Archive for the 'Los Angeles' Category
Babalu
BABALU
1002 Montana Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-395-2500
No need take a vacation to the Caribbean to discover exotic inventive dishes. Just stop at the hip Babalu in Santa Monica and indulge in the unique array of Polynesian Island gastronomy. Even in the wintertime, the Caribbean “pungent hot wind” blows at you, tantalizing your palate. The distinctive menu offer specialties like sesame crusted on wheat bread, napa cabbage, diakon sprouts and ginger wasabi, served with tempura vegetables. The best choices for vegetarians include large variety of appetizing wraps. Imbibe their refreshing ginger brew or have a good long drink of chilled strawberry lemonade. Despite sometimes-slow service, this eatery maintains its excellent reputation as well as reasonable prices.
TACOS POR FAVOR
TACOS POR FAVOR
1408 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
My friend had been searching for a healthy Mexican cuisine for some time. Most eateries cook with either lard or a hydrogenated oil, which contradicts our quest. It took a few bike rides until we noticed a long line outside. On the opposite wall from the entrance, a sign emphasized cooking with vegetable oil. Ever since I found Tacos Por Favor, my Spanish food vocabulary has significantly expanded. Not only do I ask for Tacos, por favor, but also for the tender-slender Taquitos, stuffed with chunks of white chicken breast, guacamole and pico de gallo on the side. The lengthy variety of Burritos equals the array of non-traditional quesadillas: from Spinach, Chorizo, and Shrimp to Mushroom-Roasted Pepper and Jalapeño. Another choice is Chile Relleno drenched in the piquant tomato sauce. A bargain for your buck!
Fish Grill
FISH GRILL
9618 West Pico Blvd. 12013 Wilshire Blvd. 7226 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Los Angeles, CA 90036
(310) 860-1182 (310) 479-1800 (323) 937-7162
As the story goes, Aharon Klein, the current owner, had a penchant for grilling. He was the man in charge on almost any family occasion. In 1986, this hobby led to establishing Fish Grill in its original location on Beverly Boulevard. Later, two more locations were born. It is a fast-food place, yet the cooks take time grilling to perfection fresh fish. The trick hides in the mesquite wood that burns hotter than most fuels. One more detail: the eatery is Kosher, which means authentic according to the Jewish dietary laws (the fish must have fins and scales). Among fish grill tacos and sandwiches, the menu offers mesquite grilled specialties such as trout, red snapper, and salmon steak. In addition to fish dishes, pasta and salads are available as well. Immaculate and priceless in more ways than one!
Saketini
By Deborah Baxtrom
SAKETINI
150 S. Barrington Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90049-3317
(310) 440-5553
Petit in size yet grand in taste, Saketini is hidden in the heart of Brentwood. The Creative Asian cuisine is exceptionally tasty, and indeed inventive. The young talented chef, Luis Y. Kim, creates traditional Japanese dishes; keeping all the ingredients in harmony. Every dish, especially the signature sushi rolls look like a colorful photograph posed on a white large canvas, framed by drops of sauce. Each bite dissolves in your mouth with lingering pleasant memories. In addition to the regular menu assortment, lunch specials offer Atlantic Salmon or cooked-to-perfection Saketini Steak. Lunches are served with green salad, miso soup, rice, and a small tofu steak. For some people ginger is a palate cleanser, for others, it might be their signature drink Saketini, which is named after marrying the milky sake and lustrous martini.
California Vegan
California Vegan
7300 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.874.9079
AND
12113 Santa Monica Blvd., Unit #207
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.207.4798
California Vegan now has two locations – one in West Hollywood and a new location in Santa Monica. They feature a huge range of Thai dishes, sandwiches, and other vegetarian staples. With over six pages of options and a 100% vegan-friendly menu, the hard part is narrowing the field. All their Asian specialties offer a choice of tofu, soy chicken, soy fish, seitan, pepper steak or soy shrimp. Don’t miss the massive meatless burgers (the lentil is divine) or the killer fries. Enjoy every bite in a no-fuss, totally chill atmosphere.
Angelini Osterini
Angelini Osterini
7313 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-297-0070
The space is small and crowded, and there’s always a dull roar, but Angelini is still the place to go for authentic Italian cuisine. The whole cooked branzino, carved tableside, is a house specialty, and the burrata is impeccably fresh. They also feature an extensive wine list, and an ultra-special lamb stew on Sundays. The space may be minimalist, but the food simplistic artistry keeps the place packed night after night.