LA Dining

"Our search for the best hot chocolate in LA has led us to Lamill in Silver Lake. In the January 2010 Issue, Bon Appetit names Lamill one of the 10 Best Boutique Coffee Shops in the country. Their hot chocolate had been highly recommended. So it was time to taste hot chocolate 'a Lamill'." - Amani from Bookmarklet

x.x - Caroline

"The first bite was a satisfying mouthful. The bun, while not superior, was a serviceable commercial choice that had the sponginess that contained the burger. It also had a little grilling on it to add that extra layer of texture. The cheese was melted beautifully so as to provide smoothness without turning into a fondue. The onions were near perfection, as they had been grilled just into caramelization without losing their pleasing bite." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Yum Yum ... - johnpiercy

4625 Valley Blvd., LA, CA (Thanks, Morgan!) We got a beef teriyaki bowl, California rolls, 2 tacos, shrimp fried rice, and a burger (which came with [YUCK] sweet potato fries). We were hungry. =) Add in 4 drinks and it was all under $30. And now we have dinner too! - Admiral Anika

damn! i live like 4 minutes from there! woo hoo! - Morgan Haley

What are the best burgers in Los Angeles? My usual gambit is to reply to this question with a question: What kind of burger do you like? (I'm nothing if not evasive, but this response is, at the very least, an earnest evasion.) I want to direct people to a burger that will satisfy their desire, not mine. Do you want a hearty pub burger? A chef-ified art piece? Perhaps you're like me and have a weakness for the sloppy, Southern California style? The type of burger you prefer matters. But I realize the question is what do I prefer. So in what can only be deemed a very particular order, here are the five that matter most to me. - Derrick

1. Comme Ça 2. Rustic Canyon 3. Pie 'N Burger 4. The Oinkster 5. Umami Burger - Derrick

Ok! Pie n Burger I know! Umami! so I need to try those other 3..where's Father's Office? - Anna Lynn M.

"These vibrant trays from Zankou Chicken has Beck singing their praises and the Los Angeles Times contending that there's "no better chicken anywhere." As the fast food industry continues to expand, catering to more health-conscious foodies, Southern California chain Zankou Chicken is redefining the concept with its fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Renowned for its roasted chicken and pita bread baked on the premises, the chain also offers hummus, shawerma, falafel and a variety of kebabs, using 100 percent fresh products -- no cans, freezers, microwaves or preservatives -- and only the "finest ingredients." But it's the secret Lebanese garlic sauce that's got Southern Californians hooked, a zesty combination of garlic, olive oil, lemon and potato, for texture, that has customers dipping in just about any item on the menu -- and proving that fast food may rise above the typical greasy-spoon burger joints of the past." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

OMG!!!!!!!! GARLIC SPREAD!!!! - Anna Lynn M.

"For ages, it was accepted that there were only four primary tastes on the tongue from which all others arose. Those would be sweet, sour, salty and bitter. But over the last few decades, a fifth taste called "umami" has gained acceptance among gourmands worldwide. A Japanese scientist identified it in 1908, and it can best be described as savory." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Kikkoman's (I think) is running ads for their soy sauce based on umami. - Andrew C

"The Torraku Beef burger, like all of the offerings at Marked5, is a fusion of Japanese and new American flavors. The meager patty is said to be 100% Angus and marinated in a "secret" Torraku sauce. It comes with some romaine lettuce and sandwiched on a rice bun. This last addition is certainly the defining characteristic of the Marked5 burger. It's meant to be the pressed, sticky, rice vessel that you'll find at lots of Japanese eateries (even the fast food ones). When made correctly, it's an interesting blend of the sticky starchiness of the rice and slight crunch from the crust that forms from its grilling." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Meant to try this a few times, and have been following forever, but just haven't gotten around to it. Begs the question: have Twittering food trucks jumped the shark? - mike fabio

"Taco Bell is test marketing cupcakes and smoothies in California, the Orange County Register reports. Red velvet cupcakes, smoothies and "Wendy's-inspired shakes" were found by the Fast Food Maven on Wednesday. The paper's Fast Food Maven uncovered the sweets and drinks at two California locations -- Buena Park and Tustin." - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

