In my youth, Japanese restaurants were only family-owned and typically had a menu of teriyaki, tempura, rice bowls, and sashimi. Today, you’ll often see Japanese restaurants specializing in sushi, curry, barbecue, ramen, and even udon! Only a handful of original family-owned restaurants, such as Sawtelle Tempura House, Otomisan, and Azuma, still exist. Azuma is an…
Papa Cristo’s – A Greek Restaurant and Marketplace
In an industry where most restaurants struggle to survive, 70-year-old Papa Cristo’s stands tall as a beacon of longevity and success. This Greek grocer/bakery/deli/eatery is more than just a place to eat; it’s a part of the neighborhood’s fabric, where familiar faces and repeat customers are the norm. Second-generation owner Chrys Chrys is the face…
Where to Celebrate National Brisket Day in LA
Tuesday, May 28, is National Brisket Day. If you’ve had corned beef or pastrami before, you’ve had brisket. This large piece of flavor-packed beef is often cured or smoked, but it’s also one of the best cuts for braising and slow cooking. Plan to celebrate National Brisket Day with one of your favorites or try…
Where To Celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day
This year, National Quiche Lorraine Day is Monday, May 20. Quiche was originally an open pie with eggs, cream, and lardons. Later versions of the dish usually include cheese, and the lardons are replaced by bacon, ham, or pancetta. Here is where to celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day in LA. Downtown LA Pitchoun Bakery &…
Hangari Kaiguksu Excels With Korean Comfort
While Korean BBQs and Korean fried chicken garner much attention, Korean comfort food is gaining popularity. This includes dumplings, rice cakes, kimbap, and noodles, whether dry like jajangmyeon (black bean) or in soups such as kaiguksu. One very popular place for the latter is Hangari Kaiguksu. With “kaiguksu” in the restaurant’s name and because it…
Sunny Blue Delivers Made-To-Order Japanese Musubi
Today, in Japan and Hawaii, musubi is a staple found in restaurants, markets, and convenience stores for a satisfying and affordable breakfast, lunch, or snack. In some regions of Japan, it is sometimes called onigiri (o-knee-GEE-ree). Fortunately, we don’t have to travel to Hawaii to experience this, as Sunny Blue is a restaurant that prominently…
May 4 – Where To Watch the Kentucky Derby in LA
This year, the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4. It is known as the fastest two minutes in sports. It occurs yearly at Churchill Downs in Kentucky but is widely observed across the US. If you want to enjoy the unique experience, here are some places to watch the Kentucky Derby in LA. …
Where To Find Mother’s Day Brunch in the South Bay
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, and if you are considering brunch, you make reservations quickly. Expect delicious entrees such as grilled branzino, chicken, and waffles overlooking the Manhattan Beach Pier to a champagne brunch buffet overlooking the Pacific at Terreanea to a Japanese brunch featuring sushi, assorted seafood, tempura, and udon. Here’s where to…
Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop Delivers Ono Grinds
You may not expect to find quality food in a bowling alley, and if you have children, you’ve probably been to birthday parties at bowling alleys, and you may have avoided the greasy pizza. Some restaurant bowling alleys feature in-house restaurants that non-bowlers frequent. The Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop is one such destination. Gardena is…
Where To Find Passover Dinner in LA
This year, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, and runs through Tuesday, April 30. The Passover Seder is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday. It usually includes songs, readings, and rituals. A Seder dinner is served, followed by more prayers and other activities. Here’s where to find Passover…