The LA Restaurant List You’ve Been Waiting For!

As soon as we booked our tickets for a recent trip to Los Angeles, we reached out to three of our most trusted local food gurus for their restaurant recommendations. Below are their current favorites with their words in italics plus additional Daytripper notes in blue. (Of the places we were lucky enough to try.) In addition, are a few spots we discovered on our own plus a few old-time favorites. LA is one of the best food cities, and while this list covers a lot of ground, it is just a small sample of all the amazing eats in the City of Angels.

Let’s start in Los Feliz as we checked into the boutique Hotel Covell to use as our East Side base for a few days…

  • All Time – I go for the veggies / pastas / good wine, also it’s very good for brunch with one of the best breakfast sandwiches in LA. (Our group of four all LOVED our meal, the focaccia with burrata and cherry tomatoes is worth the drive alone, and you NEED an order of the warm chocolate chip cookies with milk for dessert.)
  • Homestate - Breakfast tacos in Los Feliz, also migas and queso—always a line, but it moves fast  (Great tex-mex tacos right next door to Hotel Covell, convenient morning pit stop especially if you’re staying there!)
  • Atrium – A indoor-outdoor spot with a mix of different cuisines, I don’t even know how to define this restaurant but it’s very good!
  • Kismet- Middle Eastern meets California cuisine. While we didn’t have time to eat at the small, much-praised restaurant (we hear breakfast is fab), we did try their new casual, to go spot down the street- Kismet Rotisserie. If we lived here, this would be on our dinner table once a week--the most delicious, juiciest chicken platter served with the perfect combo of hummus, house-made pita, salad, pickles plus garlic and hot chili sauce on the side. So good.

Nearby in Silverlake…

  • Botanica – Very, very Californian restaurant with fresh veggies / meats + very good juice cocktails / natty wine. I like their brunch better than dinner. (Great space and vibes, solid, healthy breakfast but prefer the food at Squirl)                       
  • Alimento - Fun, creative Italian in Silver Lake , must, must, must go!!! (Best meal of the trip—everything truly delicious but tortellini in brodo, whole fish, and chopped salad outstanding and memorable. Make it a night and enjoy excellent cocktails or wine first across the street on the upper floor of cozy L & E Oyster Bar.)
  • Pine and Crane –Fast casual Chinese-Taiwanese, dumplings, noodles (open 12-10 closed Tuesdays) New sibling Joy on York in Highland Park, also great. 
  • Speranza - Very cute, affordable Italian.
  • Sqirl- If you haven’t seen tons of pictures of this uber trendy spot then where have you been?  Must orders include the crispy rice salad, pesto sorrel bowl, and brioche toast with jam. Note: opens at 6:30. Full Food menu starts at 8:30. 
  • Mh Zh - Israeli restaurant--no alcohol, but the meat / veggies / hummus are INSANE. (Outdoor seating only.)
 

And in Echo Park: 

  • Honey Hi – Healthy bowls and sandwiches / gluten free, open 9-4 so good for late breakfast or lunch. My go to spot.

  • Konbi- A daytime Japanese spot, tiny counter restaurant that has katsu sandwiches / and the best croissant I’ve ever had.

  • Triple Beam Pizza - Nancy Silverton's walk-in pizza shop in Echo Park / Highland Park. My fave pizza in LA!

  • Tsubaki - Japanese small plates and a good sake bar too!

Chinatown:

  • Majordomo - David Chang’s restaurant in Chinatown is the bomb!
 

Heading Downtown… 

  • Bestia

  • Rossoblu

  • Grand Central Market 

And then we went on a Downtown Taco crawl…

 

  • Guisados—amazing tacos, there are several around the city, order the sampler!

  • Sonoratown-Northern Mexican style tacos—In LA’s downtown fashion district—the house-made flour tortillas are their specialty; we had the steak taco and chicken chivichanga.

