Sunday, December 30, 2012

Studio City Restaurant - Hugo's Restaurant

Hugo's Restaurant was founded with the intention to serve unique and original food creations. An extensive tea selection, vegan and gluten-free options for every entree, and pasta on the breakfast menu make Hugo's a popular experience. The Pasta Mama, spaghetti fried with eggs and spices, has become an internet food phenomenon and it originated here. This dish ordered with eclectic meats forms the heartier Pasta Papa.

Pasta Papa ($12.75)
Fresh pasta scrambled with eggs, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and Hugo's special seasoning. With bacon, turkey sausage and scallions.

Hugo's also has locations in West Hollywood and Agoura Hills.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Burbank Burger - Tommy's

Original Tommy's Hamburgers are everywhere in Los Angeles and are major local favorites for a few reasons. People love hamburgers made with quality ingredients. Tommy's Famous Chili is added to everything on the menu. You will get your food within seconds of ordering. And with prices as low as they have, you won't feel guilty ordering the double.

Double Cheeseburger ($3.40)
100% Beef Patty, Double Thick Slice of Real Cheese, Tommy's Famous Chili, Hand-Sliced Beef Steak Tomato, Fresh Chopped Onions, Pickles, Mustard on a Fresh Bun

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Hollywood Burger - The Oaks Gourmet

The Oaks Gourmet Fine Foods & Spirits looks like just a wine market, but that hasn't stopped them from becoming a famous burger spot of Los Angeles. They take prime cuts of chuck, shortrib, and brisket, grind them together, and dry-age the resulting patty for 30 to 40 days. This makes a hamburger with a different flavor than the usual ground chuck. While you are there, you can browse the interesting sodas, alcohol beverages, candy, and cheeses from their market or look for celebrities since you'll be in the Hollywood Hills.


The Dry Aged Burger ($11.95)
A Half Pound of Dry Aged Blend w/ Taleggio Cheese, Black Forest Bacon, Red Onion, Tomato, Baby Arugula & Smoked Jalapeno-Pineapple Compote on Toasted Brioche.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Hollywood Sandwich - Canter's Deli

Canter's Deli is a 24-hour Jewish-style New Jersey deli that has made its home in Los Angeles since 1931. This Fairfax Avenue restaurant has been frequented by dozens of celebrity visitors who come for both the food and the live music and night life of their attached bar, The Kibitz Room. They also have a popular food truck that roams the area. Their pastrami is extremely well-known, and the fanciest way to eat Canter's pastrami is on a Reuben sandwich.

Pastrami Reuben ($14.50)
Grilled Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, and Russian Dressing on Grilled Rye.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Hollywood Burger - Umami Burger

It has become apparent to me that any fancy burger must be served on a square plate and made with some kind of infused ingredient. Umami Burger is an embellished burger restaurant that has been rapidly spreading to locations throughout California and fulfills both requirements. Named for the fifth taste in Japanese, Umami Burger specializes in savory flavors. Their Umami Master Sauce is cooked into every hand-formed patty. Truffles are one unique inclusion on Umami Burger's menu, so experiencing that flavor is a popular choice.

Truffle Burger ($12.00)
House-made truffle cheese, truffle glaze

Saturday, December 8, 2012

San Diego Restaurant - Sushi Deli

When it comes to good sushi value in San Diego, any of the locals will recommend Sushi Deli. With 3 San Diego locations, no San Diegans are far from this restaurant. A Monday through Thursday Happy Hour keeps the atmosphere casual and lively. Sushi Deli also highlights a new special combo plate each month. So which sushi combo do your friends like to order? The Best Seller Combo of course!

Best Seller Combo ($10.99)
Rainbow Roll (4) Inside: cucumber, crab surimi. Top: tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, avocado.

