Jin "Katie B will kill me if I don't write" N.'s Profile

The Valley seems to have an abundance of sushi spots. Some bigger than others. Some look more sketchy than one right next door. I have a handful of favorite sushi spots. The list is short. But occasionally I do enjoy visiting someone else's 'favorite spot'

On a casual get together, I joined some friends for a dinner. A cozy and casual spot fit for pure good eating. The hostesses are very nice and charming. It's one of those places you can get lost in your company and wind up ordering beers and sake.

I'm not a fan of rolls, but my friends were insistent that I have to try some of the rolls by Chef Yuji. Particularly his Yuji roll. I find rolls take away from a true sushi experience by gilding a lily too much. However the the roll was very wonderful. I found myself in a bad train of thought and started to order more and more off the hand written menu. (You'll find the standards as well as some unique spins)

After some sashimi, some mini soft shell crab, some baked fish... I started to notice some flavors seemed familiar. My friend remarked that Chef Yufi used to be at Brothers Sushi in Woodland Hills. That made me smile. Brothers is one of my favorite Valley spots. I was so happy his food moved to his own restaurant.

Chef Yuji, his wife, and staff are so sweet and charming. A worthwhile place to visit and make one of your favorite sushi spots.

I'm not one to slam a business, especially a new one. I was looking forward to Snow Monkey when I first caught wind of them. Maybe therein my expectations were raised higher than it should be.

I will have to agree with a previous review stating what you see on their website is not necessarily what you receive when you order. Granted, the pic online is unadulterated with any toppings, nor is it presented in the actual serving container they use at the storefront.

I think I did expect that: beautiful snowy ribbons of ice on a nice plate.

Instead I got a paper cup of ice with a pile of toppings. Maybe the ribbons were lost in the toppings, but the flavors of the ice were still lacking. It was like a shave snow cone than anything. The serving sizes are very big. I was content with a $3 kids size just to sample Snow Monkey. The $5 bucket seems huge in comparison. Maybe that would be the solution for Snow Monkey. Rather than a cup the snow can be presented in a tray.

The toppings they offered had some of the normal ones you would see at an ice cream stand or frozen yogurt, but they also had a few of their own special ones. The ones I spotted were mango mochi balls and popping boba.

I'm sure, I need to give Snow Monkey another try. Conveniently located in the Topanga Mall it might suit the wandering shopper with their kids just to appease them. But with the food court nearby as well as another competing frozen dessert stand next door, it might be challenge.

Straight off the bat. 3 star doesn't mean a bad thing. I actually enjoyed the food experience at Take a Bao for what it is. Seemingly it's supposed to be a bit of fusion since they offer bao and lots of thai flavors, as well as sprinklings of korean and japanese. The food was clean and easy to eat. If I had to summarize it I would describe it as the ChinChin or Pick Up Stix of Thai food. It's the flavor profiles I would expect in Studio City. It leans towards the bland, but that's expected considering the area.

I enjoyed Banh Mi Bao & Thai Peanut Bao.
Chicken Udon with Long Beans
Thai Chicken

The food was very clean and tasty. Approachable and unoffensive. You might be craving a little more spiciness. The food is good enough that I would like to try it again. This review definitely merits a repeat visit to get a better experience of the space considering I went the first week of open.

Having said that, it was odd to order at the counter with some people that seemed unsure of the menu. Then, after finding a table have a food runner bring the food and then have a busboy as well. I mention this because I was repeatedly asked if I was done with my food. Repeatedly. It became a running joke with my friend and I that maybe they are short of dishware and that we are using up valuable plates! I counted 10 times we were asked if we were done with my half full bowl/plate. Slightly disruptive of my dining experience. It was funny but annoying. I almost got my stop watch out.

In a world of ramen, when you think of hot noodles... you instantly think of ramen or pho. If you're korean, you can include cha jang myun. I wouldn't ever include soba in this mix. I've only regarded soba in terms of Zaru Soba, the cold dish.

