Jessica "Fishnets in the FiDi" P.'s Profile

The chicken lord giveth, and the chicken lord taketh away. I feel like I ate here once, and I can never eat here again. I felt like a gluttonous meat sloth after I was done! The portions are huge!

I am not shy in my love for Korean BBQ, or the mall (sometimes). I run my errands during lunch, I do some shopping or I work out, and then, I get famished. Sometimes, a goddamn Lee's Deli sandwich ain't gonna cut it when I'm in the FiDi heading back to my desk.

Oh, I had seen Sorabol, I heard about it, I smelled it and dodged eye contact with it on my way to Coriander, my beloved mall food court Thai messenger. I felt so sorry for myself that I never got a bowl of this funky chicken or veggies that everyone speaks of at Sorabol. So one day I did.

The service was indeed fast and friendly and generous. Gotta love the free kimchi. It was ok, even really tasty at times. And I ate. I ate. And I ate at my desk bite after bite of bbq chicken, thick, chunky broccoli and some rice splashed with teriyaki sauce. And then I fitfully passed out head first into my keyboard, the space bar lodged above my eyebrows. I knew I had to end it.

It was cheap, fast and good, albeit a bit much for me to handle. I probably won't be back out of sheer guilt and the fact that I am trying to eat less and less meat. But, at least I can say I've been there. And I conquered.

Dark and seedy, cheap and needy, that's what you'll get at the Spotlight.

I've always been curious about what lay in this manhole, and never stopped in, no matter how many times I found myself in and out of other dives in the area.

The Spotlight always put up a red light for me as I would only see fights outside, washed out trannies, broke down older men and the Madonna following miscreants of mid city. Yet the wonderment never ceased.

I came here for a friend's boyfriend's birthday party and had no idea what to expect. That being said, it actually was pretty cool.

It's very relaxed and casual in there. No wall to wall ass, you can hear yourself and your party talk and you know what, maybe after a few drinks, I don't mind you playing that song for the 3rd time in one night or that I need someone to guard the ladies room since I'm not peeing in a trough.

It's definitely along the lines of the Frolic Room, but you know, gay. The bartender was nice, the clientele were awesome in their own way and the dancers were uh...friendly to everyone!

It's the type of bar you can take sanctuary in at the peak of an afternoon, or at 1:45 am. Cash only puts a nice cap on any fools and it's classic self-deprecating old Hollywood attitude make it a nice escape from the pant-less women walking the boulevard and the stream of self-entitled crowds and hipsters hitting the "strip" of the Holly Hood. I'm too old for that now. Either that, or just bitter.

Is it wrong I like to compliment a drag queen's shoes, get fashion tips from the underage go-go dancer in nothing but athletic sock and hot pants, and get strong drinks from a bartender who looks like Roy Rogers? Because if it is, I don't wanna be right.

Old Hollywoodland. The best way to view the Hollywood sign is really to take a drive up Beachwood Drive. For those of you who don't know, the original Hollywood sign was built in 1923 to serve as advertising for real estate in Beachwood Canyon. It originally said: "Hollywoodland." The last four letters were removed in 1945, after Hollywood had become, well, Hollywood.

I stumbled upon this little area while jogging one day when I lived in LA years ago. I felt the authenticity and old voices of film reels past when I walked through the small radius of mom and pop shops, multi million dollar homes and historic architecture.

I never really tried any place out there, until this past week though, for breakfast. It's all American, it's small, it's got character (and I mean that in a nice way) and it really brought me back to the days of going to hole in the wall diners in New England where you wanted every waitress to be your mom, because she was so wonderful. And nicer to me than my mom ever was!

The food isn't stellar, but for me the atmosphere was. Part kitsch, part history, part out of work actors and "very important people" having serious conversations in clandestine booths. The gaunt actress sitting across from a producer with a full belly and plate full of food, while she barely finishes a half eaten bowl of fruit, the touristy couple in back, the lone writer by the window and the hipsters in bed head with black coffee. All types come here, not to be seen, not to be heard, just to be served.

