L.A. People HELP!!! Restaurants

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OK, an old bastard friend of mine I adore has volunteered to treat me for a dinner of my choice on my B-day (7/21) and I am *stumped* on where to go.
Heeeeelllllllpppppp!

― Orbit (Orbit), Monday, 14 July 2003 05:57 (twenty-two years ago)

tito's tacos dude

― JasonD (JasonD), Monday, 14 July 2003 07:13 (twenty-two years ago)

But Tito's doesn't taste like anything!

― luna (luna.c), Monday, 14 July 2003 07:14 (twenty-two years ago)

what are you in the mood for?

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 14 July 2003 07:19 (twenty-two years ago)

matsuhisa? campanile? what?

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 14 July 2003 07:21 (twenty-two years ago)

Crustacean?

― luna (luna.c), Monday, 14 July 2003 07:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Ca'Brea? Yamashiro? (Actually, Yamashiro is only worth it for the view now - go for drinks, skip the food).

― luna (luna.c), Monday, 14 July 2003 07:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Nobu in Malibu (crosscreek/PCH)

― gygax! (gygax!), Monday, 14 July 2003 13:42 (twenty-two years ago)

You can never go wrong with Ethiopian food, but there's this Kazakh or Uzbek restaurant I keep hearing about...

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 14 July 2003 13:47 (twenty-two years ago)

is that Electric Lotus place any good or is it just hype? I don't know anything about restaurants; i partake daily of the Taco Bell

― Vic (Vic), Monday, 14 July 2003 14:41 (twenty-two years ago)

where in la? what kind of food do you like? are you interested in food or a "scene"?

(i like yabu on pico, 2117 and sawtelle kitchen on sawtelle, il moro off of olympic, campanile on la brea, border grill on 4th in santa monica, and lots of other places)

― dan (dan), Monday, 14 July 2003 16:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Tito's is unbelievably delicious.

Yo, Orbit, would you like to be more specific? Or do you not mind anything from Carl's Jr. to L'Orangerie?

― felicity (felicity), Monday, 14 July 2003 16:24 (twenty-two years ago)

well, i actually *don't* want to go to the usual suspects : Matsuhisa, Campanille, Spago because I've already been. I was wondering if someone had discovered something new and interesting with really good food of any genre. Carl's Jr. isn't exactly special, so I'm not going to take that seriously.

I've been to Asanebo; and Soot Bull Jeep; and Lake Spring; and Empress Pavillion. I didn't know there was a Nobu in Malibu but am considering the Inverse Food Square Law (quality of food declines in proportion with view).

Any suggestions of truly good food appreciated....I'll eat anything except crustaceans, which would kill me with anaphylactic shock.

However Crustacean, the restaurant, sounds like a good idea, I'll look into that one, thanks!

― Orbit (Orbit), Monday, 14 July 2003 22:10 (twenty-two years ago)

A.O.C. is the newish nouveau tapas place on 3rd. It is uniformally excellent; great food, excellent wine list, beautiful design, music, servers.

I finally went to Opaline, which is good, but not necessarily a super special occasion place. The dining room was surprisingly low on decibels which was pleasant.

I also went to this insane place called Cinespace the other night in Hollywood which served ok food while playing a movie. After 10, the place became a crazy high octane disco. I don't remember much about the meal (a good bone-in steak), but I had a total blast. It's a bit like the L.A. Bruckheimer remake of SF's Foreign Cinema.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 14 July 2003 22:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Nobu is actually across from surfrider beach, in that bizarre Malibu Country Mart (redwood and green awnings) in the same spot that BamBu used to be (quick trivia: My former roommate in SF and friend of 10 years was a chef at BamBu when I met him). So to throw your theory out the window, there is no view but of a parking lot, but more importantly I prefer the menu and food to it's trendy hollywood cousin.