I have a dear friend who I dine with often. I have shown her many places I've enjoyed or wanted to discover. In most cases, she lets me take the lead in picking spots. But there are the occasions she will share her own food finds. Yabu is on of those places she has introduced me to recently. I used to work in the area and was surprised I never went there. She is a creature of habit and has come to Yabu for years. Always getting basically the same things. After visiting Yabu a few times, I find myself loving it just as much, and interestingly enough, ordering the same things because I love it so.

I find myself ordering again and again:
Kakiage Tempura Soba (shrimp, scallop, fish cake)
Nasu Miso (stir fried eggplant)
Homemade Tofu
Kimpiria Renkon (stir fried lotus root)

The food is simple, clean, and fulfilling. I always seem to rotate my bowls or dishes for a few spins just to look at how wonderful it looks before I eat it. I wind up holding my soba bowl with two hands to let the tempura settle into the broth. The clean taste of the broth and the buckwheat noodles is a very satisfying thing.

On one of my most recent visits, we sat at the sushi bar because the place was so packed. (It usually is.) While we were nibbling on appetizers, the chef passed us tiny plates of sashimi that he had left over from another order. Just a bite. A glorious bite of yellowtail sitting on cucumbers in ponzu with a fried onion topping. Sweet soba lord it was good. I wound up having to order a full plate in appreciation. The sushi is just as good and fresh as you would expect from an authentic Japanese restaurant.

The place itself can be a little noisy and crowded. The service can sometimes be spotty and forgetful. but that's because they are so busy. But you can easily overlook it because they are genuinely nice and well meaning. The food is wonderful enough to dismiss any nitpicks you might find.

p.s. if you're lucky you can find parking in the back.

The long dispute of a great burger in Los Angeles gets convoluted when you add in the arguments of cocktails or gastropubs. The snobbery seeps into the conversation when you start to remark about the umami of this flavor or depth of flavor in this or that... or god forbid, a food orgasm in your mouth.

Sometimes you just need a good burger and good drink. No bullshit.

With the gentrification and rejuvenation of DTLA in the past years, it was bound to happen to the former space of 401 Boyd. For the casual wanderer, you would be too scared to travel this far south from Little Tokyo, almost too close to Skid Row. But if you cast aside your fears and attitude, you'll find an oasis in the middle of a cheap parking lot.

The Escondite, translation Hideout, is literally a hideout. You can't happen to find yourself there. You have to go there for a reason. And the reasons are plenty.

Firstly, it's a bar that has food. It's not a gastropub or mixology spot. It's a bar with food. Damn good food. They aren't reinventing the burger with their menu, but they offer up their crazy spins on food & drinks. I swear every time I read the menu or read a special burger I think that Erin and Brian must be stoned when they thought up the menu. It's great burger patties with toppings you would think someone sat in front of the pantry and fridge and said: "Dude... you know what would go great on that?"

Duuuuude.

Duuuude, how about some Fritos and Chili on it and call it a Boss Hogg?

Duuuude, what about a fried egg with Cholula sauce and call it Captn Kangaroo?

It's borderline nasty hot mess but it looks so fantastically bad that it is a good meal. Sure, you might pay for it later that evening at home but good eating is an adventure. I'm working my way down the burger menu and have yet to try their italian beefs, which also look glorious.

I must also add, the Escondite has some of my favorite fries. They do it just the way I like it. Hand cut and leaning more towards crispy brown. No fancy sauces to go with it. But just a great fry. My first time there, I couldn't resist. After eating a burger and fries, I wound up ordering another full order of fries with country gravy.

A full bar that can craft whatever libation your in the mood for, as well as their versions of cocktails, e.g. old fashionista, etc. It's definitely their version of certain cocktails. So if you are looking for a delicately crafted Julian Cox mixology creation, you may be disappointed. In the same vein, they may not have a giant Yardhouse selection of beers, but they do have plenty of craft beers on tap and bottles to appease the microbrew snob in you.

Whether you eat inside the dark eclectic space of the inside cave or have a casual smoke on the patio and take in a glorious view of the DTLA cityline where all the fancy well paid folk work. Kick back. Hide out.

