is an expert chef himself, making several dishes at home. At first notice when I entered I saw the cool slate floor, against the warm wood wall. I commented on it's beauty and Lauren proudly stated that it was recently installed. The wall color lacked warmth or connection to the rest of the decor but Lauren said that it was also soon to change.
When Lauren took me to my table facing an open wall with windows to the hallway there was another patron sitting by himself. After chatting about Lauren's recommendations, he stated that his name was Ricardo, and that he was from Central America, Panama specifically. I said that I just saw the beautiful beaches of Panama on the HGTV station and that it looks lovely.
After reviewing the menu I ordered something different than I anticipated. I had previously read about the oysters, and the halibut, but they weren't recommended. I didn't even see the halibut on the menu.
What was recommended was the lamb with polenta and the steak frittes, which I was going to order up. Since the gift certificate minimum was $35.00, I could therefore splurge on appetizers. I thought about what would would compliment the steak. The menu had other dishes that were all particular flavors, not blending well with my combination. I thought that the truffle pea arancali could be delightful, anything with truffles is good, right? Two fried balls nicely browned came to my table. A creamy delight, perfectly browned, creamy inside, with the right amount of peas, to taste them. A good way to begin.
I was left with ordering the brussels sprouts instead on the previously planned asparagus. They came with pine nuts, which I didn't like at all. It seemed too heavy and not seasoned or cooked well enough to enjoy. Dominico graciously brought it back, removing the pine nuts and adding balsamic vinegar, which was an improvement, still no raves.
My new friend across the way, Ricardo Alfonso, noticed the breeze of Creedence Clearwater Revival streaming through the speakers. They sang of the Bayou, when I mentioned that I had a friend that I recently lost, that was from there. This seemed to strum up a conversation. I spoke of Woody and his birthday past. I felt his energy when I first walked into the room. He said that he used to go to Agape across the street, before it moved to Culver City, and has been enjoying this restaurant ever since.
He had beautiful grey dreadlocks, said he was a physician and that I did not agree with giving people a specific date of death. I agreed saying that it makes humans playing God. He had present eyes, there was a kindness shining through his them While we exchange telephone numbers he said that maybe we could come here again. He shook my hand firmly. Ricardo told me that he maybe we could come here again together.
I love the large knife. Six pieces of steak sliced with great melting garlic butter blotted onto the cut slices of meat, the liquid reducing. Yum! A splash of watercress sat on the top. I really enjoyed the watecress flavor, it offset the richness of the meat reduction. Laura glanced over my way, with her dimpled cheeks, and warm smile. She came over to see what I ending up ordering. She liked the scallops, the carpacio, and I forget what else, sorry. That's what happens when you don't write the blog right away, after the experience.
I begin to melt into this experience. Of course now a fly landed on my rack of bread. Flies always seem to find me. As it became dark I could barely see to finish my meal. A fire pit was lit next to me, surrounded by a leather open sofa. It was warm and inviting. A young boy came up and glared at the flame of the light for quite a while.
I was finished and ready to go when Dominico said that he wanted to bring me a lollipop for dessert. It's stick was carefully placed a lucite square, firmly holding a red wine with chocolate stripe. I enjoyed this immensely. When I returned to my car Christian and I spoke of some of the traditions of his country. The moon was half full and the sky clear.
KAREN'S KITCHEN #2
Who would imagine that from the street you see a diner sign on the white wall, in black letters in a mini-mall, almost deserted looking and to find a cute, little neighborhood diner. I am at 840 West Palmdale Blvd. in the city of Palmdale. I was instantly impressed with the warm customer service. The restaurant looked very clean. The hostess told me that the soup was made fresh daily, as well as the biscuits. Today's soup was abongidas soup. I am not a fan at all but decided to try it as my side dish. I ordered the tuna melt with American cheese on rye bread. I took it to go and went back to my workplace. At first Ididn't see the soup container and thought that they forgot it but to my delight, it was carefully placed into the styrofoam container.