― gygax! (gygax!), Monday, 14 July 2003 22:50 (twenty-two years ago)

the nobu in malibu has no view and the food/expense is about the same as matsuhisa. if you're interested in food first i'd recommend 2117 on sawtelle, in a mini-mall, just north of olympic. japanese chef cooking frenchy-japonais food, very good fish, very good appetizers. reasonable (relative to campanile/matsuhisa/spago), small clean modern-ish room, scenester-free, a very nice place to eat. walking distance to giant robot and gr2. sawtelle kitchen is across the street a block north, even more reasonable (cheap), and rocks a more rustic, comfort-food style of asian-influenced frenchy/american/california whatever food, with great fish.

― dan (dan), Monday, 14 July 2003 22:54 (twenty-two years ago)

These are great tips Dan, I'm going to check these out this week!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 14 July 2003 22:58 (twenty-two years ago)

That's down the street from me near Ivar. I've always wanted to go but have been too broke since I've moved here, and it seems definitely v Hollywoody for my humble wardrobe. Maybe in 2004. [What movie did u see; were the seats nice? I'm glad the Galaxy re-opened as far as theatres around here go, anyway, since Cinespace probably costs too much $ for dinner + movie, and there's no possible way you can just see the movie and skip dinner and paying for it, right? ]

― Vic (Vic), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 00:37 (twenty-two years ago)

Wait, Spencer, when you say "high octane disco" are you being literal?

If you can actually dance while seeing a movie in a theatre-like setting, and be allowed to eat at the same time, I would definitely $ for this.

― Vic (Vic), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 00:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, it's pricey. My company sprang for us for having a good quarter. They showed Fletch, but I managed to miss the whole thing talking with co-workers in the glass walled VIP room!

If there's no cover, the club is hoppin after 11, and as with anywhere in LA, there's no dress code...

dining and watching the movie are the norm in the main room. Then after 10, they remove some of the tables and play things like Khia.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 00:42 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh okay. For a second there I thought you meant that you could actually dance in the theatre as you're watching the movie! That would rock.

I guess that my neck, my back song will really just never, ever, ever go away...

― Vic (Vic), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 00:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Thanks for all the suggestions...i heart you all!

― Orbit (Orbit), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 01:33 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't know if my suggestions are usual suspects or not, and they're probably out of date, but years ago I enjoyed Shiro (is this now Yamashiro? sounds like him) and Jozu. My parents are fans of Joe's in Santa Monica. Not sure if it's a destination restaurant or not, but it's evidently v. good New American.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 01:37 (twenty-two years ago)

A.O.C. is the newish nouveau tapas place on 3rd. It is uniformally excellent; great food, excellent wine list, beautiful design, music, servers.

A.O.C. is good, but it's technically not a tapas place at all. If you're addicted to tapas, it won't actually satisfy any tapas cravings.

It is nice there though.

― Chris Barrus (Chris Barrus), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 01:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Spanish or not, a certain Andalucian I know enjoyed it very much!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 02:54 (twenty-two years ago)

Shiro is in South Pasadena, and is not related to Yamashiro at all, I don't think. It still gets good reviews. I was just looking in a month-old Angeleno magazine and they said Water Grill downtown may be the best restaurant in LA.

― nickn (nickn), Tuesday, 15 July 2003 06:46 (twenty-two years ago)

six months pass...

Cinespace, Border Grill, and AOC all sound good. I guess they might be booked up, huh?

How do people in LA NOT drive hideously drunk?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:24 (twenty-two years ago)

AOC is awesome, but will be booked. Cinespace can be fun - the food is decent but unspectacular, and the club gets really hopping after 10:30 - it will likely be booked too.

When hideously drunk, you can take a cab.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:27 (twenty-two years ago)

*investigates*

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:28 (twenty-two years ago)

C&O in Marina Del Rey, likely booked.

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Anybody know Mamounia???

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:33 (twenty-two years ago)

have you checked out the all new http://www.la.com ?

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:35 (twenty-two years ago)

nice!

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:36 (twenty-two years ago)

my new favorite restaurant is josie. insanely great food, very nice room, no scene to speak of. it's on pico and 24th in beautiful santa monica.

― dan (dan), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:40 (twenty-two years ago)

that looks great! unless you're actually looking for some scene-action.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:44 (twenty-two years ago)

I honestly don't know. Probably not that night, though dancing sounds fun.

