Los Angeles Restaurant Guide 2010

YOUR ESSENTIAL DINING REFERENCE

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INSIDE

Detailed restaurant profiles on everything from landmark classics to new favorites in and around Downtown L.A.

1264 W. 213.481.1448 P U First B Street, L Los I Angeles, C A CA,T90026 I • O N S

Taking simple American and Mexican classics to a new level with fresh ingredients and super low prices.

Since 1990

Since 1998

Since 2005

EXPRESS Since 2008

Find consistently appetizing food at our recently remodeled casual romantic diner and delight yourself with our “voted best pollo asado” plate, loved for its tender meat bursting with flavor.

Take pleasure in a Classic Mexican breakfast accompanied with a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice in a rodeothemed setting. To finish off an evening enjoy from our fine selections of beer and wine.

Let our abundant colorful meals satisfy your palate and experience our outstanding service.

Indulge in delicious piña coladas which complement your meal.

Satisfy your Rodeo cravings while enjoying some fresh air at our petite sized outdoor eatery setting.

$

$ - Patio Dining Available

$ - Patio Dining Available

$ - Patio Dining Available

1807 W. Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles 213-483-7077

1721 W. Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles 213-483-8311

1721 W. Olympic Blvd.

Los Angeles 213-738-5252

3500 N. Broadway Blvd.

Los Angeles, 323-221-2801

Open Daily 7am-11pm

Open Daily 7am-11pm

Open Daily 7am-11pm

Serving Breakfast All Day! We Cater!

www.RodeomexicangRill.com

Sun-Thurs: 7am-10pm Fri-Sat: 7am-11pm

20 DINING OPTIONS.

ONE PLACE.

SEAFOOD, STEAKS & SPIRITS

$5 Parking for the ďŹ rst 2 hours with restaurant validation.

At Olympic and Figueroa

lalive.com

What’s for Dinner?

With Scores of Options on the Menu, Dining Downtown Has Never Been More Exciting

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here’s no question that Downtown Los Angeles has solidified its reputation as an exciting culinary hotspot, a place where ambitious chefs with cutting-edge concepts set up shop and classic restaurants just keep getting better. But it wasn’t that long ago when the Central City had to fight for its share of foodie respect.

The last few years have brought incredible change to Downtown, from an influx of hungry residents, to scores of new restaurants and bars to feed them, to its first Michelin-rated establishments. It has come a long way, and the journey has been a delicious one. A veritable dining district has sprung up as part of the L.A. Live complex around Staples Center, with everything from high-end sushi to laid-back beer and burgers. On the other side of town, the once sleepy Bunker Hill district has welcomed its first supper club — a chic, Art Deco establishment called First & Hope, complete with gourmet fare and cabaret entertainment.

When diners venture Downtown, it’s a sure bet that a culinary adventure is sure to follow. There are countless choices within a roughly threemile radius spanning Chinatown on the north, Exposition Park on the south, Central City on the west and the Industrial District on the east.

Adjacent Downtown communities expand the eating options within a few minutes drive. Just about every type of cuisine can be found here: Oaxacan food near USC, wine and tapas in South Park, upscale Thai in the Financial District and even New American small plates with global

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influences in Little Tokyo.

It’s a veritable feast at every turn, and a taste of it can be had at just about every budget. As the economy continues to recover, local restaurateurs are coming up with creative ways to offer diners incentive to venture out to eat. Happy hour is one of the best times of day, with deep deals on microbrews, wine and inventive cocktails made by expert mixologists.

Seasonal menus with local, artisan ingredients have become accessible to a wider audience thanks to small plate offerings and unheard of specials.

It’s an exciting time to dine Downtown, as new restaurants continue to sprout up and entertainment options after dark bloom, from bowling and concerts to art exhibits and world-class theater. Of course, midday eats are just as exciting, with a host of lunch specials and new venues catering to the hungry workforce. Favorites like L.A. Cafe invite patrons to soak up the sun on the charming sidewalk patio while others like Big Wang’s create a casual respite with a plate of hot wings and a sporting event on the flatscreen.

It’s all about the choices Downtown, and making a decision on where to eat has never been tastier. This year’s restaurant guide will include a new key at the end of each listing that will feature all the crucial information diners need at a glance: Breakfast , lunch , dinner , weekends , happy hour , entertainment , delivery , catering , reservations , cash only .

PATINA RESTAURANT GROUP WELCOMES YOU TO OUR DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS! 10 1F

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PATINA Michelin-starred California-French cuisine

ZUCCA RISTORANTE Sophisticated Italian fare

KENDALL’S BRASSERIE Fresh seafood and French fare

141 S. Grand Ave. 213 972 3331

801 S. Figueroa St. 213 614 7800

135 N. Grand Ave. 213 972 7322

CAFE PINOT Contemporary California cuisine

NICK & STEF’S STEAKHOUSE Signature steaks dry-aged on site

PINOT GRILL Pre-theater dining al fresco

700 W. Fifth St. 213 239 6500

330 S. Hope St. 213 680 0330

135 N. Grand Ave. 213 972 3190

www.patinagroup.com Chef Joachim Splichal’s Patina Restaurant Group

R E S TAURA N T S A L PHA B E T I C A L LY Banquette Cafe......................................................................................................... 51 Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant........................................................................ 30 Big Man Bakes........................................................................................................... 51 Big Wangs.................................................................................................................... 48 Blimpie........................................................................................................................... 44 Blossom Restaurant................................................................................................ 51 Bonaventure Brewing Co..................................................................................... 34 BottleRock.................................................................................................................... 37 Café De Camacho.................................................................................................... 44 Cafe Metropol............................................................................................................ 14 Cafe Pinot........................................................................................................................5 California Pizza Kitchen......................................................................................... 32 Cardini............................................................................................................................ 13 Casa................................................................................................................................. 23 Casey’s Irish Pub........................................................................................................ 45 CBS Seafood............................................................................................................... 18 Checkers Downtown............................................................................................. 20 Chichen Itza................................................................................................................ 31 City Grill......................................................................................................................... 13 City Thai......................................................................................................................... 21 Ciudad............................................................................................................................ 10 Cole’s Originators of the French Dip.............................................................. 43 Colori Kitchen............................................................................................................. 16 Daily Grill....................................................................................................................... 44 Derrick’s......................................................................................................................... 46 Eastside Market Italian Deli................................................................................. 12 El Conquistador........................................................................................................ 42 El Paseo Inn Restaurant........................................................................................ 12 Engine Co. No. 28...................................................................................................... 38 ESPN Zone................................................................................................................... 29 Farmer Boys................................................................................................................ 25 The Farm of Beverly Hills...................................................................................... 26 First & Hope................................................................................................................. 30 Frying Fish.................................................................................................................... 22 Grand Café................................................................................................................... 18 Grand Central Market............................................................................................ 34 Hecho En Mexico..................................................................................................... 33 Honda Ya Little Tokyo............................................................................................ 46 Hop Li Seafood.......................................................................................................... 43 J Restaurant & Lounge.......................................................................................... 27 Kendall’s Brasserie.......................................................................................................5 L.A. Café......................................................................................................................... 19 La Fonda ...................................................................................................................... 45 L.A. Live.............................................................................................................................3 L.A. Prime...................................................................................................................... 17 Lazy Ox Canteen...................................................................................................... 42 Levy................................................................................................................................. 38 Los Angeles Center Studios................................................................................ 10 Lost Souls Coffee Shop......................................................................................... 51 Maison Akira............................................................................................................... 49 Maracas Cafe & Catering...................................................................................... 36 Mendocino Farms................................................................................................... 23 Mercado La Paloma................................................................................................ 31 Mexican Village......................................................................................................... 26 Mikawaya..................................................................................................................... 42 Mo-Chica...................................................................................................................... 31 Morton’s The Steakhouse.................................................................................... 20 Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse.........................................................................................5 Noé Restaurant and Bar....................................................................................... 18 Oaxacalifornia............................................................................................................ 31 O Bar & Kitchen......................................................................................................... 28 OBD Market & Deli.................................................................................................. 51 Octopus Japanese Restaurant.......................................................................... 28 Old Bank District....................................................................................................... 51 Oomasa......................................................................................................................... 50 The Palm....................................................................................................................... 32 Panda Inn..................................................................................................................... 41 Patina.................................................................................................................................5 Pete’s Cafe & Bar.................................................................................................11, 51 Philippe, The Original............................................................................................. 36 Pinot Grill.........................................................................................................................5 Plum Tree Inn............................................................................................................. 40 Prime Grind................................................................................................................. 48 Point Moorea.............................................................................................................. 13 Provecho Restaurant.............................................................................................. 16 Restaurant Oiwake.................................................................................................. 36 Rocket Pizza Lounge..........................................................................................9, 51 Rock’N Fish.................................................................................................................. 24 Rodeo Mexican Grill..................................................................................................2 Rowdy Red Wine and Burger Bar.................................................................... 41 Roy’s................................................................................................................................ 34 The Sandwich Joint................................................................................................ 24 Seoul Jung................................................................................................................... 13 7+FIG at Ernst & Young Plaza......................................................................15, 52 Shekarchi Restaurant............................................................................................. 39 Soi 7................................................................................................................................. 38 Taix................................................................................................................................... 14 Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant/Elevate Lounge................................7 Taqueria Vista Hermosa........................................................................................ 31 Tatou............................................................................................................................... 22 Thai Corner.................................................................................................................. 31 Traxx................................................................................................................................ 48 Tulip Cafe...................................................................................................................... 37 Urban Noodle........................................................................................................9, 51 Weiland Brewery Underground...................................................................... 40 Wilshire Grand Hotel.............................................................................................. 13 Wokcano....................................................................................................................... 46 Yxta Cocina Mexicana........................................................................................... 39 Zucca Ristorante..........................................................................................................5

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Restaurant Rating Key

$ Inexpensive, $10 & Under $$ Moderate, $11 to $20 $$$ Expensive, $20+

LEGEND

C O N T E N T S Breakfast Lunch Dinner Weekends

Happy Hour Entertainment Delivery

Catering Reservations Cash Only

D owntown M a p.......................................................................................... 8 A merican

Big Wangs..................................................................................................................48 Bonaventure Brewing Co..................................................................................34 California Pizza Kitchen......................................................................................32 City Grill......................................................................................................................13 Cole’s Originators of the French Dip............................................................43 Daily Grill....................................................................................................................44 Engine Co. No. 28...................................................................................................38 ESPN Zone................................................................................................................29 The Farm of Beverly Hills...................................................................................26 Farmer Boys..............................................................................................................25 First & Hope..............................................................................................................30 L.A. Café......................................................................................................................19 Pete’s Cafe & Bar..............................................................................................11, 51 Philippe, The Original..........................................................................................36 Point Moorea...........................................................................................................13 Rock’N Fish...............................................................................................................24 Rowdy Red Wine and Burger Bar..................................................................41 Traxx.............................................................................................................................48 Weiland Brewery Underground....................................................................40

Chinese

A sian

CBS Seafood.............................................................................................................18 Hop Li Seafood.......................................................................................................43 Panda Inn..................................................................................................................41 Plum Tree Inn...........................................................................................................40

Japanese

Frying Fish.................................................................................................................22 Honda Ya Little Tokyo..........................................................................................46 Maison Akira............................................................................................................49 Octopus......................................................................................................................28 Oomasa......................................................................................................................50 Restaurant Oiwake...............................................................................................36 Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant/Elevate Lounge..............................7

korean

Seoul Jung................................................................................................................13

thai

City Thai......................................................................................................................21 Soi 7..............................................................................................................................38 Thai Corner...............................................................................................................31

vietnamese

Blossom Restaurant.............................................................................................51

asian fusion

Tatou............................................................................................................................22 Urban Noodle.....................................................................................................9, 51 Wokcano....................................................................................................................46

C alifornia

Banquette Cafe.......................................................................................................51 Cafe Pinot.....................................................................................................................5 Checkers Downtown..........................................................................................20 Noé Restaurant and Bar.....................................................................................18 O Bar & Kitchen......................................................................................................28 Patina..............................................................................................................................5

J amaican

Derrick’s......................................................................................................................46

E uro p ean

Cafe Metropol.........................................................................................................14 Casey’s Irish Pub.....................................................................................................45 J Restaurant & Lounge.......................................................................................27 Kendall’s Brasserie....................................................................................................5 Taix................................................................................................................................14

H awaiian

I talian

Cardini.........................................................................................................................13 Colori Kitchen..........................................................................................................16 Eastside Market Italian Deli..............................................................................12 J Restaurant & Lounge........................................................................................27 Zucca Ristorante.......................................................................................................5

L atin/M e x ican

Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant......................................................................30 Casa..............................................................................................................................23 Chichen Itza.............................................................................................................31 Ciudad.........................................................................................................................10 El Conquistador......................................................................................................42 El Paseo Inn Restaurant......................................................................................12 Hecho En Mexico..................................................................................................33 La Fonda....................................................................................................................45 Maracas Cafe & Catering...................................................................................36 Mexican Village......................................................................................................26 Mo-Chica...................................................................................................................31 Oaxacalifornia.........................................................................................................31 Provecho Restaurant...........................................................................................16 Rodeo Mexican Grill................................................................................................2 Taqueria Vista Hermosa.....................................................................................31 Yxta Cocina Mexicana.........................................................................................39

mediterranean

Checkers Downtown..........................................................................................20 Shekarchi Restaurant..........................................................................................39 O Bar & Kitchen......................................................................................................28 Tulip Cafe...................................................................................................................37

pizza

California Pizza Kitchen......................................................................................32 Rocket Pizza Lounge.......................................................................................9, 51

S alads, S andwiches & M ore

Big Man Bakes.........................................................................................................51 Blimpie........................................................................................................................44 Café De Camacho.................................................................................................44 Eastside Market Italian Deli..............................................................................12 Grand Central Market.........................................................................................34 Lost Souls Coffee Shop.......................................................................................51 Mendocino Farms.................................................................................................23 OBD Market & Deli................................................................................................51 Pinot Grill......................................................................................................................5 Prime Grind..............................................................................................................48 The Sandwich Joint..............................................................................................24 7+FIG at Ernst & Young Plaza...................................................................15, 52

S eafood

Tulip Cafe...................................................................................................................37 ROCK’N FISH............................................................................................................24 The Palm....................................................................................................................32

S tea k house

L.A. Prime...................................................................................................................17 Morton’s The Steakhouse.................................................................................20 Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse......................................................................................5 The Palm....................................................................................................................32 Rock’N Fish...............................................................................................................24

1264 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Website: LADowntownNews.com Phone: 213-481-1448 Fax: 213-250-4617 Email: realpeople@downtownnews.com

Roy’s.............................................................................................................................34

I nternational

BottleRock.................................................................................................................37 Grand Café................................................................................................................18 Grand Central Market.........................................................................................34 Lazy Ox Canteen....................................................................................................42 Los Angeles Center Studios.............................................................................10

The 2010 Los Angeles Downtown News Restaurant Guide is partially written by Kathryn Maese, Kristin Friedrich and Jessica Hamlin. Cover photo by Dominic Morel and page 4 photo by Oliver Tam. Production and design by Yumi Kanegawa. The 2010 Los Angeles Downtown News Restaurant Guide is published annually by Los Angeles Downtown News. The newspaper is distributed every Monday throughout the streets, offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles. ©Los Angeles Downtown News 2010. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review or promotion, without the written permission of the publisher and copyright owner.

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant/Elevate Lounge

Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant/Elevate Lounge

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oasting amazing high-rise city views from the dining room and patio 21 stories above Downtown Los Angeles’ Financial District, Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant has become a culinary institution among locals and Downtown visitors alike. The restaurant offers a first-class selection of sushi and robata with a cocktail list showcasing distinctive specialty drinks, a wide selection of sake and top-rated wines.

Takami has commonly been ranked as one of Los Angeles’ best restaurants.

Executive Chef Stan Ota uses only the

freshest seafood and the finest ingredients to conceive an array of popular menu items including appetizer favorites like “Takami Edamame,” soybeans sauteed in garlic butter and soy sauce and “Arare Calamari,” fried calamari filets covered in Japanese arare rice crackers and served with curry aioli dipping sauce.

Entree favorites include mouthwatering robata creations served with a quartet of dipping sauces including truffle, mustard miso, champagne yuzu and avocado wasabi. One of the most popular and tasty items is the “Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice,” an amazing combination of hot, cold, crunchy and tender that will entertain the senses.

Head Sushi Chef Yoshihito Hirata prepares sushi favorites like the Takami Roll, a unique combination of spicy tuna, snow crab and asparagus, topped with albacore and apple ponzu sauce, and the ever popular Lemon Albacore Roll, a tangy combination of spicy tuna roll, cucumber, albacore and lemon slices. Not only is the highest quality fish flown in from around the world and delivered daily to Takami, but some of the selec-

tions such as the yellowtail, snapper, kanpachi and mackerel come directly from Japan.

In addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, chef Ota has crafted a lounge menu featuring items such as the chicken robata trio, Japanese fries flavored with seaweed flakes, and tempura shishito peppers stuffed with spicy tuna. During the weekday happy hour from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and weekends from 5-6:30 p.m., all bar food is half price. Guests can also sip on regularly priced wines from the “WINEding Down” list for just $5 a glass.

Located adjacent to Takami is Elevate Lounge, a full-service latenight bar and dance club offering an exquisite indoor/outdoor space where guests can indulge in their favorite cocktails and appetizers, amazing views of the city, and a disc jockey spinning the latest hip tunes.

At Elevate Lounge, event planners and guests can customize the space for private events including cocktail receptions, fashion shows, corporate functions and even weddings. The 6,000-square-foot venue includes state-of-the-art audio/visual hookup capabilities, moveable modern

furniture and other flexible features.

Elevate Lounge is also available as a filming location and has been featured on television shows including “Brothers and Sisters,” “Millionaire Matchmaker” and in Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” video.

At 811 Wilshire Blvd., 21st floor penthouse, (213) 2369600 or takamisushi.com. Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Saturday 5 p.m.-midnight and Sunday 5-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Japanese $$$

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2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

A

party or meal at Los Angeles Center Studios combines all the glamour and glitz of Hollywood, but in Downtown’s backyard. The magnificent Tower Building completed in 1958 features classic elements of vintage Modernism such as black terrazzo floors, glass and aluminum walls. The architectural gem has been restored to its original state. All the executive amenities of the time went into this powerhouse; the sleek executive conference room upstairs has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.

The low-slung, modern commissary is fit for any studio mogul. Remarkable daytime views of the lush outdoor garden and city skyline across the way are relaxing by day and stunning by night. Custom design elements and lighting futuristically transform the cafe and intimate patios into elegant areas for pre-screening cocktail parties and sit-down dinners.

The cafe menu features full breakfast and lunch with daily specials. Freshly prepared grilled and deli sandwiches, a build-your-own salad bar, panini and pizza, homemade soup and guest sushi chefs make for a delightful dining experience.

The skillful staff handles every catering need with aplomb, including cast and crews and special events. “Flix at Six” packages include a private reception and entertainment for 175 to 400 guests.

A two-hour reception with tempting theme menus and a full open bar in Flix Cafe can be followed by entertainment of your choice in a 400-seat theater.

A reception with imported and domestic cheese served with assorted crackers also features seasonal fresh and dried fruits, fresh and grilled vegetable crudités served with herb dip, grilled pita chips and smoked chipotle hummus and chicken quesadillas with salsa and sour cream. The Italian antipasto display includes a quality Italian meat and cheese selection, grilled vegetables, olives, pepperoncini, marinated mushrooms and artichoke hearts. It is served with focaccia, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper, along with petite turkey garden veggie wraps and

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petite beef kebobs with dipping sauce. A dessert of seasonal fresh fruit, sponge cake and chocolate fondue rounds out the menu.

The Pacific Rim-themed evening menu is centered on a sushi buffet of California rolls, spicy ahi tuna rolls and vegetarian rolls. In addition there is a tantalizing selection of pan-fried pork potstickers with ginger dipping sauce, vegetable eggrolls with sweet and sour and hot mustard sauce, chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce and hoisin beef skewers.

The Beaudry Building offers a variety of special event areas in addition to Flix Cafe. This site includes two intimate patios with unobstructed skyline views, a 400-seat theater and a private dining area. L.A. Center Studios state-of-the-art sound stages were recently home to the films He’s Just Not That Into You, The Soloist and the hit TV shows “Mad Men,” “Numb3rs” and “Southland.”

The six, 18,000-square-foot sound stages have silent air conditioning and high-tech amenities.

Sound stages can be reserved for large events and

photo courtesy of Ciudad

photos courtesy of Los Angeles Center Studios

Los Angeles Center Studios

Ciudad

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short-term projects. The 20-acre campus also offers a wide variety of enclosed city streets. The past party list reads like a who’s who of the business and entertainment world: Sony PlayStation, Maxim, AOL/Time Warner, Warner Music Group, NBA All-Star Party, Activision, Electronic Arts, HBO and KPMG. Events have ranged from dinners for 100 guests to extravaganzas for 7,000 at this unique facility, where the gorgeous, 16-foot rotating door to the cafe alone is worth the visit. Guests are sure to remember their experience at Los Angeles Center Studios, whether it takes place on a sound stage or on the dramatic outdoor decks.

Flix Cafe is at Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W. Fifth St., (213) 534-3000 or lacenterstudios. com. Open weekdays for breakfast from 8:30-11 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Cuisine: California/World Cuisine

njoy the bold flavors of the Latin world at Ciudad, the Downtown restaurant of “Too Hot Tamales” Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. At Ciudad, Milliken and Feniger go beyond the modern Mexican fare of their popular Border Grill restaurant with creative dishes from South America, Mexico, Spain and beyond.

At lunch, Ciudad is the place for a variety of tacos, sandwiches, salads and entrees, including Baja-style fish tacos, Cuban pressed sandwiches, spicy Caesar salad, and chicken milanesa. Fast forward happy hour with $3 tacos, as well as $4.50 house mojitos, margaritas and sangria.

Begin dinner with delights like Peruvian ceviche or spinach empanadas with pinenuts and manchego cheese. For entrees, it’s Argentine gaucho steak and carnitas with white cheddar grits and smoked tomato sauce. Award-winning desserts include Barcelona chocolate cake and torta de tres leches. Every Sunday night, Ciudad features an exciting all-tapas menu and Spanish wines by the glass. Sample a variety of savory little dishes with everything from manchego cheese buñuelos with serrano ham, arugula, and pickled onions to lamb meatballs with minted chimichurri.

After dinner, Ciudad’s free shuttle runs Tuesday through Saturday, whisking guests to Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, Staples Center and the Nokia Theatre.

At 445 S. Figueroa St., (213) 486-5171, or ciudad-la.com. Become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter @CiudadLA for secret passwords and special offers. Open Monday-Tuesday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 5-9 p.m. Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. weekdays. Valet parking at dinner and validated parking in the Union Bank garage.

Cuisine: Latin

$

$$

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

El Paseo Inn Restaurant

photo courtesy of Eastside Market Italian Deli

Eastside Market Italian Deli

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turkey and cheese all in one.

More than generous pricing and portions are standard at Eastside, but even so specials are offered on Tuesday and Thursday and feature lasagna or pasta with sausage and meatballs for just $8.20. The D.A. Special, a standalone on the menu, is comprised of sausage, meatballs, roast beef and pastrami with a side of humor for only $9.10. If that’s not enough heartiness for you, Eastside also offers a soup of the day, potato and macaroni salads, and a fruit bowl.

In addition to the dine-in or takeout options, Eastside’s full catering service will accommodate sit-down or buffet-style events, with a minimum of 10 people. Whether you are eating, ordering or just browsing the fresh fare Eastside has to offer, you can’t help but be swept up in the experience of this landmark delicatessen.

At 1013 Alpine St., (213) 250-2464 or esmdeli.com. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m., closed Sundays.

Cuisine: Italian Deli $

$$ photo courtesy of El Paseo Inn Restaurant

photo by Gary Leonard

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ooking for one of L.A.’s best sandwiches? Look no further than Eastside Market Italian Deli. Located just north of Downtown’s city center, the Eastside Market Deli has been family owned and operated for more than 35 years, first opening its doors to the community in 1929.

Once upon a time Eastside was one of many Italian markets in the community, but today stands as one of the last remaining true Italian delis in town. With a steady stream of local police, fire, DWP, City Council and other devotees, lines are rarely short but always move fast.

Remaining true to its Old World roots, patrons can peruse the deli counters’ freshest cuts of meat, cheeses and produce alongside the olive oil, pasta and huge barrels of wine. The simple menu gets right to the point: it boasts a classic assortment of award-winning, traditional sandwiches (hot or cold) and pasta dishes. Choose from specials like the Italian sausage with cooked peppers and cheese (the Number One, served hot), the eggplant Parmigiana and cheese (the Number Four, also served hot), or go for the Number Seven — the hot roast beef, pastrami and cheese combo is an all-time favorite and best seller at the eatery (the deli cooks more than 700 pounds of roast beef a week).

Cold sandwiches come with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and mustard, and customers choose from a variety of fresh toppings ranging from mortadella (a cold cut of finely hashed or ground pork sausage and flavored with spices) to capicollo (a type of fine salami) and cheese, to roast beef with

here is history in every corner of this Olvera Street restaurant — from its old days as a winery (well, a soda pop factory during Prohibition), to the years when an enormous dance floor on the premises was filled with folklorico dancers and a full Latin orchestra.

Today, El Paseo is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, boasting a sheltered patio with a view of the street’s shops, the live mariachi street performers, and one of Los Angeles’ oldest bars — so old it’s actually designated a historical landmark.

El Paseo is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an expansive menu of traditional Mexican favorites. There are combinations and solo plates filled with chile rellenos; chicken and enchiladas in the restaurant’s mole sauce; sizzling fajitas; and the best-selling chile verde, succulent roast pork simmered in green chile sauce.

But these hearty dishes are just the start.

There’s a huge T.J. Caesar Salad, which tips its hat to the famed salad created by Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico, and tostadas filled with beef or chicken. There are also a handful of soups, which many local Mexican restaurants offer only on the weekends, including a filling meatball; a tortilla soup (the recipe was given to the restaurant by the chief of the Gucci Indians, according to lore); and a spicy caldo de camarón, with prawns cooked in guajillo broth. Accompanying everything are handmade tortillas, and if you dare, a 48-ounce Camacho margarita, named for the restaurant family that owns this and several other popular Mexican eateries.

At 11 E. Olvera St., (213) 626-1361 or elpaseoinn.com. Become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Open Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cuisine: Mexican

EXPERIENCE 3 AWARD-WINNING INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS AS YOU DINE AROUND THE WORLD AT THE WILSHIRE GRAND LOS ANGELES, AND WIND UP IN DOWNTOWN’S HOTTEST BAR City Grill

Cardini

Seoul Jung

Point Moorea

American style breakfast menu & buffet served every morning. Enjoy our great traditional American favorites and the extensive lunch menu, or choose the lunch buffet complete with a carving station for sandwiches made-to-order and an extensive salad bar.

Chef Antonio personally delivers a traditional Italian menu with specialties he made famous in awardwinning restaurants from San Francisco to Beverly Hills (including his signature hand-made pasta). Cardini Ristorante has both indoor and poolside seating.

Long heralded as the Best Korean BBQ and Korean Cuisine Specialties in the most elegant of settings, as its name implies, this is the “House of Seoul”. The atmosphere is wonderfully contemporary, yet authentic. Seoul Jung offers 3 private rooms for special occasions, and a room for parties up to 30 guests.

Burgers, Pizzas, Appetizers and the BEST MARTINIs in downtown! STEP INTO THE South Pacific and experience this casual, high-energy sports bar. Happy hour is off-the-hook with specials nightly, televised big screen sporting events on a 120'' HD TV, and 7 additional 40'' HD TV’s throughout and free pool tables! Voted best happy hour by Los Angeles Downtown News.

Open Daily Breakfast 6:30AM –11:30AM Lunch 11:30AM –2:00PM Espresso Bar 6:30AM –11:00PM

Lunch 11:30AM –2:00PM Monday–Friday Dinner 5:30PM –10:00PM Nightly

Lunch 11:30AM –2:00PM Monday–Friday Dinner 5:30PM –9:30PM Nightly

Open Daily 2:00PM –1:30AM

(213) 627-4289

(213) 896-3822

(213) 688-7880

(213) 833-5100

Classic American

Traditional Italian

Korean Cuisine

High Energy Tiki Bar

CORNER OF 7TH & FIGUEROA • 930 WILSHIRE BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90017 • TEL: (213) 688-7777 • FAX: (213) 612-3987 • www.wilshiregrand.com

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photo by Gary Leonard

Cafe Metropol

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his bastion of French country cuisine is as original as it gets. Located less than five minutes northwest of Downtown in Echo Park, Taix Restaurant offers plenty of inexpensive valet parking while its proximity to Dodger Stadium makes it a favorite meeting place before and after games.

Celebrating its 83rd year in business, the restaurant’s affordable prices, great wine cellar and rich history have attracted a loyal following, not only from diners but from its staff — many have served at Taix for more than three generations.

The Taix family’s roots go back to the HautesAlpes in southern France, where they were third and fourth generation sheepherders and bakers. In the late 1800s, they opened a hotel in the French Quarter of Downtown Los Angeles. In 1927 the restaurant debuted on the bottom floor of the hotel, and 35 years later moved to its current location, an iconic chalet-like building that attracts city politicos, businessmen, couples looking for a little romance, late-night hipsters and Francophiles who can’t get enough of the region’s cuisine.

Today, the Taix family has stayed true to the tradition of affordable elegance. Chef Dominique Theval serves all the classics, from garlicky escargot to French onion soup to the two different versions of a salade Niçoise. Diners come to Taix just to order the fresh soup, which is made a day in advance using aromatic vegetarian stock — except of course for Friday's famed clam chowder.

Likewise, the skirt steak with crispy French fries is pure comfort, while the $9.95 lunch specials and the very reasonable daily specials draw weekday 14 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

$$

photo courtesy of Taix

$$ photo courtesy of Cafe Metropol

Taix

diners — the coq au vin and the braised short ribs are spectacular.

Taix was named “L.A.’s best kept wine secret” by the L.A. Times. Wine lovers will be hardpressed to pick just one glass from the extensive, award-winning wine list — the large cellar offers the most affordable selections in L.A. In the evenings, the comfy 321 Lounge has become a popular gathering place for trendy locals, with live music Wednesday to Saturday after 10:30 p.m., casual dining and great cocktails.

The bartenders know their stuff and shake a mean martini. 321 Lounge is open until the wee hours.

Taix also houses six banquet rooms for breakfast meetings, luncheons and dinners that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Professional, fullservice offsite catering is also offered.

At 1911 W. Sunset Blvd., at Park Avenue, (213) 484-1265 or taixfrench.com. Open MondayThursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.11 p.m., Saturday noon-11 p.m., and Sunday noon-9 p.m.

Cuisine: French Country

tep into Cafe Metropol on a Friday and Saturday night, and you’ll most likely find a packed house taking in live jazz and dining on some of the best bistro fare around. The Arts District is full of hidden gems in unlikely places, and this longtime Downtown favorite is no exception.

Tucked inside a brick-clad warehouse with lofty ceilings, tons of light and plenty of charm, Cafe Metropol is like a home away from home.

Settle in with a good book or your laptop in the cheerful cafe as you catch a mean caffeine buzz and indulge in a freshly baked pastry or dessert.

For lunch, there’s no shortage of favorites on the menu, from the tasty portabello mushroom burger paired with addicting baked garlic sweet potato fries to an array of rustic pizzas and gourmet European sandwiches.

Relax at dinner with a date or friends as you enjoy a charcuterie plate and herb-marinated olives. Heartier fare includes pastas such as the spinach and cheese cannelloni or one of the lovely entree salads that feature ingredients such as yellow fin tuna or endive and gorgonzola cheese.

There are also a bevy of weeknight specials that offer burgers, pizza and pasta for half price with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage. Speaking of cocktails, Cafe Metropol puts on a happening happy hour with a thoughtful wine list, soju cocktails and imported beer.

At 923 E. Third St., (213) 613-1537 or cafemetropol.com. Open Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cuisine: European

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

7+FIG at Ernst & Young Plaza

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+FIG, named for the intersection at 7th and Figueroa streets, bustles with Downtown’s active suit-and-tie crowd during the week.

But at night, a handful of nightspots in the center’s restaurants welcome patrons thirsty for margaritas and martinis, and on weekends, thanks to familyfocused programming, there’s fun to be had.

It all starts with the layout of the multi-tiered, open-air center. Instead of the usual claustrophobic food court, you’ll find sunny, al fresco seating where lunch goers and shoppers can relax and people watch, or use the free Wi-Fi if they can’t quite bear to go back to the office. There are umbrella-topped outdoor tables and a busy slate of events: revolving public art; live music; free family activities and crafts on select weekends; holiday-themed mini-shows; and in December, Santa himself.

Every Thursday, rain or shine, there’s a farmers market upstairs (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) with more than 25 vendors, including local caterers (the tamales are standouts), kettle corn, locally-grown fruit and vegetables, and fresh flowers.