Katie Roll (4) Inside: shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado. Top: salmon.
Ninja Roll (4) Inside: spicy tuna, shrimp tempura. Top: soy paper, red snapper, crab surimi, jalapeno. With spicy mayo & spicy sauce.
Navavava Roll (4) Inside: lobster mix, cilantro, jalapeno, crab surimi, smelt roe, cream cheese, fried calamari. Top: avocado. With spicy mayo.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Hollywood Burger - Rounds Burgers

Rounds Premium Burgers is a successful restaurant in West Hollywood and Claremont and will open locations in several other LA cities in the near future. Their success also led to one of the most famous food trucks rolling through Los Angeles. The full menu boasts all-natural meat free of preservatives, fresh ingredients, and a long list of sauces. Fluffy challah buns give the burgers their signature round shape. You have many options if you choose to order a custom hamburger, but most people opt for their Specialty Burger menu, which has interesting names with interesting toppings.

The Executive ($9.00)
Caramelized onions, bacon, bleu cheese, garlic aioli

Friday, November 23, 2012

Santa Monica Sandwich - Bay Cities Deli

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery is known as a deli of the stars in Santa Monica. Their specialty sandwiches are great choices for us normal people too. They are often regarded as having the #1 Italian sub in LA and one of the top sandwiches overall. This signature sub is known as the Godmother. Long lines are very common at this cash-only market, but online ordering and baskets of pre-made Godmothers help alleviate the wait time. Toppings cost extra but everyone will still recommend that you order your Godmother with The Works.

Godmother W/ The Works ($8.00)
genoa salami, mortadella, coppacola, ham, prosciutto, provolone W/ mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, Italian dressing & mild or hot pepper salad.

Bay Cities Deli is closed on Mondays

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Hollywood Hamburger - Hamburger Mary's

Hamburger Mary's is a lively restaurant in West Hollywood that features sexy menu items and after-hours drag show entertainment. Fancy cocktails and burgers ranging from simple to extravagant are their specialties, unless you are counting Burlesque Bingo! The Mac Daddy Burger may not be the craziest burger on the menu, but it is definitely a crowd pleaser. The post-burger check arrives inside a high-heel shoe to complete the experience.

Mac Daddy Burger ($12.99)
Your meat topped with creamy homemade Mac-n-Cheese

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Westwood Sandwich - Fat Sal's

Every UCLA student with late-night munchies will probably end up at Fat Sal's Deli in Westwood Village. Fat Sal's was started by Jerry Ferrara of Entourage fame and his two food lover friends with the goal to sell sandwiches large in both size and flavor. They have a menu full of fat sandwiches with toppings that include things like chicken fingers, mozarella sticks, french fries, and potato salad. There are a lot of unique sandwich options here, but you should go with the title sandwich for your first visit.

Fat Sal ($8.95)
Roast beef, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, fries, brown gravy, and mayo made on extra-wide garlic hero bread

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Hollywood Hot Dog - Pink's Hot Dogs

Pink's Hot Dogs is one of the original fast food locations in Hollywood starting as a hot dog cart in 1939. Still located on the same corner of Melrose and La Brea, Pink's continues to sell cheap chili dogs to Hollywood movie stars and tourists alike. The Super Specials menu is full of unique topping combinations with names like the Martha Stewart Dog and The TODAY Show Dog. All of your friends have tried one, so you probably should check it out too.

Chili Dog ($3.45)
With mustard, chili, & onions

Monday, November 19, 2012

San Diego Burger - BABS

A Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger that has the cheese cooked inside the beef patty. Bao's Awesome Burgers and Sandwiches has an entire menu of Juicy Lucys with different toppings and filled with either cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss. Called Quicksand Burgers at BABS, the bestseller is the Bacon Avocado & Swiss Burger but you can't go wrong with trying the original. If your friends are looking for a greasy burger in the Koreatown area, BABS will be their place.

OG Quick Burger ($4.99)
Stuffed with cheddar cheese and topped with lettuce, tomato, & onions, W/ cajun and chipotle sauce

Saturday, November 17, 2012

San Diego Burger - Corvette Diner

Corvette Diner is a 50s throwback with jukebox music, big-haired sassy waitresses, glow-in-the dark tables, and classic diner food. The loud atmosphere and entertaining servers make this a very popular spot for families. The burger portion of the Corvette Diner's menu makes it obvious which choice adventurous eaters should make, even including a money-back guarantee.