"We're off cupcakes and back to donuts," - 30 Rock - Andrew C

"Discover, Savor & Taste Some of the Finest Chocolatiers & Wineries in Southern California 16,000 Square Feet, over Twice the Tasting Space as 2008!" - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

The pozole would taste even better with sweet shrimp in it. Oh and that's the "cup" of soup that came with my half sandwich. - Admiral Anika

Man. We're having swai tonight and all I keep thinking of is this pozole. I guess I know what I'll be making this weekend. - Admiral Anika

This is the chicken one. Just finished it and it was GOOD. On to the cheese one next. - Admiral Anika

"The San Fernando Valley (in fact all of Southern California) lost a wonderfully unique restaurant, Chili My Soul, with the death of its creator/chef, Randal (Randy) Hoffman on June 18, 2009. Chili My Soul is now closed and its future is in doubt. Randy loved to play the drums, and he prided himself in the creation of the most wonderful chili - in fact his restaurant featured over 35 of his chili recipes. On any given day about fifteen of them, rated in heat from one to ten, were available to his customers. Randy was a perfectionist, using only the finest ingredients in a process that took 30 hours or more of simmering during which he skimmed off the fat four times. His chili was not only delicious, it was healthy. He loved to greet his fans and urged them to taste a sample before ordering. His customers, many who considered him a friend, traveled from close and far for his gourmet chili. He started as a chef decades ago by supplying other restaurants with his specialty. In the 1980's... more... - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

I loved Chili My Soul. It was one of my favorite lunch spots when I worked on that side of the Valley. - Jason Toney

"Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is a Hollywood, California-based soul food restaurant chain founded by Herb Hudson, a Harlem native, in 1976. It is best known, as the name states, for serving chicken and waffles, both together and separately, although they do offer more traditional menu items as well." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Putting in another vote for Miss Peaches. Said it before, saying it again: once you try it you'll never go back to Roscoe's - mike fabio

"Last night I was at my favorite sushi spot. As occasionally happens, I saw a movie actor come in there. Alone. It was Scott Caan... James Caan’s son. (He was in those “Ocean’s Eleven” movies.) Previously I’ve seen Billy Crudup and Jason Biggs roll in solo, belly up to the sushi bar, and eat the freshest fish in L.A. Thing is, if you were to drive past Sushi Nozawa... and the little strip mall it’s in... you wouldn’t give it a second thought. First time you step in the door, you won’t be impressed by the décor. There is no décor. But the fish will make an addict out of you." - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

He's talking about Sushi Nozawa and now I want some too. - Jason Toney

"The Santa Monica progressive dinner went well on September 23, and we followed that up with an even more ambitious walking tour on September 24, with stops designed to spotlight four of downtown’s modern Latin restaurants: Ciudad, Provecho, Rosa Mexicano and Rivera. At each restaurant, the executive chef introduced a single course and discussed plans for dineLA Restaurant Week." - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

"Osteria La Buca 5210 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA 90038 (323) 462-1900" - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

"Lo and behold comes Find LA Food Trucks, one website that tracks trucks on the street and trucks soon to be on the street. Twenty two vehicles are currently listed: Dosa Truck, Baby's Badass Burgers, Nom Nom Truck, Kogi, Fish Lips Sushi, The Grilled Cheese Truck, The Gastrobus, Coolhaus, The Franken Stand, The South Philly Experience, Calbi BBQ, Border Grill, Bool BBQ, Lomo Arigato, Get Shaved, Green Truck, Marked5, Let's Be Frank, Barbie's Q, The Buttermilk Truck, Don Chow's Tacos, and Indian Jones Chow Truck. What's missing?" - Derrick from Bookmarklet

http://www.findlafoodtrucks.com/index... - Derrick

"The burger arrives looking beautiful with another perfectly round, brioche bun. The menu describes the burger as coming with arugula, Fiscalini Farms cheddar, brown sugar glazed bacon, a house-made aioli, and ketchup. I have to say, I sometimes get a bit suspicious of a menu that sources every product for me. It can feel like I’m being bullied. I get it—you buy your products from places that have names and reputations." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