  • Mariscos Jalisco—At this no-frills food truck you must order the taco de camaron, a deep-fried shrimp taco topped with house-made red salsa and avocado. We both agreed this might be the best taco we ever ate. (We went to the downtown location, but the original site is in Boyle Heights at 3040 East Olympic Blvd)

  • We couldn’t eat anymore but if your still hungry try the scallop taco at Holbox in the Mercado la Paloma (not far from downtown, right near USC) or the beef birria at Teddys Red Tacos. (Approximately 15 minutes from downtown.)

And in nearby hip Arts District…

  • Bavel - Beautiful Middle Eastern restaurant, from Bestia’s chefs—fun to share small plates and dips—great service and presentation.

After a few days we moved to Santa Monica and checked into The Santa Monica Proper…

  • Birdie G’s – Dare I say the matzo ball soup is as good as my grandma’s, and so is the noodle kugel at this Jewish-American new hot spot. Other favs include the chicken scaloppine and steak frites –book in advance, as resys are hard to come by.

  • Onda—The Proper’s restaurant from Squirl chef Jessica Koslow and Gabriela Cámara of Mexico City’s Contramar –the inside out turkey quesadilla will change your life!

  • Cassia- Upscale Southeast Asian, great for a group as it fun to share—really delicious food! The only caveat is we didn’t love the space, and it’s loud. (We’d sit on the patio next time) Order the mushroom salad, spicy wontons, sunbathing prawns, whole seabass, beef rending, and cold sesame noodles. (Early? Have a drink at Esters, a wine bar next door.)

Venice: 

  • Gjusta – An all day spot from the Gjelina crew, extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, bowls, smoked fish plus delicious baked goods and pizzas—in other words, anything you’d want to eat. (Great space, lovely outdoor patio—if only they would open in NYC! A mandatory stop when we’re in LA.)
  • Great White— This Australian café is newer to the Venice scene, not far from the beach. (right near the Venice sign). It has excellent coffee, bowls, and toasts plus a delicious breakfast burrito.   
  • Felix - Italian in Venice, I haven’t been but ppl LOVE! (Good luck getting a reservation—we had no luck, but our friend who lives there said you could go in at 5:30 and get a seat at the communal table)

Old Loves…

  • Republique--A great way to start the day is with breakfast at --not sure what’s better the striking interior or the food—just a winning combination!

  • Night + Market - There are 3 locations around LA (In Silver Lake, West Hollywood, and the newest in Venice) Go for amazing, spicy Thai food.

  • Jon & Vinnys --Always a good idea if you’re in LA, in addition to the gem salad, order the spicy fusilli, meatballs, and whichever pizza strikes your fancy. Make a reservation, still packed after all these years.

Natural wine bars serving food…

  • Lolo Wine Bar

  • Tabula Rasa 

  • Everson Royce

  • Bar Bandini

  • Bar Covell

Plus even more insider recs from locals we trust …

  • Ma’am Sir—Philippine fare

  • Park Sushi (some of the best sushi in town located in a strip mall)

  • Sushi Gen –In Little Tokyo (best if seated at the bar)

  • Tacos Maria in the OC, yes the OC

  • Din Tai Fung in Westfield Cente

  • Here’s Looking at You - A gem in Koreatown

  • Jeong Yuk Jeom Korean BBQ

  • Alta--Southern comfort food in West Adams

  • n/naka - Culver City (make a reservation way in advance)








