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!