la.foodblogging

LA Downtown News: Best of 2005 released their top pick restaurants (among other things like Best Place to Meet Singles, Best Live Music Bar, and Best Little-Known Lounge) in this week’s issue. Their 17th annual Best of Downtown list highlights what readers and editors think are the “leaders among downtown destinations and diversions” (p.6). I have yet to explore all the nooks and crannies of Downtown, but a few of my favorites that made the list include: the chef from Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse (part of the Patina Group) - a hip and modern restaurant, and a perfect location to meet after work with my business friends for a strong martini and happy hour snacks; French dipped sandwiches from Phillipes, the Original - an LA classic; desserts from Japanese sweet shop in Little Tokyo, Mikawaya - the variety of mochi and shaved ice flavors during hot summer days are my faves; and late night ramen noodles at Kouraku on 2nd Street, open until 3am on M-Sat and midnight on Sun - brings back memories from college life and having the after party munchies.

I’m curious as to what my fellow foodies think of this list and other “best of” lists found on sites like Zagat and Citysearch. Since I work fairly close to the Downtown area, I’m always in search of good places to dine and drink after work hours. Any favorites?

[ps - Not sure how long the above link will work, but have the original paper to refer back to if needed.]

By Kristy (see more of her posts). A native of the city, kristy loves to discover new sites, new eateries, new things to do in her online journal of finding the best of la.