I Devour LA, Part 12

Today was the day I had to return the rental car, kind of sticking me in one locale for the day. I took Abbey to lunch for accompanying me on my errand. We went to Home again, where I got to gawk at Adrian Grenier and tuck into this delightful curry chicken salad sandwich. Yum.


I then spent the day swooning in the heat like Blanche du Bois until it was finally time for happy hour at El Conquistador! This is my favorite happy hour in all of LA. You order yourself a lovely margarita like this one:


Not only is the margarita delicious (and strong!), but it comes with a delightful basket of chips and salsa. Here, Bill takes a bite:


But that is only the beginning, for at El Conquistador, your happy hour margarita also comes with a full platter of Mexican treats! Seriously, this is free. Unbelievable.


My crappy camera phone is not doing justice to this huge plate of melted cheese-based items. Yeah yeah.

Then I settled in for a terrible Phillies performance. This homemade bowl of popcorn was unfortunately the highlight of the second game of the World Series.

I Devour LA, Part 11

[Frustrated note: I have no idea why so many of these shots are out of focus. I'm using the flash, I've got my settings down, I'm doing that thing where you half press the button and the camera focuses...it's very, very frustrating. And it's practically impossible to tell they are out of focus until I upload. On the little camera screen, they appear to look fine. Argh. Sorry.]

Today began w/ yet another trip to Cafe Tropical for mango shake and pastry. It was good, but not quite up to Tropical's usual standards. Or maybe my lack of sleep is beginning to affect my taste buds. Anyhow, no photo, as it looked the same as those previous.

We'd planned on a return to Home for lunch, but it was an absolute scorcher outside. Switched things up at the last minute and hit a cool retro diner type place called Fred 62. I was dead set on eating something healthy. But then I opened the menu and this chorizzo laden breakfast burrito appeared before my eyes like the burning bush.


It's such a tragedy that this isn't in focus. Oh man that burrito was like a work of art. You don't know what it's like living someplace where the food is awful (unless you're Amy). I practically wept into my plate while eating this. I think I now understand religion.

And then I was stuffed beyond description. But of course we headed over to Von's and stocked up on food and tequila for the World Series. Man, it was totally surreal to be rooting for the Phillies in the World Series. And even more surreal when Bill whipped up a Philadelphia-worthy Philly cheesesteak.


Wow. This thing was outrageously good. Better than Pat's. Totally on part with Tony Luke's. The real deal, cooked before my very eyes!

GO PHILS!!!!!

I Devour LA, Part 10

I still wasn't back on my game yet today. Spent the morning and early afternoon at Adam's, hanging out with Mr. President (dog) and enjoying a little Josh time. Didn't get anything to eat, or even coffee.

Around midday I drove back to west Hollywood, or whatever Pat's neighborhood is called. I met up with Miriam for lunch, and she took me to a little place called The Chicken Lady. Of course, this being LA, the Chicken Lady was described as "doing the catering on Two and a Half Men." Good enough for me!

We walked over to the restaurant, and I still wasn't really feeling hungry, or like I had much of an appetite. And I didn't know what to expect from the Chicken Lady. The place itself was pretty nondescript (besides headshots on the wall of every original 90210 cast member). We took a little table by the window, where I proceeded to be absolutely stunned by the quality of our lunch. Only the best for Charlie Sheen, apparently.

I stupidly forgot my camera, so Miriam snapped this with her phone:


This doesn't even begin to do justice to how amazing that plate of food was. Seriously, this was one of the most delicious things I've ever put in my mouth. That there is a Chicken Caesar sandwich with a side of mac n' cheese. The sandwich bore no relation to the Caesar salad...and as you may note, the entire thing was covered in melted cheese. It was so soft, so gooey, like crawling back into a melted cheese filled womb. It was a pure sensory experience. I can't even describe it. I've never experienced anything quite like it. Also, this may have been the best mac n' cheese I've ever eaten. For real.

As if that weren't enough, the Chicken Lady gave us each a complimentary slice of outrageously delicious chocolate cake (not pictured). The cake was made out of gnash or some similarly decadent ingredient. It was ice cold, and velvety, and just delicious. I told the Chicken Lady our lunch was so good I needed to move to LA immediately.

Unfortunately, I kind of crashed soon after. I'm getting really, really tired. Starting work at 7 each morning, coupled w/ crappy nights' sleep on various couches is taking a bit of a toll. Too bad, cause I hate feeling so drained.

At night, I drove over to Peggy's to check out her new house, which is unbelievably amazing. Good job, Peg!