Let’s Eat: Bonnie's New York Restaurant List for 2020

An admitted restaurant junkie, I gather tips from friends, magazine recs, plus inspiration from favorite Instagram and blog feeds, and store them in my head, or on pieces on paper often misplaced in my bag or on my desk. All of this never helps me when I'm that half-hour beyond hungry and can't remember where I wanted to try that really great pho, burger, or mezze plate, and wind up at my usual suspects. The same goes for making dinner reservations, and while my family's standby of Altro Paradiso is pretty darn good, there are nights you want to try something new. And by new, I don't mean something recently opened and trendy, though that works too. So for 2020, I made myself a list of places I want to try in the year ahead—my notes finally assembled all in one place. Originally meant for my family, but everyone kept asking if I'd share, so here it is. It’s not a static list and not for everyone as it slants towards downtown and ethnic restaurants, as that's what I like to eat. (In the parenthesis are some notes of what to order) And sorry for the lack of uptown spots, but c'mon that's not my fault if the Upper East and Upper West Side are mainly food yawns compared to downtown and Brooklyn. (Challenge me on this and send me places to try) And follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates and reviews, and I'd love suggestions of restaurants to add to the list. Happy eating! 

Asian

  1. Niche (Dry Ramen, steak mazemen)  

  2. Cocoron (Soba) 

  3. Raku (Udon in East Village) 

  4. Golden Diner (Chicken katsu club, bibimbap style bowl, egg and cheese on scallion bun) 

  5. Da Yu Hotpot (Chinatown) 

  6. Hou Yi Hot Pot (Hester Street and East Village) 

  7. Nami Nori (Hand rolls on Carmine-spicy crab dynamite temaki, ginger squash, spicy sea bass) 

  8. Spicy Village (Big tray chicken) 

  9. Sun Hing Lug Co (rice rolls) 

  10. Wayla (Thai, order meatballs wrapped in crispy noodles, whole fish) 

  11. Kopitiam (Malaysian all day café, Kaya toast, beef rending, pandan chicken) 

  12. Davelle (Japanese café-breakfast toasts, lunchtime bowls)

  13. Cho Dang Kol (Korean- hot pot dumpling jeongol)

  14. Nowon (Kimchee burger, tater tots) 

  15. Piggyback—Pig and Khao’s new sibling (good choice before MSG) 

  16. Mala Project (Dry pot, new location on West 46) 

  17. Oiji (Korean, East Village) 

  18. Café China (Soup Dumplings) 

  19. Hwa Yuan Szechuan (sesame noodles, crispy beef) 

  20. Ho Foods (Taiwanese on East 7th) 

  21. Yoon (Korean on 36th) 

  22. Van Da (East Village Vietnamese) 

  23. Zusik (On 14th Casual Korean Gastropub) 

  24. Thep Thai (Upper East, 2nd and 75th, Order the Khao Soi) 

  25. Sanpoutei (Mabo Tofu on Ramen) 

  26. Sigiri (Sri Lankan, Sunday brunch buffet 12:45-3:30)  

  27. Yu Kitchen (Morningside Heights Chinese, great reviews) 

  28. Taladwat (Thai in Hells Kitchen) 

Everything Else

  1. Rezdora (Pasta tasting, impossible to get a reservation) 

  2. Galli (Italian on Mercer-get rigatoni Gambieri) 

  3. Anton’s (Try the angel hair Francese)

  4. The Banty Rooster

  5. 232 BLEECKER

  6. Zooba (Fast, casual Egyptian) 

  7. Pakistan Tea House (Indo-Pakistani fast food)

  8. Bowery Road (Burger)

  9. Made Nice (Chicken Rice, west 28th)

  10. Una Pizza Napoletana 

  11. Ahisma (Vegan Indian on Thompson, weekday veggie buffet) 

  12. West-bourne (Sullivan Street, breakfast bowls)

  13. Zyara (Vegan Arabic sandwich, shawarma and fattoush) 

  14. Casa Adela (tiny, rotisserie chicken, East Village)

  15. Farida (tiny on 9th Ave Hells Kitchen, food from Uzbekistan-manti and kebabs) 

  16. Wild Air

  17. Ernesto’s (Because I have FOMO with everyone gramming the iberico and potato chips) 

  18. NewYorkyina (Pozole Pop Up-go soon)

