Eating temaki sushi rolls is an enjoyable and interactive experience, as they are meant to be consumed with your hands instead of chopsticks. These delicious “hand rolls” feature roasted nori wrapped around rice and a variety of flavorful fillings. SORA Temaki Bar recently opened at the Original Farmers Market on Fairfax. The owner, Vincent Benoliel,…
Mid City
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…
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…
Oui Melrose – A Handcrafted Sandwich Shop
My good friend, who enjoys food as much as my wife and I do, lives in mid-city LA and recently invited my wife and me to get together over lunch. He suggested Oui Melrose, a sandwich shop run by the folks that own Banh Oui in Hollywood. When cruising down Melrose, you may think Oui…
Cat and Fiddle Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary
The Cat and Fiddle Pub and Restaurant is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this week. Affectionately known as “The Cat,” they originally opened in Laurel Canyon and later located to its present location on Highland Ave in Hollywood. This Anniversary is a significant milestone event for one of LA’s longest-running establishments. The celebration includes special pricing…
Taqueria Los Anaya, A Surprise in West Adams
LA’s West Adams district is not known for Mexican food, and I was surprised to find Taqueria Los Anaya, a family-owned restaurant on West Adams Blvd. The Anaya brothers (Juan, Manuel, and Gerardo) hail from Guadalajara and opened their West Adams restaurant ten years ago. While they advertise themselves as a taqueria, their menu is…
Bestia and Bavel Owners Hits a Homerun with Saffy’s
Owners Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis struck gold again, this time with Saffy’s in East Hollywood on Fountain. Growing up in Israel, Ori Menashe had penchant for Middle Eastern cuisine and opened Bavel. Saffy’s is named after their daughter Saffron. Menashe and Gergis wanted to create an all-day casual neighborhood restaurant for some time. Gergis…
Cento Delivers Exceptional Pasta Creations
In 2015 Cento caught LA’s food enthusiasts’ attention when it opened inside a downtown wine bar. Owner Avner Lavi operated as a one-person operation, dazzling diners as he prepared unique pasta offerings. There Lavi operated as a weekday daytime pop-up. Lavi (formerly from Bestia and Sotto) perfected his pasta-making skills at Bestia. Thru social media,…
Alma Delivers True Mexico Experience
Mexico City’s powerhouse restaurant company Grupo Hunan recently opened Alma in The Grove. Grupo Hunan operates many high-profile restaurants in Mexico City, and Alma is their first foray into the US market. Grupo Hunan completely transformed the space where Dominique Ansel resided into a stylish restaurant you might visit in Mexico City. At ground level,…
Palestinian Cuisine Discovered at Jerusalem Chicken
It’s all about chicken at a new Palestinian restaurant in LA’s Windsor Hills section on Slauson. Owner Sami Othman, is a veteran restauranteur who started Orleans and York, a deli with five locations featuring NY deli sandwiches and New Orleans-style po-boys. Othman felt that it was time to go back to his Palestinian roots. He…