Three weeks later I am still remembering these tastes, which were all superior. The rye bread especially, with the rye being especially flavorful and with a good texture. Later I learned that it is Jewish rye. The tuna was delicious, with the mixture blending very well and forming into a good patty on the rye bread. It was cooked perfectly, with a nice browning on the outside, providing a satifying crunch with you bite into it. I tried the hot soup first, and it was so good that I just keep eating it until it was gone. The broth was pretty clear and delicious. It had carrots, onions, and meatballs. The meatballs were not too small, but a perfect size to taste and devour. They were delicious. Albongidas is now my favorite soup, but I'm afraid, only at Karen's Kitchen #2.
Their menu also serves up country lunches including: chicken fried steak, grilled pork chops, of liver & onions. They have a mean lookin hobo express with onions, bell peppers, and hash browns, fry them up and then scramble in 3 fresh eggs, served with hot biscuit & gravy. Of course they have grits too.
Coming from Ohio this restaurant satisfies my country soul.
I went back to Karen's last Thursday. They were out of the rye bread, no wonder, it was so good, and no not wonder bread. I had the sourdough bread, yet it lacks the great texture that the rye gave to the sandwich. They had chicken noodle soup today. It was a good meal but paled a little in rememberance of the first experience. The gentleman that came to our table at the end of our meal seemed to make up for it with his kind spirit. He was blonde, handsome, and friendly. He smiled in appreciation to receive such a compliment. I will go back soon to try their omeletts, which not too many restaurants know how to prepare well. Some have it looking like a scrabble mess.
Three weeks later I am still remembering these tastes, which were all superior. The rye bread especially, with the rye being especially flavorful and with a good texture. Later I learned that it is Jewish rye. The tuna was delicious, with the mixture blending very well and forming into a good patty on the rye bread. It was cooked perfectly, with a nice browning on the outside, providing a satifying crunch with you bite into it. I tried the hot soup first, and it was so good that I just keep eating it until it was gone. The broth was pretty clear and delicious. It had carrots, onions, and meatballs. The meatballs were not too small, but a perfect size to taste and devour. They were delicious. Albongidas is now my favorite soup, but I'm afraid, only at Karen's Kitchen #2.
Their menu also serves up country lunches including: chicken fried steak, grilled pork chops, of liver & onions. They have a mean lookin hobo express with onions, bell peppers, and hash browns, fry them up and then scramble in 3 fresh eggs, served with hot biscuit & gravy. Of course they have grits too.
Coming from Ohio this restaurant satisfies my country soul.
I went back to Karen's last Thursday. They were out of the rye bread, no wonder, it was so good, and no not wonder bread. I had the sourdough bread, yet it lacks the great texture that the rye gave to the sandwich. They had chicken noodle soup today. It was a good meal but paled a little in rememberance of the first experience. The gentleman that came to our table at the end of our meal seemed to make up for it with his kind spirit. He was blonde, handsome, and friendly. He smiled in appreciation to receive such a compliment. I will go back soon to try their omeletts, which not too many restaurants know how to prepare well. Some have it looking like a scrabble mess.
Tasty Wok Chinese Fast Food
TASTY WOK rates supreme. It's high quality chinese food is at 11628 Santa Monica Bld. in West Los Angeles, east of Barrington. The new owner does a great job of making good, fresh food, or as fresh as you can get with fast food. They take pride in their restaurant by caring for the food upmost, but the appearance of the restaurant, and their customers. My plate came plump, and full-sized. I had kung pao chicken that had ample pieces of chicken and a good selection of vegetables and peanuts.
The fried rice was also with many vegetables, peas & carrots, and moist.
With a two item meal I am sated, and most importantly, I felt great after eating this meal.
Thumbs up!
The fried rice was also with many vegetables, peas & carrots, and moist.
With a two item meal I am sated, and most importantly, I felt great after eating this meal.
Thumbs up!
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