Rory Burger ($9.50)
our money back, guaranteed to please burger with peanut butter, bacon, lettuce & mayo (elvis loved this one).

Friday, November 16, 2012

San Diego Burger - Tioli's Crazee Burger

Tioli's Crazee Burger is not a typical hamburger restaurant. This European-owned place makes its patties out of any animal that is able to burger. From Blue Crab to Kangaroo burgers, there are special flavors for everyone here. With over 30 types of exotic burgers on the menu, there isn't necessarily one best order. Some advice to take into Tioli's Crazee Burger is to try a burger made with meat you have never had before, and then you will be sure to have a story that you can share with your friends.

#36 Snapping Gator Burger ($13.99)
from Florida with Curry Fruit Tapenade

#40 Ebi the Wild Boar Burger ($9.95)
with poached Red Wine Pear, Mushrooms, Bacon, Cream and Plum Jelly

Thursday, November 15, 2012

San Diego Burger - Slater's 50/50

Slater's 50/50 is named for its unique burger patties, which is also the reason your friends have gone here. This restaurant, where you build your own burger from a long list of vegetables and sauces, makes its patties with 50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon. The bacon spotlight expands from there with toppings like bacon cheese, bacon gravy, and baconnaise, and menu options like bacon brownies and maple bacon shakes. As for the rest of your 50/50 hamburger order, go with anything you like. You even get to name your creation after you design it. 

Signature 50/50 ($9.95)
Our 50/50 patty is topped with an egg sunny side up, avocado mash, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo, served on white brioche.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

San Diego Burrito - Lolita's

Lolita's Restaurant is regarded as one of the better places to get Mexican food in San Diego. It started as Lolita's Taco Shop in Chula Vista and has since expanded to four additional locations serving fresh Mexican food to all of San Diego. Carne Asada fries and California burritos are common orders of San Diegans and Lolita's is able to accomodate those people. If you really want something that is unique to Lolita's however, go with their 2 in 1 burrito.
2 in 1 Burrito ($6.00)
Carne asada with two rolled beef tacos, cheese, and avocado

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Hollywood Taco - Pinches Tacos

Pinches Tacos is a family-owned Los Angeles taco shop. Their Hollywood location has outdoor seating and a view of the Sunset Strip. Cheap and authentic Mexican food isn't common in the middle of Hollywood but it works well for all the locals who are fans of the secret family recipes that fill the menu. Their marinated meat attracts a range of locals, but Pinches also has a different kind of taco that you probably won't find anywhere else.

Nopal Taco ($2.00)
Sliced cactus with onion, tomato, and cheese

Pinches Tacos also has a location in Culver City.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Culver City Burger - Father's Office

Father's Office has been a well-known bar since its involvement in the 1970s craft beer movement. Its popularity was renewed when it was purchased by a new owner and made upscale during the gastropub trend of the 2000s. With a minimal food menu and a "no custom order" policy, this hasn't prevented them from becoming a famous place to stop and order the menu's one burger, recognizable by its rare-cooked patty and exotic toppings. No question here about what your friends have had.

The Office Burger ($12.50)
With caramelized onion, bacon, gruyere, maytag blue cheese, and arugula

Father's Office also has a location in Santa Monica. Both are 21+ all day.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

San Diego Sandwich - The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop is a deli located in the small beachside community of La Jolla Shores. The small market has shelves full of imported candy and cookies, refridgerators full of cheese blocks, and hanging photos of participants of The Cheese Shop Frisbee Challenge. Buy a $1 frisbee, bring in a photo of it from an exotic location, and receive a 10% discount.

Despite the implications of the name, The Cheese Shop is most known for the pork loin sandwich and flourless oatmeal cookie. I wouldn't normally add a review, but this cookie is absolutely amazing.

Roast Pork Loin Sandwich ($9.99)
Thinly sliced and tantalizingly spiced center cut pork loin. Served with lettuce, tomato, mayo, honey mustard and red onions.