Our waitress was amazing. Full of vibrance and energy (and no, she wasn't 18) she had that same energy the entire time we were there. She reminded me of Flo from Alice, and the amount of "honeys", "sugars" and friendly interjections throughout our meal made me love her.

There was actually a woman who worked the register. I mean, she actually stood at the register and had a great smile and wasn't texting, rude, on her phone or sulking because she was at the front, simply manning her station. Every transaction she processed was with a smile, "how was your meal" and a sincere thanks. Now that folks, is old Hollywood. None of this crappy customer service we get nowadays.

I had an omelette, which was delicious. The potatoes, not so much, but it's a simple frozen batch thrown on a grill, I wouldn't get them again. It's a no frills breakfast place with great portions and just a chance to see what life is or was like in the canyon, in a neighborhood holding it's ground and customers very well. I don't even mind the bad wallpaper.

Grilled. Cheese. Dippers.

Pretty much my big dipper and star of the meal for me. I liked the caramelized onion touch and the creamy tomato soup/dipping sauce was addictive. I'm reallllly into tomatoes. This was a fun appetizer.

Huge portions, great for groups, it's near the mall, so it's not your uppity overpriced chain, but more like a casual, spacious lounge that serves comfort food. Service was pretty quick, the uptown mac and cheese looked amazing and would probably get me to go back.

I also tried the southwest burger which was flavorful. Nothing outlandish or really mind-blowing. I feel like chipotle aioli is served on everything these days.

I'm sure it gets hopping at certain meal times, but this seems like a good place for a casual lunch with friends or business folk. I could totally see someone having their annual review here, lol

On a rainy day, mid afternoon on a holiday, I would say this place hit the spot. It's cute, there are some creative menu items and it's in a good location.

Having lived in the Lido apartments in Hollywood, I am no stranger to RoRo's, Zankou or delivery chicken in a 2 mile radius. This last visit though, I was impressed with Al Wazir. I mean, seriously, they give you pita up the wazoo, that should be enough.

Delivery is always Russian roulette in Los Angeles. So many places, they can't all possibly be good...and they aren't. We've all had our Pink Dot moments...

Anyway, I ordered the chicken kebob plate and was really happy. The garlic (crack) sauce really kept me sitting alone all weekend, but it was worth it. I swear, they must make their hummus with chick pea flour, because  it is the smoothest, tastiest little dollop of heaven to touch meat in a long time for me--uh, maybe that was TMI.

And the pitas! They seriously gave us a plethora of pitas, probably 6 in there. Soft, fresh pitas....which are probably going to go to waste since we only had about 2.5 of them between my friend and I. The side salad was nothing special, but a nice intermission between the crack sauce and chicken.

It's reasonably priced, quick delivery and friendly staff. I have no complaints.

Grub a dub dub, two girls and a pup came to eat brunch here one Saturday afternoon. It was a lovely LA day and we waited only a short while to be seated outside in the quaint little patio with a puggle by our side.

We split the crab and artichoke dip as a starter, which was delightful. I was up early that day and had just flown in, so i was hungry. I also got a kick out of our cereal nibbles as a free app when we sat down. I only wish I had a some milk in my pocket.

The server and the hostess were great. You could tell everyone was enjoying themselves, relaxing, either just coming from last night's party or the gym. One patron, as he was leaving, made it a point to approach our rather hippie like hostess and exclaim she had such a wonderful energy and place, he would most certainly be back. Now isn't that nice?

I ordered the Chicken-A-Licious sammy, which was pretty good. That cheddar kaiser roll was awesome, and there was a good ratio of chicken to brie, and condiments. It was also very light. I also had the sangria, not too sweet, just enough kick. My friend ordered the egg sandwich and seemed really happy with it as well.

I'd definitely come back for dinner or brunch again. I have my eyes on the After School Special, which of course I craved all weekend and regretted not having it while I was there. Next time!