One of the culinary centerpieces at 7+Fig is Morton’s the Steakhouse, the impeccable restaurant chain that puts prime-aged steaks and seafood in a clubby context of rich mahogany and crisp white linens. Even if you’re not tucking into a booth for a thick rib-eye, you’re still welcome to explore the res-

taurant’s cool indoor Bar 12•21, named as a tribute to the very first Morton’s that opened December 21 in 1978. It has a private club vibe, as well as plasma TVs, a mouthwatering martini list, and the legendary “bar bite” menu — petite filet mignon sandwiches, oysters and colossal shrimp, for example — with a surprisingly affordable price point during two happy hours (4-6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-close).

For a cocktail amid the crisp night air, the Adoro Mexican Grille offers plenty of outside seating.

Built like a lush Mexican villa with wrought iron and tile, the restaurant serves up more than 100 tequilas to taste or mix into a house margarita. The chips, salsa and guacamole are far from ordinary — the salsas are lively and unique, the guacamole is textured with citrus and tiny diced tomatoes.

The rest of Adoro’s menu, particularly its chocolate mole sauce, is consistently well reviewed.

The 7+Fig location of California Pizza Kitchen has outside seating, and a new small cravings menu (salads and bite-sized appetizers). From a birds-eye seat at CPK — perhaps best enjoyed during a happy hour — diners can watch the Downtown action while sampling gourmet pizzas, pastas, and a surprising wine and draft beer list.

7+Fig isn’t just a daytime respite or a nighttime hotspot. It also operates as a serious service center, armed with a beauty supply and salon,

cell phone shop, dry cleaners, florist, sundries, shoe shine, tanning center and a popular gym.

Whether you’re relaxing or taking care of business, chances are, this diverse shopping center can provide you with what you need, and even better, make the process fun.

At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 955-7150 or 7fig.com and twitter.com/seventhandfig. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. (major restaurants/stores only). Hours may vary at Morton’s the Steakhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Adoro Mexican Grille, Gold’s Gym, Yolanda Aguilar Beauty/Spa and Starbucks.

By Car: Off the 110 Harbor Freeway at Seventh and Figueroa streets.

By Metro: 7+FIG is across the street from the Seventh Street Metro Station (Red and Blue lines).

Info: 800-COMMUTE.

By Bus: DASH bus routes have stops at 7+FIG (via A, E and F lines), and within walking distance to the center as well (D and C lines). The ride is free with Metrolink pass/ticket or LADOT monthly pass. Visit www.ladottransit.com or call 808-2273.

Parking: Complimentary with validation for 7+FIG customers (three hours Monday-Sunday).

Valet service is available for Adoro and Morton’s dinner patrons, accessible on Figueroa.

Staples Center and Convention event parking available at special rates; call (213) 955-7945 for more information.

Restaurants: Morton’s the Steakhouse, average meal price over $20. Call (213) 553-4566, mortons.com. California Pizza Kitchen, average meal price up to $10. Call (213) 228-8500, cpk.com.

Adoro Mexican Grille, average meal price $10. Call (213) 955-9204, adorogrille.com.

Casual Dining: Charlie Kabob, (213) 622-0006 or charliekabob.com. George’s Greek Cafe, (213) 624-6542 or georgesgreekcafe.com. Han’s Korean Grill, (213) 244-9619. Mrs. Fields Cookies, (213) 683-0706. Panda Express, (213) 624-1131 or pandaexpress.com. Quizno’s, (213) 622-6000 or quiznos.com. Sarku Japan, (213) 627-7688 or sarkujapan.com. Starbucks, (213) 488-9902. Trimana, (213) 622-8879 or trimana.com. photos courtesy of 7+FIG

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 15

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of Provecho Restaurant

Colori Kitchen

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rovecho is anything but the kind of Mexican restaurant most Angelenos have grown accustomed to — all primary colors, heavy wood booths and a staid menu of traditional fare. The instant diners cross the threshold from the street into this Downtown respite, the Mexican restaurant experience shifts into something special.

Provecho unfolds over a multi-tiered, elegant space with soft lighting, warm and lush colors, and gorgeous fixtures including custom-made chandeliers that seem to rain crystal droplets.

The restaurant’s impressive design doesn’t stop there. A water wall that separates a granite counter from the kitchen gives visitors a window to watch as chefs slice and dice the restaurant’s signature ceviches.

There is also a decadent bar, replete with flatscreen TVs that somehow disrupt none of the bar’s design lines, and a 35-foot humidor containing more than 80 tequilas. It is a good idea, in this setting, and with this kind of cocktail menu, to start with a drink.

In addition to the tequilas (there are sip and shoot options), and a couple of mojitos, the standout has to be the house margarita, which is like nothing you’ve ever tasted — Partida Blanco tequila, muddled cucumber, fresh lime and agave nectar, and a chile and lime rimmed glass that leaves some fire on your lips well after the drink is gone.

There are plenty of captivating entrees, including chicken chilaquiles with fresh salsa verde and fried eggs, seared black bass with adobado pepper risotto and leeks, and pork al pastor with onion rings, pineapple confit and cilantro, inventive small plates menu by Executive Chef Gabriel Morales.

Ceviches are created with grilled rare albacore; marinated rock shrimp and bay scallops; halibut with black truffle; and spicy tuna. The “carne y 16 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

queso” plate features Latin-inspired meats and chorizos with habañero-infused gouda and grilled telera (Mexican flat bread). There’s a chili-rubbed lamb crudo (thinly sliced meat with achiote chocolate and pink sea salt) and pork rillettes (slowly cooked meat served over bread, or in this case, a tostada) with a cabbage slaw and champagne grain mustard.

To celebrate one year of business, the restaurant’s happy hour is a must-attend Downtown.

From 3-7 p.m. on weekdays and — this is rare in the area — Saturdays from 5:30-7 p.m., those tacos are $1, and the beers not much more.

Outside of its stellar happy hour and its off-themenu experience, the restaurant is open to fun event ideas — from wine tastings to cooking classes to small farmers market-driven dinners and special menus. Parties from two to 400 can be accommodated.

At 800 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 489-1406 or provechorestaurant.com. Open weekdays 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sat. 5:30-11 p.m.

Cuisine: Modern Mexican $$

$$$ photo courtesy of Colori Kitchen

Provecho Restaurant

olori Kitchen is a small neighborhood restaurant located in a petite storefront in Downtown L.A.’s historic district, where new architectural wonders coexist with historic landmarks to create the perfect balance between old and new. This balance is embodied in the restaurant’s soul.

Inside, a long brick wall displays unique art opposite a brightly colored expanse that gives the room a European ambience reminiscent of an Italian trattoria. Casual wooden tables complete the countryside dining feel. The airy, open kitchen is surrounded by a deli-style counter and ceiling lights that provide an opportunity to watch the chef in action.

Colori Kitchen was founded by chef Luigi Barducci Contessi, his wife Paola, and his sisterin-law Elisa. Each of these owners had different ideas and dreams in mind but mixed them together like the colors on a painters’ palette: Thus Colori was born.

The common inspiration for the trio of partners was to offer top quality food at extremely reasonable prices. The warmth, and of course a bit of the drama that only a real Italian family can offer, adds to the authentic and charming dining experience.

The cuisine is culled from different regions of Italy, and mixes new and innovative recipes ranging from the pumpkin ravioli in walnut sauce to the more traditional spaghetti alla Carbonara.

Soul-satisfying daily specials tempt customers with offerings such as the cioppino (seafood chowder), the lamb shank with risotto or the delicious variety of fresh fish delivered daily.

At 429 W. Eighth St., (213) 622-5950. Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner Wednesday and Thursday 6-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Italian

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of L.A. Prime

L.A. Prime

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ew places in Los Angeles offer the kind of one-two punch that L.A. Prime does: a stunning view and exceptional New York steakhouse cuisine. Restaurants that are famous for their vistas don’t always deliver when it comes to the food, but one bite of the tender bone-in Delmonico or a spoonful of the velvety lobster bisque and you’ll quickly realize that isn’t the case at this local institution.

Sitting atop the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, diners are afforded a bird’s-eye view that stretches from the San Gabriel Mountains to Catalina Island. The romantic forest of Downtown highrises sparkles, while the red and white lights of traffic below transform into a dazzling blur of color and movement. It’s a sight made even more enjoyable with an expertly prepared cocktail in hand.

L.A. Prime beckons diners for dinner, whether the occasion is a business meeting, an intimate date or a special celebration. Located in one of the iconic cylindrical towers of the Bonaventure, private canopied booths hug the curves of the space that define the famous panoramic views. Linen-covered tables are set up along the windows to take full advantage of the skyline. The ambience is warm, elegant and comfortable, like any top-notch steakhouse should be, and the service is impeccable and friendly.

Under the expert direction of Executive Chef Andreas Nieto, L.A. Prime’s kitchen turns out some truly exceptional and innovative dishes.

Starters lend a glimpse of the meal ahead, tantalizing the palate with a spicy, Asian-inspired freshwater prawn cocktail, or the gorgeous seafood tower for two — a crowd-pleaser with half a lobster, spot prawns, oysters and Dungeness crab. The skillful preparation of crispy pork belly served with a black pepper gastrique is packed with layers of nuanced flavor.

The main event starts with the steaks, which are USDA prime, hand-selected from the stock yards of Chicago. Several of the cuts are available wet or dry aged to perfection, and each is served with one of three

sauces: a rich, creamy hollandaise, a piquant pink and green peppercorn, or the decadent bleu cheese.

The meaty entrees include everything from a 16-ounce primal cut New York strip to a succulent prime roast rib of beef encrusted in housesmoked sea salt. In addition to steak, guests can select from options such as the grilled lamb chops, roasted veal chop or the Neiman Ranch double-cut pork chop.

Seafood plays an equally important role on the menu. Fish entrees feature a seared blue fin tuna spiced with Thai red chili atop candy striped beets and Brussels sprouts; it’s as beautiful to look at as it is to taste.

Likewise the cast-iron seared wild king salmon is served with organic artichokes and pillowy gnocchi. If you want to go for the “wow” fac-

tor, opt for the whole Main lobster poached or pan-seared — it makes quite an impressive presentation.

For those looking for a little lighter fare, the pasta dishes are exquisite.

Fresh hand-cut fettuccini with porcini mushrooms, intensely flavored oven-dried tomatoes and garlic butter is a tempting proposition, as is the creamy risotto, which comes with shaved summer truffle or local asparagus, mascarpone and thyme.

Side dishes at L.A. Prime are anything but steakhouse standards. The chef has elevated these a la carte offerings with selections such as the Himalayan red rice and the addicting Sonoma white cheddar macaroni and cheese. Salads are far from pedestrian, utilizing seasonal and artisan ingredients such as burrata cheese, delicate frisee, colorful zebra toma-

toes and candied pistachios.

Not to be missed is the restaurant’s award-winning wine cellar, which features dozens of labels from around the world. If you are in the mood for preor post-dinner cocktails, the Bonavista Lounge on the 34th floor is one of the most unique venues in the city.

In about an hour, you can take in the entire view of the Basin, without leaving your seat, as the bar completes a 180-degree rotation. There are plenty of classic drinks as well as a fun list of specialty cocktails in souvenir glasses.

It’s a true L.A. experience.

At 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 6241000 or thebonaventure.com. Open for dinner Sunday-Thursday 5:3010:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5:30-11 p.m.

Cuisine: Steakhouse $$$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 17

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

T

he Omni Los Angeles Hotel, situated on historic Bunker Hill, is the anchor of bustling California Plaza. Situated amongst the lush landscape, highlighted by sculptures and water features, diners will find Grand Café, a perfect blend of visual and culinary arts.

Setting the tone, the cafe’s serene decor of wood, stone and glass is accented by the abundance of greenery and striking modern art. Expansive windows cast natural sunlight throughout this airy restaurant featuring views of the Museum of Contemporary Art and majestic fountains. Grand Café also includes an intimate patio overlooking magnolia trees and one of the many reflection pools found on California Plaza. Guests are able to bask in the California rays while dining alfresco in this popular section.

With the atmosphere raising the bar for hotel dining, Grand Café’s mouth watering cuisine heightens the dining experience even further.

The eclectic menu reflects Los Angeles’ diversity, and features a la carte dining influenced

by European trained Executive Chef Peter Dean. Additionally, Grand Café’s popular buffet rotates daily offering themed menus such as Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Caribbean and Southern. Diners jump at the opportunity to experience the restaurant’s tantalizing cuisine time and time again.

The bright and airy Grand Café is a home away from home for the inhabitants of neighboring high-rises, county administrative offices, courthouses, and Music Center and MOCA visitors.

Cuisine: International

photo courtesy of Omni Los Angeles Hotel

$$

Noé Restaurant and Bar

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ust steps away from Downtown’s cultural Mecca, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Mark Taper Forum, MOCA and more, Executive Chef Glen Ishii’s Noé Restaurant and Bar once again is poised to elevate the culinary landscape of this reinvigorated city.

This year Noé Restaurant and Bar has fondly wished their Progressive American cuisine farewell and welcomed their new concept of Neo Bistro. Products are selected daily to enhance the “straight from the market” vibe and the array of delectable dishes at this Downtown gem.

Guests are invited to discover the new natural design of Noé Restaurant featuring warm browns and revitalizing green accents. While relaxing in this reinvigorated atmosphere, diners will be reminded of the simplistic artistry of cuisine, reminiscent of childhood favorites.

For guests who prefer to mingle and munch at the same time, the elegant bar and lounge remains the ideal spot for a cocktail and a bite.

The extensive lounge menu and wine list is a local favorite for diners either after work or before an engagement at the theater.

This business casual eatery caters to a range of clientele including the art, entertainment and business communities, and is generating buzz as the perfect dining adventure.

At the Omni Los Angeles Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., (213) 356-4100. Open Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m. Bar open daily 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Cuisine: New American Eclectic $$$

18 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

CBS Seafood

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f the exotic culinary art of dim sum is one of your passions, or just something you’ve been curious about, CBS Seafood Restaurant, a Hong Kong-style seafood house, belongs on your “A” list.

Select from rolling carts filled with steamed or baked bao (buns filled with chicken or barbecued pork), har gow (translucent shrimp-filled dumplings), jing joon (sticky rice and meat steamed in lotus leaves), deep-fried taro turnovers and more than 50 other varieties of ancient Chinese snacks.

For the finale, wait for a cart of creamy egg tarts, coconut balls or mango pudding to arrive at your table. CBS may not be as celebrated as some of the flashier dim sum palaces in Chinatown or Monterey Park, but its food certainly deserves equal time.

Seating 180, this lively establishment is decorated with polished granite, blonde wood with turquoise accents, gleaming brass columns and crystal chandeliers. One room, ideal for banquets, offers a stage behind a brilliant red curtain embroidered with a golden dragon.

While dim sum at CBS can be ordered all day, dinner also brings Cantonese delicacies such as shark fin soup, scallops in black bean and chili sauce, Peking duck with crispy, lacquered skin, and lobster or king crab from the restaurant’s show tanks. Dining banquet-style is the best way to explore CBS’s vast menu of more than 250 tempting items. This restaurant offers one of those remarkable cultural feasts for which L.A. is so famous.

At 700 N. Spring St., (213) 617-2323. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cuisine: Chinese $$ photo courtesy of CBS Seafood

photo courtesy of Omni Los Angeles Hotel

Grand Café

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

L.A. Café

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his Spring Street cafe has become so popular that customers can now get their fix 24 hours a day, seven days a week. L.A. Café is one of only a few Downtown eateries that stays open around the clock, serving up tasty bistro-style fare to hungry residents, workers, night-owls and coffee connoisseurs. And to top it all off, L.A. Cafe will even deliver 24 hours a day, which is unheard of in all of Los Angeles.

Located in the bustling Historic Core loft district, this charming spot is reminiscent of a Parisian or New York City sidewalk cafe. Cheerful umbrellas shade tables fronting the restaurant, making it the ideal location for fascinating people watching or just relaxing with a latte over lunch.

L.A. Café serves up a tasty morning ritual with an assortment of plump muffins baked fresh daily, bagels with lox, granola with fresh fruit and yogurt, and a selection of delicious breakfast sandwiches (try

photo courtesy of L.A. Café

photo courtesy of L.A. Café

photo by Tam Nguyen

photo by Gary Leonard

the Caprese with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil and tomato). To keep you going well into the day, there’s a hearty Downtown Breakfast with two eggs, country potatoes, bacon, toast and two buttermilk pancakes.

For those who like their breakfast on the sweet side, there’s the delightful cinnamon-raisin brioche French toast with fresh strawberries, sweet butter and maple syrup. Breakfast is served all day and all night. In fact, the entire menu is available anytime of the day.