She cooked up some stir fry for dinner, then we caught up, rapped about LA, writing, movies, etc. Too bad I was too braindead exhausted to do much other than nod at her like the village idiot. Thankfully, Peggy held up her end of the conversation.

And her dinner tasted a lot better than my crappy photo would suggest.

I Devour LA, Part 9

Today was the day all this eating finally caught up to me. Felt sorta ill, and not having anywhere to just go an relax alone probably heightened the sensation somewhat. I did, luckily, rent another car. So at least I was free to cruise around. Just couldn't figure out where to go. Alas.

Anyway, for lunch I visited a highly regarded spot in Silverlake (I think) called Home. I sat outside right next to a large koi pond, and got to watch the fish swim about while I read and took in the nice weather. As for food, I ordered an outstanding chicken salad sandwich on toasted sourdough. Really, really tasty.


Then I hopped in the car and drove out to Venice. I had about 4 hours to kill, and so wandered about for a while (did you know Venice has canals, like the real Venice? Me neither. But it does, and they are downright charming!), then plopped down on the beach to read. The sun was setting and I had my back up against a palm tree. It was like being in a Corona commercial. No food, though, so no pictures.

Met up with Holly and Thomas after killing one final hour watching Monday Night Football and nursing a Dos Equis. We rode beach cruisers over to a Mexican cantina. I still had my stomach on my mind, so just played it safe and bland w/ chicken fingers:


Of course, I was mocked mercilessly for this preposterous order. Here's a shot of Holly eating the normal people food:


After, we met Adam at Holly's favorite dive bar, which truly was a dive in every sense of the word. Surprisingly (given the surroundings), Holly and Thomas each claimed this place made a real tasty burger. When Adam suggested splitting one, despite stomach issues and not being remotely hungry, I couldn't resist. Good call. This was one of the best cheeseburgers I have ever eaten in my life. No kidding.

I Devour LA, Part 8

The cats woke me up bright and early, though I fought the power and proceeded to lie on the couch for a few hours. Then Bill whipped up a nice homemade breakfast. Great way to start the day.


I once again did the unthinkable and walked somewhere in LA. Found a great little cafe, saw a movie, then was feeling rather starved. Nothing a $6 combo fish and shrimp platter couldn't solve. This was amazing!


My feeling is that the worth of a city lies in its cheap eats. Expensive cuisine is always good, but it's at the low end that a city's character, passions, and flavors can really be found. Where people are passionate about living, the cheap eats are good.

At night, we visited George and Samantha for some pizza and some Mad Men. Here, George goes for the first slice:

I Devour LA, Part 7

The upside of being on the West coast with an East coast job? Your day ends at 3pm. The downside? It starts at 7am. Sheesh! Well, today was Saturday and I finally got to catch up on a little sleep. Then Pat, Miriam and I walked (yes, walked) to a cool breakfast spot called Tart. We were treated to so many delicious items that I almost forgot to snap a photo! Fortunately, the coffee kicked in while half of my twisted BLT remained (this was a BLT w/ an egg added). Check it out:


Unfortunately, I failed to capture the world-class biscuits we had as our first course. Man, those biscuits were gooooooood!

One of the things that's been kind of weird for me in DC is the complete lack of a Jewish presence there. Not that I'm religious, but I've really grown used to Judaism being represented as a culture. Now that I live in the South, well, obviously there are no Jews. And the Jews that do exist have chosen to assimilate. There are Jews in DC, to be sure, but there is absolutely no Jewish identity.

The point, you ask? Well, perhaps at the very top of my LA To Do list was visiting Canter's deli. It's a tough call for me between Canter's and the Second Avenue Deli in NYC, but I actually think I might prefer Canter's. At any rate, the sight of a really vibrant, Jewish inflected scene was really cool to behold once again. Sorta felt like home. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to use my flash bulb, so the pics are blurry....but goddamn this was some superb cuisine! Matzoh ball soup, corned beef on rye, pickles, and a cream soda:






Ah, the Jews. I almost forgot about them!

I Devour LA, Part 6

I can't believe it's been two whole days without Cafe Tropical. Fortunately, I made it back for another round of mango shake, guava cheese pie, and coffee. Plus, I also discovered Tropical has free Wifi, and so I snagged a seat right under the air conditioner and had a high old time.


Directly after, Bill and I hit a great Thai place for lunch. Specials were $5.99 and everything was delish. Here's a shot of our egg roll appetizers:


And my delightful entree:



This stuff was awesome and filling. Unfortunately, we did not catch a set by the Thai Elvis impersonator who makes this place famous (there was a large metal statue of him in attendance, however).

Still full, I accompanied Pat to El Carmen, where 450 different types of tequila were in attendance, and where this outstanding fish taco made its way down my gullet.


