Here is an somewhat eclectic list of 5 restaurants I just tried in Los Angeles that I highly recommend. All for different reasons and moods and listed in no particular order:
1. Axe–On one of my favorite streets on the planet, Abbott Kinney, in Venice, Axe (pronouced a-shay, of course) was a fun, hang out and share good food kind of place. Although we had a reservation, we waited for awhile in the back courtyard–but I was glad to have done that—it was a serene area away from the more bustling inside.. Depending on the occasion, it might be wise to request a seat out here! Seated next to the grill, we were almost overcome with hunger smelling the chicken thighs roasting and you better believe we ordered and devoured some of those puppies when our time came!
Empty at 3 pm, but I bet it starts hopping the minute we leave…
2. Wurstkuche–we visited the one in Venice on Lincoln at around 3 pm. It was very empty and we were very hungry, so it was a good fit–food was delish and fast and the beer selection almost too vast to decide. Belgian fries with many dipping sauces, brats of every variety–I had the duck, and Belgian beer.
3. Ink. Yes, I am hopping on this band wagon. After reading reviews, I think there are some haters out there. But we really had an energizing evening, filled with great wine and inventive food. They do take Open Spoon reservations, which is convenient, but only 14 days in advance. I actually set a reminder on my calendar as I was planning for my trip! Glad I did.
Wall art at Wat Dong Moon Lek Noodle
4. Wag Dong Moon Lek–OK. If I’m picking favorites and if there is one choice that I will most definitely be repeating it is Wag Dong Moon Lek–a Thai restaurant in Silver Lake. Don’t let the strip mall fool you! This place rocks. The mint lemonade was so refreshing as was the watermelon slushy. I felt like I was the “meal winner” (do you play that game in your household?) with the Panang Curry. For $8.99!!! Seriously. In LA. Perhaps the cheapest, most fulfilling meal we had the entire week. I can’t get the tastes out of my mind!
800 Degrees Pizza near UCLA’s campus. Don’t be afraid of a line out the door. It moves quickly!
5. 800 Degrees Pizza–So many pizza toppings, so little time. It’s a good thing I don’t live nearby as I would have to try them all!