BLUE PLATE OYSTERETTE

Cuisine:  Seafood

Eatz:  This eatery has a wonderful beach vibe and is a great place to enjoy a meal as well as take in the happenings on Ocean Blvd.  Since Ann has become more adventurous with her meals we dove into a half dozen oysters, cornmeal crusted calamari and the lobster mac & cheese.  All three were delicious but the mac & cheese was out of this world.  Start with these and I am quite certain you'll want to try a few more dishes.  Hopefully one day I'll be able to say I've had everything on the menu.

Staff:  Excellent

Quick tip:  Don't be intimidated by the long line outside.  If the hostess quotes 45 minutes this normally translates into a 15-25 wait time.   Also, if this is your first visit, make sure to ask questions.  The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable.  Lastly, while the inside is beautiful the outdoor patio is the place to be seated.

Buen Provecho!

LA SCALA



Cuisine: Italian


Eatz:  With 2 locations in the LA area, we stopped in for lunch at La Scala Presto Brentwood.  The decor was a bit dated but the meal was top notch. Keep it simple and go with the fan favorites turkey chopped salad and spaghetti bolognese which is plenty for two.  I guarantee you will thank me.


Staff:  Could have used a little pep in their step but decent.


Buen Provecho!

MARIX


Cuisine:  Tex Mex


Eatz:  A West Hollywood staple for more than 20 years, this restaurant delivers tasty meals and potent margaritas day in and day out.  Take my word for it and order the Macho Stacked Chicken dish and a house margarita to wash it all down.  I guarantee you'll leave happy!  


Staff:  Quick and efficient!


Quick tip:  Stop in on Tuesday and scarf down as many tacos as possible for $7.95!

SHORT ORDER

Cuisine:  Hamburgers


Eatz: After hearing such great things about Short Order I was so disappointed with my experience.  While it was great hanging on the patio, the pork belly burger I ordered was terrible and the fries were served cold.  I will definitely never return!


A total Reprobado! 

Tired of the same spots near the office?  Take a little extra time for yourself and get away.  Here are few joints that can get you in and out within an hour and 15 minutes.


KING TACO


Cuisine:  Mexican


Eatz:  If this is your first time I suggest you go with the all meat burrito and an order of the nachos to share with the table.  My mouth is watering just thinking about the food.


Quick Tip:  Arrive by 11:45 to beat the rush.

MOHAWK BEND

Cuisine:  Classic American Food

Eatz:  The classic burger was so so, but the pizza was delicious.  I highly recommend giving the PB&J (not what you're thinking) or the Abe Froman a try.  You'll enjoy every bite.  

Staff:  The service was a bit slow but they were extremely friendly and helpful.

Quick Tip:  With 72 beers on tap, this would be a great place to host a happy hour on the outdoor patio.  

GLENDALE PHO CO

Cuisine:  Vietnamese

Eatz:  I'm not quite sure how we decided on this place but I do remember my friend Stephanie Lee telling my other friend Keema that she would love it because they had chicken wings.  I found that to be pretty funny!  The Pho looked tasty but I usually gravitate towards the vermicelli noodle bowls. I suggest the Bun Cha Gio Tom Thit Nuong - (Vermicelli rice noodles with egg rolls grilled pork or beef and grilled marinated shrimp).

Staff:  Extremely slow but friendly

Quick tip:  The vermicelli bowls are huge so save yourself a few calories and share.  Also, this place is spaciously challenged.  

CECCONIS

Cuisine:   Italian


Eatz:  This restaurant is a winner every time.  The atmosphere is upbeat and the decor is absolutely beautiful.  Whether you're out for a special dinner or just dropping by for lunch, their menu has something for everyone.  I highly recommend trying the Buffalo mozzarella, tomato, & oregano pizza and the red quinoa, artichoke, zucchini & shrimp salad. 


Staff:  Energetic, well informed and readily available.

PICCA

Cuisine:  Peruvian

Eatz:  This restaurant was a total miss.  I don't understand how it was tagged as one of LA's top restaurants in 2011.  Our steak had no flavor, the scallops were dry and there was nothing exciting about their specialty cocktails.  I definitely won't return to this eatery.  

Staff:  Friendly 

MEZZE

Cuisine:  Mediterranean  

Eatz:  Another win for Team Solanoberg thanks to blackboardeats.  Cauliflower, Moroccan olive flatbread, scallops, bone marrow (which Ann would not touch) and brussel sprouts was absolutely scrumptious. 

Staff:  Buttoned up and Professional

Quick Tip:  Interested in adding a bit of flare to your meal, ask to be seated in the bar area by the kitchen and watch the chefs create wonderful dishes.  Also, arrive an hour early and stop in for a few delicious cocktails at the Roger Room.  This great speakeasy type bar is located right across the street.

ROGER ROOM

MEZZE