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, try a bowl of the flavorful tomato basil soup or any of the filling salads like the Shanghai version with grilled chicken and crisp wontons or the turkey club with crumbled bacon and blue cheese. For

something a little more unexpected, there’s the hybrid cheeseburger salad — a traditional Caesar topped with two mini burgers.

There are nearly a dozen panini creations stuffed with everything from chicken and pesto to avocado and brie to roast beef and balsamic onions. Each of these grilled, gooey sandwiches is served with the cafe’s delicious macaroni salad. Of course, there’s also a tempting selection of cold sandwiches — turkey, tuna and chicken salad — as well as wraps like the carne asada option with beans, cheese, salsa and zesty chipotle mayo. Burger lovers will appreciate the signature L.A. cheeseburger, a hefty classic with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, thick slices of tomato, pickles and a side of the house chips.

A good bet for dinner is one of the Blue Plate specials at L.A. Café.

They are definite crowd-pleasers and include a generous serving of either grilled chicken, Asian-glazed salmon or grilled tofu accompanied by a side of grilled veggies and creamy mashed potatoes. For $10 or less, you’ve got a gourmet dinner deal

that can’t be beat.

Of course, every good cafe needs equally good coffee and drinks. The selection here runs the gamut from brewed coffee and tea to espresso drinks (hot, cold and blended), fresh juice and smoothies. If you’ve got a sweet craving in the middle of the day, try one of the dessert smoothies like the cookies and cream with Oreos or the chocolate monkey blend with bananas. Of course, there’s also an eye-popping selection of daily desserts from which to choose at the counter.

L.A. Café is one of the most unique spots in this Downtown neighborhood, not only because it serves great food but because it has a stake in creating a better community. They also provide top-notch catering for weddings, corporate events and parties.

No matter what hour of the day you stop by L.A. Café, they will be open and will gladly serve you.

At 639 S. Spring St., (213) 6123000 or thelacafe.com. Open 24 hours, including delivery.

Cuisine: American $

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 19

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of Checkers Downtown

Morton’s The Steakhouse

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L

ong considered one of Los Angeles’ top dining destinations, this year Checkers Downtown shines the spotlight on its reinvented, sophisticated interior and the vibrant, market-inspired menus of Executive Chef Todd Allison.

Featuring California cuisine rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients, Allison creates elegant regional menus with international influences and exotic touches. Dinner entree highlights include unique dishes, such as the pan-seared John Dory with baby leeks, artichokes and sweet tomato butter; and a seared loup de mer with black Tuscan kale and pancetta, served with roasted baby beets.

Braised short rib ‘potpie’ with wild mushrooms is a must-try, as is the perfectly pan-roasted Sonoma duck breast with Medjool dates, cauliflower, toasted quinoa and sauteed spinach. Checkers Downtown also provides complimentary transportation for dinner guests to and from the nearby theaters and music venues.

Every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Checkers Downtown hosts its FOUR happy hour, which features a revolving roster of renowned spirit makers pouring inspired versions of classic cocktails, each paired with Allison’s innovative, enticing small plates. Favorites include seared foie gras on a grilled peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich; roasted shallot and Brussels sprouts gratin; Colorado lamb meatballs with rigatoni and crushed tomatoes; and grilled yellowtail with blood oranges, pomegranates and shaved sunchokes.

The featured cocktails and small plates are available for $4 each. And throughout the week, guests flock to Checkers’ lounge for the city’s best mixologistinspired cocktails and to catch a game on the flatscreen TVs. Tucked away in the famed Hilton

20 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

Checkers hotel, Checkers Downtown restaurant is also the destination for lovely breakfasts, leisurely brunches and power lunches. The Checkers Cheeseburger and its gourmet toppings of wild arugula and a bacon aioli are a favorite midday treat, while the unexpected pleasure of the open faced ‘BLT’ with shaved prosciutto, burrata cheese, arugula and pesto has generated quite a following.

There’s also a tantalizing trio of baked flatbreads — Spanish chorizo and olives; margherita; and artichoke, cipollini, ricotta and balsamic glaze. For the warm summer months, there’s a stunning umbrellashaded patio, and Checkers features one of the bestkept secrets Downtown — its rooftop deck.

Whether stopping in for a morning pick-me-up before work, a business lunch, romantic dinner or evening cocktail, this dynamic dining destination fits the bill for any occasion.

At 535 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-0000 or checkersdowntown.com. Open weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (closed daily between breakfast/lunch and lunch/dinner). Lounge is open 3 p.m.-1 a.m.

Cuisine: French Mediterranean with California influences $$

$$$ photo courtesy of Morton’s The Steakhouse

Checkers Downtown

inatra croons in the background and cocktails from martinis to Manhattans lighten the mood as generous portions of USDA prime-aged beef or succulent seafood and classic steakhouse sides arrive at tables dressed in crisp linens.

While Morton’s The Steakhouse has been called “the best steak... anywhere,” and USDA prime-aged beef is perhaps its chief claim to fame, there’s much more to savor.

From the world-class wine and the thriving cocktail culture that fuels a buzzing bar scene nightly to the elegant, sophisticated dining rooms that welcome diners for business, pleasure and special events, Morton’s has kept “the buzz” alive at bars, booths and Morton’s private dining rooms in 76 locations worldwide for over three decades.

Perhaps best of all, the Morton’s diners love on the West Coast, from the menu to the ambiance, is nearly identical to the Morton’s found on the East Coast — or in Singapore, San Juan and Honolulu. It’s a consistent and passionate approach that keeps prime-aged beef enthusiasts happily coming back for more.

When the first Morton’s opened its doors on a snowy night in Chicago, pals and partners Klaus Fritsch and Arnie Morton had one goal in mind: To be the best steakhouse in Chicago.

They ended up with “the best steak (and steakhouse)... anywhere.”

In addition, Morton’s offers private parties, private rooms, happy hour, seasonal specials and wine dinners. It is handicap accessible and provides shuttle service to Staples Center and L.A. Live.

At 735 S. Figueroa St., in the 7+Fig Plaza. Call (213) 553-4566 or visit mortons.com. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Friday 2:30-11 p.m.; Saturday 5-11 p.m.; Sunday: 5-10 p.m.; and happy hour with specially priced Bar Bites and drinks seven days a week 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing.

Cuisine: Steakhouse

CityThai ORS’ CHO EDIT wntown ICE . Do 2008 News L.A

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726 Hill Street | 213.489.7118

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

Frying Fish

W

hile there are numerous sushi joints in Little Tokyo, Frying Fish has definitely carved out a niche. The dining experience here is literally a moveable feast for the senses, as a constantly rotating conveyor belt speeds inventive rolls, fresh cuts of sashimi, seaweed salads and other delectable goodies before your eyes.

This unique restaurant features a 29-seat counter, where you can pick and choose serving plates from the comfort of your stool. In the center of the activity, seasoned sushi chefs slice, dice and wrap colorful creations as they joke with customers and keep the experience lively. Among the favorites are the Palm Springs roll, an oversized combination of scallop, eel and vegetables, and the tempura hand roll, a delicious surprise that marries hot, crisp shrimp or salmon tempura with avocado, green onion and rice.

Frying Fish has several cooked fish delicacies, such as green mussels baked with Japanese mayonnaise and topped with minced chives; broiled neck of yellowtail or salmon, both incredibly tender and moist; and the Dynamite — a broiled mixture of diced scallop, mushroom, shrimp, smelt egg and mayonnaise. Nothing lasts very long, so your best bet is to be adventurous and grab whatever catches your eye. At the end of the meal, a waitress will calculate the bill by counting the number and color of serving dishes you’ve piled up.

Validated parking is available at Japanese Village Plaza mall, accessible off Central Avenue (a block west of Alameda), or ride the “A” DASH bus to Central Avenue.

At 120 Japanese Village Plaza, (213) 6800567. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cuisine: Japanese

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22 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

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2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of CASA

photo courtesy of Mendocino Farms

CASA

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Mendocino Farms

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t was a gamble — opening an upscale sandwich shop in a food and retail center that plays by the book. But Mendocino Farms, and its “eco-artisanal” approach to food, has been a huge success as patrons flock not just from California Plaza but all over Downtown.

For serious sandwich connoisseurs, the avant garde Mendocino menu reads like a good novel.

There’s no ham and cheese here, no bland tuna salad. Everyday standards include the carved steak with applewood bacon and the prosciutto with roasted chicken and crushed almonds.

There are also rotating seasonal selections ranging from crispy crab cake to braised lamb with fresh mint pesto to a smoked pork loin with pear-apple chutney. There’s even a modern take on the traditional Vietnamese bahn mi sandwich that’s made with braised pork belly.

During lunch, Mendocino customers line up and place their order with a roving employee who makes sandwich creation easy, then hands the order off to the chefs behind the counter. This is a sight to see: Assembly lines aren’t known for their grace and sense of fun, but this one is like a ballet as chef Judy Han orchestrates a team of bandana-clad masters. Even at high noon, no matter how long the line looks, it moves fast, and after one taste of your sandwich, you’ll see what the praise is all about.

The Original at 300 S. Grand Ave., (213) 6201114 or MendocinoFarms.com. Second location at 444 Flower St., (213) 627-3262. Both locations are open weekdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For catering inquiries, email catering@MendocinoFarms.com.

Cuisine: Gourmet Sandwiches $

ust a few steps away from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall, you’ll find CASA. Designed by Frank Gehry protégé (Disney Hall) Ana Henton, the restaurant transports diners away from the hard lines and concrete of Downtown to a sleek hacienda.

Inspired by modern Spanish architecture, the aesthetic is all about curves. Inside, there are smooth adobe walls and low-flung ceilings, contemporary iron sculpture juxtaposed with a few choice antiques, and chocolate brown leather banquettes. Outside, amid night air and glowing heat lamps, are semi-circular booths nicknamed “casitas” that overlook both the restaurant’s expansive patio and the kinetic California Plaza fountain beyond.

The arrival of CASA is just what Cal Plaza needed. There are plenty of fast casual dining options, but there was no place to take in the night and the looming high-rises until this spectacular patio came along. The menu mimics the design in that it pays homage to Mexico’s history and tradition while transcending all the old clichés. The owners will tell you that the recipes were inspired by vintage Mexican cookbooks and visits to their Mexican friends’ abuelas or grandmothers, where eating is a communal experience full of small plates, experimentation and the mingling of different flavors.

At lunch, CASA’s modern Mexican menu is fast casual to meet the time demands of the lunch rush. Order from an employee by the door, pay at the register, then they bring the food to you. The lunch menu still has the high quality ingredients and freshly made tortillas that you find at dinner, but focuses on tacos, burritos and large entree salads at very reasonable prices.

As the sun begins to set, CASA evolves into a luxurious destination for cutting-edge modern

Mexican cuisine and cocktails. Half the menu is dedicated to antojitos (little tastes) designed for sharing, while the remainder offers innovative entrees for a more traditional dining experience.

The Sharing Menu includes taqueria classics like tacos al pastor with a tomatillo-avocado sauce on house-made tortillas; flautas de barbacoa with chipotle braised beef, and atun y masa — a bitesized twist on the traditional sope topped with sushi grade ahi tuna ceviche.

The entrees at CASA have many playful spins on the typical Mexican fare, like the sophisticated presentation of fajitas de carne asada made with prime Black Angus skirt steak cooked medium rare and fanned over caramelized onions and peppers, served with chimichurri crema. There are also enchiladas stuffed with Pacific lobster and Gulf shrimp finished with chile-citrus crema and apple-roasted carnitas accompanied by frijoles borrachos (drunken pinto beans). For dessert, CASA has reinterpreted Mexican fried ice cream with house-made caramel popcorn.

CASA has one of the best patios in the city with an indoor/outdoor bar and funky seating that make it one of the hottest happy hour spots in Downtown. The unique architecture creates an array of environments to accomodate large groups that want to hang out, celebrate or host a business mixer. CASA has become one of the most popular places for the “after work” crowd to decompress, and boasts some of the best priced food and one of the best margaritas in the city. The spicy Cadillac margarita made from pureed roasted jalapeños and infused with agave nectar is a must-try.

Those looking for inventive Mexican cuisine, one of the coolest neighborhood patios in Downtown and a happening happy hour should make CASA their home away from home.

At 350 S. Grand Ave., Two California Plaza, (213) 621-2249 or CASAdowntown.com. Open weekdays 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday 5-10 p.m. The bar is open weekdays 11 a.m.-midnight and Saturday 5 p.m.-midnight. Weekday happy hour is 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Cuisine: Mexican $

$$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 23

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of ROCK’N FISH

The Sandwich Joint

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L

ocated in Downtown’s sports and entertainment epicenter known as L.A. Live, ROCK’N FISH draws hungry diners for its signature oak grilled steak, seafood and spirits. This Manhattan Beach import has brought with it all of the favorites that helped make it a veritable institution in the South Bay — notably a casually upscale ambience, fun bar scene and great food.

Glass mosaics, vaulted ceilings, colorful murals and elegant chandeliers set the stage for a memorable dining experience at this Downtown outpost, whether you are dining before an event at nearby Staples Center or Nokia, stopping in for happy hour after work or meeting with coworkers for lunch.

To start, there are a bevy of appetizers you won’t want to miss, such as the freshly shucked oysters, Louisiana-style crab cakes and oak grilled artichoke served with roasted garlic aioli. Salads are a popular option too, with a variety offerings like cashew chicken, Seattle-style shrimp and avocado Louie and the Napa Sonoma with fresh mozzarella and toasted pine nuts.

Meat eaters will appreciate the hand-cut Kapalua rib-eye beef, which sits for 72 hours in a pineapple-soy marinade and is topped with the house teriyaki sauce. Another crowd-pleaser is the Santa Maria tri-tip slathered in the restaurant’s outstanding barbecue sauce and salsa.

Among the seafood favorites is the hot-andsweet New Orleans barbecue shrimp sauteed in a jazzy mélange of bell pepper, onion, tomato, mushroom and lemon, and served over sticky rice — it’s an unforgettable taste of the Big Easy. For purists, there are the show-stopping King crab legs

24 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

$$

$$$

$ photo courtesy of The Sandwich Joint

ROCK’N FISH

as well as succulent grilled mahi mahi, halibut and salmon. ROCK’N FISH also offers several beloved favorites on its American Regional menu including teriyaki chicken, sticky rice, the Blue cheese wedge salad and the notorious Navy Grog cocktail.

The latter libation — a wicked blend of light and dark rums sweetened with tropical juices — complements an extensive and tempting drink menu of whimsical martinis, beer and more than 300 wines (including 30 by the glass). Happy hour is serious business here, with some of the best deals in Downtown: There are $5 cocktails and select wines by the glass, $2 off all draught beer, and an extensive array of appetizers that can be had for $5 off the regular price. For those who want to extend their evening, ROCK’N FISH is ideal for late-night lounging too, with an after-hours menu offering additional food and drink specials.

For a sweet finish to your dining experience, don’t forget the restaurant’s decadent dessert menu, with standouts like bananas Foster, sticky toffee pudding and Kona pie.

If you are looking to Impress clients or treat friends to the ultimate night out ROCK’N FISH can accommodate parties of any size, whether guests choose to sit in the main dining room, mezzanine, relax at the bar or take in the lively people watching on the patio. The restaurant’s large booths can accommodate groups of up to 10, and private and semi-private sections can seat up to 50 people. A banquet and catering manager is available to help design the perfect lunch, dinner or cocktail reception.

At 800 S. Olympic Blvd., Suite A-160, (213) 748-4020 or rocknfishlalive.com. Open daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Weekday happy hour 3-6 p.m.; After Hours menu Monday-Thursday 9 p.m.-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Oak grilled seafood, steak and spirits

ust a quick skip north over the bridge from the hub of Seventh and Figueroa streets sits the latest incarnation of The Sandwich Joint, a fondly remembered favorite that originated in Hermosa.

With a new home Downtown, the eatery has quickly established a reputation for the freshest, tastiest and most sizeable sandwich around.

The unpretentious menu offers all the familiar staples jazzed up with flavor-packed additions. Crusty baguettes and flaky croissants delivered daily from Santa Monica’s Le Pain du Jour, imported French cornichons, classic brie, East Coast-style hot cherry peppers and The Sandwich Joint’s notoriously addictive Dijon vinaigrette, give the traditional combos a decidedly unique gourmet twist.

In addition diners will find salad plates, chips and freshly baked cookies, along with an array of bottled juices, waters and a soda fountain. Though the sandwiches are the star here, this eatery gives equal consideration to its coffee offerings. Sourced from local gourmet roasters, this brew is especially tasty and procurable for a mere buck-thirty-five.

Also available are cappuccino, espresso and lattes from Italian bean and traditional press.

The decor features a modern flair with a hip, laid-back vibe while simultaneously offering super friendly service, free WiFi and ipod tracks knowledgeably compiled from the owner’s extensively cool music library.