I discovered this spot by reading a friend's blog. She described fond memories of the guava cheese pie with such eloquence that I mentally bookmarked it for a later date. One weekend, when that friend needed cheering up I thought I would brighten her day by getting something I knew would bring a smile to her face.

I'm a huge fans of local spots that highlight a neighborhood as well as the face of Los Angeles.  When I entered the rugged little cafe/market, it felt like I was taken from Silver Lake to some cuban shop in Florida. I just stood there and took in the ambience and the smell of the little spot. I saw people working on their laptops or just reading at the small tables. I looked around and saw all the baked good and took in the smell of espresso in the air.

Alas... I was on a mission. My sole purpose was to just get a piece of the flaky guava cream cheese pie. And I saw it... in a little glass case under a heat lamp. The flaky crust called to me. At $8, I knew I had to get the WHOLE pie.

The server behind the counter knew the look on my face and just asked if I wanted a box or if I wanted to eat the whole thing there. HAHAHA. I almost hugged my pink box because it was still warm. I good smell the rich fragrance of guava and cheese. I didn't want to tempt myself.

On a spur of the moment, I decided to get an ice coffee. It pleased me to no end to see the server not reach down in the refrigerator but instead spin on her heels and pull some espresso shots over ice. No watered down pre-mixed swill. It was real pure octane stuff. Near perfection for a coffee lover.

edit: friend was in near tears when the guave/cream cheese pie was given to her. She hadn't had it for years since moving away from the area.
It's well worth a stop if you're strolling down Sunset. Los Angeles is made of places like Cafe Tropical.

It seems a scarce thing to have a CMYE in the W Valley. I was overjoyed to find out Brittany was holding one at my favorite hot dog spot in Los Angeles - The Slaw Dogs.

I've been to the new location in Tarzan a few times before the event. I wanted to just go in support of Ray and Brittany CM. Arriving late, I missed most of the introductions and hellos. The tiny storefront was already packed with yelpers inside and out. Everyone had their cups filled with wine or cans of beers, as well as baskets of treats from the kitchen. Ray's staff was on hand to serve everyone family style little bits of selected treats from his menu. We really didn't have to do anything beyond just enjoy and eat. Ray's graciousness and hospitality is a joy to see. It wasn't beyond him to ask if we wanted to try ANYTHING else off the menu. If you asked, he would've wandered off only to return with a basket for the table.

For those not familiar with Slaw Dogs, he brought out things like #1 or his green monster, etc. He even let us yelpers be the first ones to try his new Ghost Chili link. (Our table loved it so much that he gave us a treat of a ripped ghost chili link with some onions and kimchi). SPICY!

Dandy Don, which is served at Slaw Dogs btw, had a cart at the event for our sweet tooth. I've been often to the store, but I've never tried the ice cream. Great stuff.

It was a very nice and casual event. The food was plentiful and generous. No one needed to vultures and hover around the kitchen for a crumb of food. A relaxed an environment that really highlights the business that hosts it. Brittany did a very nice job of creating a great CMYE for this area. I look forward to more of her events.

Thanks to Lissa G, Jim, Aly R, and Ernesto N for fun and entertaining table.

In the direct local area on Spring and the Old Bank District, there seems to be a shortage of good quality coffee spots -- especially since Lost Souls has gone away. After a couple of weeks of delays, Groundfloor finally opened.

It's located in the same space of the Groundfloor gallery. A big open space, so a diner, you might be a little lost as where to sit. (They've since reorganized the eating and dining area with chairs and tables). In the same vein as eateries in art spaces, I suspected that it would be over-priced crap.

I've actually enjoyed my sandwiches and salads at Groundlfoor. Granted, I wish the baguette were less chewy and had a bit more tooth in the crust. The espresso drinks are also good. You will not see the fancy tricks or wordy descriptions of a single origin bean they may have. Groundfloor is giving you your coffee and bite.

They offer a good deal of petit dejeuner of brewed coffee, croissant, and fresh squeezed orange juice (literally) for $5 until 11 a.m. It's about the same price you'd pay for just the coffee and croissant alone.

