Julie "official taste tester" E.'s Profile
DateLos Angeles, CA 90026
Silver Lake Reservoir
Categories:
Hiking,
Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-7453
Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles
Categories:
Southern,
Breakfast & Brunch,
Soul Food
Neighborhood: Hollywood
I've only been to Roscoe's twice (once in Long Beach, once in Hollywood). Each time was a magical journey into the question of "was this meal worth taking time off my life?"
And each time, the answer is a resounding YES.
I'm not a fried chicken fiend, but the chicken here -- crispy, flavorful skin, juicy inside -- is delightfully deliciously damn-finger-lickin' awesome. I'm from Chicago and grew up with Harold's Chicken, and yes...Roscoe's is better than Harold's. (Don't hate me Chicagoans!)
The waffle, with hints of cinnamon, perfects the chewy-too-crispy ratio that waffles should have, but rarely achieve.
Homemade, hot biscuits and old school mac n' cheese round out the heart squeezing perfection that is Roscoe's.
The best is to pour syrup and butter on everything and make the plate into a salty, sugary pile of awesome.
My brother bought a t-shirt. That's the butter on my waffle.
Nancy Silverton sprinkles magic fairy crack dust on everything that emerges from Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza's kitchens. I'm sure most of the mixed reviews here come from the high expectations of her passion project. I'm not immune to that either. Surely, Short Order could use a bit more magic fairy crack dust on their food and service, but I'm erring on the side of "this is a really good burger joint and it will get better" in giving it 4 instead of 3 stars.
My friend and I came around 9 pm on a Wednesday night. Granted, it's the Wednesday before Christmas, so the Grove was a massive crowded nightmare. Thankfully, there was no wait to sit upstairs at the restaurant.
We waited...and waited...for someone to take our order. Perhaps it felt longer since we were starving. And then we waited...and waited...for the food to arrive. We were sitting at the communal table around the fire, and when it did come, the server initially gave our food to the other couple, but they caught it and handed it over to us.
We got:
- Ida's Old School Burger: like a fancy In-N-Out burger, although, except for the high quality of the meat here, I like In-N-Out's better. It was a bit greasy, fell apart, and I couldn't taste the "secret sauce." The flavors were good though.
- Nancy's Backyard Burger: we agreed this was the better burger of the two. The bacon was GREAT and the burger had tons of flavor.
- Spuds: these were AWESOME. We got them with the truffle salt ($2) and dipping sauce (another $2), which is fancy sour cream with real bacon bits.
- Nancy's Chocolate Chip Cookie: disappointing. The chocolate was delicious, but the texture was like a thin, chewy sugar cookie. If anything, chewy cookies should be thick. I wouldn't get this again.
We waited...and waited...for more water. We asked three different people. The third guy seemed annoyed that we asked him.
Thankfully, our server was super nice and friendly. And another host came by and made sure that we were pleased with everything, so that made up for the sucky slow service in the first half of our meal.
Does the burger rank as one of LA's best? It's good, but it's not in FO's league.
Do I hope they fix their slow, haphazard service issues? Yes. I totally get the mixed reviews on here. And with Umami opening at the Grove, they better step up their game.
Would I go back? Yep. It's still a damn good burger. Just needs a tad more Silverton magic crack fairy dust.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 666-6641
Naturalmind Beauty Salons
Categories:
Hair Salons,
Day Spas
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
Naturalmind speaks to my sensibilities. They use only all-natural, organic products. Unlike you're antiquated mirrored ceilings, this salon is gorgeous, with high, wood beamed ceilings, fantastic massage chairs at the shampoo bowls, and excellent artsy magazines. Everyone there really cares about hair, and knows how to work it.
Jaime rocks for color. I've gone to her several times for roots and she's done a fantastic job.
Hope you're happy that I found (local) hair happiness.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 231-7484
Literati Cafe
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Breakfast & Brunch,
American (Traditional)
I'd been to Literati several times before when I lived on the west side. This isn't a reflection of the cute atmosphere, good coffee and food -- I like all of that.
What isn't good is the lack of transparent WiFi policies. For example, the WiFi is "closed" during lunch hours.
I stopped here on a recent day, figuring 1) there's a parking lot so I won't have to worry about meters and 2) I could take phone calls there since there's a regular noise level. I arrived close to 2 pm, thinking this was towards the end of the lunching hour.
