Monday, August 28, 2006

The Lowdown: Cassell's Hamburger's



Because I work as an editor at Hungry?, people somehow expect that I go out constantly and know the name about Wolfgang Puck’s new sous chef. I suppose people sort of imagine us carrying some sort of a badge/card that identifies us as food critics. The truth is, I go out often enough, but most of the time eating out means walking over to the taco truck (thanks, Carmen) and getting a burrito. It’s not that I don’t like going out, but at four bucks per stellar burrito it’s hard to justify driving across town for a questionable one. While I try to hit all of the best spots in the book and discover new ones for upcoming editions, ultimately Carmen is just too good to me.

So, it’s a credit to the pull of a tasty burger that I finally managed to find my way to Cassell’s Hamburger’s (Hungry? Los Angeles p. 87). Located towards the northern edge of Koreatown at 6th and New Hampshire, Cassell’s is the sort of old-fashioned burger joint that you might expect to find in Pasadena, El Segundo, or the 1950s. I was hoping it would be the perfect spot to have a mellow burger and read a book before I went home and watch the Dodgers.

Man, was I right. As the patron saint of the Hungry? City Guides, Huell Howser, would say ‘oh, boy!’ The burgers here are killer. They don’t slather it in mystery sauce (you can do that yourself at the condiment bar). They just use really good, really fresh ground beef. There’s plenty of room for you and your friends (they weren’t even using their second room the day that I came by) and everyone here is incredibly friendly.

The only real surprise was the toilet seat/bidet in the bathroom. Yes, a bidet. I’m sure someone far more sophisticated than myself thinks this a godsend, but, man, it just makes me nervous. So if you’re looking for a restaurant with By the way some of the best beef in town and a bidet, Cassell’s is your place.

By the way, if there are any graphic designers in the house, it’d be pretty sweet if you could get on those badges.

—David Wegbreit

Cassell's
3266 W. 6th St.
Los Angeles 90020
(323) 480-8668

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Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Our Bad: Correx for the new edition of Hungry? Los Angeles

In addition to the flubs mentioned below, here's a list of other minor details that should be noted:

1. The address for Nicolosi (Encino, CA) is 17540 Ventura Blvd., not 17450.
2. Miceli's has two locations: 1646 Las Palmas Ave. in Hollywood and 3655 W. Cahuenga Ave. in Universal City. The index for the third edition Hungry? also spells Miceli’s with an 'h', a common mistake for American's doing Italian (for the record, 'ch' in Italian is pronounced with a 'k' sound; it's broos-k-etta, not broo-sh-etta).
3. The index page listing for La Luz del Dia says page eleven but check page fifteen for the actual listing.
4. Yai Restaurant is located at 5757 Hollywood Blvd., not 5751 Hollywood Blvd.
5. Le Petit Café is located at 2842 Colorado Ave., not 2482 Colorado Ave.
6. Taste of Texas, or more accurately Nick's Taste of Texas, is not listed in the index, but it’s in the book—check out page 263.
7. Stevie's on the Strip has closed, sadly. However, you can cruise on over to the Stevie's creole place over in Encino, see page 165 of Hungry? Los Angeles (16911 Ventura Blvd.).
8. Pizzarito, located in Marina del Rey, has also closed its doors. Its traditional oven baked pizzas by the slice will be missed.
9. Although two locations still hustle and bustle (Burbank and La Crescenta), one of the three Yaki's closed its doors (Glendale).
10. Once again, three proves to be a crowd. Tarzana Armenian Grocery and Deli in Woodland Hills closed shop. Fear not, there are still two locations for those looking to get their Armenian food fix (Studio City and Tarzana).
11. If you're in Koreatown and looking for Manila pork barbecue or baby coconut milk, Jeepney Grill no longer serves your needs—we heard the took the trek to Vegas.
12. Papa Jake's Sub Shop in Brentwood has folded. To get the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich in Los Angeles, cruise on over to their Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills locations.

We apologize for any food mishaps as a result of these errors. If you know of any other closures or details that need to be shared, please let us know.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Our Bad: Correx to Stuffed Sandwich.

Every once in a while we flub up and miss something in one of the books or fail to catch an error while fact checking. For The Stuffed Sandwich in San Gabriel (Hungry? Los Angeles (3rd ed.), p. 270), please note that the address is not 1145 W. Las Tumas Dr. but 1145 E. Las Tumas Dr. and the nearest cross street is N. Vista St.—that’s right between N. San Gabriel Rd. and Rosemead Blvd.. So if you’re looking to get a sub and a brew at one of our favorite family-run joints in the SGV, please go to 1145 E. Las Tumas Dr..

Also, we’ve been made aware that, in compliance with new health department ordinances, Stuffed Sandwich no longer has sawdust on their floor. We’ve also been told that they still have a tremendous beer selection, which, in our book, is pretty cool.

When our new website comes online you can expect to see a (hopefully very small) section for these kind of flub ups, address changes, and closures. For now: courage.

In the Neighborhood: Tamales and Ice Cream


My block seems to be a haven for meals on wheels. Lunch trucks are dispatched from a huge lot down the street—did you ever wonder where those things go at night? The tamale lady comes by every morning. Ahhh, the tamale lady. Nothing jolts you out of a nice deep sleep like a shrill “TAMALEEEEEEEES” at 8 a.m.. I have always been curious as to what the infamous tamale Lady is capable of, however I’m never quite ready for tamales that early (shocker). Why doesn’t she ever come at lunchtime? Plus, my roommates have forbidden me from purchasing any of said tamales in fear of her targeting our house in the future. As of now she merely passes by every morning.