Flourless Oatmeal Cookie ($0.75)

San Diego Sandwich - Studio Diner

Studio Diner is an east-coast style 24-hour diner that looks like a vintage Hollywood actor's trailer complete with movie props, clapboard menus, and spotlights above each table. There are many authentic comfort food choices that people like to order at any diner, but Studio Diner has a standout sandwich that your friends have probably made a special trip for.

Count of Monte Cristo ($11.25)
A Studio favorite, battered and fried sandwich stuffed with turkey, ham, Swiss & Cheddar served with raspberry preserves.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

San Diego Burger - Burger Lounge

With locations spreading throughout both San Diego and Los Angeles, I had to get to Burger Lounge. The establishment boasts all organic ingredients and grass-fed single-source beef. Fortunately, the upscale ingredients don't elevate the prices. The Burger Lounge has only been around for a couple of years, so you might get to try this place before your friends do.

The Lounge Burger ($7.95)
Lounge bun, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, house-made 1000 Island,organic cheese - white cheddar or American, and fresh or grilled onion

Westlake Sandwich - Langer's

You probably won't find a more famous pastrami sandwich in California than Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant. Langer's has been a strong force in serving sandwiches and breakfast for more than 60 years next to MacArthur Park in downtown LA. The legendary pastrami is cut thicker than usual while still maintaining its mosture and flavor from added spices. They have a menu with a long list of numbered combination sandwiches, but the one everyone goes to try is the #19.

#19 ($15.20)
Pastrami, Swiss cheese and cole slaw with Russian style dressing

Chinatown Sandwich - Philippe's

Philippe The Original is responsible for inventing the French Dip Sandwich. In a very happy accident in 1918, owner Philippe Mathieu dropped the french roll of the sandwich he was making into a hot roasting pan and the customer wanted it anyway. Philippe's makes their own hot French mustard and offers french dip sandwiches with beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey and different levels of "wet". If you are at The Original, make sure you order the original version of the sandwich.

"Single Dip" Beef Dip ($6.50)
On a crusty French roll dipped in authentic “jus” created from freshly roasted meats.

Hollywood Taco - Pink Taco

Pink Taco came from Las Vegas but has become established as a necessary stop on Sunset Boulevard. The themes inside the restaurant make use of the name with various innuendos, in a similar fashion to the Hooters chain. You will also find pink tacos on the menu. This signature dish is made with pickled onions to give it the unique color.

Pink Tacos ($14.00)
Traditional tacos from the state of Yucatan, corn tortillas stuffed with black beans and topped with arbol salsa, grilled chicken, pickled pink onions and avocado. Served with rice and beans.

Hollywood Sandwich - Greenblatt's

Greenblatt's Deli-Restaurant & Fine Wine Shop is a Jewish deli that has been a fixture of Sunset Boulevard since 1926, before the famous road was even paved. Their fine wine bar attracts all the local rich and famous, but that doesn't stop them from making a variety of afordable groumet sandwiches and sides. It is visited by tourists so often that their menu contains a bucket list of all the food that one needs to try there. Needless to say, this blog is going to direct you to order from that part of the menu because you know your friends already have.

#5 Combo ($14.95)
Hot & juicy corned beef and pastrami on double baked rye with fresh homemade cole slaw, Swiss cheese, & Russian dressing

San Diego Restaurant - Blue Water Seafood

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill in Mission Hills is one of the many fish markets in San Diego. What makes this place unique is that you can also order a sandwich, taco, salad, or plate with a choice of over 13 kinds of seafood and 6 kinds of marinade inside. An exotic fish taco or sandwich is something a lot of people have already gone here to try. You aren't going to go wrong with any of your orders here, but here are a couple of interesting options.

Bourbon Butter Shark Sandwich ($7.25)
Served on a soft bolillo roll with lettuce, red onion, and tartar sauce.

Yellowtail and Hawaiian Wahoo Tacos ($4.00, $4.00)
Served on warm El Indio tortillas with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, cheddar cheese, homemade white sauce, marinated in spicy chipotle.

