Diana "It's not what you say, it's how you say it" L.'s Profile

My first time at this theatre was absolutely wonderful.  I was fortunate enough to see Amanda Eliasch's "As I Like It".  It's around the corner, next to Hugo's restaurant.  It's a cozy, intimate venue that serves coffee, wine, water, & beer at the bar.

There's not a bad seat in the house & I noticed the balcony above.  The caliber of a venue can often be gauged by the caliber of the productions performed there.  Because I thoroughly enjoyed the play, I left w/ a stellar impression of the venue & will come back.

Amanda Eliasch is evidently an artistic genius & acknowledged as such in regards to fashion & photography.  I came away from this play w/ a curiosity for her poetry & a respect for her playwriting.  If this is her first play, I can't wait to see future plays!

I marvelled at this woman's unique upbringing, sense of humor, the beautiful costumes (her designs), and the elegant live piano playing.  The next time I come back to this venue, I'll add Hugo's restaurant before or after the performance.

Upon happenstance, I was able to try an elusive gourmet food truck (I've heard many a story of chaotic food truck festivals).  This experience, was thankfully that.  I tried the truffle fries w/ their signature aioli.  The fries were topped w/ a substantial serving of Parmesan cheese & truffle oil.  It smelled divine...and it was.  

I'm usually inclined to skinny fries (oh the irony) but smelled the truffle oil wafting toward my nose & decided to give these thick babies a go.  I did not regret my decision.  The fries were a little under $4 w/ tax so even if I didn't like them...it wouldn't have made a huge difference but I'm glad it worked out!

P.S. I'm intrigued about their sandwiches

When I first heard the name of this joint, I did a double take.  Japanese food that's fast food?  The word fast food conjures up the feeling of feeling ill, rather than satisfied.  Plus, the price point was very inexpensive for Japanese food.  The only way I could see for myself was to check it out.

I'm a sucker for Japanese food & can be quite the discerning eater since I have been to Japan & had their awesome food.  I got to the resto which is nestled in a plain strip mall.  It really does look like a fast food joint w/ little ambience.  I wouldn't recommend it for a date. I would recommend it for someone who is on a time crunch & needs a quick bite or who is catching up w/ friends that you're on a solid basis with so it doesn't matter where you take them.

The place is cash only. There is free water to the left of the cashier.  There's also a stamp card : After 10 stamps, you can get a free chicken bowl.  I ordered the Spicy albacore roll which is 12 pieces of albacore, spicy mayo sauce, & cucumber wrapped w/ seaweed & white rice.  With tax, it came out to $7 & some change.  

The order came out really fast & the meal was no fuss and pretty good.  There was a Japanese show on the TV.  There's also a community bulletin board where people can post their fliers & business cards.  Now that's good karma I can support : )

I'll be back for my next fix of Japanese food.  They have fish teriyaki, curry, udon, & ramen!

I've always wanted to try this place for something more than a quick caffeine fix on Melrose- it's within walking distance of Improv Hollywood, Agent Provocateur, Fred Segal, & Kiki de Montparnasse.  The last time I was there for an iced tea, I spied a gorgeous looking shrimp salad. Yes, I just described a food item as gorgeous. I vowed to come back.

I finally stopped by that very same shrimp salad but was told by the friendly cashier that they have daily items that change. Alas, I settled on what I thought was a consolation prize...the Harvest Salad.  It sounded great with the sliced almonds, cranberries, goat cheese, & balsamic vinagrette....but I told the cashier that this girl loves her meat.

And so, the same friendly cashier told me that I could add grilled chicken to any of the salads.  Done and done!  I also ordered one of their very good iced teas.  It was only a few minutes before I got my beautifully presented salad.  I took my first bite & marveled at the complexity of the salad. I never knew such complexity existed.  Separately, these ingredients might be good (they were fresh & presumably organic), but thrown together as a whole...this salad could rule the world!

The slivers of almond seemingly melted into the goat cheese. The goat cheese added a subtle creaminess to the tender greens, the cranberries,  a slight sweetness, the grilled chicken, a little bit of savory, and at long last, the premium black pepper lended a bite at the very end...or maybe it was the middle, it was such a dream, everything blended together.

The sandwiches looked divine.  I'll try those next time.  The icing on this proverbial cake is that there's a community bulletin that is a way for people to learn & support each other's businesses/endeavors.  Now that's good karma that I can support. As a fairly new resident of West LA , I'll be back frequently.