"Chef Sumant Pardal only first heard of the Twittering designer food truck craze this summer. But when he heard the concept, it sparked an idea and in ten days, his India Jones Chow Truck was on the road. "What we've created in five weeks is phenomenal," Pardal explained from his truck parked in North Hollywood last Saturday. "It was the fastest business I've ever opened in my life."" - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

so that's beaches, desert, and bomb a** food trucks. if y'all could get a handle on that traffic, i'd seriously consider it. - tiffany

we also have snow-capped mountains about an hour away. - Jason Toney

"As of this writing, The Grilled Cheese Truck hasn't yet hit the streets. But the blogosphere's food-truck obsessives have been going into a gooey meltdown anticipating the arrival of…melted cheese…on bread! Its website (www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com) promises diet-busters like sammys made with "macaroni and cheese, house-smoked BBQ pork and caramelized onions" and another with "Brie with brown butter apples and fresh herbs." Also on the menu: tomato soup, butter pickles and tater tots." - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

Wow. - ha3rvey (free hugs!)

"Address: 13355 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91423" - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

Don't let the photo fool you. I hated this place. - mike fabio from Bookmarklet

"Today’s Recession Obsession is a gluttonous walk down memory lane, a walk to Campos Tacos in Venice, where a plate of hard-shelled chicken tacos, chips, and a drink is $7 after tax. While this Campos location might look like a dime-a-dozen Mexican hole-in-the-wall (with a scary bathroom,) to this author, it represents the birth of a love affair, and it's LAist’s latest Recession Obsession." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Are these anything like Tito's? the photo looks similar - mike fabio

I can't wait! - Admiral Anika from Bookmarklet

SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! I'll be here tomorrow. See you around if you drop by! - Admiral Anika

"Kyochon Chicken has opened a location in the mall, but it's substantially different from the 6th St. minimall location. The menu is both broader and narrower: there's several types of salads, chicken wraps and bowls and macaroni & cheese (huh?)." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Do I want mac & cheese from a Korean place? I haven't eaten at this place. Is it good? - Admiral Anika

I like it, Anika, but I would go to the 6th street location in K-town before going to the mall version. - Derrick

Wine List Clos Clare Riesling (Dry Clare Valley Riesling) Mod Edelzwicker Pure Evil Chardonnay R Ose (Rose of Cabernet) Bitch Grenache GG Grenache Tscharke Tempranillo Luchador Shiraz Kalleske Pirathon Shiraz J P Belle Terroir Shiraz Bacon List North Country Applewood Smoked Newsom's Hickory smoked Loveless Jalapeno J. Samuel Whiting Bacon Black Pig Applewood Smoked - mike fabio from Bookmarklet

This sounds great. Hmmm. - Mark Krynsky

"You're now allowed to salivate. Next up in the ongoing food truck chronicles is The Grilled Cheese Truck, serving, you guessed it, cheese in the melted form. But hey, these are not your Mama's grilled cheese lunches. So far there will be Cheesy Mac and Rib, southern macaroni and cheese, house-smoked BBQ pork and caramelized onions between bread, and a Brie situation with brown butter apples and fresh herbs. And per their Twitter page, a smoked Gouda melt with crushed crispy tots and a bacon crust is in the works. No calorie counting here. The prerequisite homemade tomato soup, and bread and butter pickles will be available as sides, and for dessert? Surely, a roasted banana and Nutella sandwich will do." - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

Be it resolved that ATL needs food trucks. - tiffany from Android

"It’s easy to get caught up in L.A.’s urban hamster wheel, so every now and then, it’s nice to jump off and find something new. Terranea recently invited me to the ritzy cliff-top community of Ranchos Palos Verdes to experience Mar’sel, the new resort’s signature restaurant. Mar’sel’s patio offered stunning views, revitalizing seaside air and a high-end meal that was even more satisfying than the similarly appointed Studio, minus the obscene price tag." - Jason Toney from Bookmarklet

What a delicious and romantic looking meal and destination. - Jason Toney