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.

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

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

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

HAL would have been a lot funnier if he took up drinking.

It’s already ancient history in the blogodome, but I had a chance to check out Synchronize at Cinespace last Wednesday, but first, a quick update on our neighbors, the Liberty Grill. It would seem as if they have just received a literal truckload of Jack Daniel’s, or as Tennessee locals call it, Tennessee Milk.* Needless to say, this Hungry? editor has not been happier since his Special K Promise Pen arrived last month.

Synchronize is a monthly event at Hollywood club-come-movie-house Cinespace where sort-of-classic films play while DJ Thomas Golubic spins a live reinterpretation of the film’s soundtrack. Last month they wowed me with a slick reinterpretation of Taxi Driver—mostly hip-hop and trip-hop spins on the film’s jazzy soundtrack. I was hopelessly (and geekily) elated when they announced that the next Synchronized film would be Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Once again, the show was fantastic. The DJ showed amazing restraint and did not try to compete with Kubrick’s lush direction, but rather, actually complemented it. If you like movies and you like mashups, you’ll dig their next show. The low-rez samples on their Myspace just don’t do it justice.

The food at Cinespace is sort of pricey standard upscale club fare (classy pizza, salad, mini-burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese, etc.). If you’re sitting for the movie they will want you to order a meal (sort of a dinner-theater thing, I guess). Either bring someone along with the scrills to buy a meal or order a couple drinks and an appetizer. The waitresses here are incredibly friendly, but no one likes a mooch. If you get there early I would check out the hotdog spot around the corner on Ivar. I’m pretty sure it’s the same one from the Crow. You must get there before the show as this place closes up early.

I’m told that after the film the club usually reverts back to a more traditional (though always cool) atmosphere with live DJ audio/visual sets, dancing, and bands, but, alas, I have not yet seen this as my roommate, and sole means of transport, has had to work early every Thursday morning for the past couple months. Be sure to thank the Getty Trust for this.

Cinespace is located at 6356 Hollywdood Blvd., Hollywood, CA and can be reached at (323) 817-3456 or on their Myspace. Synchronize occurs the last Wednesday of every month. Next up: Lode Runner. Jack Daniel’s is always an excellent beverage, though it is not recommended while operating heavy machinery like, say, the governorship of Texas.

(*Editor’s Note: The author has never been to, nor has ever met anyone from, Tennessee. This statement implies no ill will towards those from Tennessee or those of Tennessee-an herriage, and the author acknowledges that he has no knowledge of whether locals actually call Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey “Tennessee Milk”. Though it would be pretty funny if they did.)

Sun Tea Debacle

For those of you who are not familiar, sun tea is just like normal tea only the brewing occurs (drum roll) in a pitcher facing direct sunlight over a period of a few hours, instead of in boiling water over a few minutes.

I decided to make some, partly because green tea has tons of health benefits, partly because I was a little tired of drinking plain old water all the time, but mostly because using the sun’s unforgiving heat to brew myself a cool beverage seemed like some sort of indirect victory over nature. So I bought a small box of green tea from Ralph’s for three bucks, and a large glass jar from a nearby Goodwill for about the same. I’ve always liked a fairly strong cup of tea, so I estimated that about three tea bags would do the trick. I found a spot on a table in the sun, and placed a note instructing my roommates to not mess with my tea nearby. Nature would take care of the rest, so I left to run some errands.

I returned to something very strange. My tea was much more viscous than I anticipated, somewhere between water and thick orange juice. A little disappointed in myself for messing up something that seemed so simple, I googled ‘sun tea’ to see where I could have went wrong. But it turns out that my brewing methods were just fine. The problem was bacteria.

You see, direct sunlight will only heat a jug, including my container, to a measly 130 degrees Farenheit. This is warm enough for tea to brew, but not warm enough to kill off Alacligenes Viscolactis, a ropy bacteria that apparently survives on this planet by eating small bits of processed green tea leaves. My sun tea was food poisoning in a jug.

Of course this won’t happen to every batch of sun tea; people do drink it all the time. But bacteria thrive in lukewarm liquids, so drink with caution. After seeing how mine turned out I think I may just stick with the instant variety.