This has to be my favorite coffee shop.  It is the antithesis of the other faceless corporate chains.   Presumably, it is a cozy two-story house that has been converted into this warm, inviting coffee shop.  Me likey!  I love everything from the outdoor patio to the cottage like decor inside (and upstairs).  

I got a House Iced tea & Grilled cheese sandwich w/ tomato soup.  The total came out to $12 + some change w/ tax.  The prices aren't cheap but there's free wi-fi & the atmosphere is too cute.  This coffee stop made my week.  I hear the coffees are really good here & I'll have to try one the next time I come.  They also have ginger scones, chocolate chip scones, cupcakes, & a variety of other pastries.  Since scones are the namesake of this place, I plan on trying their scones soon too.

True to its inviting, friendly atmosphere, there's also a community bulletin board that I like to peruse for any of my needs that need to be fulfilled (aka Violin lessons, tutoring services, news about upcoming plays,etc).  Finally, there's a coffee shop that fosters & maintains a sense of community. This is also a great place to study, catch up w/ friends, or even have a coffee date.  I'll be back soon!

I wanted to come here to experience classic American fare,hear said tales of the decadent, glamorous Hollywood days, & experience attentive service.  From what I heard, the food & service had hardly changed, which is incredible given the modernity of Los Angeles & the fickle, trendy nature of restaurants in Los Angeles.  

If other restaurants in LA are quick chameleons, this institution is a veritable historical monument, albeit one that serves food & drink.  In my eyes, this is even better! I came on a Saturday night & questioned if that night was a good night to experience this restaurant for the first time.

There were groups of raucous, merry diners intent on celebrating a birthday, quite a few families, & tourists.  The host was attentive but he clearly had to attend to many.  The servers were professional & attentive given the hordes of people there that night.  There was nary an empty seat in the house to be found.

I had heard that the martinis were excellent & decided to see for myself.  My dinner companion & I both had a classic martini.  Each glass came w/ another glass carafe as a refill which a server would routinely come by & fill for us when the martini glass looked low on the beverage.

We were promptly provided w/ white bread & butter.  The bread was good as was the butter. No surprises or inventive twists here.   Each of the items on the menu were at least $28.  My dinner companion ordered the Prime Rib while I ordered the baked Halibut w/ mashed potatoes.  Our questions were answered w/ haste  as the server tried to accommodate many people that night.  

Once we got our dishes, I understood the reason  the pricing of the items.  The portions were huge!  My halibut was good but I really liked the mashed potatoes.  The martini was strong & simple.  Overall, it was a good experience but I'd love to come on an off night when I can relax in peace w/ a martini & ask the staff about those stories.

Wow, I haven't had a Taiwanese burger here in the States.  The last time I had a Taiwanese burger was at "Mos" burger in Taiwan.  The "buns" were constructed out of rice.  To be quite honest, I actually like the burger I had here at Bun Bun more than at Mos.  

My palate may have evolved since my Mos burger experience in Taiwan or the burger here really is better.  *Shrug*  I had the Grand Opening special which was the Taiwanese burger (your choice of pork or beef patty), a potato croquette, fries, & a choice of black or green iced tea for $7.75.

With tax, everything came out to around $8.43.  I opted for the green iced tea which came in a large sized cup right away.  Nice.  I like my beverages.  I did detect some sugar in the tea so for those that are naysayers on sugar...you can probably ask for a modification.  

The cashier recommended that I try the pork patty so I agreed.  I waited about 10 minutes for my burger w/ its accouterments.  I tried the potato croquette.  It was good, but I've been spoiled by the Cuban/Latin croquettes filled w/ gooey cheesiness.  I've heard good things about the fries, which were also good but the star of the show was the burger.  

The burger wasn't too big but was just the right size.  The patty was juicy & flavorful.  The egg also added to the juiciness.  The buns were slightly oiled w/ an aesthetic sheen to them. Unlike the Mos burger, this came w/ bread buns. The burger was the absolute picture of perfection & was  definitely ready for its photo op for a food magazine.  Too bad I didn't bring my camera.  Given that it looked so good, I was skeptical even before taking the first bite.

My fears however, were allayed & I was delighted at the prospect of having found a new burger place. The burger came w/ a small container of this addictive tangerine orange sauce that looked like Thousand Island dressing.  Like most standout items, this sauce was hard to define.  It looked like Thousand Island dressing...but tasted like a mere cousin to it.  It was subtle & slightly more sweet....& so addictive.  This is one of the few wishes I have with this place...that there be more of this addictive sauce...or at least an option to "add-on" more for an extra charge.