  19. Frangos (Cheap Portuguese in East Village) 

  20. Gran Tivoli (Baked eggs in ragu) 

  21. Lekka Burger (Vegan Burgers in Tribeca) 

  22. Qanoon (Middle Eastern in Chelsea) 

  23. Flor de Mayo (Upper West for Lomo Saltado) 

  24. Lolo’s Seafood Shack (Harlem)

  25. Mountain Bird (East Harlem) 

  26. Teranga (Harlem, West African) 

Drinks and Lite Bites

  1. The Riddler

  2. People’s (Essex Market)

  3. Ruffian (Nice menu) 

  4. Achilles Heel (Greenpoint--small plates) 

Brooklyn

  1. Haenyeo (Homestyle Korean) 

  2. Red Hook Tavern (Some say best burger in the city, Romaine Salad) 

  3. Hart’s

  4. Win Son and Win Son Bakery ( Taiwanese) 

  5. Bernies (Burgers, Vinegar Chicken) 

  6. Ops Pizza (And new sibling Leo) 

  7. Sunday in Brooklyn (Sunday Ziti) 

  8. Chez Ma Tante (And new sibling in Wythe-Le Crocodile) 

  9. Claro (Oaxacan)   

  10. Selamat Pagi (Balinese on Driggs)

  11. 21 Greenpoint

  12. Barano (Southern Italian) 

  13. The Fly (A Chicken Bar, great drinks and rotisserie chicken in Bed-Stuy) 

  14. Gertie (Williamsburg-eclectic elevated diner food—an all day place)  

  15. Maison Yaki (Izakaya from Olmstead Chef) 

  16. Mimi’s Hummus (Ditmas area--pita sandwich in the old hood) 

  17. Popina (Italian) 

  18. Butler (Go for lunch, try cauliflower pita) 

  19. Di and Di (Pho and Vietnamese pizza) 

  20. Noods n’ Chill (Tiny, counter service Thai) 

  21. Hanon (Japanese, house made udon—try curry udon) 

  22. Mekelburgs (Deli across from Domino Park-try waygu roast beef or hot chicken sandwich)  

  23. Tanoreen (Middle Eastern) 

  24. Randazzo’s Clam Bar 

  25. Sahadi’s at Industry City (among other vendors)

  26. Dumbo- Time Out Market

Other Food Excursions

  1. Hoboken-Loquito—(Lebanese inspired tacos --order the Taco Arabe) 

  2. Jersey City—Razza’s and Bread and Salt for pizza (some say Razza’s one of top in country!)  And more… West African at Citi Grill 

  3. Elmhurst- HK Food Court –(Famous Food’s pork and chive dumplings and wontons in chili oil, LaMao Spicy’s hot pot combos) 

  4. Jackson Heights- Birria-Landia (Tijuana-style beef birria tacos and consommé) 

  5. Astoria- Abuqir (Seafood) and Lokanta (Turkish) 

  6. LIC- Takumen (New American Izakaya--wings, ramen, rice bowls)

  7. Flushing-Lake Pavilion (lobster with ginger and scallion) 

  8. Arthur Ave—Cka Ka Qellu (Albanian)  

Recent Meals for Repeat

  1. Adda’s Canteen (because so good)

  2. Casa Enrique (try this time for brunch) 

  3. Oxomoco (Equally good for brunch or dinner) 

  4. Cervo’s (Highlights were prawns on the plancha and piri piri chicken) 

  5. King (Because everyone loves and my first time must have been a off night) 

  6. Babs (Loved whole meal but especially divorced fish) 

  7. Le Sia (Messy, fun and delicious) 

  8. Momofuku (Because I am still thinking of the large format duck dinner)

  9. Crown Shy (Besides that it’s inside an office building on Wall Street, food was delicious) 

  10. Llama San 

  11. The Fulton (Had the whole bass, now want to try Longevity Noodles, also it would be nicer to go in warmer weather) 




HIGHLIGHTS OF A WEEKEND IN PHILADELPHIA: WHERE TO STAY, EAT, AND THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

philly DTU.jpg

No one seemed excited when we told them we were going to Philly for the weekend, in fact, we got a few whys, and a sarcastic have fun. But all those naysayers are missing out on the reemergence of America's birthplace as an exciting destination with world-class art, a red hot food scene, and historical sights that remind us, in these stressful political times the essence of who we are as Americans and the lofty aspirations of our founding fathers. Three days was hardly enough time to see and do everything, and we can’t wait to return, this time in warmer weather! 

