I became aware of Aunty Maile’s when it opened as Island Flavor in Gardena. Before I tasted the food, I knew it would be good because of the big-framed Island customers. The owners moved to bigger digs and reopened as Aunty Maile’s with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. When the pandemic hit, they converted…
Humble Potato – American comfort with a Japanese Twist
While many restaurants feature American comfort food, I notice when someone decides to bend the rules. In 2012, Eric Ong opened Humble Potato on Lincoln Blvd in Westchester. I’ve dined at two restaurants, which followed Most Valuable Playa and Mee and Greet. Thanks to my friend’s suggestion, I finally visited Humble Potato in Culver City. …
Mona Pasta Bar – An Authentic Italian Pasta Experience
I was delighted to learn that an Italian pasta restaurant recently opened in downtown LA. Having fresh memories of my vacation in Italy, I was hopeful that Mona Pasta Bar would relive my fond days of twirling fresh pasta in Tuscany. Mona Pasta Bar quietly soft opened on Ninth Street at the beginning of August….
Celebrate Japanese Cuisine and Culture at Nisei Week
From Sat Aug, 12 through Sun Aug, 20, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival returns for its annual cultural celebration. In its 81st year, it is the oldest ethnic festival in the US; its purpose is to celebrate and share the Japanese and Japanese American culture. This year’s theme is Turning the Corner, a post-pandemic desire to…
Top Chef Jackson Kalb Opens Jemma di Mare in Brentwood
LA diners flock to restaurants that feature their favorite chefs. One such chef riding the wave is “Top Chef” Jackson Kalb. I first became aware of him at Factory Kitchen and later at Jame Enoteca and Ospi. He and his wife, Melissa, recently opened Jemma di Mare, a new Italian-American concept emphasizing seafood. If you’re unfamiliar with Brentwood, you…
Where To Find Hatch Chiles in LA
Once a year, Melissa’s Produce brings Hatch chiles to select Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres locations and roasts them as they do in supermarket parking lots in New Mexico. It is an annual tradition with New Mexicans because they buy the roasted chiles in bulk and use them in recipes throughout the year. For a…
Vicky’s All Day Delights With Epicurean Diner Cuisine
Many people flock to diners, and it’s easy to understand why. Delicious food, friendly service, but best of all, a consistent experience. It’s the perfect lift-me-up after a tough week. One such diner is Vicky’s All Day, located in the trendy West Adams district across from Alta Adams. More chefs operate restaurants within walking distance of…
Courage Bagels Delivers Montreal-Style Experience
I confess that I don’t enjoy New York bagels. While my coworkers appreciated it when I delivered Noah’s Bagels with shmear, the doughy consistency never appealed to me. I recently learned about Courage Bagels, an eatery that features Montreal-style bagels. Not knowing what Montreal bagels are about, I invited my friend Jeff and checked them…
Lunasia Dim Sum House Opens in Torrance
I am a big fan of dim sum, but I don’t enjoy it as often because I live in the South Bay, and the top dim sum places are in the San Gabriel Valley. Yes, Dim Sum 101 Express opened nearby, but I’ve longed for an experience with a vast menu. I was thrilled when…
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Little Tokyo
May is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the US. This year the Little Tokyo Community Council sponsors family-friendly springtime happenings in Downtown Los Angeles’ iconic neighborhood to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Children’s Day festivities take place Sat. May 6 at Terasaki Budokan, a nonprofit multipurpose sports and activities center in Little Tokyo….