Regular showings of handpicked local art also give the place a spirited ambience. Dine in, takeout, outdoor seating, catering and delivery are available daily.

At 1068 W. Seventh St. (at The Medici), (213) 623-5300 or the thesandwichjoint@ gmail.com. Open weekdays 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cuisine: Gourmet sandwiches, salads and coffee

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of Farmer Boys Restaurant

Farmer Boys

W

hen you need a good burger fix, there’s no shortage of fast food places competing for your dollars. But standing out from the pack is Farmer Boys Restaurant, which prides itself on the fact that nothing on the menu is warmed over, pre-made or frozen (except for the real ice cream milkshakes, of course) — despite being open 24 hours.

The menu has a little bit of everything, from breakfast to dinner.

Still, the restaurant’s trademark is its mouthwatering Signature Farmer’s Burger, which attracts everyone from police to fire personnel to those in

ble bacon burger or double cheeseburger. Chili lovers will love the double chiliburger with Farmer Boys’ homemade chili poured over freshly cooked patties. You can add fresh avocado to any burger or sandwich for an additional charge.

Farmer Boys Restaurant is not just about the burgers. Start your day with one of the signature breakfasts (you can order breakfast anytime). Order a stack of hotcakes,

Farmer Boys makes a pint-sized Kid’s Breakfast as well.

It wouldn’t be fast food without a generous helping of tasty sides.

French fries are popular but Farmer Boys’ other two signature items are the colossal onion rings and zucchini

For those who are health conscious, Farmer Boys offers several salad options. The Farmer’s chopped Cobb salad and the chicken BBQ Ranch salad are two of the most popular, as well as the classic chicken salad, chef’s salad and tuna salad.

the garment and produce industries.

Voted best burger by My Fox LA Hot List, Channel 2 News and KFRG Radio, the Farmer’s Burger is huge, satisfying and always made to order.

The Farmer Boys burger line offers nearly a dozen choices so diners can get theirs prepared exactly to taste. Even vegetarians can order a tasty garden burger. Try the standard burger or go wild with a dou-

French toast, omelets or the three eggs plate. All omelets or three egg plates are served with hash browns, toast and jelly. If you like your eggs between bread, go for the egg sandwich and add bacon, sausage or ham. Farmer Boys Restaurant also has its own version of the popular breakfast burrito, a secret recipe that allows you to choose from bacon, ham, sausage or chili meat.

spears, which are both hand cut and breaded daily. Besides favorites such as the fish and tuna sandwich, the restaurant also has a new line of chicken sandwiches that come on a honey oat wheat bun. The chicken club, chicken BBQ Ranch and the improved chicken sandwich are some of the new items added to the menu.

Either of these sandwiches makes a great meal with a salad on the side.

Diners can call ahead to place phone orders for faster service, or use the convenient drive thru. For those who need to get work done, there is free Wi-Fi (except Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) as well as plenty of free parking — a rarity Downtown. The restaurant also has a frequent diner program allowing customers to earn a point for every dollar spent (100 points adds up to $5). As an added bonus, you can sign up for email coupons and discounts. Farmer Boys Restaurant is also open late-night, which is perfect for those times when you need a quick, fresh and delicious burger fix.

• Free Wi-Fi • Free parking • Frequent diner program • Email coupons and discounts • Open 24 hours Farmer Boys is at 726 S. Alameda St. (1.5 miles south of Union Station), (213) 228-8999 or farmerboysla.com.

Open 24 hours. Drive thru or dine in.

Cuisine: American $

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 25

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

The Farm of Beverly Hills

Mexican Village

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his comfort food haven, which first started building a dedicated following in 1997, has set up shop in the heart of Downtown’s L.A. Live sports and entertainment district. The charming farmhouse ambience and gourmet American fare has made The Farm of Beverly Hills a local favorite.

Old photos of Executive Chef Hans Goplen’s family farm and hand-stitched needlepoint by CEO Fran Berger lend a homey air to the bustling eatery. One look at the menu and you’re instantly transported to a time when food was made with care using fresh ingredients from the local farm.

Breakfast is quite the affair at The Farm.

Customers clamor for the raisin hazelnut French toast topped with apple compote, Vermont maple syrup and whipped cream. The crepes are a decadent treat too, whether you order them stuffed with mascarpone cheese or topped with caramelized pears. The eggs Benedict are perfectly executed with the restaurant’s buttery brioche and creamy hollandaise, while the build-your-own frittata or omelet option lets you choose from 40 gourmet ingredients.

Lunch presents a host of mouth-watering salads, including the favorite ahi tuna three ways — pepper-crusted, crepe wrapped and tartar. There are sandwiches galore, from the beefy Farm cheeseburger with oven-roasted tomatoes to the luscious Farm lobster club with applewood smoked bacon, avocado and spicy remoulade.

Dinner brings plenty of comfort classics, like the succulent turkey meatloaf with blue cheese mashed potatoes and wild mushroom gravy.

There’s the half a fried chicken served with the restaurant’s legendary truffled macaroni and cheese and grilled corn on the cob, as well as the hearty slow roasted barbecue beef short ribs with cole slaw and grilled corn mashed potatoes. The Farm chicken pie is another standout with its tender chunks of chicken breast, braised vegetables and cap of crispy puff pastry.

In addition to serving three square meals a day,

26 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

The Farm offers a lively bar lounge perfect for afterwork drinks as well as pre- or post-event happenings at L.A. Live and Staples Center. Relax with a glass of wine or cocktail on the lounge and patio complete with a fireplace and comfortable couches.

The happy hour draws a crowd from 4-7 p.m.

This L.A. Live outpost even offers a specialty bar menu all its own with intriguing cocktails like the watermelon margarita; cucumber patch with Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain and fresh cucumber; or the Farmer’s Daughter with Maker’s Mark and herb soda.

The cherry on top of your dining experience, so to speak, is the old-fashioned S’mores, which are made with freshly baked graham cookies, made from a 100-year-old Amish recipe, and served with your own personal mini camp fire. Of course, if you’d like your treat to go, pick up a box of the famous Farm brownies dusted with powdered sugar — these dark, chocolatey beauties are indeed something special.

The Farm offers catering and a private dining room for 35.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 747-4555 or thefarmofbeverlyhills.com. Open MondayThursday 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Innovative American $

$$ photo courtesy of Mexican Village

photos courtesy of The Farm of Beverly Hills

I

n an era when good service has all but disappeared from restaurants, the Mexican Village has built its reputation on providing customers with the best dining experience possible. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the cuisine at this longtime eatery is top-notch and they serve up some of the best margaritas around.

Since 1965, Abel Olivares Sr. and his family have been pioneers in Latino cuisine, building a dining, entertainment and cultural destination over the decades. Olivares worked in some of the finest restaurants in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, and became the first Mexican chef of international cuisine at the Windsor West, Perinos and Dales Secret Harbor.

Today, the Mexican Village serves all the Mexican classics diners crave. There are hefty burritos stuffed with carne asada and machaca, enchiladas with green chile, mole or shrimp, fajitas, tostadas and even vegetarian dishes. The combination plates are generous enough for two people, with selections such as tamales, crispy tacos and chile rellenos. House specialties include standouts such as the camarones al mojo de ajo, shrimp sauteed in garlic.

The cozy hacienda-style interior features highbeamed ceilings, comfortable booths, arched windows and a popular tequila bar with more than three dozen varieties. The martinis, margaritas and mojitos are excellent too, and happy hour patrons flock here to enjoy the daily food and drink specials. The patio also draws diners all year long, as does the regular slate of lively music and late-night dancing.

At 3668 W. Beverly Blvd., (213) 385-0479 or themexicanvillage.com. Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Cuisine: Mexican

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

o Bar & kitchen

O

Sushi

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Experience Octopus Japanese Restaurant’s newest downtown location featuring a chic lounge area, two stories of spacious seating, projection TV’s, and full valet service. Octopus Downtown offers the same delicious food at affordable prices our loyal customers have grown to love in a space that rivals the most sylish of restaurants. Our vivacious staff is committed to satisfying our guests’ needs. Octopus downtown provides a complete dining experience: the finest in authentic and fusion Japanese cuisine, first class service, and stunning contemporary decor.

729 7th st. Los Angeles

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$

$$ photo courtesy of O Bar & Kitchen

The newest trend in Japanese cuisine

Bar & Kitchen is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, inside the O Hotel — Downtown’s first indie boutique hotel. Places like this prove that big things do come in small packages. The New York-style lounge, exposed brick walls and VIP mezzanine are the perfect setting for intimate candle-lit dinners, live performances by local artists and private parties. Locals’ Secret: if you host your birthday party at O Bar & Kitchen, you will be rewarded with a good time and a free room to crawl into at the end of the evening.

The bar menu drafts an exclusive selection of wine, beer and creative specialty cocktails like the blackberry and raspberry caipirinhas, or the signature Flower Street cocktail, a delicious mix of gin, St. Germain liqueur, fresh mint and sliced cucumber.

When it comes to ambiance, the O Bar & Kitchen experience comes full circle: enter the award-winning lobby to find locals relaxing on comfy couches next to a sexy fireplace, enjoying lunch during a corporate escape or a glass of vino during happy hour. Just blocks from the Staples Center and L.A. Live, concert goers and sports fans can stop in for a pre-show drink or a late-night bite.

Peruse the menu featuring Chef Vahan Tokmadjian’s take on California-inspired, Mediterranean-style cuisine. Seared sea scallops, Mexican shrimp and ribeye steak skewers are just a few choices off the small bites menu. Pair a Tuscan flatbread with a delicious butter lettuce salad, then make your way to the main course for the chef’s highly-reviewed shrimp n’ grits served with chorizo and tomato ceviche.

Quickly becoming Downtown L.A.’s most sought after delight, the Wagyu burger accompanied by parmesan tater tots drizzled in truffle oil is a must for those heartier appetites. The happy hour specials offer some of the best deals Downtown for under $4 a plate. This is one of the best ways to taste your way through L.A. without breaking the bank.

Located at 819 S. Flower St., (213) 623-9904 or OBarAndKitchen.com. Open weekdays at 11 a.m., weekends at 5 p.m.; Sunday-Wednesday open until midnight; Thursday-Saturday open until 2 a.m. Self parking next door..

Cuisine: Mediterranean, California Tapas

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2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photo by Syd Kyle

Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant

F

B

illed as Downtown’s first supper club, First & Hope combines two of this country’s greatest inventions — comfort food and jazz. The new spot is nestled in the Promenade Plaza, steps away from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. But the new venue will have performance chops all its own.

Memphis native Shelley Cooper — trained at the Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute in Charleston and the San Francisco Baking Institute — was selected from of an applicant pool of hundreds to be the new spot’s executive chef. Cooper’s modern American menu reflects her repertoire of Southern dishes as well as a love of American comfort food. Highlights feature “All About the Cheese Mac & Cheese” flight made with artisan cheese, bone marrow tea sandwiches, a Dr. Pepper duck sandwich, moonshine meatloaf, and a Porky Pig banana split with jalapeño hot fudge sauce.

The menu is divided into small, medium, large and extra-large plates to accommodate a quick bite or leisurely meal big enough to share.

The drink menu at First & Hope is noteworthy too, including handcrafted cocktails from a team of mixologists who cut their teeth on a list of upscale Downtown watering holes. Patrons can also consult the conversation-starting Enomatic self-service wine machine, which denotes varietals and flavor profiles on LCD screens.

The 6,000-square-foot, 174-seat restaurant is an elegant but modernized version of the supper clubs of the 1940s and ’50s. There’s a sweeping bar adjacent to the wine machines, banquettes and custom settee; an expansive dining area on the other side of a divider that recalls the fringe of a flapper dress; and the clubby cabaret. The color palette warms the space with nickel, bronze and silvery blue tones. There are high, stepped ceilings, four sparkling custom chandeliers, streamlined

30 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

curvilinear shapes, and repurposed bronze and gold panels that echo the Art Deco era. The soundproofed cabaret room, nicknamed Fedora at First & Hope, features dynamic jazz, cabaret-style, and Broadway performances, for which patrons will be able to make individual reservations. Late-night dining menus will entice post-theater patrons with special performances until 1a.m.

Not everything is a throwback, however. The restaurant is in a prime location to lure Downtown employees for lunch and after-work gatherings. At night, the target audience is the residents who live on and near Bunker Hill — for whom the club will stay open late — as well as the stream of Angelenos heading to the Music Center for a show or concert.

For the latter, First & Hope offers convenient valet parking and curtain call time-savers including wireless handheld devices for servers to take orders, which also allow diners to pay their bill at the table.

First & Hope is a welcome and long-overdue dining and entertainment addition to Downtown’s Grand Avenue theater corridor. With gourmet comfort food, unique nightlife and an exciting location, this stylish supper club promises to stage quite a show.

At 710 W. First St., (213) 617-8555 or firstandhope.com. Open weekdays 11 a.m.-1 a.m., weekends 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Brunch Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cuisine: American $$

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$$ photo courtesy of Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant

First & Hope

or a taste of authentic Mexican food that has pleased palates since 1961, the original Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant in Echo Park is a place to savor.

From its award-winning margaritas and popular shrimp fajitas, to more traditional fare of cocido (stew with huge chunks of beef, potato and corn in a lemon and cilantro broth) and sopes, even the pickiest eater won’t be disappointed. Easily accessible by passersby on their way to Downtown, the family-run eatery sits just a few minutes from Dodger Stadium. Barragan’s features a bar, dining areas perfect for intimate gatherings, a patio and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 80 people.

Choose from a variety of dinner combinations, from classics like tacos, burritos, enchiladas and tamales, to spicier fare such as fried spare ribs in red-hot chipotle sauce. Breakfast specials are served daily until 11 a.m., with popular items such as the fajita omelet, the nopales con huevos (cactus and eggs) or pancakes and chorizo.

Barragan’s also features a happening weekday happy hour from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., culminating with karaoke every Friday night. But the real bargain — and party — comes on Margarita Night every Wednesday, which features a different DJ spinning a variety of music from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Open Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m., and Sat. 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. At 1538 Sunset Blvd., (213) 250-4256 or barragansrestaurants.com.

Cuisine: Mexican

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

Mercado La Paloma

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ercado La Paloma unfolds inside a former garment factory that has been converted into a vibrant marketplace specializing in homemade and handmade crafts and food. Visitors will find delicious, artfully prepared cuisine representing the rich heritage of the neighborhood.

Developed by the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, each meal purchased helps build a stronger local economy by supporting first-time business owners from the area.

Mercado La Paloma is at 3655 S. Grand Ave. For more information call (213) 748-1963 or visit mercadolapaloma.com. Open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (restaurant times vary).

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such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas. Vista Hermosa’s specialty is tacos al pastor, pork meat marinated in a secret sauce and cooked on a rotisserie with a pineapple on top — it was named best in the city by the Los Angeles Times.

Call (213) 741-1251 or visit taqueriavistahermosa.com. Open 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily.

Cuisine: Mexican

Savore

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photos courtesy of Mercado La Paloma

T t this little corner of the Yucatan you can sample traditional dishes such as the succulent cochinita pibil (achiote marinated pork braised in banana leaves), the papadzul (hard cooked egg enchilada with pumpkin seed sauce) or regional banana leaf wrapped tamales. Chef and owner Gilberto Cetina, who has been recognized as one of the top Latino chefs in the country by GQ and Hispanic Magazine, prepares a menu of traditional Yucatan dishes in addition to inspired and original daily specials.

Call (213) 741-1075 or visit chichenitzarestaurant.com. Open Sun.-Fri. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Yucatan style Mexican

Mo-Chica

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Chichen Itza

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Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Cuisine: Thai

his boutique catering company provides upscale food and catering services for the financial, legal and corporate communities of Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Founded in 2001, Savore specializes in corporate lunches, meetings, seminars, receptions and cocktail parties. Chefs Richard Lauter and Erez Levy, formerly of Spago Beverly Hills, combine their love of cooking with the freshest seasonal products available to create hand-crafted menus for their clients.

Call (310) 786-1777 or visit savore.com.

Cuisine: Catering

amed after the language of the Mo-che, a PreIncan civilization inhabiting the northern coast of Peru, Mo-Chica offers traditional and modern Peruvian dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients. The menu seeks to be true to its culture and an ancient way of life — a life that is closer to one’s own labor. Mo-Chica has received rave reviews from food critics. The L.A. Weekly’s Jonathan Gold hailed the restaurant’s ceviche as some of the best he has had outside of Lima, while Los Angeles Magazine declared it one of the best new restaurants of 2009.

Call (213) 747-2141 or visit mo-chica.com.