Sleep: Our first choice the recently renovated Rittenhouse Hotel was sold out, so we divided our stay between the city’s two Kimpton properties, first checking into downtowns Hotel Palomar, housed in a former 1920s Art Deco building just a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square. The location was very convenient, but a tad busy, especially on the weekend though we did enjoy having Dizengoff and a branch of Federal Donuts right around the corner. Our group much preferred the vibe, design and the location of its quieter sister spot, the Hotel Monaco, with an excellent position in the old city directly across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. We loved the colorful interiors, quirky décor, and the spacious rooms. (Much larger than at the Palomar) The Monaco might be a little further from the center of downtown, but everything is only a quick cab ride away, including close by Fishtown.) 

Art Meca: Rocky made the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps famous, but this is one of the most visited museums in the world thanks to an impressive collection of European, American and Asian art.  And things are going to get even better by 2020 with the help of world-renowned architect Frank Gehry who is redesigning the interior, expect more public spaces and more room for the art itself. And yes, be sure to go outside and take in Rocky’s Steps for awesome views of the city of Philadelphia from the east entrance of the building.  

Hip Neighborhood: Locals told us that years ago no one ventured into Fishtown, but that has certainly changed. Frankford Ave is now a trendy street with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. We had lunch at Cheu Fishtown where you must order the brisket ramen with matzoth ball and kimchi in a red chili broth. Whoever thought of this combination-- we thank you. One brunch we had a fantastic array of Lebanese mezes and flatbreads in the beautiful sprawling space of Suraya. With a large back garden and a front of house all-day market and café, if we lived here, we’d be regulars. (The dinner menu looked equally appealing and is a difficult reservation to secure) Allow time for a coffee after at La Colombe’s flagship, a vast industrial space of high design with not just coffee but also a food menu, it’s a must see!  Other Fishtown restaurants that have the town buzzing include Frankford Hall, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, Kensington Quarters and Stock.  

More Eats: Good luck getting a reservation at Zahav, Philly's acclaimed Israeli restaurant from Chef Michael Solomonov, we have never had any success, even trying weeks in advance. We did pat ourselves on the back for securing at a table at Vernick Food and Drink and our meal was a home run –start with one of the toasts and go crazy from there. We dined another night very happily at Friday, Saturday, Sunday—a small intimate restaurant near Rittenhouse Square serving inventive new American cuisine washed down with excellent craft cocktails. Other top tables on our to go list include Abe Fisher, Vetri Cucina, Vedge, High Street on Market, Sampan, and Palizzi Social Club.  

Old City: If you haven't visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall since your kids' school trip to Philly, it may be time for a repeat visit, but if you’re short on time we’d suggest the nearby National Constitution Center.  It’s an engaging, informative and surprisingly stirring museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution. Kids will love it as there are tons of interactive exhibits, but we admit we teared up at the 20-minute show called Freedom Rising. A perfect one-two punch, you can walk over after to the year-old Museum of the American Revolution for a full history immersion.  Other landmarks in the old city include Elfreth’s Alley one of America’s prettiest streets with homes built in the 18th century and The Betsy Ross House.  