The night continued out in Santa Monica, where we took in some music and some beer, saw Adam and his little dog, but alas didn't eat again.

I Devour LA, Part 5

Today started off right, with a cruise over to Roscoe's for some fried chicken and waffles. Surely I don't need to describe how delicious this was:


Sheeeeeeeeeet. That was some good eating. Then the heat came in, making me feel sleepy and uninspired. Spent most of the day half-asleep on the couch.

Fortunately, we got it in gear and put together a little beach cookout. We arrived just in time to see the sun set.


Bill got the fire started...


...and it wasn't long till I had a couple of dogs out over the flames.


The dogs were phenomenal. Here the gang enjoys the cookout:


Glenn takes it to the next level with some marshmallows:


The finished product:


It was pretty great to spend the night at the beach. LA living is pretty sweet.

Later I put Petey inside the couch.

I Devour LA, Part 4

Woke up at Pat's house craving coffee and something sweet. We walked across the street to a really nice, Dean and Deluca-esque cafe, where I loaded up on coffee and a delicious strawberry muffin. Never even heard of a strawberry muffin before. It was goooood.



Spent the afternoon driving from one cafe to another, looking for free Wifi and a good place to work. Then, acting on a hot tip from Michelle, I had the pleasure of dining al fresco at Yuca's Tacos. This place was amazing. Needless to say, after devouring a carne asada and a carnitas taco, I had to go back up and order a shredded beef taco, as well. All were delicious. Simple, excellent food for cheap. I like being back in civilization.



Then of course I spent the evening cheering the Phils! Still having trouble getting my head around them being in the World Series. Wow. We celebrated by driving over to a highbrow fast food joint called The Oinkster that we read about online. It was somewhat overrated, but still tasty. Take a looksee at my pulled pork sandwich and fries. Apparently I should have used a flash.

I Devour LA, Part 3

I started out the day at Tropical, once again, though I skipped the guava cheese pie and just went straight up mango shake and coffee. Once again, delish!

I've really been haunted by a salad craving the last couple of days. Got a recommendation and drove out to Tender Greens in Culver City. It was a bit of a schlep, but check out my grilled chicken cobb salad! It was pretty amazing, and I wanted to eat everything on the menu.



This thing totally filled me up for the rest of the day, and shockingly it was the last thing I ate. No dinner, no late night munchies, no nothing. Very unlike me. Of course, happy hour was the exception. Got together with Bill and Abby at their favorite margarita joint. I went old school w/ a straight up margarita at first, but then succumbed to peer pressure and ordered a frozen strawberry version next. In a word: awesome.



Here we are, enjoying our cocktails.



The night ended at the old LA Forum. If you squint real hard, you might see Weezer in this photo.

I Devour LA, Part 2

My first full day in LA starts with a bang. I have 2 favorite breakfasts, one on the East Coast (Middle Eastern eggs and coffee at Cafe Mogador, NYC) and one on the West. (Needless to say, when in DC I just make breakfast at home. No point going out.) I am completely obsessed with Cafe Tropical, and my first visit of the trip did not disappoint! Behold:



That there is a fresh mango shake, and a slice of guava cheese pie. Not shown: the best cup of coffee I've had in at least a year.

Here's a closer look at that guava cheese pie. Indescribably delicious.



Later I rented a car and spent the day getting lost in LA. It was fun to explore the city myself, as opposed to being schlepped around by friends as I usually do. I got a nice feel for the city, being out there alone.

Stopped off at a scenic overlook along Mulholland Drive. Here's the view:



All that driving got me hungry, so I swung by the Farmer's Market for a nice outdoor lunch. At the time, I thought I was going to the Phillies/Dodgers game, so figured I'd eat light. The tickets wound up falling through at the last minute, but this was still a pleasant lunch on the lighter side: turkey, cheese and tomato crepe. And it was totally gorgeous outside.



Got lazy and just ordered some takeout for dinner, to accompany the Phils.

More good eats to come...

I Devour LA, Part 1

Twenty minutes after touching down in Long Beach, I found myself standing in line for what I hope to be the first of many Mexican delicacies. A dude out on the sidewalk was frying up what appeared to be intestine tacos...so my gringo friend and I decided to play it safe and order from the regular menu inside. One carnitas burrito with everything, coming right up!



Doesn't look like much, but it was loaded with yummy grilled pork, and amazing feta-like Mexican cheese. Though I do love my cheddar and sour cream, this was a nice authentic change of pace.

Here's Petey the cat attempting to take a sip of my Brisk. Petey has been all up in my grill piece for 2 days now. I am not cut out for cat ownership.