linda l.'s Profile

It all started when my friend and I became online reverends because she read Alanis Morissette had done it. We found this place in a guide-book called: Los Angeles Bizarro, and decided since we were now "of the order" it was of utmost importance that we purchase portable holy water bottles and communion wafers.

secret: (but the best part is hearing the man at the back desk answering phone calls, filling out orders...)

I first went here years ago... and returned recently while on a quick visit to the city. I was glad to see it still there. The little street location is charming. It's set up, with many small tables in one row, is perfect for dining alone. And the windows are nice for street-gazing. I wanted a good meal and was not disappointed. I ordered a seared tuna on a bed of some kind of perfect greens and had a sake. The wait staff was kind and efficient.

It was a nice way to remember what San Francisco is to me.

A classic when making the drive up or down the 101 between Monterey and LA!
Everything is pink and hyper-girly blended with what I have to call a sort of mid-evil vibe.... but that does not quite hit the nail on the head. It's just sick, fabulously disgusting. Yet clean...

The tables in the main dining area are gigantic copper beasts, so you're miles away from your party, and your water is served inside massive and thick shimmering-pastel glass chalices. Make no mistake, it is road food... which makes the dramatic setting even more ridiculous, but if you like cheeseburgers, this is the place to have one.

If you order a coffee, the waiter or waitress serves it alongside a pink or clear colored rock-sugar stir-stick... which is perfect!

Be sure and share a slice of their toffee cake. It is everything you as a two-year-old dreamed cake would be. I say share because it's HUGE. (and sweet)

The place is known for being a honey-moon type lodging... it has themed rooms with fake caves, waterfalls and plastic jungles.

If you are male then you have to make sure to use the downstairs bathroom, I hear the urinal is a glorious fountain! And besides that it gives you a chance to explore "the rose room", which you pass on the way.

It's the kind of place that does not begin with tea on your table... and they presume that you'd only use a fork. But it's cheap, close and people I know frequent. it. *their fortune-cookie messages have so far not been transformative.

I appreciate the environment, especially when I first arrived and knew few people. I hear that Walt Disney's studio was next-door...

My friend found this teeny place rated high on Zagat... little hole in the wall, true, but everything is good, including the service and price!

I've had a perfect moment eating in the garden-like dining area. It was close to sunset on a hot day so the air was a bit cooler. I've gone here a lot and it can be pretty sunny, not always pleasant when you eat. However, it is a nice place to sit and have a Belgian beer, a big salad, and feel good about being back home.

I also like that there is water and citrus by the register.

The bathrooms have a certain charm... gives me a chance to notice the music, separate from the outside chatter.

I've been to the Venice location as well, but prefer the food and drinks here, right off of Robertson. When I was Vegan I could leave feeling satisfied, which was not always easy. They have a Vegan meal that even my meat-eating friends enjoyed.

My review is only for the guacamole.... Go during lunch, order that and something to drink. They use a very simple recipe and make it in front of you. Lots of cilantro, if you want... and peppers for spicy! Be prepared that most of the patrons of this establishment are of the mild variety. My friend likes to sit in the main room, but I prefer the smaller back room with the deer-horn chandelier which faces the Hammer Museum.

(I also like that they serve french-fries in a paper cone)

Make sure you get there for the early-bird special! It's like dining in a thrift store fantasy.
It's also the kind of place where they wont understand what "vegan" is exactly... so if you are one, arrive ready to fudge a little. It's worth it if you appreciate that sort of ambiance, as I do.

P.S. The dark booths allow for great eves-dropping on dinner conversation; patrons can't see you chuckle.