Unfortunately, because the WiFi was "closed," I wasted more than an hour of my time -- trying to figure out when the WiFi would come back on (employees said anywhere from a few minutes to an hour), having to leave, find another place with WiFi, and repark my car. I have lots of work to get done, and this time was wasted because of the lack of knowledge about the WiFi here.
And I didn't just come to work -- I actually bought lunch and coffee. I don't think it's right for people to use free WiFi and not purchase anything.
I understand that it's reasonable for places have WiFi policies -- I'm not griping about that. What would be nice is if the WiFi policies were posted online, in the store, and the employees were aware of them so they could accurately inform customers who wish to use it. Paying customers and WiFi users and not mutually exclusive. Show owner comment »
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-5299
Lazy Ox Canteen
Categories:
American (New),
Gastropubs
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Little Tokyo
One of the best, most flavorful, perfectly cooked medium rare, juicy pieces of tenderloin I've tasted in I don't know how long. Seemingly simply seasoned with salt and pepper...my god.
The kale and mini roasted potatoes on the side were an excellent compliment too.
But mixing the juice from the petite tenderloin with the polenta, made with black truffles, creamy mushrooms and curry, was the piece de resistance. There was nothing mealy, grimy, or bland about this polenta, which is usually my primary reason for not ordering it. But oh my, what an amazing treat.
To top the meat and polenta with a side of brussels sprouts, braised with bacon and dates...
One of the best meals I've had in a long time.
I've been to Lazy Ox three times now for dinner, had different dishes each time, and each time has been equally fabulous.
But that petite tender...I will dream about you fondly, and anticipate our next rendezvous with excitement and drool.
Listed in: My LA Faves, Burgers: The Good, The Bad,…
1 Previous Review:
-
3/29/2010
LOVE the LAZY OX!
What's not to love about a tapas gastropub with quality food, drink and atmosphere?
A small, set menu with small, medium and large plates.
A daily rotating menu, written on the blackboard with 20+ small plates for sharing, based on what's fresh and in season.
Lots of meat: quail, pig trotters, pig ears, sausage...
Like other Yelpers, the place is difficult to spot since there's no sign. Just look for the oasis of hipsters, foodies, and casual sophisticates in a newly gentrified section near skid row.
Love the atmosphere here. There's a small heated patio out in front, though my date and I opted to sit inside. The noise level is energetic but not unreasonable. Soft wood walls, the tables are somewhat close together, but at least you can see what everyone else is eating!
The service was super friendly. The hostess (who, I learned was from Chicago, which made so much sense in terms of her friendliness) suggested a delicious beer while we were waiting for our table. They have an adventurous, quirky beer and wine lists, which are both reasonably priced.
We ordered:
- Crispy quail: from the special menu. Like fancy fried chicken. A couple small pieces on top of greens. The acidic flavor from the greens and dressing was a lovely complement to the quail.
- Ricotta with grilled bread: excellent appetizer off the special menu. Creamy and delicious.
- Sausage mixed in mashed potatoes: this had a fancier name. From the special menu. It was basically mashed potatoes mixed in with sausage. Sausage mashed potatoes. Awesome.
- Hand tossed pasta with fried egg on top: This was off the regular menu and umm...can we say delicious?
- Dessert: an unbelievable chocolate concoction called Chocolate Pate. I love chocolate. I love pate. I love the chocolate fudge with a hint of crunch and homemade vanilla ice cream. I believe it's on the regular menu. And thankfully so, because I will order this every time, diet be damned!
NOTE: Make a reservation! and don't park in the parking lot next door if you're going late - they locked us in and we had to drive through some yellow tape to get to the open gate on the other side of the lot.
Awesome date place. Awesome foodie and gastropub. I will definitely be back!
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 337-4490
Eduardo's Enoteca
Category:
Italian
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Yes please!
Eduardo's Enoteca is a fantastic addition to the Gold Coast. I was lucky enough to attend a preview when I was home over Thanksgiving (aptly called "Drinksgiving") where there was an open bar, a special handcrafted Thanksgiving-themed cocktail (cranberry!) and lots of passed platters.
The menu covers the gamut from meat & cheese plates to crostini to pastas to, of course, pizzas. This is a new restaurant concept from the deep-dish Edwardo's family that's focused on serving healthier, more nuanced Italian dishes. And from what I tasted, they're off to an amazing start.
