COFFEE COMMISSARY

Interested in an alternative to Starbucks or Coffee Bean?  Step into this great little coffee shop on Fairfax.  I really enjoyed their unique hand pouring method and Ann said it's the best non-fat chai she's ever had.


Quick Tip:  Make sure to bring your laptop.  This place offers free Wi-Fi. 


Buen Provecho!

TINGA 


You really can't go wrong with this great little taqueria on La Brea.  The dishes can be a little expensive so sharing the Tinga burrito and elote special is the way to go.  This is plenty of food for two.  

Quick Tip:  Make sure to create a blackboardeats.com account.   This site offers 30% coupons from time to time at local LA restaurants.


Buen Provecho!

MERCATO DI VETRO

I'm normally not a fan of SBE restaurants but I have to admit they've hit a home run with Mercarto di Vetro.  Good service, reasonable pricing and great decor makes this place an ideal hangout for appetizers and drinks or a special dinner.  I recommend sharing a few crostinis, tomato & ricotta pizza and the burrata and grape salad. 

Quick Tip:  If downstairs is too crowded give the upstairs bar a try.  


Buen Provecho!

ANGELINI OSTERIA

When making our reservation 2 weeks ago we had high hopes for Angelini Osteria.  However, upon entry it was evident this restaurant was definitely in need of a makeover.  Frosted fixtures and an overall generic look made me think I'd traveled back in time to the 80’s.  While Ann and Tamra enjoyed their dishes (special house chopped salad & spaghetti with eggplant, tomatoes, basil and dried ricotta).  I was less than impressed with my blood sausage and mashed potatoes.  Perhaps I should have selected another dish but I was feeling adventurous.  My meal lacked seasoning, the potatoes tasted like they were from a box and the sausage would have benefitted from a touch of heat.    There are many other Italian spots nearby that I'd dine at before going back to this one.

Quick Tip:  Watch out for the $4 split charge if you plan on sharing.

Buen Provecho!

FIG & OLIVE

Ann and I like visiting this restaurant especially when family or friends are in town.  While a few of the dishes can be pricey, I highly recommend sticking with the crostinis (see my favorites below) and Fig & Olive salad.  This amount of food should be plenty for 2.  Keep the cocktails to a minimum and you’ll get out of here spending less than $60. 

·         Manchego, Fig, Marcona Almond

·         Prosciutto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive, Walnut

·         Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Tomato

Quick Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before your Saturday dinner reservation and enjoy a drink at the bar while the DJ spins the latest tunes.  Ground level can get a bit loud so request to be seated upstairs if you’re interested in conversation.


Buen Provecho!

PINCHES TACOS

With three locations in the Los Angeles Area, Pinches Taco offers a variety of Mexican food at a reasonable price.  I like sharing the carne asada burrito along with an order of chips and guacamole. The use of fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas adds a tremendous amount of flavor.  I loved hearing hear "buen provecho" as I grabbed my lunch from the counter. 

Quick Tip:  Be sure to request the spicy salsa and order a Mexican Coke. 

FROMA

A quaint bistro perfect for grabbing a quick bite when shopping in the Melrose district. Here the waitstaff is attentive and welcoming. This place is known for their paninis so ordering was very easy. I went with the Tonno (spanish white tuna, capers, tomatoes and mesclun salad) and Ann had the Pesto (turkey, pesto, brie, tomatoes and mixed greens). Both sandwiches were tasty but I have to say the Pesto was definitely the better of the two. This dish had a mouthful of flavor with each bite. Thank goodness we decided to share. I think I'll give the pizza a shot the next time we visit.


Quick Tip: This place also has a great selection of wines and specialty foods.


Buen Provecho!

SODA POPS

Come out to Soda Pops and try the new menu.  Fresh ingredients, specialty sodas and homemade chips keep me coming back for more.  If you counting carbs this place is more than happy to turn a sandwich into a salad. Ann and I go with the chickenbomb.  


Quick Tip:  Take advantage of free parking in the back.


Buen Provecho!

KINGS ROAD CAFE

After a long and busy week of work I try to spend my Saturdays catching up with Ann.   Approximately a 10 minute walk from our home is Kings Road Cafe.  With a menu that can cure almost any craving they are not above making their customers happy should you need to modify your selection.   I usually get the chicken cilantro sausage & fontina omelet but also recommend the breakfast quesadilla which can feed two.  Don't forget to grab yourself a delicious cup of  of coffee.  A few sips will have you up and ready to take on the world.


Stop and and share a meal with family or friends.  


Quick Tip:  Ask to sit in John's section.  He provides impeccable service.


Buen Provecho!

MOO DAE PO II

Looking for a place to hold a group dinner?  Head to Korea Town and share lots of meat, hite and soju at Moodaepo II.  This Korean bbq hot spot serves some of the most interesting banchan and delicious brisket. If you're feeling adventurous and want to channel your inner Andrew Zimmern give the intestines and tongue a go.  Service can be very hit or miss and this definitely was the case during our visit last night....warm beer and and an irritated waitstaff. 


Quick tips:  Try to get in by 6:30 on Friday or Saturday otherwise you will be in for quite a wait.  At 8:00 pm the lights go down and the club atmosphere comes alive.  


Buen Provecho!