I checked Cinespace's site and it made a loud noise, so I had to shut it off. I'm still at work. Eating food and then appreciating the works of Khia does sound strangely perfect, though. On the other hand, maybe we'll go somewhere quiet.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:49 (twenty-two years ago)

The Little Door would be ideal, but it'll probably be booked up.

Also, I have in fact danced to Khia at Cinespace! It is not an especially "romantic" place.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:51 (twenty-two years ago)

oh yeah, I should update. We did go to A.O.C. and they had an impressive, reasonable wine list. They don't serve tapas in any sense of the word, though. They serve nibbly things, and the cheese is the main attraction. I would go here for little nibble things with wine, but don't expect tapas. The upstairs dining room is very nice.

― Orbit (Orbit), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:51 (twenty-two years ago)

The Grill in the Hollywood / Highland complex is great.

http://www.thegrill.com/grilllocations.html

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Also, I have in fact danced to Khia at Cinespace!

Spencer, I was referring to your post above when I said that!

I guess I have left this very late. As usual. But I always figure something out.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Thanks for all the suggestions, btw.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 00:57 (twenty-two years ago)

You've figured out my ugly secret; I'm slowly going senile and repeating myself!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:17 (twenty-two years ago)

HELP! I can't stop thinking about Tito's Tacos!

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:18 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't like Tito's at all. It honestly has no flavor.

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:21 (twenty-two years ago)

:-\

Is this a recent phemonenon or your age-old stance?

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:22 (twenty-two years ago)

My history with Tito's does not go back very far. But coming from a Hispanic background, I just don't see the intense love for Tito's.

lengthy wait != quality of the food

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:34 (twenty-two years ago)

... for me, that is. (obv)

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:35 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah there's a reason it's not in East LA... I definitely would not trumpet it's authenticity. However, they do what they do (Los Angeles food) very well and at a good price... IMMFO.

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:37 (twenty-two years ago)

I am dying for some a burrito from Jalapenos in Santa Cruz. Tito's cannot compare.

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 18:47 (twenty-two years ago)

dean, I kiss you.

― luna (luna.c), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:22 (twenty-two years ago)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39836000/jpg/_39836575_kellyap.jpg

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Cinespace is apparently having a private NBA party that night (watch out, Kobe!). Where else is good to go and throw shapes in the church of dance?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 21:25 (twenty-two years ago)

How about

Fenix (at the Argyle)?
One Pico?
Ocean Front (at Casa Del Mar)?

All probably waaaaay to expensive, I imagine. But worth it?

Little Door booked up. Any similar alternatives?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Paradise Cove (probably booked)

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:26 (twenty-two years ago)

They're all good, but can you get a rez? This thread is so American Psycho, I love it.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Haha! I got a rez at Ocen Front for Friday as a backup...and my mask of sanity is slowly slipping.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:32 (twenty-two years ago)

"Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone"

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:34 (twenty-two years ago)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/6305191875.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

― dean! (deangulberry), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:36 (twenty-two years ago)

Where'd you find the newest L.A. postcard?

― Nichole Graham (Nichole Graham), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Fenix is (well, was last time I went) realllly good.

― luna (luna.c), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 23:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Go to Largo on a Friday night, thats where I'd be were I in L.A right now.

― ipsofacto (ipsofacto), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 23:41 (twenty-two years ago)

that's the jon brion night, correct? do people still show up and play those (aimee mann, etc)?

― anthony kyle monday (akmonday), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 23:50 (twenty-two years ago)

yup apparently. One day i'll make it there i swear.

― ipsofacto (ipsofacto), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 23:53 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.largo-la.com/largohome.html

― ipsofacto (ipsofacto), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 23:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I want dancing. Doesn't have to be Khia! Surely Spencer must know?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 23:55 (twenty-two years ago)

on Valentine's? I'm sure there will be all kinds of stuff in Hollywood. I'm loathe to make a recommendation since I'm not sure what will be cool...

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:00 (twenty-two years ago)

My wife HATES cool!