First, I must commend the generous usage of truffle oil. I'm a sucker for truffle oil. The Fusilli Funghi Tartufo has all of my favorites combined into one delicious dish: handmade, long fusilli pasta with cremini mushrooms, parmesan, white truffle oil, parsley and scallions. The truffle oil was also in full effect on the Mushroom Crostini, which came with ricotta, sweet onions, garlic and balsamic on a piece of crispy sourdough toast (that wasn't too thin or too thick).
The margherita pizza was delightfully simple, all flavor and no froufrou-ness.
Oh...not only do they deliver...they deliver WINE. Yep.
If only they delivered to LA. Chicagoans, you're in for a treat with Eduardo's.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 782-8331
The Golden State
Categories:
Burgers,
Gastropubs,
Sandwiches
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
Here's my take:
Golden State's "The Burger" is quite delicious, as are the sweet potato wedges with aioli.
- The burger is juicy but not greasy - the 2nd juiciest burger I've tried in this city after Father's Office.
- The brioche bun adds a nice bit of sweetness.
- Bacon and arugula are in nice proportion to the rest of the burger. All the flavors blended well together without one overpowering another. I just love the juiciness of the meat. (And saying the word "juicy" over and over).
- The size is smaller than FO but bigger than Umami - perfect. Filling but not too heavy.
- Small, rotating beer and wine list.
- Lowkey atmosphere: order at the counter and grab a table. This is a more organized, fluid method than FO's scramble for a seat.
- SCOOPS ICE CREAM. Need I say more?
- Street parking is kind of annoying, but not impossible.
FO is still the best burger I've had in LA. But Golden State's all-around unpretentiousness gives it a run for it's money.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 665-7818
Agra Cafe
Category:
Indian
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
There were enough positive Yelp reviews that I wanted to give Agra a shot. I probably won't again.
This review is based purely on delivery.
- It took almost an hour and half for the food to arrive.
- I tried chicken tikki masala and matar paneer. The food was pretty bland and the sauces were watery/greasy. The chicken was unusually bright orange. The peas in the matar paneer, however, were definitely fresh.
- The basmati rice was plainer than I've had at other Indian places. The naan was OK, not great.
- The portion sizes are much smaller than Electric Lotus, but similarly priced.
Not terrible, but underwhelming.
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 387-3865
Soot Bull Jeep
Category:
Korean
Neighborhood: Koreatown
It's appropriate that "Soot" is in the title of this gem of a restaurant, since that's what your clothes (and hair, and purse, and boots) will smell like until everything's been dry cleaned.
That said, I like Soot Bull Jeep because:
- they use real charcoal for BBQ
- you get a decent -- not overwhelming -- amount of meat. I didn't feel like I was rolling out of there like at other Korean BBQ joints.
- the meat is flavorful...just be careful not to overcook it.
- lowkey, casual atmosphere.
I'm no authority on the authenticity of Korean BBQ, but I personally prefer Park's. That said, Soot Bull Jeep is certainly worth a visit.
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Los Angeles, CA
Yelping SinceAugust 2006
Things I Loveyoga, Chicago, carbs, wine, cheese, truffles, massages, shoes, pajamas, The New Yorker, Wired, movies, sleep, concerts, google maps, chocolate, Scrabble, social media, marathons
My HometownChicago, IL
My Blog Or Websitehttp://ayeblog.wordpre..., http://tastyjules.tumb...
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm drinking green tea.
My Second Favorite WebsiteNetflix
The Last Great Book I ReadShantaram by Gregory David Roberts
My First ConcertNew Kids on the Block with my dad in 4th grade
My Favorite MovieThe Princess Bride
My Last Meal On EarthPasta, bread, wine and chocolate. Or a cheeseburger and extra crispy fries.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...Steamed spinach can be delicious. I swear!
Most Recent DiscoveryOld jeans that now fit :) (see: steamed spinach)
Current CrushJeff Bridges circa Against All Odds, Kevin Costner circa No Way Out
With just a slight incline along the western side (or decline if you go in the other direction) and a bit hillier along the eastern leg, this is my favorite place for a walk, jog, run, people watching and doggy playing. People of all shapes and sizes are out and about. A great equalizer and not nearly as intimidating as the beachfront athletes in Santa Monica.
Just try to stay upwind of the dog park.