Open Mon. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Peruvian

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Oaxacalifornia

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Thai Corner

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Taqueria Vista Hermosa

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his familyowned restaurant makes its cuisine from scratch with the freshest ingredients. It serves a wide range of traditional dishes including huaraches, gorditas, sopes, flautas, birria, bistec picado, chile rellenos as well as staples

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estaurateur Chun Aritsa Elliot has created a menu of both traditional Thai cuisine (using old family recipes) and new Asian fusion flavors. From soulful curries to Lao dishes to vegetarian specials, this eatery offers fresh and tasty fare to suit every palate. Thai Corner is also the first Thai restaurant to participate in the city’s SMART menu program, which lists caloric information on the menu.

Call (213) 748-8006 or visit thaicornerfoodex. com. Open weekdays 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sat.-

here Oaxacan taste fuses with Californian style.

This family owned restaurant specializes in exotic fruit sorbets including flavors such as tuna, nuez, guanabana and mamey as well as standard favorites such as lemon and watermelon. There are colorful aguas frescas, fresh squeezed juices and Oaxacan tortas (pressed sandwiches) and clayudas (Oaxacan pizzas). This is the perfect place for healthy, unique and delicious food whether you are eating out or catering a special event.

Call (213) 747-8622 or visit oaxacali.com. Open daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cuisine: Oaxacan-Mexican $

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$$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 31

2010 GUIDE Ad:Layout 1 PalmRESTAURANT LADowntownNews

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$ photo courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen

THE PRIME PLACE TO BE, DAY AND NIGHT

his fast casual eatery has become a Downtown favorite over the years with its innovative menu that includes a variety of hearth-baked pizzas. Most people recognize the California Pizza Kitchen (or CPK) by its trademark yellow, black and white colors. The two local spots feature airy interiors with warm wood, comfortable booths and fast, friendly service.

The imaginative pizzas are a veritable institution, particularly the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza introduced in the company’s first Beverly Hills restaurant in 1985. Topped with tangy barbecue sauce, smoked gouda and mozzarella, and slices of red onion, it’s the most popular on the menu.

Other pizzas include the Jamaican jerk chicken, carne asada, Thai chicken, pear and gorgonzola and the vegetarian with Japanese eggplant.

The menu also includes a broad selection of made-to-order pastas, creative salads, soups, sandwiches and delicious desserts. Among the highlights are the grilled vegetable salad, the Waldorf chicken salad and the original BBQ chicken chopped salad. Specialties stand out with chicken piccata, pan-sauteed salmon, Baja fish tacos and wild caught mahi mahi.

The after-work office crowd and growing residential population enjoy the full bar with wine and beer, lovely patio seating and convenient validated parking at both Downtown locations.

Takeout and catering are also a big part of CPK, with exciting menus for corporate lunches, family get togethers and unexpected dinner guests.

Open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. At 735 S. Figueroa St. (7+Fig shopping mall), (213) 228-8500. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and weekends 12-9 p.m. At 330 S. Hope (Wells Fargo Center), (213) 6262616. Online take-out ordering at cpk.com.

Cuisine: California/Pizza

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photo courtesy of Grand Central Market

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S Bonaventure Brewing Co.

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n the pool deck of the soaring Bonaventure Hotel, nestled amid the glittering glass and steel high-rises, visitors will find Downtown’s only true brewery. It’s here where head brewer David Blackwell concocts his award-winning, hand-crafted ales such as the light and refreshing Bonaventure Blonde and any number of seasonal brews that keep regulars coming back for more.

Guests can even make an appointment to tour the brewery when Blackwell is onsite.

Of course, an equally tasty menu of classic American favorites (with an international twist) accompanies these libations. The offerings run the gamut from beefy burgers and satisfying salads to gourmet entrees such as the honey pepper salmon and blue cheese encrusted filet mignon.

Quick service makes the restaurant a popular spot for lunch, especially with a tasty selection of sandwiches such as the blackened ahi tuna, hot French dip and grilled steak. Dinner brings more sophisticated fare such as the marinated flat iron steak with garlic mashed potatoes or the chicken breast in a rosemary garlic sauce.

With its relaxed yet stylish interior and enchanting outdoor lounge, the Bonaventure Brewing Co. is perfect for a beer after work, a romantic dinner or a business meeting. Happy hour is one of the best Downtown, and features an extensive slate of irresistible specials — lobster bisque, barbecue pork sliders and sweet potato fries are favorites.

The full bar also serves up a taster set of five brews, and a special late-night menu is available.

At 404 S. Figueroa St., Suite 418A, (213) 2360802 or bonaventurebrewing.com. Open weekdays 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 5 p.m.-1 a.m., happy hour 3:30-7:30 p.m. Food is served until midnight daily.

Cuisine: American $

34 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

$$

trategically located near all of Downtown Los Angeles’ major sports and cultural venues at the corner of Eighth and Figueroa streets, Roy’s offers a distinctive alternative to the typical pre- and post-event dining experience.

Based on his childhood memories of the feelings and flavors of Hawaii, chef Roy Yamaguchi created his “Hawaiian Fusion” cuisine — the freshest local ingredients, European sauces, bold Asian spices, with a focus on fresh seafood.

Among Roy’s signature culinary creations are macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, wood-grilled Szechwan spiced baby back ribs; and Roy’s original Hawaiian blackened island ahi. In addition to the signature melting hot chocolate soufflé, a wide selection of artistically created desserts is offered nightly.

The restaurant’s leading wine list has received numerous national awards for its quality, value and sensible approach to harmoniously pairing wine with food to perfectly complement Roy’s unique and exciting flavors. For the after-hours crowd, the lively bar area serves a number of delectable appetizers, Yamaguchi sushi and signature drinks including the ever-popular Roy’s Hawaiian martini. Three intimate private dining rooms are available for corporate events and personal celebrations large and small.

At 800 S. Figueroa St., (213) 488-4994 or roysrestaurant.com. Open Mon-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sat. 5-10:30 p.m. and Sun. 5-9 p.m. The bar and lounge hosts Aloha Hour, featuring select appetizers and cocktails for $5, weekdays from 4:30-6:30 pm. Reservations are welcomed and encouraged.

Cuisine: Hawaiian

$$$ photo courtesy of Roy’s

I

f variety is the spice of life then Grand Central Market is the ideal seasoning. For more than 90 years, the city’s oldest open-air market has specialized in a wide assortment of well-prepared and reasonably priced food — and the selection grows each year. The market, which looks much as it did in 1917, caters to everyone from business executives to cabbies, all mingling through the sawdustcovered aisles and scanning the neon signs that herald a virtual United Nations of gourmet options.

Two new vendors have joined the existing 40 during the last year. There’s China Gourmet, offering Asian cuisine at an affordable price, and EJ’s Grill, which serves deli-style plates. Or stick with the always-popular carne asada taco from Tacos Tomas or hearty chow mein from China Cafe. For dessert, grab a sundae at Jose’s Ice Cream Shop or a fruit-filled frozen yogurt from the Yogurt Factory.

After lunch visitors can shop for dinner, choosing from a wide assortment of fish, meat and produce that is fresher and less expensive than most grocery stores. There are also plenty of authentic ingredients, including the rare and exotic spices found at Del Rey Productos Latinos. With such an array of options, choosing where to go is half the fun.

Grand Central Market is at 317 S. Broadway, (213) 624-2378 or grandcentralsquare.com.

Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free one-hour parking with $10 minimum purchase.

Cuisine: International

Roy’s

photo courtesy of Bonaventure Brewing Co.

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2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

Philippe, The Original

photo by Tam Nguyen

I

t’s often the case that the most unassuming restaurants offer some of the tastiest cuisine around.

Enter Maracas Cafe & Catering, an authentic Mexican restaurant just north of Downtown in the adjacent Lincoln Heights community.

In business since 1963, this family-run restaurant started its flagship location, Las Maracas, in Downtown on Main Street. It later moved to Fifth Street where it serves loyal customers with its hearty breakfasts, affordable lunch specials and house specialties.

At Maracas Cafe & Catering, the family continues to offer the same recipes at its walk-in cafe, which has become a popular stop for traditional Mexican fare and top-notch catering. Morning starts with several early bird specials that include chorizo and eggs, machaca, Mexican style eggs, banana pancakes and even delicious champurrado (hot chocolate thickened with flour).

For lunch, numerous combinations highlight favorites like beef tacos, chile rellenos, broiled beef steak and tamales. Seafood is a standout, with fried red snapper, Mexican shrimp scampi, flavorful fish soup and fish tostadas. Dinner brings heartier fare like the spicy beef in red chile sauce, rich mole chicken, chile verde with pork, tender carnitas and an assortment of tacos, enchiladas and burritos.

Maracas Cafe’s specializes in catering, with a fleet of trucks and even high-profile clients like the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Customers can order the restaurant’s cuisine for events big and small, whether it is a two-person meeting or a function with over 2,000 people.

From churches to business meetings to private parties and weddings, their professional catering service offers outstanding prices.

At 3300 N. Broadway, (323) 225-0506 or maracascafe1963.com. Open Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fri.-Sun. 7 a.m.-7p.m.

Cuisine: Mexican photo courtesy of Maracas Cafe & Catering

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W Restaurant Oiwake

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his 150-seat restaurant in the heart of Little Tokyo is known for its all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet and one of the best karaoke scenes in Downtown. Now under new ownership, Oiwake is even better than ever.

Located on the upper level of the Japanese Village Plaza, this longtime favorite offers a casual atmosphere with wood tables, cozy booths, hanging lanterns and a full bar serving up strong, tasty cocktails. The latter comes in handy when regulars take the stage for the karaoke party starting at 5 p.m. nightly. It’s a popular after-work ritual, and with more than 8,000 songs in five languages, there’s something for just about everyone.

The appetizers are perfect for nibbling or sharing with a group — chicken karaage, crispy tempura, skewered yakitori, agedashi tofu, Spam masubi and baked green mussels. Oiwake also offers several affordable bento box specials that include chicken and beef teriyaki, tempura, tonkatsu, chicken katsu, sashimi and broiled fish.

The rice bowls are pure comfort food, like the popular donburi bowl served with sauteed egg and vegetables or teriyaki and fried eggs. There’s also a selection of ramen and delicious curries served over rice with a side of pickles. For those in the mood for sushi, the chef creates a number of specialty rolls, and sushi and sashimi combination plates.

Of course, the main attraction is the buffet, an impressive spread of more than 25 items such as crispy tempura, fresh sushi rolls, chicken teriyaki, udon and soba noodle soups, a full salad and dessert bar (ice cream sundaes) and daily chef specials.

The buffet is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

A private room for 20 and several semi-private sections can accommodate just about any group or party.

At 122 Japanese Village Plaza, (213) 628-2678 or oiwake.com. Open Tues-Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.midnight. Happy hour Tues.-Fri. 5-8 p.m.

Cuisine: Japanese $

36 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

$$

ant a taste of L.A. history? How about a nine-cent cup of coffee? Incredibly, you can find them both at the same place, a block away from Union Station, at Philippe, The Original.

In 1908, Philippe Mathieu opened what would become one of the city’s oldest restaurants, and was credited with creating the first French dipped sandwich a decade later. Like many great discoveries, this one was an accident, as Mathieu inadvertently dropped a sliced French roll into a roasting pan filled with cooking juices. A goodnatured customer, an LAPD officer, agreed to take the sandwich anyway, soggy roll and all. He loved it so much that he returned the next day with friends, asking for the same thing. The rest is culinary history.

Today, six people involved with Philippe’s are descendants of the family that bought the restaurant in 1927. Freeway construction forced it to move from Aliso Street to its current location in 1951, where it has welcomed diners with its signature sawdust-covered floor and long communal tables for more than 50 years.

Hearty breakfasts are served daily until 10:30 a.m. Philippe’s offers several delicious versions of the French Dip, including roasted pork, leg of lamb, turkey, ham and roast beef. They’re all served on freshly baked crusty French rolls, which can be single-dipped or double-dipped.

Add one of their tasty side dishes, such as tangy cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad or the signature hard-boiled eggs pickled in beet juice, and you’ve got a classic L.A. meal.

Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At 1001 N. Alameda St., (213) 628-3781 or philippes.com. Free parking.

Beer and wine served.

Cuisine: American

$ photo by Gary Leonard

Maracas Cafe & Catering

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photo courtesy of BottleRock

Un All En dE trees r$ 16

Bottlerock

$

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hat could be better than a crisp glass of Chardonnay, a plate of artisan cheeses and house-cured olives? As a wine bar, restaurant and wine shop, BottleRock offers something for just about every gourmand and oenophile Downtown.

One of the most exciting wine bars to hit South Park in the past year, this newcomer expands on its flagship location in Culver City, bringing with it a unique selection of 18 micro-brews on tap, and close to 1,000 wines. BottleRock’s lofty interior features an open kitchen, pops of spring green, tree trunk tables and countertops embedded with recycled wine and beer bottles.

This casual-chic restaurant serves a seasonal lunch and dinner menu of diverse entree-size dishes and a broad list of artisan cheeses, charcuterie and small plates featuring spicy tuna tartare with avocado espuma and kumquat vinaigrette, and beer steamed mussels made with Duchesse de Bourgogne. Though the wine menu is extensive, the friendly and savvy staff is more than eager to make recommendations — order at least two glasses and they’ll open any bottle for you.

BottleRock pops the cork on its “Rush Hour” in a big way. Regulars flock here for the $4 microbrews, $4 to $6 glasses of wine and delicious small plates for $5. Make your way to the bar or lounge, enjoy a few glasses and a meal before an event at the nearby L.A. Live or simply stop in for a little adventurous wine tasting. The restaurant also hosts a late-night “Rush Hour,” with half off selected wines by the glass from 9:30 p.m. until close every night.

At 1050 S. Flower St. (entrance on 11th between Hope and Flower) #167, (213) 747-1100 or bottlerock.net. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.12 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. and Sun. 4:30 p.m.-12 a.m., Rush Hour 4:30-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and late-night Rush Hour 9:30 p.m.-close daily.

Cuisine: International/Wine Driven

St. Vincent Court

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Tulip Cafe 628 St. Vincent Court Entrance on West 7th Street, between Hill and Broadway 213.622.5621 • Credit/Debit Cards Accepted Open Mon-Sat, 11-4pm (11-9pm Thurs-Sat starting May 1)

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 37

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

L Engine Co. No. 28

E The Center at Cathedral Plaza is a full service event site and conference center.

OK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY AT THE NTER AT CATHEDRAL PLAZA AND HE HORS D’OEUVRES ARE ON US! Any Size Event From 10-900

vy Restaurants is offering a complimentary hors Fully Audio/Visual euvre station when youIntegrated book your next event!*

Onis aSite Parking Center at Cathedral Plaza full-service event located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.

Maria Lopez • 213.680.5271 mlopez@levyrestaurants.com Maria Lopez • 213.680.5271 www.cathedralcatering.com mlopez@levyrestaurants.com www.cathedralcatering.com

alid for future events booked by October 30, 2009, does not previously booked events. Offer not valid for Saturday evenings.

9/9/09 11:21:33 AM

555 West Temple Street Los Angeles

38 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

ngine Co. No. 28 is a Downtown Los Angeles favorite eatery and watering hole. Housed in a restored 1912 firehouse, on Figueroa between Wilshire Boulevard and Seventh Street, the restaurant serves classic American dishes inspired by the regional cooking of firehouses across the country.

Menu favorites include a signature meatloaf with mashed potatoes (the talk of the town), dry-aged New York steaks, Southern-style panfried chicken, crab cakes, Cobb salad, firehouse chili with sopapillas, corn chowder and a spicy Louisiana-style gumbo. Fresh fish is featured on the Firehouse specials menu. Don’t miss desserts like bananas Foster cheesecake, pecan pie, award winning double chocolate layer cake (recipe on epicurious.com) and vanilla crème brûlée with berries.

The restaurant utilizes locally available produce, which allows it to “stay close” to the food it produces. Likewise, specialty beers from local micro breweries such as the Original Fireman’s Brew are a staple.

The restaurant interior is reminiscent of classic grills in San Francisco and New York with mahogany booths, white linen table cloths, a granite bar and the original fire pole. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed; the service friendly and attentive. Many have worked at Engine Co. No. 28 since its opening in 1989. The lively bar offers the perfect escape from the daily grind — classic cocktails, tap beers and an extensive wine list.

Engine Company offers on-site catering for meetings and special functions as well as a complete take-out menu for dining at home.

Engine Co. No. 28 is at 644 S. Figueroa St., (213) 624-6996 or engineco.com. Open Mon.Fri. 11:15 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sat. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Valet parking after 5 p.m.

Cuisine: American

$$

ocated on the ground floor of the Mandel Lofts, Soi 7 offers upscale Thai cuisine at affordable prices. The stunning loft-like interior features high ceilings, warm wood finishes, bistro-style marble tables and glowing candlelight.

