Mercado

I am always on the hunt for authentic mexican food joints in Los Angeles.  Well I think I may have found a new favorite right in my own backyard.  Mercado offers up a traditional feast with a little something for everyone.  With perfectly portioned plates a few must haves are the spicy margarita, fish tacos, chips and guacamole, tamales and make sure to finish off your meal with the tres leches cake or flan for dessert.  The service is top notch and the decor reminds me of several restaurants I visited on my trip to Mexico. I hope to return soon and explore more of their delicious dishes.

Quick Tip:  Do yourself a favor and stop in for happy hour Monday-Friday 5 to 7 and Saturday and Sunday 4-6. There's nothing wrong with saving a little money and I don't know of many places that offer happy hour the entire week. They have several wonderful drinks and dishes at discounted prices.

Mercado

Sweet Salt

If you happen to find yourself in Burbank make sure to stop in for a bite at Sweet Salt.  The shabby chic space is quite inviting and the friendly staff immediately makes you feel right at home.  I highly recommend the spicy quinoa salad but may skip the sun-dried tomato pesto chicken sandwich since the meat was just a bit too dense for my taste.   A few other hot ticket items I will try next time are the short rib sandwich or micro greens omelet.

Quick Tip:  If you have a pup and are in need of a groomer, stop by A La Mutt next door and ask for Huber.  He is the best and we wouldn’t take our girl Olivia anywhere else.

Buen Provecho!

Sweet Salt Food

Kogi King

After searching far and wide I think I've found my new favorite Korean BBQ restaurant.  So long Moo Dae Po II hello Kogi King.  With the old style hole in the wall tables it's as if you're actually dining in Korea.  Great banchan, fantastic waitstaff and a fabulous selection of all you can eat meats.  I recommend choosing the $15.99 option and beginning with pork cheeks, brisket and marinated beef.   Sit for hours, pop a few Hites and enjoy the fun atmosphere.  You'll be glad you stopped by.

Kogi King

1143 S. Western Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90006

323.373.0700

Hours

Monday - Saturday

5PM - 2AM

Sunday

4PM - 12AM

Buen Provecho!

Mondo Taco

In search of the next great hole in the wall I decided to venture into Mondo Taco. Upon entry I had high hopes for this joint but my experience went from bad to worse as soon as I sat down and was served tasteless guacamole and stale chips.  While I commend the global taco concept, the execution was way off.  All four tacos I ordered were bland, over sauced, loaded with too much salt and most of them made it into the garbage after the first bite.  The only highlight of this meal was the friendly staff and my tasty Mexican Coke.  Do yourself a favor and skip this place?  

Buen Provecho!

Mondo Taco

Cooks County

I completely agree with Cooks County being named the #1 best new restaurant in Los Angeles for 2012.  From top to bottom this spot has it  it all. With fresh, simple and delicious dishes this place is likely to satisfy even the toughest critics.   From the cast iron bread to the black kale salad and mushroom bruschetta, these three must tries will definitely have you craving more.   While the  market radishes and sticky pudding dessert were not as exciting both were tasty nonetheless.  I highly recommend stopping in as soon as possible for a wonderful and memorable experience.

Buen Provecho!

www.cookscountyrestaurant.com

Chili John's

Interested in a good bowl of chili?  Head to Chili John’s in Burbank, CA.    It’s the perfect meal for a cold day in LA which doesn’t happen very often.

This quaint eatery pays homage to old school diners and takes you back to a time when things were a bit more simple and relaxed.  With limited counter seating you may experience quite a wait if heading in for lunch.

For my meal I went with a regular beef chili with beans and cheese.  A little on the greasy side for my taste but still delicious.   I think for my next visit I’ll give the vegetarian mix with rice a shot. 

Hey! If Guy Fieri eats here, they must be doing something right!

Buen Provecho!