Quirky Attraction: The Mutter Museum whose tagline is “disturbingly informative” is not your ordinary museum, located inside the headquarters of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. It’s not for the faint of heart showcasing medical oddities, and after looking at all the diseased lungs and kidneys, you might want to embark on a juice fast after your visit.  With everything from the remains of Einstein’s brain, conjoined twin skeletons, shocking wax models showing the effects of syphilis and preserved human fetuses it’s no surprise children are discouraged from visiting. Fascinating! 

See This: Another unique attraction, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a walk on the wild side, an indoor and outdoor space from local mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. It’s a surreal, dreamlike experience that’s spread across three city lots-- a mash-up of colorful tiles, glass bottles, and objects reminiscent of Gaudi’s works and Fusterlandia in Havana. You don’t need much time; I'd set aside an hour and a bit especially if you want to watch the interesting short film that interviews Zagar playing on a loop.   

Mangia: Don’t miss wandering around South Philadelphia’s Italian Market where vegetable vendors, butcher shops, fresh seafood and Italian goodies of all kinds can be found in this legendary district, a cross between the Bronx’s Arthur Avenue and NYC’s Little Italy.  The neighborhood market stretches down some ten city blocks on Ninth Street.  Don’t miss Philly’s beloved Di Bruno Bros. where locals come to stock up on meat and cheeses. In the last few years the area has seen an influx of Mexican and Vietnamese run businesses and none more famous than South Philly Barboca, considered to have some of the best slow cooked lamb tacos in the country. There's bound to be a line, but it moves fast, and yes we waited, and yes it was well worth the wait. Note: it’s only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays so plan accordingly.

Public Art: Philadelphia has been called the city of murals thanks to the city’s Mural Arts Program,  one of the US’s largest urban arts programs. Be on the lookout, and you’ll see many murals in your travels throughout the city, but if you want to delve further there are walking, trolley and train tours plus maps for self-guided experiences. High on our list is the Love Letters Train tour, read all about it here. 

Foodie Nirvana: The Reading Terminal Market is a city landmark and a must-see, even if you don’t go for a meal, go for a morning stroll and a cup of Old City Coffee or an afternoon snack.  A large, bustling old school food hall that dates back to 1893 it’s filled with neon lights and a maze of some 70+ food vendors, plus flower stalls, kitchenware, cookbooks, even jewelry and craft merchants—a visual feast! Try some apple dumplings at Dutch Eating Place, roast pork sandwiches at DiNic's, fried oysters at Pearl’s, pretzels at Miller’s Twist, salmon curry at Little Thai Market  or ice cream at legendary Bassett's Ice Cream just to name a few local favorites, but expect crowds--the market attracts more than 6 million visitors a year—only the Liberty Bell has more tourists! 

Until Next Time: We ran out of time and were bummed to miss the Barnes Foundation to see Dr. Albert C. Barnes’s once private collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early modern paintings. We had also hoped to squeeze in a visit to the Rodin Museum and the American Museum of American Jewish History.  






Chicago’s Best Bites

Narrowing down where to eat on a recent trip to Chicago wasn’t easy. Did we want to revisit old favorites such as Blackbird or The Publican? Dine at high-end legend Alinea or their brand new, much praised, more casual Roister. Did we spend hours trolling the Internet, grilling the hotel concierge and asking local friends –yes, yes and yes. Can we save you time with our go to list—again-yes, yes and yes. Happy eating!

Side Note: Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and you could very easily dine well without leaving a zip code. Taxi’s and Ubers are plentiful, and you can also hop on the “L,” Chicago’s elevated train line.

Wicker Park: Right in the heart of hip Wicker Park, are our new favorite next door neighbors --Dove’s Luncheonette, and Big Star Tacos.

  • Dove’s is perfect for a solo meal or a cozy couples date, with counter service (just 41 stool seats) Dove’s doesn’t work for a group. A Tex-Mex diner with retro throwback chic, our lunch of chicken fried chicken with chorizo gravy with sweet peas, (a signature dish) was worth the Uber.  With over 70 agaves and tequilas to choose from, we’d love to return for a casual dinner date.

