That’s not surprising. As mentioned above, I passed due to the transferability issue. If I weren’t recovering from surgery, Sato’s Maison Blanc lunch with Selosse would cost about the same, including airfare to Paris, and would be my choice between the two.
Mark as usual bringing some actual intelligence/savoir faire to the discussion. Let the Parker-points chasing diners (World’s 50 Best Restaurants/World of Mouth/Jeb Dunnuck gave it 105 points!) eaters worship at their altar. Paris in particlular is extraordinary, particularly if you are wiling to get out of your (consumerist) bubble, and learn how they actually live (& eat). Of course, if you want to just keep doing what you are doing, by all means enjoy it! (And I actually mean that. Life is short.)
Will be in LA in early March and would appreciate any recommendations for great Italian-style espresso (dark, bold, chocolate). Urth Caffe was the only place I tried during my visit last September that satisfied my preferences.
Was unimpressed by the following places as the espresso was more of fruity/high acid/muddy (ok in a latter/cappucino/machiato but not what I want when drinking straight): Mad Lab Coffee Roasters, Stereoscope Coffee, Alana’s Coffee Roasters, and Community Goods.
Will mostly be in/around Hollywood, but willing to drive. Will also be out in Venice for a bit and was eyeing Menotti’s Coffee Stop.
TIA!
I’m not a fan of bold, dark roasts, but maybe give Intelligentsia try.
1 Like
Will be in Los Feliz this coming week/weekend. This will be a 3 night stay. Looking at the following options:
Covell
Lolo
Vandell
Ruen Pair
Mirate (brunch)
Any worthy additions/deletions?
Great picks. Ruen Pair is my favorite Thai in the area. Vandell & Mirate are 100% musts and can comfortably satiate both food and drink. Factor in that Vandell will have a 30m-1hr waitlist - you should try as many cocktails as you can.
For lunch… Found Oyster, Roasted Duck by Pa Ord, Heng Heng Chicken, Courage Bagel
For post-drink sober up… Fred 62 (great diner vibes and open until 3am for a patty melt and milkshake)
I might suggest Voodoo Vin over Lolo, but it’s not a major change. Tabula Rasa is also great just for wine.
Enjoy
1 Like
Look into Bé Ù for a quickie lunch, Budonoki for dinner and Little Dom’s for eavesdropping.
1 Like
Have heard great things about Kismet.
1 Like
I dig them and would note their menu is more steakhouse-based this month.
Haven’t heard any updates on Hatchet Hall recently. Our favorite in that part of town, going back Tuesday.
Wilde’s is the hot new place on Hillhurst. I like Spitz for lunch, they also have decent draft beers. Another lunch idea is Pino’s Sandwiches on Vermont. There are quite a few very good Thai restaurants in Thaitown depending on the desired dishes. RP is a great place as they do a number of items well. Don’t sleep on dessert at Bhan Kanom (same plaza as RP). Lou Wine shop does occasional tastings. He’s the OG on the natural wine scene.
2 Likes
Seems like the glory days at HH have passed. Please report back on your experience.
Why do you say that?
I think restaurants that are struggling should figure out what Hatchet Hall is doing right. Went Tuesday night, completely packed and this place is huge. Two outdoor pavilions, and if you want to hear conversation, you need a table on the edge.
I usually go Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s , always packed (although maybe not a full 2nd service), been about 5 times now.
Food great as ever, wide array of vegetables, great damage, branzino, turkey meatloaf both excellent. (Albeit the only undersized serving of meatloaf I’ve ever seen in my life ). Only the scallops (which were dominated by the sauce) were only good, not great.
$45 corkage , my Drouhim 02 volnay Clos des Chenes showing very well.
I’m guessing the location has a lot to go with it, not much local competition. It’s especially good for vegetable lovers.
1 Like
Speaking of restaurants with great vegetables, the salads at Gjelina are amazing. Great composition but the freshness and 99th percentile of quality lettuce are fantastic. So good, we ordered the same salads to go for dinner.
Had a nice rockfish sandwich to go with it.
2 Likes
Have you tried RVR?
No, I’ve been interested but izkaya’s often don’t work for my vegetarian wife. Wish their menu was online.
ETA, saw some photos, looks like great veg on older menus. How is corkage at RVar.
Others reporting. I’m ok with it being great.
I went twice in a week a few months back. Same as it ever was.
They permit BYO for some not unreasonable fee. But the wine and sake list is also quite good.
1 Like
Lots of vegetarian options. The Chef / Owner was the Head Chef of Gjelina.
1 Like