Nature 1, Me 0.
—Sam Leonard

Road Trip: Laguna Beach

Last week I was fortunate enough to snag an extra ticket to the Pageant of the Masters at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts. People dress up like famous paintings — that’s all I’d heard. I really had no idea what to expect, besides that one “Arrested Development” episode, of course. I only received vague descriptions from anyone I asked about it, and it always ended up going something like, “You just have to see it. It’s pretty cool.” Well now I had the opportunity to see “it”, and my friend and I headed down to Laguna on a Monday evening to get there by the 8:30 start time, and hopefully grab some dinner first.
We arrived with plenty of time for food (miraculously, given the state of the 405). We ate at a spot down the block from where the festival was being held called Romeo Cucina. Now generally I’m not a big fan of fancy Italian restaurants, as I always think I can get the same food at my mom’s for free. But this was near the theater, and looked popular. They’ve got a nice big dining room with a full bar. Once seated, we ordered wine from the extremely friendly (albeit a bit frazzled) waiter, and perused the menu. Next to every menu section, there was an informative “LOW CARB”, “NO CARB”, or “REGULAR DIET CARB”- in case you couldn’t figure out that pasta has carbs and salad doesn’t. This is Orange County, after all-cant lose that beach body, now can we? I tried to look past the craziness at the food, and ordered.
This was NOT my mom’s cooking. In a good way. The house salad was huge, with a delicious house dressing, not your usual vinaigrette. My Spaghetti al Pennello was quite possibly the best pasta I have ever had (sorry, Mom!). Shrimps, Scallops, peppers, and the pasta itself was al dente just how I like it. Oh, and the bread. I always judge a restaurant by the bread they bring to the table (is that shallow?), and man this was good stuff. I could have eaten that for a meal (although I’m half-surprised they didn’t include a little note with the bread-“HAS CARBS”).
Onto the Pageant: its true, you just have to see it. At least once. I really can’t explain without sounding a little nuts.

Romeo Cucina
249 Broadway
Laguna Beach, CA
92651
www.romeocucina.com

Laguna Beach Festival Of The Arts
Through Sept.1
www.foapom.com

Arrested Development ­­­- RIP
—Gina Gorman

Hooray for elephants! Hooray for mojitos!

It’s hot here in Los Angeles, but the Hungry? staffers had a bit of a break today. We went down to check out the recently opened Liberty Grill, and met the manager, Lori Theis. Liberty Grill is one of the new spots brought to us by Fred Eric of Fred 62 fame (p. 41 in da book). We’ve been carefully watching the construction of this place over the last months and, more recently, anxiously awaiting the opening as the smells of fresh BBQ wafted up from their test kitchen. It seems it was all well worth the wait. The place is gorgeous with two bars and a nice patio that should be perfect for a post-game, or, more likely, post-work drink. The menu seems focused on American comfort food with a typically-Fred hip twist (see: the Berzerkley sandwich) and with ambiance to match. When you’re there be sure to check out the photos of strange American roadside attractions, especially the milk pail shaped milkshake stand.

Even better, we saw elephants. And horses too. Yes, from the corner window of our office we watched a mini elephant parade march down 11th St. It would seem that the circus is in town. Our discovery sparked a discussion on the merits of the zoo. The conclusions were as follows:

1) We all like peanuts
2) We are also rather fond of elephants and acrobats.
3) The potential mistreatment of cute and/or sad animals is deplorable.
4) Clowns are sometimes scary. They are generally not very funny.

So, even though the Liberty Grill is decidedly not cooler than watching elephants we’re already fans. With weather like this we can’t wait to try one of their bars. Hotel Figueroa will your mojito stand up?

Coming soon…the great mojito challenge!

LA's Other Brown Haze: Tap Water

The greatest fuel any human can put in their body is generally the most overlooked on any menu—water. It might not be the sexiest or most thrilling item served during a night out, but water can make or break a meal. One friend of mine, who waits tables at an unnamed restaurant chain, recently recounted a tale of a customer concerned about “LA death water.” Said customer assumed the kitchen came equipped with water filters to protect its clientele. As anyone living in the city can tell you, coming home after a week’s vacation means clearing out the murky water stored in your pipes before cooking or cleaning. When it comes to ordering water at restaurants, there are a few keys to enjoying your water while avoiding the murk.

First, ninety-nine percent of restaurants do not filter their tap water. Classy establishments may offer bottled water, but filtering the free water flowing from the city treatment plants is a rarity. Tip number two on ordering water: get your water ice free if you want to gauge its true taste. The chill of ice water masks any bizarre flavorings in a glass of H2O. Water without ice also adds a bit of European style and sophistication to the dining experience. Lastly, take advantage of restaurants that provide a quality bottled water. I don’t mean the usual Crystal Geyser or Dasani, or even atrociously priced fizzy water. Nothing satisfies so subtly as smooth, clean French or Italian bottled water. For a less expensive Eastern treat, give cucumber water a shot some time (Mr. HANA at Westfield Century City). It’s not an every night of the week decision, but once in a while it gives your body a break from the red, white, and amber. You can even drive home safely without guessing how many margaritas equals a DUI.
—Jeremy Millington

Pioneertown Landmark Saved by Firefighters!