Who really wants hot tamale though, anyway, when it’s reaching upwards of ninety degrees? Over these past few weeks there has been only one mobile delicacy on my mind: ice cream. I’ve grown to love my neighborhood ice cream truck. When I hear that electronic/jingly/slightly-disturbing version of ‘we wish you a merry Christmas’, I know it's summer in L.A. The ice cream man has everything you could possibly want on a hot summer day, from your classic chipwich to a chili-dusted mango pop. Of course, if you’re not into cold at the moment, my friendly neighborhood ice cream truck can offer you chips, Cheetos, and even nachos (complete with fresh jalapenos). I tend to stick with the classic chocolate chip ice cream cone, and no, I don’t worry about how long it’s been stored with the nacho cheese. Nothing satisfies more for fifty cents.

—Gina Gorman

Friday, August 11, 2006

Welcome to China. May I Take Your Order?

For a frightened American traveling in a strange land, finding familiar fast food restaurants evokes the same feelings one experiences upon unexpectedly meeting an old friend.

"Why, hello McDonald's! So glad to see you are doing well! Why, yes I would like some McNuggets. So kind of you to offer."

"Starbucks? Starbucks, is that you? It is! Imagine finding you here!"

It's a nice feeling, but occasionally, there'll be that certain something about this friend that'll take you aback. A receding hairline and a pot belly on the once-prom king. An expensive Italian suit on a former stoner.

Seeing familiar Western food brands and chains in Beijing is something like that. Here's a list of random observations about variations in American food brands and chains in China.

  • An American who wanders into a McDonald's in China will be tempted to try several curious items on the menu. Underneath the bun of at least half of their burgers and sandwiches is a coleslaw-like mass of shredded lettuce, with bits of red cabbage mixed in for confetti-effect. There are more chicken-based foods than beef-based, as poultry is the meat preferred by the Chinese. You can order a cup full of corn instead of your usual French fries, and the apple-pie one is familiar with in the States appears in Beijing McDonald's filled with purple goo (what is that… berry-flavoring? Grape?)
  • Aside from the menu, what will strike Americans as especially strange about the McDonald's and the other top fast-food chain in China – KFC – is the size of these places. Most McDonald's and KFC locations are big enough to seat over 500 people, and they're usually packed to the gills around dinner time.
  • If you happen to find a Pizza Hut in Beijing, you'll discover it to be an upscale-establishment, with cozy booths, classy décor and romantic lighting. Want a drink? Take a look at their wine list, or order yourself up a cocktail. Gourmet pizzas include some that are stacked high with seafood and drizzled with wasabi sauce. One of the very few pizzas atop which you'll find pepperoni is the one labeled "The American Special". And for dessert, you can have tiramisu or cheesecake.
  • The Forbidden City is a sprawling palace complex that was home to the imperial ruling families in the Qing and Ming dynasties. The ancient location is packed with history, and is a symbol of the grandeur and splendor of Chinese architecture and aesthetics. You can find the Starbucks next to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
  • Speaking of Starbucks, your favorite Frap comes in 3 sizes in China: Short (a serving so small, the average coffee-guzzling American could get away with downing 3 of these before feeling that coveted caffeine kick), Tall, and Grande. No Venti!
  • A walk through the aisles of a supermarket will eventually bring you to the potato chip section. You'll find Lay's and Pringle's brands, but missing will be your standard cheese flavors. Instead, pop open a bag or a tube of chips with the following: Tomato Flavor, Italian Beef Flavor, Mexican Chicken and Tomato Flavor, and a really popular one - Crispy Drumsticks Flavor. Betcha can't eat just one!
—Jennifer Chang

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

The Dodger Dog of Theme Parks


One of my top ten, all-time favorite smells has to be the sweet fragrance of a Disneyland churro. Admittedly, some nostalgic bias taints my preference for the Spanish pastry. Growing up just twenty minutes from the House of Mouse, I spent many birthdays and summers clinging to Mickey with a churro in hand. What the Dodger Dog does for a trip to Dodger stadium, a churro does for a day at Disneyland. Having logged a number of hours in the office, I decided to venture outside for some field research at “the happiest place on earth.” Two days and seven churros later, I felt it my duty to report on the wining and dining experience.

Making the right food choices at the Disney parks depends on two factors: time and money. For example, those traveling in packs (otherwise known as families) might enjoy a more casual lunch or dinner after a chaotic day with the young ones—saving cash and energy. The twelve and under crowd will love the tropical atmosphere at the Rainforest Cafe, although it might not offer the quiet respite parents seek. With its dim candle lighting, great seafood, and echoing screams of thrill seekers nearby, the Blue Bayou charms couples looking for a romantic getaway (make reservations early in the day to ensure a table). The Wine Country Trattoria also provides a grown-up experience in the otherwise kid friendly environment. The Mission Tortilla Factory in California Adventure bakes fresh tortillas on the spot, in addition to handing out free samples. For dessert, some of my personal favorites come from the Baker’s Field Café. Their diverse menu runs the gamut from light cream puffs to rich chocolate brownies. Lastly, before you wave goodbye to your favorite cartoon hero, be sure to grab a churro or two.
—Jeremy Millington