I joke that i should use my high school french more often. As if I could hold an actual conversation, with what seems, an entire French staff at Groundfloor. I like to pretend I'm escaped to some french foreign territory with frenchman and with french disco blaring through the air.

Groundfloor has become my regular coffee/tea spot - no bullshit no attitude, apart from mine. C'est vrai.

Thai food is a cuisine I discovered in my 20's. I still continue to discover ones that expand my knowledge of Thai food. I would never profess as an expert in Thai food -- I just enjoy the different variances I've come across.

Good thai food seems to run sporadic the further north you travel up the 101 freeway. As opposed to Hollywood or even the east SFV, where you can find good hole in the walls around every corner. I stumbled upon this place on a search on yelp for thai food. Not thai/japanese or thai/chinese or thai/frozen yogurt or other fusion bullshit. I wanted straight up thai. I do not think of the west valley, much less calabasas as the epicenter of all things Thai, so Chaba piqued my interest.

Found in a strip mall, you will find plenty of free parking and no other distractions nearby apart from a Taco Bell. If that sways you then your palate is off course in the first place.

When I went in, I was a bit apprehensive at the clean modern look of Chaba. In fact, the cordial waiters even put my guard up that this my be a snobby pretentious Calabasas restaurant. However, over the course of the night I found the place and the service staff very comfortable and very helpful. The waiters were just so kind and attentive without being obstructive. I really love that in any restaurant.

My dinner date and I ordered some standard dishes. I like to order these to see how a thai restaurant fares with the 'standards'.

Papaya Salad
Shrimp Pad Thai
Red Curry w Tofu
Roti

I really wanted spicy that night but considering the area, I was not disappointed that the dishes we received were a little mute in the spice factor, I figure they are toning it down for the local area. But spice level can easily be fixed with the hot sauces they will provide. Maybe next time I have to really press for spicy next time. Be that as it may, I still enjoyed my food. Sure it may not stir up dreams of your trip to Thailand or your last drunken noodle fest in Thai town of Hollywood. But give me a break. Chaba's dishes have true Thai character, even if its a little more upscale.

I loved the rich tamarind flavor in my pad thai. I loved the freshness of my papaya salad. I loved the creamy balance of the red curry. The roti was delicious and not overly greasy.

The two waiters that looked over my meal were just charming. They seemed to be there at every need or notice that rose up. Even recommending which hot sauce for which dish we had on our plate. I was even pleased to hear he refused our order of sticky rice and mango. He stated that the mangos they had were not ripe enough and did not recommend it that day. That was very impressive to me.

Chaba doesn't go down in the scrolls of greatest Thai places in LA area, but its a very solid choice if you are in the area or coming from Malibu. Yes. the price point is a little higher than a hole in the wall but you will have a very good meal and service. It's a worthwhile place to dine at and at less than 10 reviews I will call it underrated.

When I was first introduced to Slaw Dogs in Pasadena, I already had a set list of favorite hot dogs in all of LA. I heard so much about it and presumed it was just hype. When I visited their original location, I was taken by the service and the food. It won me over. The only reason why I didn't frequent it as much was because it was so far. I knew Ray wanted to expand, but I only knew of the possible store in Duarte. I never knew he had plans to expand to the San Fernando Valley.

I can't express to you how excited I was that he opened a GOOD restaurant in the Valley. Slaw Dogs really does rank as a great hot dog stand. I have my favorite stands in the Valley but they've fallen down the list since the Slaw Dogs is now in town.

I was very happy to see the menu and the feel of the valley location is very much the same as the flagship Pasadena location. Yes, its a little smaller but its still inviting, clean and comfortable. If you want to read the deluge of praises for Slaw Dogs, just do a search for the Pasadena location. Or read one of my reviews:

http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Burgers, fries, sweet potato fries, perfect onion rings. They have it all. Its still a very new location so you will not find beer there ~~~ YET. Liquor licenses take time. It's a definite recommend from me if you are anywhere near the area.