A true neighborhood favorite is more than just a restaurant. It becomes woven into the community’s fabric and identity. These reliable spots feature simple, consistently well-prepared food. The casual atmosphere, efficient operations, and cheerful staff define them. Lunetta All Day is one such restaurant in Santa Monica. Lunetta recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Owner and…
Westside
Experience Global Flavors and Craft Cocktails at the Edgemar Restaurant
Most Angelenos are familiar with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which world-renowned architect Frank Gehry designed. However, many people are unaware that Gehry also designed the Edgemar, a mixed-use commercial village in Santa Monica. Operating partners, restauranteurs, and designers recently collaborated to devise the eponym Edgemar Restaurant. Upon approaching the boldly designed structure constructed with…
Tigawok West LA: Affordable and Flavorful Chinese Dishes Cooked by Automated Machines
Cali Express made big news in LA when it opened a fast-food restaurant where the preparation of burgers and fries was wholly automated using AI and robotic technology. More recently, Tigawok, a Chinese fast-food restaurant that uses automated cooking machines, caught notice when it opened on the Westside. Tigawok’s commercial cooking machines resemble front-loading washers….
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…
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…
ixlb Dim Sum Eats Adds Dim Sum To-Go in West LA
In the late 1980s, Chinatown’s Empress Pavillion was a top LA restaurant for dim sum. Since then, the San Gabriel Valley has become the de facto standard for Chinese food, including LA’s best dim sum eateries. Empress Pavilion was known for its wide selection of dim sum served by Chinese women pushing carts throughout the…
Le Great Outdoor – Delicious Al Fresco Dining
According to a survey from Restaurant Owner, restaurant startup costs can range between $175,500 and a staggering amount of $750,500! If you are doing it for the first time, that’s an overwhelming obstacle. Despite this barrier, it is interesting that two young entrepreneurs managed to open Le Great Outdoor with almost no capital and no…
Fatty Mart, A Neighborhood Food Mart and Eatery
Chef / Owner David Kuo named his restaurant “Little Fatty” because that was what he called a little boy. His humor was evident from the beginning with his first restaurant, Status Kuo. He also opened Skinny Dave, a sandwich shop in Westchester. His latest project is Fatty Mart, part specialty food mart, restaurant, and community…
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. …
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…