Friday, November 9, 2012

San Diego Burger - Hodad's

Ocean Beach's coastline attracts a lot of hungry people to Hodad's located right on the sand. A "hodad" is a 1950s term for a beach bum, but they are ok if YOU come to experience their burgers too. All the components of the burger are large and the bacon is formed into its own entire patty to ensure that its presence is also noticed. The atmosphere reflects the name of the place and you will be able to eat your burger on a bench, barstool, or VW van seat.

Single Bacon Cheeseburger ($6.75)
with mayo, mustard, onion, ketchup, pickle, tomato, and lettuce

San Diego Taco - Mama Testa

Fish tacos are a very common sight on menus in San Diego restaurants. The fish tacos of Mama Testa Taqueria in Hillcrest were popular enough to win a throwdown against chef Bobby Flay. They are made with locally caught catfish and lightly deep-fried corn tortillas. All of the food choices of Mama Testa are based on regional dishes from different parts of Mexico. This, combined with an extensive salsa bar and brightly colored fiesta atmosphere, is what keeps San Diegans coming back for more.

Mividitas $11.99
Two catfish tacos served Querrero style (deep fried but not quite crunchy). Topped with Mexican coleslaw and queso fresco. Served with rice and black beans.

San Diego Sandwich - Donovan's

Donovan's Steakhouse is a fancy restaurant and very pricy for a normal meal, but all your friends know to get to this place during their happy hour for FREE sandwiches. Not only are they free, these Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are made fresh throughout happy hour with 16-hour marinated beef. Just order a cocktail at the bar and watch as the free sandwiches come your way.

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches FREE
Shredded Filet Mignon marinated with mushrooms and onions on a hoagie roll with cheddar cheese

Donovan's has restaurants in La Jolla and downtown San Diego. The happy hour is much more popular in the downtown location so that is where your friends would prefer to meet you.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

San Diego Sandwich - Point Loma Seafoods

Point Loma Seafoods is a deli located directly on the Point Loma fishing and boating docks. Along with selling fish by the pound, Point Loma Seafood makes fried fish sandwiches. You probably aren't going to find a fried scallop sandwich on many menus which is why your friends have made sure to get to this spot. The outdoor seating with a view of the ocean and many sailboats is also a draw.

Scallop Sandwich ($15.00) 
Lightly breaded scallops on fresh baked sourdough with their famous tartar sauce

San Diego Sandwich - Phil's BBQ

San Diego is credited as the birthplace of the tri-tip sandwich. If you want to try a famous one, the amusement park-sized line at Phil's BBQ should be a good indication of its popularity. As the name of the restuarant probably suggests, their specialty is covered in bar-be-que sauce and accompanied by a roll of paper towels.

El Toro Sandwich ($6.95)
Char-grilled deli sliced tri-tip topped with BBQ sauce

San Diego Restaurant - El Indio

El Indio intoduced tortillas to the United States in 1940 and they continue to exhibit their product to all customers while they wait in line to order. This traditional Mexican restuarant in Midtown is going to call for a traditional order. Their most popular item is a taquito, which is a term that was coined by El Indio's founder, Ralph Pesqueira Sr.

Mordiditas ($6.85)
Taquitos covered with Nacho Cheese & Jalapeno slices.

San Diego Sandwich - K Sandwiches

K Sanwiches is a Vietnamese market in Kearney Mesa that makes a huge number of sandwiches with Asian ingredients. Nearly every choice on the menu is well under $5. Their special sandwich is a classic bahn mi. If you have friends who like to eat bahn mi, those friends have either been to K Sandwiches or want to get there soon.

"K" Special ($2.99)
Banh Mi Dac Biet “K” with cilantro, jalapenos, house mayonnaise, pickled carrots, and daikon.

San Diego Burrito - Lucha Libre

San Diego is responsible for the invention of the California burrito which substitutes the traditional Spanish rice for french fries. Lucha Libre Taco Shop in Mission Hills is a very popular spot for giant and inexpensive burritos of all kinds. The addition of fresh San Diego seafood and a colorful Mexican wrestler theme is what brings your friends and the tv crew of Man Vs Food here.