The space is small: there are about 2 sofas & maybe 3 wooden tables in which to sit.  I would highly recommend take-out or a group outing in which to utilize the sofas & lounge/snuggle.  The servers were genuine & wanted to know what I thought of the food.  I smiled, told them I wished there was more of that sauce, & let them know that meal made my day.  I'll be back to try their beef patty burger & Peanut butter burger.

This is my favorite ramen place in LA.  This is the low key brother to the original location in Little Tokyo.  Unlike the original location, parking is free in the plaza.  There are no long lines & wait times.  It's in a food court.  Instead of being surrounded by other Japanese restaurants, shops, & bakeries, this location is surrounded by Chinese & Cantonese casual lunch spots.  

Think Panda Express-like service & speediness within an authentic food court.  For someone who dislikes eating in a mall or plaza, the ambience hardly matters when that bowl of steaming ramen is beckoning.  

I had the Pork Ramen, Kotteri style, which is an extra charge.  Kotteri style basically means an upgrade of the fattiest parts of pork in the broth.  The abundant noodles were al dente, the creamy broth exquisite, & its accompanying accoutrements (bamboo, green onions, egg) added to the whole masterpiece.  The only wish I had was that there was more pork.  Perhaps it could be available at an extra charge?  I've noticed that many places skimp on the meat & I do love my meat.

The total came out to a little more than $8.  That's the best $8 I've ever spent in my life.  I noticed that this location has yet to incorporate the spicy tuna roll on their menu, which is disappointing.  The first time I came here actually, I came here for that.  Sometimes a girl needs her convenient, sushi fix.  Hopefully they will have that available soon.  

Other than that, can't wait to try the bowls & takoyaki!  I've tried the sashimi bowl at the original location & it was delicious!

I'm giving this bakery 3.5 stars.  I like this place more than Olympic bakery & less than JJ Bakery, in the adjoining plaza.  I would say the prices here are a little more than Olympic bakery & less than JJ Bakery so I guess you get what you pay for. I had no such problem w/ the service as I was greeted cheerily by the staff.  I did get there pretty early in the day so perhaps the enthusiasm had not waned yet?

I bought a ham, cheese, cucumber, & potato salad sandwich on white bread & a yummy looking strawberry jam pastry.  The total came out $3.03 w/ tax.  Not bad.  The sandwich was pretty good & cured my hunger pangs.  It wasn't life-changing, but it did it's job.  

The jam pastry, while visually appealing, was a disappointment.  The ratio of the bread to the layers of jam was askew.  I took a bite or two & barely detected the jam.  I basically tasted....bread.  Oh jam, where art thou?  Maybe it was on vacation.  Who knows.  So, for the two pastries that I bought, I liked one.  

If I'm in the area & hungry, I wouldn't rule this place out b/c there are still other items I haven't tried.

I was planning on coming here just for the oven baked regular or sweet potato fries itself so imagine my ecstasy when I got lost here, parked, walked a few steps to get a better idea of where I was...Lo & behold...Cafe Metropol shone like a beacon of light.  *Cue sound effects*

Since it was relatively early, between 10am-11am, there was nary a customer.  I was instantly greeted by a mellow, friendly server who showed me which menus were available at that hour.  I was intrigued by the lunch specials & settled on the Lox sandwich.  I also ordered a half order of the sweet potato fries w/ garlic aioli.  Having had my caffeine fix before getting lost, I opted for an ice water.  

I got the above items at a fast pace & instantly noticed that there was more food than I could handle.  I did, however, try.  And try I did!  The sandwich was open faced like a tartine.  Oh the European influences!  The lox was of good quality, the onions just the right amount, & horseradish subtle & slightly piquant.  Even the capers I didn't mind (which is rare).  Everything came together like a dream that still lingers long after it has ended.

The fries came w/ this addictive aioli.  Sigh, I wish there was more.  The fries weren't as crispy as I would have liked but I guess it probably would not have been possible w/o getting a deep fryer involved.  Even the half order came w/ plenty of fries.  

The bill for this deviation from my food malaise?  Around $15 w/ tax. I parked on the street, which was free.  Was it pricey? No. Was it cheap? No.  Given my state of mind as I walked in through that door, the break from my food malaise was worth the $15.