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:01 (twenty-two years ago)

Are there any useful resources for this online?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:02 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.vegparadise.com/restaurants.html

― Eyeball Kicks (Eyeball Kicks), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:03 (twenty-two years ago)

the aforementioned la.com and losangeles.citysearch.com

Actually, Little Temple in Silver Lake might be good (see la.com)

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:05 (twenty-two years ago)

There's a fondue place in Eagle Rock I've heard good things about. I can try and find out the name if it interests you, Ad@ml. Might be a bit out of the way for you, though, especially if you don't know the city that well.

― Arthur (Arthur), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Thanks, Arthur. Fondue has always been my thing, though i don't trust myself to find my way around the city, no. I have no idea where Eagle Rock is.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 00:59 (twenty-two years ago)

i know someplace that makes excellent poo tacos you skanky flat ass biatch

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 01:44 (twenty-two years ago)

hahaha! DO TELL!

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 03:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Don't keep all the good stuff to yourself, you poo taco FIEND!

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 03:05 (twenty-two years ago)

ew.

― Orbit (Orbit), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 03:07 (twenty-two years ago)

It's called Tito's Tacos.

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 03:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Yucca Taco is best.

― Orbit (Orbit), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 03:12 (twenty-two years ago)

There's a place in Costa Mesa that's pretty good. I cannot remember the name but they don't serve poo so sorry @d@ml! Maybe you will have some luck in their bathroom you dirty biatch.

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 03:24 (twenty-two years ago)

There's a place in Costa Mesa that's pretty good.

If you mean Taco Mesa, then yes.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Eagle Rock is thataway ---->

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:16 (twenty-two years ago)

haha! Or Glassell Park---> KING TACO!!!!

― Orbit (Orbit), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:24 (twenty-two years ago)

I really like Tacos Mexico.

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:25 (twenty-two years ago)

On silverlake blvd/beverly? i've never tried them.

― Orbit (Orbit), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:27 (twenty-two years ago)

They're all over everywhere, but yeah, their tacos are pretty good anyway (I haven't tried anything else).

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:27 (twenty-two years ago)

dude there are 3 Taco Mexicos on Van nuys blvd within 5 miles!!! (ps they are open 24 hrs and i love them)

― Pablo Cruise (chaki), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:00 (twenty-two years ago)

I love this thread.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:01 (twenty-two years ago)

NED, SUPER POLLO

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Enlighten me.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:33 (twenty-two years ago)

I just did. Super Pollo. Costa Mesa. By the Tower Records. It's there. You can eat food from it.

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh right, you mean in the same stretch as the Second Spin and Side Street, or that little complex across the street near the Staples and Trader Joe's?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:35 (twenty-two years ago)

It's like in the Anaheim St / Newport Blvd / E 17th St area where those streets connect.

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Both of which apply to my descriptions. ;-) I'll keep an eye out for it next time I'm down there -- not that I go to Tower all that much, but Second Spin is nearby.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:39 (twenty-two years ago)

for the Machaca-lovers:

Costa Alegre on the other side of the bridge from Taix on Sunset just east of Alvarado

cheap cheap good good

― Orbit (Orbit), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, I've only been to Costa Mesa once for a gallery opening, so that's the best I can give you. If it helps, it's on the side where the Tower Parking lot entrance is. Right across the street from that.

― dean! (deangulberry), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:41 (twenty-two years ago)

Actually, Little Temple in Silver Lake might be good (see la.com)

Looks like we might give it a try.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 12 February 2004 07:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Where does Chaki go to dance to Prince on Saturday nights?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 12 February 2004 07:11 (twenty-two years ago)

And what is Gabah? Can I eat it?

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 12 February 2004 07:25 (twenty-two years ago)

two weeks pass...

Where did you end up going???

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 1 March 2004 21:47 (twenty-two years ago)

We went to Enoteca Drago for Valentine's Day, which was a little crowded and overpriced, but we went to Musso And Frank the day before, which was just wonderful.

We had a great time and hope to return soon.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Monday, 1 March 2004 21:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Although I had a rotisserie chicken at ED that was pretty damn mindblowing.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 4 March 2004 00:25 (twenty-two years ago)

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