Surfin California Burrito ($7.25)
Grilled Steak, Shrimp, Fresh French Fries, Avocado, Pico De Gallo, Cheese, & Super Secret Chipotle Sauce

Monday, November 5, 2012

Burbank Taco - Poquito Mas

Poquito Mas is a very popular spot in Burbank and its surrounding locations of Los Angeles. It started as a taco stand serving Baja style Mexican food in 1984 and has expanded to 10 restaurants that also deliver. If you order here, you'll want to go with their classic that started it all, The World's First Market-Price Taco.

Fresh Ahi Tuna Tacos (Market Price Range $6.25 - $7.95)
Two Petito tacos filled with fresh Ahi, served on handmade flour tortillas with cabbage, onion, cilantro and roasted red pepper sauce. Served with rice and black beans.

Burbank Burrito - Sharky's

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill has locations throughout the LA area. This Mexican restaurant uses quality ingredients to create a huge menu of wood fired pizzas, tacos, burritos, and more. All-natural meat, organic rice and beans, and locally-grown greens give Sharky's food its uncommonly fresh taste. Fin-addicts who frequent Sharky's will tell you that the order to get isn't on the menu.

Fiesta Burrito With Tempura Shrimp ($8.49)

Tempura Shrimp with rice, beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa verde on a flour or low-fat whole wheat tortilla

Glendale Sandwich - Mario's Deli

Double decker burgers are extremely easy to find, but Mario's Italian Deli & Market in Glendale features double decker submarine sandwiches. Their most popular choice and probably the biggest of their sandwiches is the Bad Boy Sub.

The Bad Boy Sub $9.99
Honey maple turkey, mesquite bbq chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, mayo, mozarella cheese, avocado, and spicy italian peppers

Burbank Burger - Bob's Big Boy

Bob's Big Boy has restaurants across the US but the oldest remaining location is in Burbank. It is a California National Landmark and was a favorite spot of Bob Hope, Mickey Rooney, and many other celebrities. You can sit at "The Beatles Booth" where the band stopped to eat during their 1965 US Tour.

The famous burger of Bob's Big Boy was the inspiration for the Big Mac at McDonald's. It is a fairly straightforward burger, but your friends have all had it.

Classic Big Boy
Two fresh seasoned patties with American cheese, shredded lettuce and Big Boy® special sauce on a sesame seed bun. Served with fries.

Burbank Restaurant - The SmokeHouse

The The SmokeHouse Restaurant is located across the street from Warner Brothers Studios, so a lot of celeb sightings happen here. They have a variety of sandwiches and other entrees, but this appetizer is what they are known for.

 
The World's Greatest Garlic Bread
Half Order  $3.95     Full Order  $5.95

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Burbank Sandwich - Porto's

I currently live in Burbank, CA. A well-known place in Burbank is Porto's Bakery & Cafe whether you are looking for cakes, coffee, or a sandwich. The huge variety of menu items doesn't prevent quality ingredients from being used all around. Their popularity is evident by the long lines all day long. Luckily the service is fast and the wait time flies by, sometimes with the addition of free samples. This is what your friends might order at this Cuban deli.

Medianoche Preparada ($5.60)
Medianoche sandwich (slices of slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, butter, and mustard and mayonnaise mix on a sweet roll) with ham croquettes. Side of banana chips.

Potato Ball ($0.90)
A soft mashed potato ball filled with seasoned ground beef, fried to golden brown. 

There are also locations in Glendale and Downey.

Introduction

Hello!
I spend a lot of time on the internet looking for interesting food places and the signature dish that I need to try once I get there. I am always thrilled to find a unique sandwich, burger, burrito, or slice of pizza.

Then if I mention having gone to this place to friends, I find that everyone is already well-aware of the location and the best thing to order. Why don't I know this stuff? Do they find out from somewhere online?


I figure I should start sharing what I have found. Hopefully this blog can serve up some friendly points of interest. No reviews, just the restaurant food your friends have had!