It's fire season, folks, and as much as we live in denial about it, every year it comes, and this year some of our neighbors aren't going home--so keep 'em in your thoughts. This year it hit early in the desert near Yucca Valley, in a place called Pioneertown, an outpost Hollywood built in the 1940s as a location for Gene Autry, the Cisco Kid, and a horde of Westerns.

We've been to Pioneertown a handful of times and are particularly fond of it's self-appointed city center, Pappy & Harriet's on the downtown drag. A cool and dark oasis from the hot hot hot summer sun, it also boasts a meat-lovers barbecue menu, a great bar, and live music from a lotta country, rockabilly, and bluegrass performers that you Have heard of.


Miraculously, Pappy & Harriet's and most of downtown Pioneertown was saved by our favorite superheroes, firefighters, who are apparently now fighting two large blazes that are promising to combine.

Sadly, many Pioneertown residences didn't make it. Once the fire passes, they're gonna need some business to rebuild their homes and city revenues, so take a side trip from the Springs or your Cabazon fix, or plan a getaway and visit Pappy & Harriet's Palace in Pioneertown, right next to Yucca Valley.

Diary of a Bad Idea Rethought

For a few years there, we loved the occasional visit to Sushi of Naples in Pasadena: A pleasant and reliable place to meet after work for some sushi, sake and Kirin Ichiban on tap--mostly sake and Kirin. Then...a new owner took over. After a slapdash remodel that blanketed the floors with casino-style carpeting and some radical menu changes, it was painful to watch our favorite servers force a smile as they waited on fewer and fewer tables when the regulars just stopped stopping by. In fact, the only one left smiling was their iconic etched fish.


But we missed their Mardi Gras rolls, a delectable combination of crab, rock shrimp, albacore, avocado, chili sauce and deep fried onions, so we'd keep stopping in for a fix. The menu had gone "gourmet" and not in a good way--but the sushi chefs were still there, so our beloved concoction was safe--even if we did have to look at that hideous carpet.

With the polish off the remodel and the vulgar carpet fading, we're glad to report tables are filling up again-with regulars. The menu is slowly eeking back to its former, and better, self and the staff is smiling again. Guess the customers are sometimes right.

The 2006 List

The 2006 List
Nine Trends We’d Like to See in Ought Six
(in no particular order)

1. Stepping it up from Two Buck Chuck and trying affordable Australian and Chilean wines
2. Knowing that a nice bottle of non-vintage true-French champagne is a great treat to keep in the back of the fridge, but a case of domestic beer for a night with close friends and great music is a must.
3. Mixing quality cheese with fresh vegetables or fruit
4. Going to farmers market for breakfast or lunch.
5. Listening to good dining music (extra points if it’s live).
6. Knowing that carbs aren’t dead yet.
7. Post-bar taco runs (in fact, all taco runs).
8. Remembering that while tea was cool last year, flavorful organic coffee will never go out of style
9. The return of the sandwich!

Why I Love L.A....

Why I Love L.A.

Reason #43052: Pink’s Hot Dogs

Hot, chewy, and about as “real” as anything in this town, Pink’s Hot Dogs (Hungry? Los Angeles, p. 69) are a bona-fide L.A. institution. Pink’s is the L.A. experience and if you don’t see a celebrity strutting their stuff down Melrose while you’re in line (and you’ll have plenty of time to look around with a twenty minute wait on a good afternoon), you’re bound to see one on the 8x10s that line the wall. But only the truly blessed celeb are honored with their very own hot dogs like the Huell Dog, named after our own local TV legend, Huell Howser, or the Ozzie Dog, named after hard-rocker-come-incoherent-mumbler Ozzie Osborne.

But my love of Pink’s doesn’t come from any of the cleverly named ‘dogs, but from the true L.A. ambience of this Hollywood pillar. As I waited in the parking lot, stomach filled with the beyond-tref Mulholland Dog--a foot-long hotdog smothered in sautéed mushrooms, bacon, nacho cheese, and jalapenos--a balding avuncular man, doubtlessly development exec, stood next to me and said, “You know, if they ever need someone to play a young John Stamos. They should call you.” Not thinking that it was strange that this man, whom I had never met before, spoke to me with such familiarity, or that he suggested that I look like TV’s Uncle Jesse, I thanked the man and we parted.

This is, after all, Los Angeles.

For Restaurants Affected by Hurricane Katrina

There's a message board for you to exchange information.
http://katrina.guestbridge.net/