I woke up the day after Christmas with some not so nice teeth pain.  I guess that's what I get for being naughty. Since it was a Saturday, and a holiday, I had very limited options for any relief. I called several dentists and most were gone, but Bayside Oral Surgery was open, and had it not been for the awesome receptionist, Michelle, my mouth would be in ruins. Michelle alerted Dr. Liao of my situation and tried to schedule me for the earliest appt. on Monday. She called me back within an hour to confirm, as well as called in some pain relief for me to get through the weekend. Great follow through!

I arrived at their offices on Monday and the vibe is relaxed and the staff is very calming--not eerily calm like "you're about to get a needle and some unpleasant experience in your face", but more of a "hey, we're going to take care of you" feeling.

Dr. Liao didn't make me feel bad for procrastinating in getting this problem tooth out. She suggested I get the remaining wisdom tooth out too, and that it would be an easy, quick procedure. She was very thorough in describing the procedure, evaluating my x-rays and had a very nice demeanor. She didn't make me feel like a crazy whiner, because I'm sure some people had it much worse than I, but I never felt like a problem. I was scheduled for surgery the next day.

Having never had my top wisdom teeth out, I always get nervous before surgery. The nurses were great and personable, and I didn't just feel like a number in a bib with an IV. I woke up from surgery groggy but confident that I was ok. I had a nurse, as well as Dr. Wendy call me later on that day to see how I was doing. (Apparently I needed a bit more anesthesia than your average bear, but I'm ok)

I ALWAYS get the dreaded dry socket when I have teeth out. This time, I had none. Dr. Liao's job was quick, efficient and had no complications. So much so, that when I went back for my check up a week later, I was told I was healing surprisingly fast and doing great. That never happens. My sinuses are even better!

Thanks to Dr. Wendy Liao, I have a few holes in my head, but not in my heart for Bayside Oral Surgery Group.

Ranch sauce- 5 stars.
I'd eat anything dipped in that ranch. Anything.

Every turkey burger I've had there is great, flavorful and filling.

Chicken sandwich that equaled a size 10 shoe. Need I say more...

I usually don't rate thai food so poorly, but this place really disappointed me today. I needed something soft since my teeth were bothering me, so I opted for tofu pad see ew and a Thai Iced Tea to sooth my aching tooth. Oh, and I really mean pad see EW...

The tea was fine, the food was not.

The pad see ew was so overdone, it smelled burnt before I even opened my to-go container. The tofu looked ok, albeit dried out, but it literally tasted charred, and my eggs were fried beyond recognition. I've eaten here  before, years ago, and felt that it was ok, but today just ruined it for me.

I think the veggies were fresh, but the noodles, tofu and eggs had probably been sitting in a pan all morning already.

It was quick and friendly service but my last "chewable" meal before getting wisdom teeth taken out, was NOT a wise choice to be had from here. Sadness.

Everybody was Kung Fu eating, and surprisingly not fighting, even though the wait in line seemed to be a doozy.

I had been following these guys since they first popped up, but never actually ate any of their tacos--that is until they set up shop two blocks from my office this month. I knew it paid to wait!

I ventured down there, waiting about half an hour (in line and then after order) so come early. Tacos are $2-$3, and If you get 2-3, that makes for a good meal. I got the veggie, chicken and steak, I wanted a lil taste of everything.

Overall, the tacos had zing, but not enough spice for my likes, but that's ok. The steak one had a bit too many onions and I feared even after three brushings, they kept coming back to say hello.  They had run out of the famed duck just a few people in front of me so I did not luck out in getting to taste it. I guess I'll have to go back. Shucks.

I love that some random taco truck is sidling between an alleyway and a parking lot somewhere amidst the FiDi. For those who follow, it's like the Where's Waldo of tacos...where will they pop up next? For newbies, it's a welcome surprise to see some cool fusion snackies appear at your doorstep.

I took my paper plate wrapped in foil and made a mad dash back to my office, the aroma steaming up and teasing me every bit of the way. I was scared the tacos would be cold by the time I got back to the office or worse yet--someone would knock them out of my hands in a hangry rage!

Neither happened. Sometimes they switch things up or add desserts, so it's always an adventure. Say hi to the pale yellow taco truck and get some yum-yum for me.