Pull up a seat at the sleek bar and enjoy a glass of beer, wine or one of the signature sake cocktails. Soi 7 also focuses on tea, with more than 30 loose leaf varieties from which to choose.

Whether you stop in for lunch, dinner or a late-night snack, any meal should start with one of the excellent appetizers: the crab rolls feature sheets of tofu stuffed with crab, shrimp and pork fried to crispy perfection; while the vegetable summer rolls are a light and fresh option wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut dipping sauce.

Traditional Thai soups are expertly prepared here, and the Tom Yum Goong with shrimp, fragrant lemongrass and a touch of coconut cream is no exception. Salads stand out with choices like the glass noodle version with shrimp, ground chicken and tangy lime dressing. There are an assortment of noodle dishes such as the generous pad Thai and drunken seafood noodles, as well as a bevy of heady curries chock full of shrimp, chicken or beef and fresh basil and chilies. Soi 7 offers several specialty dishes, notably the popular Mekong whiskey-infused baby back ribs, the spicy duck Panang with a hint of sweet pineapple, and the Thai barbecue chicken served with sticky rice and green papaya salad.

If you’re looking for top-notch Thai cuisine in a chic setting, Soi 7 should be at the top of your Downtown dining list.

At 518 W. Seventh St., (213) 537-0333 or soi7la.com. Open daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Weekday happy hour 4-7 p.m.

Cuisine: Modern Thai

$$ photo courtesy of Soi 7

CATHEDRAL PLAZA

Soi 7

photo courtesy of Engine Co. No. 28

BOOK YOUR EVENT AT THE CENTER AT

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

L

ocated in Downtown’s Industrial District, this stylish Mexican restaurant has made a big impact on the local dining scene since opening about a year ago. Yxta (pronounced eex-ta) is unlike anything you’ll find Downtown — authentic yet contemporary cuisine, a downto-earth atmosphere and moderate prices.

Diners typically start their experience with the signature margarita, a heady concoction that distinguishes itself with an excellent house-made sour mix, zavano blanco and a salted rim. The bar turns out some inventive cocktails such as the Mexican Russian and the basil-cucumber martini. You can also sample more than 30 premium tequilas in addition to unique beers — try the Cucapa Chupacabras Pale Ale. Appetizers like the cheese-stuffed squash blossoms, spicy empanadas and sashimi tostadas work up a serious hunger. Entrees include all the best traditional dishes as well as those with a gourmet edge: There are the complex mole enchiladas filled with shredded chicken and potato, the fresh calabacitas that mix Mexican zucchini with chunks of tomato and corn, and the Michoacan-style carnitas with Salmon Creek slow-cooked pork and guacamole. The marinated skirt steak is grilled to perfection here while the fiery pork chops in green sauce is a standout.

Yxta’s modern, dark wood tables, mosaic tiles and colorful artwork adorning the lofty space make it perfect for a casual lunch, romantic dinner, or lively meal with friends. The patio is a lovely option too, especially during the warm summer months.

At 601 S. Central Ave., (213) 596-5579 or yxta.net. Open Mon.-Wed. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sat. 5-10 p.m.; happy hour is 4-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 5-7 p.m. Sat. Cuisine: Mexican

$$

O

ne glimpse into Shekarchi’s open kitchen and you’ll quickly understand what makes this Persian restaurant so special. With ballet-like choreography, skilled chefs pile rows of meaty skewers and colorful vegetables onto a flaming grill, seasoning and cooking each kabob to succulent perfection.

Only the leanest cuts of meat and the freshest ingredients — no preservative or additives — are used to create each authentic Mediterranean dish.

In addition to its original location at 914 S. Hill St., Shekarchi has added two new restaurants to its empire: Shekarchi express at 945 S. Wall St., and another in Glendale at 102 S. Glendale Ave. Now, Downtown workers can get speedier service during their lunch hour at Shekarchi Express, located near the bustling Fashion and Flower districts. Diners will still find all the favorite lunch specials at the original location, only with faster counter service. The Glendale location, just outside of Downtown, offers a sit-down dining experience with the same delicious menu.

There are 11 sizeable grill combos that feature kabobs of boneless or ground chicken, ground beef, filet of beef, as well as lamb for $9 or salmon and white fish combos for $10. They are all served with a grilled tomato, warm pita, white basmati rice, a green salad and drink.

The rice is a gourmet specialty at Shekarchi, delicious enough to stand on its own. There’s the “green” basmati with lima beans and fragrant dill; a version using tart barberries; and another with sour cherries. The selection of appetizers and sides enhance any meal, including the shallot or cucumber yogurt, pickled cucumber, hummus or the Shirazi salad with cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley.

The lavash sandwich wraps are made to order, and are stuffed with a choice of grilled meat and lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cilantro and a slathering of house dressing. Salads are a meal unto themselves and can be had with chicken breast or salmon — there’s the house, Mediterranean, BBQ chicken or Caesar. For vegetarians, Shekarchi

photo courtesy of Shekarchi Restaurant

Yxta Cocina Mexicana

photo by Gary Leonard

photo by Gary Leonard

photo courtesy of Yxta Cocina Mexicana

Shekarchi Restaurant

offers a plate filled with their three specialty rice dishes, grilled tomato, hummus, pita and salad.

This family-run restaurant, founded in 1985, was one of the first to bring quality Persian cuisine, and a taste of Mediterranean tradition, to Los Angeles. With their two new locations, even more customers will be able to sample the delicious menu and friendly service that has made it one of the best restaurants in Downtown.

Shekarchi Restaurant at 914 S. Hill St., (213) 892-8535 or shekarchirestaurant.com. Open weekdays 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Shekarchi Express at 945 S. Wall St., (213) 623-7000 or shekarchiexpress.com. Open weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Shekarchi Restaurant at 102 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale 91205, (818) 241-2727, open Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m-8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. -8 p.m.

Cuisine: Persian $$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 39

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

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T

DOWNTOWN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION MEMBER

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his longtime Mandarin and Szechuan restaurant has more devoted fans than it can count.

As a testament to the restaurant’s addicting cuisine, diners often make the trip here just for a fix of their favorite dish — like the famed honey walnut shrimp with its crackly glazed exterior and crunchy walnuts coated in a decadent white sauce.

This award-winning entree has become a Downtown staple, along with about 20 other Plum Tree specialties from the extensive menu.

Eating at Plum Tree is a new experience every time, with dozens of combinations including soups, seafood, duck and poultry, beef, mu shu pork, vegetables, noodles and fried rice dishes. During lunch diners can select from any of the excellent specials that range from $7.55 to $11.55. The mu shu pork and orange chicken is to die for, as is the garlic shrimp and the popular sauteed string beans.

At dinner, start with one of the cocktails served at the bar as you nibble on the exquisite Shanghai-style spare ribs or the pan-fried dumplings. Order several entrees to share family-style, like the whole Peking duck or the crispy prawns dusted with spicy salt. Plum Tree features two gourmet dinners that will feed two or more people — the Mandarin Dinner is $19.95 per person and the Plum Tree Dinner for $21.95 per person.

In addition to catering, Plum Tree also offers a large party room that can accommodate private events from 10 to 70 people. It can be divided into smaller rooms for functions of 10 to 20 people.

At 913 N. Broadway, (213) 613-1819 or plumtreeinn.com. Validated parking at Bamboo Plaza. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; and Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Cuisine: Asian/Mandarin $

$$

his Financial District brewery may be located “underground,” but it’s certainly no secret that it serves some of the best and most affordable pub fare Downtown. Thirsty workers flock to Weiland Brewery Underground for not one but two lively happy hours, as well as a lunch and dinner menu packed with seriously tasty American bistro fare.

Located on the bottom of the City National Bank Building, Weiland is a welcoming, cozy respite from the hustle and bustle of the working world. The warm wood bar, plasma TVs, brick pillars and concrete floors create a casual vibe that makes this spot a local favorite.

Service is fast and friendly at lunch, and musttry items include the hearty brick house chili, the Chinatown chicken salad and a host of burgers and salads served with fresh-cut Kettle chips, fries or salad — try the half-pound Kobe beef burger, the one-pound Frisco Club or the Cobb with turkey and blue cheese. Dinner brings equally delicious favorites like the seared rare ahi tuna, Weiland’s famous beer-battered fish and chips, or the New York strip steak topped with herb butter.

Happy hour appetizers such as the addicting Weiland hot wings, spicy buffalo shrimp and signature garlic fries pair perfectly with any of the icy cocktails, specialty brews on tap or any of the more than 100 California wines. Weekly events and specials make happy hour even more of a destination — Thursday, for example, brings a rousing team trivia night. For the late-night set, there’s even dining until 1:30 a.m.

At 505 S. Flower St., (213) 622-1125 or weilandbrewery.net. Open Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m.-midnight, Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Happy hour 3-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close. Parking accessible from Fifth or Flower streets.

Cuisine: American

$$ photo by Gary Leonard

REAL ESTATE

Weiland Brewery underground

photo by Gary Leonard

DOWNTOWN

photo by Tam Nguyen

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

rowdy red Wine and Burger Bar

T

he first surprise at Rowdy Red Wine and Burger Bar is its ambiance — all dark wood and overstuffed booths — which is exactly the opposite of what most Downtowners have come to expect from subterranean restaurants where fluorescent light and vinyl usually reign supreme.

The second surprise is the care taken with the food. The burgers — and there are some knockouts on the menu — are stacked with layers that stand out from one another. Which is to say, nothing slumps together in that fast food burger kind of way: thick bacon against crisp wedges of iceberg lettuce against Angus beef, turkey, veggie patties or seared ahi tuna. All the burgers and sandwiches are priced at around $7, an impressive feat considering the certified humane beef comes courtesy of Montana’s Blackfoot Valley, and most of the menu is sourced from environment-friendly California vendors (all detailed on the foodie-friendly menu).

Accompanying these tall creations are delicious sides such as hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries and thick onion rings. There are milkshakes and soft serve sundaes that all cost less than $3. There’s also an unexpected wine program — Free Run wine from Rutherford, Napa Valley is made by the restaurant owners. For Rowdy Red customers, this means hard-to-source half bottles on the ready and $3 boutique reds and whites during happy hour, which is much more than an hour (3:30-7 p.m., Monday through Friday). There is breakfast too, a short but serious list of omelets, burritos and a.m. sandwiches that regulars in the building enjoy several times a week.

At 505 S. Flower St. beneath the City National Plaza, (213) 627-5511 or mcchgroup.com. Open weekdays 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Validated parking for $5.

Cuisine: American

$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 41

pronounced ME-KAH-WAH-YA

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

El Conquistador

photo by Gary Leonard

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pronounced ME-KAH-WAH-YA

Celebrating 100 Years!

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1232 North Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, California 91103 P: 626.240.0285

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pronounced ME-KAH-WAH-YA

Look for the box at fine grocers everywhere!

MIKAWAYA LocAtIons Japanese Village Plaza 118 Japanese Village Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012 • (213) 624-1681 Little Tokyo Galleria 333 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 • (213) 613-0611 Pacific Square 1630 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247 • (310) 538-9389 Mitsuwa Plaza 21515 Western Ave., Torrance, CA 90501 • (310) 320-4551

www.mikawayausa.com www.mochiicecream.com

42 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

Lazy ox Canteen

I

t’s not an uncommon sight for a small, hip eatery to tuck into an unlikely Downtown expanse. The Lazy Ox Canteen does just that — from the street, it could be any of the chains that occupy a storefront in Little Tokyo. But then it goes one further.

Open the door, and it’s a bit like going through the looking glass. High, long tables fill the cozy space, and somehow the acoustics are perfect — it’s a lively room, but it’s not oppressively loud.

Plus, there’s absolutely no attitude. Almost everyone who has written or talked about the new canteen remarks on its friendly servers, all of whom are whip smart about the always-changing menu.

It became very popular very quickly in the p.m., but the Lazy Ox is also open for lunch.

The reservation crunch isn’t as tight, and the small plates concept works just as well as it does when the sun goes down. And most importantly, the Chinese chicken salad and turkey sandwich rut that Downtown lunchergoers fall into is just never going to happen here.

Chef Josef Centeno’s menu — the regulars are in print, the plentiful specials spill out on huge chalkboards — is fun to read because it incorporates a multitude of cultures and thumbs its nose at some of the lighter, fussier fare found across the city. There’s Moroccan sausage, Lebanese yogurt sauce, fried anchovies, a sushi-inspired tuna collar, and the dessert menu has words like “sopapilla,” “Szechwan” and “pâté.”

The small plates are affordable and fun to share, but there are plenty of heartier entrees too. The most popular of these includes the charred octopus, a pot roast that incorporates cream of wheat and kumquats, and the brick-roasted clams.

At 241 S. San Pedro St., (213) 626-5299 or lazyoxcanteen.com. Open daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-midnight.

Cuisine: New American with global influences $$

$$$

ounded in 1973, El Conquistador is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Located at the intersection of Edgecliff Drive and Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake, the restaurant’s deep blue exterior belies the dazzling color and decoration of its cozy patio and spacious two-level dining room. Ornate mirrors sparkle from the walls, giant crisscrossing sashes hang from the ceiling, and tile columns spout bunches of flowers.

But it’s the menu that will generate the most discussion. El Conquistador is one of those places where you will want to try more than you can order. Intriguing choices include the sorpresa, cubed chunks of top sirloin sauteed with onions and cactus and topped with avocado, as well as more traditional favorites like mole chicken enchiladas and hearty beef tacos. Especially noteworthy is the sonorense, a saute of poached chicken, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, cilantro and bacon. Most entrees are served with Mexican rice, tortillas and refried beans.

The restaurant houses two full-service bars, one on each floor, and offers domestic and imported beers, California wines and sangria, as well as its specialty — banana, peach and strawberry margaritas. Zagat rated the margaritas as “potent/lethals,” while CitySearch.com ranked them “Best Margarita” in 2001. At sunset, take your drink to the second floor bar and watch the light filter through the stained glass windows.

At 3701 Sunset Blvd., (323) 666-5136 or elconquistadorrestaurant.com. Open Mon. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. and Tue.-Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Happy hour Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Cuisine: Mexican $$ photo courtesy of El Conquistador

®

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of Hop Li Seafood

Hop Li Seafood

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his longtime Chinatown restaurant, which also boasts locations in West L.A. and Arcadia, has earned a place on the list of classic Los Angeles eateries. Hop Li is a local institution when it comes to fresh, authentic Cantonese fare, notably its famous slippery shrimp and shrimp with honey glazed walnuts that have diners returning again and again for their culinary fix.

Located in the heart of this bustling Downtown district, Hop Li features a casual, relaxing interior suited to quick lunches, intimate dinners or large groups that want to dine family style around large tables — complete with Lazy Susan to pass the tasty cuisine around. There is also a banquet menu for special occasions or meetings.

Hop Li serves a tempting array of favorites from noodles and fried rice to seafood and meat dishes.

The affordable lunch specials are a particular draw (served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and include a wide variety of meals that come with soup and rice ranging from $5.75 to $7.25. Lunch here is one of the best values in town and the selection is vast: orange peel chicken, stir-fried mussels, Mongolian beef, scallop with snow peas and Szechuan bean curd.

The midday meal also brings several satisfying items such as the BBQ pork fried rice, beef chow fun with black bean sauce and beef stew noodles.

The aforementioned slippery shrimp is a signature entree that grabs diners from the first bite: the generous mound of plump and lightly battered shrimp sauteed with ginger and spicy sweet and sour sauce is addicting. Likewise, the decadent shrimp bathed in creamy white sauce with crunchy-sweet walnuts is unforgettable. You can’t go wrong with the house specialties, among them the succulent mango chicken with asparagus, the tender honey-garlic beef in pepper sauce, and any of the dazzling rock cod dishes prepared with delicate yet flavorful sauces.

The roasted Peking duck with fluffy, steamed bao buns is ideal for sharing with a group, as are the finger-licking-good sesame honey garlic spareribs. Other meaty favorites include the tangy,

crispy tangerine beef and the pork chop with spicy salt. Comfort comes in the form of more than a dozen authentic soups, such as the hot and sour soup, the shrimp with sizzling rice and the hearty wonton noodle soup.

Seafood is fresh and abundant at Hop Li, whether diners opt for steamed lobster, whole fried fish or jumbo scallops and squid. Just about every preparation is available — hot pots, stirfrys, sizzling platters, deep fried and filleted. Vegetarians have plenty of options here too, with creations like the spicy eggplant with garlic, the hot braised string beans and the Buddha’s feast with mushrooms, vegetables and bean sprouts.

