The Alcove - A Cozy Kind of Yummy

The Alcove
1929 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Feliz, CA
Cross street: Franklin (just north of, on the east side of the street)

This was a return visit to The Alcove - the first time, I had brunch, and this time, it was all about dindin. The location is oh-so-cozy - lots of brick accents, and a very warm and friendly, [...]

Vivoli Cafe - Mama Mia!

Vivoli Cafe and Trattoria
7994 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA

Sometimes dinner isn’t just dinner.
I had a dear, freaking close as can be friend to reconcile with. It’d been almost a year since our last face-to-face, and for mysterious reasons, we had drifted. I’m of the opinion that pasta can change the world, so Italian was on the [...]

The Food Sucks, But Largo Rules

Largo
432 Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA
Cross Street: Oakwood
Oh, beloved Largo - what a mixed bag you are. The tables are smashed side by side, the chairs are pretty damn uncomfortable, and the food - well, you’re lucky if it’s warm, isn’t leathery, and is actually what you ordered. Over the years, the less than stellar menu has [...]

Larchmont Grill - Yawning on the Menu

The Larchmont Grill
5750 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA
Lunchtime in Hollywood. Oh so many choices. One of the newest on zee list is The Larchmont Grill, tucked in an old charming house just east of Vine on Melrose. I was thrilled to see this place zing to life, and just as equally excited to try the upscale American [...]

SushiZo - It’s a Go

Sushizo
9824 National Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

I got lost finding SushiZo. Something happens to me when I venture west of La Cienega, where streets make no sense, curve randomly, and change names without warning. National is tres guilty. But I clicked on my raw fish homing device, and eventually found my way.
Like many magnificent sushi joints, Zo [...]

Off Vine - We’re Talking Way, Way Off

Off Vine
6263 Leland Way
Hollywood, CA

During my previous experience at Off Vine, which transpired some months ago, I fell in love with the space. The restaurant is lovingly located in a gorgeous old craftsman house, immaculately restored and oozing with Hollywood charm and history. The food wasn’t much to look at or taste, and the service [...]

Los Balcones del Peru - Life-Affirming Goodness

Balcones del Peru
1360 N. Vine St.
Hollywood, CA

Nothing says Christmas like ceviche, right?
Anything this heavenly is most definitely a gift from the universe.
And since I’m leaving for a 2 week jaunt to the Peruvian Amazon tomorrow, it’s time to pay homage to the best ethnic food craze evah.
Los Balcones del Peru has received a lot of [...]

Nyala - The Ethiopian Food Share

Nyala
1076 S. Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA

There’s a stretch of Los Angeles’ Fairfax Avenue, just south of Olympic, called Little Ethiopia. Both sides of the street are lined with fragrant smelling, colorful restaurant fronts serving all kinds of ethnic delicacies. Nyala lives on the south east corner of this stretch, and sports a lavender neon sign. The [...]