  • It’s always a party at next-door’s Big Star, especially on a warm day or evening when the patio is packed with groups enjoying tacos and pitchers of margaritas, beers or bourbon.

  • After lunch, we spied someone walking by with a soft serve that looked so good we just had to ask. Right across the street at noodle heaven, Urban Belly, you must get  (you don’t need to be hungry) a soft serve vanilla ice cream topped with peanut butter and jelly. Trust us.

West Loop: You could easily eat all your meals in the red hot west loop ‘triangle’ with everything on or branching off Randolph Street, a mini restaurant row.

  • Many visitors make Au Cheval a priority destination; fans claim this is the best burger in the country. With a no reservations policy and long waits, go early so you can grab a seat at the bar and see for yourself. (Tip: in Bucktown, sibling, Small Cheval you can get the same burger, smaller yes but with the same taste, an outdoor patio and usually no wait)   

  • The reigning star of the West Loop, Stephanie Izard’s Girl and the Goat has not lost any steam since it opened some eight years or so ago --still an impossible reservation to come by. No luck getting a table, go and sit at the bar, and sample from the eclectic menu. The Goat empire continues across the street at Little Goat, good for breakfast and lunch—a diner with a chef’s creative twist. We loved the inventive Chinese fare at Duck, Duck, Goat washed down with killer cocktails.

  • The space at Avec is cool and minimal, the service is professional and friendly and the food is delicious, with many vegetarian options. Do not miss the chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates. There’s a reason you see it at every table.

  • We wanted to love Bad Hunter, it’s a big, lively space with an interesting veggie-centric menu, but the food was good, not great. Press has been very enthusiastic, so perhaps we hit an off night.

The Loop: After a mandatory stop at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, or a visit to The Art Institute, go high at The Chicago Athletic Association. Reborn as a hotel, the 1920’s Venetian Gothic building, an architectural gem offers tours in conjunction with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

  • Cindy’s, the rooftop restaurant at the Athletic Association has stunning panoramic views overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. The seasonal American plates compliment the view, quieter at lunch; things heat up at 5 when everyone arrives for cocktails around the fire pit or in the glass and steel atrium.

River North: Rick Bayless may be the most famous chef for Mexican fare this side of the border and his three restaurants in River North are favorite Chicago destinations.

  • Head to Frontera Grill, the original restaurant for casual, regional specialties while Topolobampo features more daring, sophisticated tasting menus. Xoco, right next door, is counter service only, perfect for a quick meal of Mexican street food, known for excellent tortas. (Bayless’ Lena Brava in the West Loop has the critics going crazy—with no stoves and no gas everything is cooked open-hearth on a wood-burning stove.)

Logan Square:

  • Lula Café put Logan Square on the map serving locally sourced fare on its inventive menu, you’ll find long lines at brunch and dinnertime, but we enjoyed a quiet weekday breakfast with no wait and no crowds

  • We had our best meal of the trip at tiny Giant. The narrow space is perennially packed thanks to fried uni shooters, homemade biscuits with jalapeno butter, crab salad with waffle fries, drool-worthy pasta and pecan-smoked baby back ribs. Come hungry and order as many small plates as your tablemates will allow.  (If you wind up waiting as we did--our table was lingering and who can blame them--head to corner lounge Scofflaw for an artisan cocktail)

  • Fat Rice can be credited for bringing Macau cuisine into the spotlight. (a fusion of Chinese-Portuguese influences) Though everything on the menu sounds great, the namesake dish of Arroz Gordo (fat rice) is the draw, resembling paella on steroids.

 

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BEST PLACES TO EAT IN L.A.