Hop Li is a Downtown staple when it comes to tasty, affordable and consistent Chinese food, whether you come for the famous shrimp or find a new favorite from among one of the expertly prepared dishes.

At 526 Alpine St., (213) 680-3939 or hoplirestaurant.com. Open Sun-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Also 11901 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 268-2463; 10974 W. Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 441-3708. Beer and wine served.

Cuisine: Chinese $

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 43

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photo courtesy of Daily Grill

Blimpie

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Espresso Iced & Blended Drinks Coffee & Tea Smoothies Beer & Wine Tortas Paninis Specialty Soups & Salads

p

Freshly Baked Cupcakes & Pastries artwork For SaLe Provided by Self Help Graphics

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open daiLy Steps away from Union Station, Federal Court House, and City Hall!

oFFering Free wi-Fi. 103 Paseo De La Plaza, Olvera Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

213.626.6300 www.cafedecamacho.com

44 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

Daily Grill

T

hinking of great American food? Think Daily.

Modeled after the great big city American grills, Daily Grill features certified Angus steaks and chops, fresh seafood, classic Cobb and Caesar salads, pasta and home-style signature favorites. An extensive wines-by-the-glass list and full bar is available.

Located on the southeast corner of Sixth and Flower streets, Daily Grill is on the street level of the historic Pegasus Building and across the street from the Standard Hotel. The restaurant is ideally located for dinner before attending a Downtown performance or event. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to and from events at the Music Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall and select Staples Center events. (Valet service is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and 4-11 p.m. weekends — or until show’s end, midnight at the latest.)

Two adjoining private dining rooms are available for late afternoon and evening events for up to 80 guests. The Board Room seats 14 guests and is the perfect place for business luncheons or dinners.

The Daily Grill’s thriving happy hour boasts a very special appetizer menu that includes a miniature version of the signature chicken pot pie and other favorites. The happy hour was recently voted Best Happy Hour by the L.A. Downtown News.

At 612 S. Flower St. Call (213) 622-4500 or visit dailygrill.com for reservations. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and dinner Mon.-Fri. 4-9:30 p.m., Sat. 5-9:30 p.m. and Sun. 4-9 p.m.

Cuisine: Classic American $$

$$$

$ photo courtesy of Blimpie

Located on oLvera Street

L

.A. is filled with sandwich chains, but a Blimpie sub shop is a cut above the competition with friendly, personalized service and a commitment to serving the best possible sandwich around.

The meat is more important here than at other chains, a tip of the hat to Blimpie’s Hoboken, New Jersey, sub shop roots where carnivores are king. The most popular cold sandwiches include the Sicilian (slow-cured ham, prosciuttini, pepperoni, provolone, roasted red peppers and Italian dressing) or the seriously stacked Blimpie Best (slow-cured ham, salami, cappacola, prosciuttini, provolone with tomatoes, lettuce, onion, vinegar, oil and oregano).

There are choices that go easier on the diet too, including tuna and veggie sandwiches, and lots of turkey options. Blimpie’s also has a range of menu items that make it easy for customers to order a meal that weighs in with less than 400 calories.

For something warm and toasty, many of Blimpie’s signature sandwiches can be ordered pannini-style — grilled on ciabatta bread. There are other hot favorites too, like the meatball parmigiana (Italian beef and pork meatballs in marinara sauce with melted provolone and parmesan) and a Philly cheese steak (thinly sliced steak and onion, melted provolone and peppercorn dressing).

The shop can also provide incredibly affordable catering in the form of the huge Blimpie Blast subs that can serve dozens; party trays that can be customized with sliders, healthy spinach or flour wraps, cold cuts, and vegetable trays and fruit; or individually packed lunch boxes, with cold subs or wraps, chips and a cookie.

At 444 S. Flower St., (213) 622-9227 or blimpieontherun.com. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Cuisine: Italian, European

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photos courtesy of La Fonda

La Fonda

A

n L.A. institution for more than 40 years, La Fonda On Wilshire was the first restaurant in the country to combine live mariachi entertainment with a complete dining experience. Manuel Meza assumed ownership a year and a half ago and aims to preserve the restaurant’s cultural legacy.

Mariachi Monumental de America, one of the mariachi groups that performed under the previous ownership, continues to entertain La Fonda diners.

On Wednesday and Thursday a group of outstanding musicians performs at 8 p.m. during dinner.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday brunch shows are at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the Sunday dinner show is at 7:30 p.m. (showtimes subject to change).

The mariachi group gets patrons cheering and clapping to their lively trumpets and guitars or romantic violins. During birthdays and other special occasions the band usually brings the guest of honor onstage to dance while they play a celebratory song.

While mariachi has been kept alive, chef Martin Garcia has revamped the menu, focusing on fine Mexican cuisine that includes soups, salads, and meat, chicken and fish dishes. Diners won’t find the ridiculously large, cheese and grease-drenched dishes served at many Mexican chains or restaurants. All dishes, including sauces, are made from scratch. The flavors are rich, but not overwhelming, and the textures are spot on.

Specialties include the mignon en huitlacoche, a tender, luscious eight-ounce filet mignon topped with a succulent sauce made with “Mexican truffles.” Served over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables topped with yucca strings, this dish will leave you completely satisfied.

The camarones borachos (drunken shrimp) is a popular dish with flavorful tequila sauce enhanced

with dried chiles and aged cheese. Chilaquiles, slightly crunchy tortillas tossed with a homemade red sauce and garnished with fresh cheese and sour cream, are a good bet for Sunday brunch, which offers several egg dishes and entrees, sweet Mexican coffee and mimosas.

Flan and fresas con crema (strawberries topped with cinnamon sweetened cream) are all delightfully delicious desserts while the tres leches cake is the best in town and not to be missed.

Although La Fonda is a sit-down restaurant, lunch entrees are served in less than 10 minutes — a convenience for the time-pressed workforce.

If you need any more incentive, La Fonda provides complimentary lunchtime limo transportation for a group of 10 or more within a five-mile radius.

Get into the party spirit weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with La Fonda’s new fiesta hour that includes $3 margaritas and half-priced beer, wine and well drinks to accompany the unique daily appetizer specials.

Every third Tuesday of the month the restaurant celebrates a different artist with an intimate art exhibit “Celebrando.” Featuring some of the best Latino artists in L.A., Frank Romero, George Yepes, Margret Garcia, Sonia Romero, Ricardo Garcia, Patsy Valdez and more. Enjoy tantalizing appetizers, tequila and wine sampling, a chips and salsa bar, live entertainment and much more.

La Fonda is a large, colorful space ideal for any occasion, banquets, office parties, special events, even a meal out with the family or a romantic date.

Best of all, diners always get a generous portion of Mexican and Angeleno history and culture.

At 2501 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 380-5053 or lafondala.com. Valet parking on weekends.

Reservations suggested. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.-12 a.m.; and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cuisine: Mexican $

$$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 45

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE photo courtesy of Derrick’s

honda Ya Little tokyo

W ASIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

®

www.wokcanorestaurant.com Open Daily till 2:00am Delivery till 2:00am Daily Happy Hour 3:00pm - 7:00pm & 10:00pm - 2:00am M-F Full Bar - Sushi Bar - Chinese Private Rooms Available

800 W. 7th Street | 213.623.2288 (corner of 7th and Flower streets)

T

hanks to the vast L.A. melting pot, diners can savor authentic island flavors — no boat or plane ride needed — at Derrick’s Jamaican Cuisine.

Derrick Angus, who moved to L.A. from Jamaica 35 years ago, recently opened a smaller, take-out version of his flagship L.A. restaurant.

For years, USC students have enjoyed Derrick’s big turkey dogs sold at their football games, and now the popular hot dogs and Jamaican specialties are available in University Village.

From the straw umbrellas covering a few outdoor tables, to the reggae music, vibrant colors and requisite Bob Marley picture, Derrick’s sets the stage for authentic dishes such as flavorful seafood, tender jerk chicken — a spicy and sweet combination — as well as chicken curry and even jerk or curry tofu and veggies. Derrick’s prides itself on its healthful bent, with many of its dishes earning a nod from the American Heart Association.

Start your meal with the patty, a warm, flaky pastry filled with chicken, beef or vegetables.

Refreshing beverages include pineapple ginger juice, fresh coconut water, calypso punch — a blend of guava, mango and pineapple juices — and sorrel, which is similar to hibiscus flower juice. Prices are reasonable and portions generous, so you can feast like a king on a student’s budget.

Downtowners don’t have to travel far for the Jamaican specialties, the University Village location serves the same menu all day and the larger restaurant features more dishes such as goat and oxtail. Get further into the Jamaican spirit every third Friday when the La Tijera location throws a birthday party for everyone born that month.

They will also cater your special events.

At 3027 S. Hoover St. (University Village), (213) 744-0900 or derricksjamaican.com.

Metered or lot parking. Open daily from 11 a.m.9 p.m. Also at 6806 La Tijera Blvd., (310) 6417572. Open Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cuisine: Jamaican $

46 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

$$ photo by Gary Leonard

WOKCANO Derrick’s

hile there may be a handful of izakayas in Little Tokyo serving up the tasty Japanese pub snacks known as yakitori, Honda Ya has carved out a devoted niche of followers who hail this cozy version as the best in town. One bite of the bacon-wrapped asparagus, delectable miso black cod or charcoal grilled pork belly and you’ll quickly taste why.

The philosophy behind an izakaya is simple: tasty, affordable and abundant small plates that are meant to be enjoyed with several friends and, well, several pints. Whether you opt for one of the chilled mugs of beer or a bottle of sake, Honda Ya is the perfect place to enjoy lunch, dinner or even a late-night snack (they’re open until 1 a.m.).

You’ll spot this eatery on the upper floor of a shopping mall, a unique location that hasn’t deterred the crowds that seem to gather just about every day of the week. Diners can sit on the floor at one of the low tables in the tatami room, pull up a seat at the entertaining communal table or grab a booth along the wall. In addition to the skewered delights, Honda Ya offers all manner of culinary temptations ranging from flavorful ramen to skillfully prepared sushi rolls to decadent crab and cheese croquettes.

Service is always friendly, prices are reasonable, and the food is some of the best you’ll find in Little Tokyo.

At 333 S. Alameda St. #314, (213) 625-1184.

Open daily 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Validated lot parking.

Cuisine: Japanese

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

Oomasa

T

he antithesis of many of the city’s noisy, crowded Japanese establishments, this unpretentious eatery in Little Tokyo serves up some of the best and most affordable sushi in town.

Oomasa opened in 1972 before the sushi craze of the 1980s, and has developed a loyal following of locals, as well as fans that drive in.

At the age of 21, founder Masaharu Motoyama emigrated from Hokkaido in Northern Japan, bringing with him the artful skill of sushi making.

His search for the American dream landed him in Little Tokyo, where he built the largest sushi bar in Southern California with 40 seats.

He trained his sushi chefs the traditional Japanese way, making vegetable floral art pieces while interacting with the curious sushi bar customers. The inventive Motoyama also lays claim to the invention of the California Roll, and his experienced, skilled chefs continue his tradition of classic preparation and commitment to the highest quality of fish that sets this family-owned restaurant apart.

Behind the impressive sushi bar, chefs create a tempting selection of sushi, sashimi and rolls. Its approach is elegant: While most sushi bars have incorporated fusion cuisine and wildly inventive specialty rolls, Oomasa has perfected the Japanese culinary art of beautifully cut and presented fish — gorgeous pieces of deep red tuna, fresh sea urchin, seared albacore, spicy tuna and scallop rolls, and marbled salmon lure connoisseurs to the counter.

For lunch, try the numbered specials — compartmentalized trays with fish, tempura, meat and salads. It’s an enormous amount of food for around $10. If you crave sushi, the rainbow-colored chirashi special includes 10 slices of fresh seafood stacked atop seasoned rice.

But the menu doesn’t stop at sushi. There are wheat udon noodles with a poached egg dropped in a giant bowl, or favorites like the golden and tender pork cutlet, flavorful chicken or beef teriyaki, and crispy tempura combination plate. A thickcut of beef teriyaki, a large filet of broiled salmon or the classic chicken teriyaki are all delivered daily and served along with traditional ingredients.

In the evening, there’s delectable broiled salmon, una-ju (eel over rice) and colorful sashimi plates. All specials come with a bowl of miso soup, steamed rice, Japanese pickles and a serving of delicious green tea ice cream.

Oomasa has earned a reputation for quality ingredients and top-notch service. It’s a tasty tradition that diners can’t seem to get enough of.

At 100 Japanese Village Plaza, (213) 623-9048.

Open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 11:3012:30 a.m.; and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Cuisine: Sushi

photos by Brian Allison

$$

DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM 47

2010 RESTAURANT GUIDE

photo courtesy of Big Wangs

prime Grind

P

inspired by its landmark location, Traxx Restaurant & Bar expresses the spirit, hospitality & traditions of Southern California while providing an elegant contemporary dining experience.

Tara Thomas

AT U N I O N S TAT I O N 800 North Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tel. 213 625 1999 | Fax. 213 625 2999 COMPLIMENTARY VALET OR SELF PARKING W/ VALIDATION

www .T r A x x r e S TA u r A N T. Com

48 DOWNTOWNLADINING.COM

Big Wangs

W

ith about a dozen huge flat screen TVs broadcasting different sporting events and a large menu of delicious bar food classics, Big Wangs serves up a feast for the senses.

Already a favorite hangout at the Hollywood and North Hollywood locations, the newest Downtown spot continues the tradition of amazing weekday happy hour deals from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Appetizers like savory three-cheese spinach artichoke dip, crispy onion rings, personal pizza and sliders with three choices of meat — try the tender pulled pork topped with coleslaw — are half price, as are their popular buffalo wings tossed in a choice of seven sauces.

Beer, wine and well drink happy hour specials abound, and there is a daily late-night drink happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight. The Monday pizza and pitcher special from 4 p.m. to close combines the best of both worlds with a free one topping pizza with the purchase of a pitcher.

Tijuana Tuesdays at the same time offer $1 tacos, $4 margaritas and $3 Corona and Corona Light.

The outdoor patio has a relaxed but lively atmosphere with comfortable seating and a fire pit for when you want to take a break from cheering your favorite team to cozy up under the skyline.

Hearty soups, sandwiches and salads can also be had, and there are several tantalizing desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth. The rich chocolate lava cake a la mode and the Wang Zookie, a large, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream, are reason enough to stop by.

At 801 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-BIGW (2449) or bigwangs.com. Open daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Metered or paid lot parking.

Cuisine: American Bar Food

$

$ photo courtesy of Prime Grind

With sophisticated style

rime Grind isn’t your typical place to grab a cup of Joe. Founded with a focus on “good food and better coffee,” each order of coffee is brewed individually for fuller flavor.

This attractive cafe in Promenade Plaza offers indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi and a stunning view of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, all of which make it ideal for lingering over lunch, working on a laptop or hanging out on the weekend.

Prime Grind serves seven varieties of coffee from regions like Guatemala, Mexico and Sumatra.

The beans are roasted by three local vendors and are organic and fair trade when possible. Popular espresso drinks, loose leaf tea and tea lattes are also offered. Specialty drinks include an amaretto almond latte and a Black and Tan made with caramel and dark and white chocolate sauces.

The seasonal food menu incorporates the freshest local ingredients. Customer favorites include the Waldorf tuna salad sandwich, breakfast strata made with organic eggs, leeks, heirloom tomatoes, chicken sausage and Gala apples, and Not Your Mother’s Egg Salad, a gourmet version with shallots, lemons, capers, jalapeño, dill and diced celery on pumpernickel bread.

Prime Grind also serves flavorful salads, soup, pastries and Ciao Bella gelato. Those in the mood for a sugar-free treat can try one of the refreshing granitas — Italian ice made from local farmpressed juice — as well as all-fruit smoothies.

At 714 W. First St., (213) 229-0030 or primegrind.com. Metered or paid lot parking.

Open weekdays 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; and weekends 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cuisine: American Deli

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Maison Akira

I N T R O D U C E S

BENTO LUNCH BOX DELIVERY

Choice of: Teriyaki Beef, Grilled Chicken Breast, Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Ravioli, Caesar Salad, Beef Stew.

$8.00 Gourmet Bento Boxes

tax included

$15 - $20

Delivery Tuesdays - Fridays only or by special request. Minimum order of 5 for free delivery.

Our lunch bento box includes a variety of items packaged together into the perfect lunch box.

We also use organic produce whenever available! They’re great for lunch breaks, luncheon meetings, meals on-the-go, picnics and outings.

Complete lunch box includes Soba Pasta, Potato Salad, Vegetables and Rice (unless otherwise noted)

Print out your order form at

www.maisonakira.net

713 East Green Street • Pasadena 626.796.9501 fax 626.796.0061

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