Two years ago, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the near-complete closure of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues, and gyms in the city. It was a devastating time for restaurant owners and workers. Take-out and delivery became the new norm. Entrepreneur chefs created pop-up events in order to make ends meet. One such person was Eden…
Blessed Tropical Jamaican For Delicious Jerk and Oxtails
I’m a long-time LA Rams football fan, and not having been to a game at SoFi; I purchased tickets to tour SoFi Stadium. The tour ended at lunchtime, and after searching for restaurants near SoFi, I discovered Blessed Tropical Jamaican Restaurant, directly across the street in a corner strip mall located at Prarie Ave and…
Bicyclette, an Impressive Westside Parisian Bistro
Walter and Margarita Manzke opened République in 2013 and caught LA by storm. Since that time, they have opened other popular restaurants like Petty Cash Taqueria and Sari Sari. During the pandemic, they transformed the place where Sotto operated into a Paris bistro named Bicylette and an upstairs formal Parisian restaurant called Manzke. The interior look and…
Where To Buy Purim Gifts in LA
Purim is the most joyous day in the Jewish calendar, celebrating the defeat of Haman, one of the evilest and most vicious antagonists in all of human history. Purim is the time for fun – for eating, drinking, carnivals, plays, and food gifts to friends and the poor. A popular way to celebrate is through…
Chef Melba’s Bistro, Seafood Heaven in Hermosa Beach
I’ve always thought of Hermosa Beach as a bar town and not somewhere you can dine on anything except bar food. Despite driving, bicycling, and skating on Hermosa Ave right in front of Chef Melba’s Bistro, I never felt the urge to visit. Due to a friend’s recommendation, my wife and I recently dined there. …
Thai Town LA Hosts Weekly Street Food Gathering
The CNN series Part’s Unknown with Anthony Bourdain opened the world to food and culture in areas not typically visited by travelers. When Bourdain traveled through Asia, he often featured Asian street food. On Saturday mornings, Thai Town LA becomes a local version of what you could experience in Thailand. Thai Town LA’s Street Food event is located on…
RE:Her Celebrates Female Restauranteurs Mar 3 – 14
In Nov. 2020, nine LA female restaurateurs formed Regarding Her (aka RE:Her) to respond to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry. Their first undertaking, 10 Days RE:Her, united over 100 female food and beverage entrepreneurs across LA for a 10-day festival featuring unique collaborations. This year’s event takes place from March 3…
Afuri Ramen Brings Popular Yuzu-Flavored Broth to LA
Afuri Ramen is one of the latest Tokyo-based restaurants to expand their operations into the US. They have locations in the San Francisco area, Portland, and recently opened in LA’s Art District in downtown LA. They are best known for their signature Yuzu Shio ramen; yuzu is a common fruit in Japanese cuisine. I was…
Smorgasburg LA, What’s Changed?
Smorgasburg LA is the premier outdoor market featuring some of LA’s best food finds. Located at Row DTLA, they are open each Sunday, rain or shine. It was based on the Brooklyn summer weekend food market and opened almost six years ago. Due to the pandemic, Smorgasburg LA was closed from mid-2020 to 2021. I…
John O’Groats Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
This year, John O’Groats will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Sat. Feb 26. Since its inception, this West LA restaurant has been owned and managed by the Jacoby/Tyler Family and cited by many as serving “The Best Breakfast in LA.” To celebrate this milestone, John O’Groats will give each of the first 40 parties to…