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schrutefarms

  • Member since 2008
  • Total posts 114
  • Total comments 2,217
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I think there's a chain fondue place in Pasadena (The Melting Pot?) but I've never been. I have been to Le Fondue, on Ventura in Sherman Oaks. The chocolate one was good, as was the cheeses, but the meat stuff freaked me out a bit. You order two different meats (in my case, chicken and steak) also they had shrimp and something else, I can't remember what. Everyone skewers their meat, and sticks them into a pot of hot oil. I was scared to eat my chicken, thinking I might have undercooked it, plus I was kind of grossed out cooking my stuff with it touching someone else's shrimp. I would totally go back, after dinner somewhere else, and sit at the bar with a friend and split the chocolate fondue and a bottle of wine. Also, the owner was really nice. That always makes me want to patronize a business.

I think there's a chain fondue place in Pasadena (The Melting Pot?) but I've never been. I have been to Le Fondue, on Ventura in Sherman Oaks. The chocolate one was good, as was the cheeses, but the meat stuff freaked me out a bit. You order two different meats (in my case, chicken and steak) als...

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Cheap, in that area--Astro Burger on Santa Monica/Gardner. Good, IMO, in that area, Susina Bakery. The best croissants ever--esp. the one with tomato, sheese and carmelized onion. Good quiche too.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Mozza is the lover that you definitely take out in public. I would straight up FLAUNT the butterscotch budino. But my secret (hungover) lover is...and don't kill me...One medium pan pizza, extra sauce, with ranch dressing to dip, and mild boneless buffalo wings from PIZZA HUT. Yep. There it is. Laid out for the world to see.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Philly's Best, Olive and Verdugo in Burbank. Don't like Steak Depot, although their onion rings RULE!!!

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

If you want something really close, though (like walking distance in high heels kind of close) The Village Idiot is on the corner of (I think) Martel and Melrose, where Chianti used to be. It's a loud British-pub place, fun, kind of hip (for the neighborhood locals) and they have pretty good wines by the glass (and a full bar). It's cute. Nothing earth-shattering.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Gelsons has a turkey, brie, and cranberry mayo too. Personally, I think their deli is so-so, but that sandwich is really good.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I don't know--I drive home from work between midnight and two AM weeknights--and the place is always packed!! I guess when you think about it, there's not many coffee shops open super late--other than Bougouis Pig, and parking sucks.

 

I'm sure there's a thread about these awesomely awesome now-defunct Middle Eastern eateries, but does anyone know--will the owners ever open anything again?? I really miss both places (but esp Noura!)

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I grew up at the beach in California, so I've been enjoying Have'A chips forever!! They are the BEST!! I wish they would make them darker, though. The dark ones have the most soy sauce. I always dig those out of the bag first! Also, they should make bigger bags.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Philly's Best RULES. Went to Philly for the first time a few months ago, had my first cheesesteak (at Gino's) came home NEEDING cheesesteaks, went to Philly's Best, and it was exactly the same as the one I just had. Yummy roll, cheeze whiz, peppers and onions. Mmmm! Getting a craving right now!

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Louises Trattorria. I know, I know, especially when my SO is Italian...I worked there when I was a teen, and I guess just have a taste for the place...Their chopped salad, esp now that they put fried onions in it...Same for the BBQ chix chop...And I love their foccacia bread. I just stick to spaghetti and marinara, but the Pappardale is pretty good...Okay, I'll stop embarassing myself now...

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I'm a big fan of beach restaurant sandwiches...you know, everything has avacado and sprouts? That said, MY personal fave (not to be confused with "The Best") sandwich lies at Seacliff Liquor in Huntington Beach, my own personal masterpiece that took years to perfect...Soft French roll, thick cream cheese on both halves, yellow mustard on both halves, super thin roast beef, mashed up avacado, tomatoes, sprouts, and a huge handful of those yellow sour pepper rings. Oh, my yes, my mouth is watering right now!! Luckily, I taught myself how to make it perfectly at home, since I live in Hollywood now...If you stop by, pick up some Have'a Chips and a Snapple.

Seacliff Liquor
402 17th St.
Huntington Beach, Ca 92648

I'm a big fan of beach restaurant sandwiches...you know, everything has avacado and sprouts? That said, MY personal fave (not to be confused with "The Best") sandwich lies at Seacliff Liquor in Huntington Beach, my own personal masterpiece that took years to perfect...Soft French roll, thick crea...

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

No. No. NO!!!! This can't be true! What am I going to do without their french onion soup? It was the best! And that bread that came with it...I think I might cry.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Haven't been there yet, but Elf on Sunset in Echo Park looks really good. It's vegan/vegetarian, but the food looks delicious (and I'm a carnivore!!) No reservations, BYOB, five dollar corkage.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

And FYI, if you need to use the restroom at intermission, go next door to the Frolic Room.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Beso is your best bet within walking distance. One block west and across Hollywood Blvd. from the Pantages.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I've been twice now...once for lunch, and once for dinner. Had the tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch, and really enjoyed it. Soup was maybe a little too much on the spicy side, but still, all in all, great. For dinner I had the fish and chips, they were TERRIFIC, and the last place I had them was in London...the only thing I can say is that they should automatically bring malt vinegar, the server seemed confused when I asked for it. Speaking of the servers, both times friendly, not overly so, actually have to give props to my dinner server, we were pretty hammered and obnoxious when we arrived. Loud, too. He took it in stride, I'm sure we weren't the first. Also, the cocktail list is fantastic, but I can't see it lasting that long. Fresh ingredients get expensive, and unless they sell a lot of cocktails everyday, they will soon rethink the cocktail menu. I hope they stay, everything I've had has been great. I will continue to go to Kitchen 24, I think it's a great addition to the neighborhood, I only wish it was there ten years ago when I practically lived at the Burgundy Room.

I've been twice now...once for lunch, and once for dinner. Had the tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch, and really enjoyed it. Soup was maybe a little too much on the spicy side, but still, all in all, great. For dinner I had the fish and chips, they were TERRIFIC, and the last place I had t...

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Doughboys is near the Bowl, and they do a whole picnic for two deal, sandwiches, salad, fruit, dessert, comes in a picnic basket and everything, as does Joans on 3rd, Bristol Farms, Zankou Chicken, and Little Door Next Door. I think the Bristol Farms one might even include wine.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I want to save money, but quality is also important. For the "big shops", I usually go to Ralphs. I can fill my cart for about $150, which is what I expect to spend for the bi-monthly grocery bill. For convienience, I go to Gelsons. I try to avoid it, but it's right next to me, they have great sandwiches, cheese (like the fig and raison Boursin) that I can't seem to find at other chains, good olives, and their cornichons are the best. I know if I'm going there, I'm spending $50-$80 on a small basket of stuff. I love Whole Foods, I usually decide to do a quick trip there if I'm cooking, unfortunitely staying home and cooking really doesn't save any $$, as it will be $50-$60 for all the fresh produce/fish/meat/cheese/wine I've walked out with. Trader Joes, for the quality and price, is IMO, the best bang for your buck. You can get A LOT of stuff, most bordering on the exotic, great cheese, wine, snacks, crackers, all borderline healthy (except the peanut-butter cups that I can't live without!) for a fraction of the price that you would pay at Gelsons, Whole Foods, or even Ralphs or Vons. The only problems with Trader Joe's is 1) You can't get everything on your list, since TJ's produce is so seasonal., they don't carry a lot of fresh herbs, they discontinue things pretty regularly, and there is no butcher/fishmonger, and 2) Their isn't one near me!! I would have to drive fifteen-twenty minutes to West Hollywood, or fifteen to twenty minutes to Silverlake. C'mon Trader Joe's, don't forget about your friends in the Beachwood/Bronson area!!

I want to save money, but quality is also important. For the "big shops", I usually go to Ralphs. I can fill my cart for about $150, which is what I expect to spend for the bi-monthly grocery bill. For convienience, I go to Gelsons. I try to avoid it, but it's right next to me, they have great sa...

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Habana in Costa Mesa (at the anti-mall on Bristol) is really good, Cubin, I don't think they have brunch, but they definitely have lunch. I don't think it would be too expensive. They have a great patio that would be ideal for a small celebration. If there's not too much booze, I'd say $20-$30 per person.

 

The only real Greek I know of around town is Sofi on 3rd, which is great. But I like take out, so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good, quick, and inexpensive Greek places in Hollywood, more east than west. A place I could just run in and grab some stuffed tomatoes and/or peppers and dolmas. And an awesome greek salad. And maybe some baklava. For under $20.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

I like Gelsons baguettes the best, and they must bake them all day, because they're usually warm.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

Irv's is pretty good, but no beer, and they close early. Not really a sit down and have a beer and burger sort of place. I would suggest Carny's on Sunset, the diner at The Standard Hotel, 25 Degrees at The Roosevelt Hotel, or, (for those with an open mind) Hamburger Mary's on Santa Monica and Sweetzer.

 
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schrutefarms commented 13 years ago

My favorite is East India Grill on La Brea and Oakwood. The staff is always really really nice, they have outdoor seating, and the Korma is the best I've ever had. Also, complimentary rice pudding. Which I don't like, but they are so sweet that I take a few bites anyway.