We’re just back from LA where in addition to stops at The Broad and the beach we ate, ate and then ate some more. LA is one of our favorite eating cities; restaurants are laid-back and creative, showcasing seasonal and local fare thanks to produce that is off the charts. LA reflects the rich cultural diversity of America, in the mood for Thai, Korean, Mexican, or Chinese—no problem! Like many food obsessed cities there’s always something new opening, but here’s a list to get you going with some of our favorites. As an added bonus, we asked our friend and local foodie guru Alison Dinerstein of Twist Your Spirits to share her favorite haunts listed below. Check out Twist Your Spirits artisan cocktail kits and be your own mixologist at home—just add your favorite spirit and some friends and you’ve got a party!

Bowl Food Nirvana: Breakfast at uber popular Sqirl is worth waking up for -- it’s best to go early, anyway, to avoid a long line, and be warned—you’ll want to order everything on the menu. On a non-descript street in Silver Lake, the space may be minimal but there’s nothing simple about the flavors of the food. Sure you’ll see the sorrel pesto rice bowl on everyone’s table, but we’re still dreaming of the chicken and rice porridge, and addictive, crispy rice salad. It was so good we ordered the cookbook as soon as we got home so we can recreate it all summer long. Oh and you need to get the ricotta toast with homemade jam, it may be an over order, but who cares you can skip lunch.

Better at Breakfast: Don’t get us wrong we love Republique at dinner, but with reservations hard to come by, breakfast works just fine for us. Order at the counter and grab a seat at one of the large communal tables where folks are digging in to shakshuka, mushroom toast, kimchi-fried rice or one of the excellent pastries. And can we talk about the bread--we would be happy with just a baguette and the Normandy butter, the best bread and butter anywhere. Republique is striking, especially during the day with the light streaming in. 

Good Fellas: Everyone squeezes into the tight, narrow space at Jon and Vinnys  - and they’re having a great time. And why not? Serving excellent pastas and delicious pizzas forget your diet for the night and dig in. Order their signature “LA Woman” pie and two orders of the meatballs. Served with garlic bread and a side of ricotta— it was the star of the night, even for a table of non-meatball fans. Jon and Vinnys is also a good idea at breakfast and lunch, and it’s easier to get in to. (From the team behind meat-centric Animal, another great dining choice.)

Italian Corner: Over on Highland and Melrose, there’s an Italian trifecta from Chefs Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali—casual Pizzeria Mozza, meat centric Chi Spacca and fine dining Osteria Mozza. We ate at Osteria Mozza known for its mozzarella bar, flavorful salads and great pastas. (Order the orecchiette with sausage) Don’t skip desert here-- Dahlia Narvaez won Outstanding Pastry Chef at the 2016 James Beard Awards—one bite of the huckleberry bombolini and you’ll know why.  

Spicy: Night and Market is fun for addictive chicken wings and papaya salad unless you’re spice sensitive-- the thai food here is hot, as in spicy hot.  (There’s also sibling Night and Market Song in Silver Lake) Jitaldia may be in a strip mall, but this southern-thai spot with an extensive menu is the real deal. Jitaldia doesn’t take reservations so go early or at lunchtime, if you don’t want to wait.

Downtown Smorgasbord: It was love at first sight for us at the historic Grand Central Market, a massive food hall and serious eating destination with overwhelmingly good choices. The only problem is deciding what to eat, from breakfast sandwiches at Eggslut, burgers at Bel Campo, falafel at Madcapra, smoked fish at Wexlers Deli, that street food at Sticky Rice or tacos at Tacos Tumbras A Tomas. Brand new from the owners of Republique, Sari, Sari Store is one to watch for Filipino comfort food—we expect his will be a new go-to in the market. Finish it all off with an excellent coffee at G & B Coffee. 

Scenic: The waves are the soundtrack at stunner Nobu in Malibu where you could say the food, though excellent, is the supporting actor to the ocean setting. Go for lunch, sit on the patio and don’t forget your sunglasses. After lunch go for walk on the scenic Malibu Pier and watch the surfers. Malibu Farms, is a great healthy spot for salads and sandwiches on the pier, read more about it here.

Inventive: In a hip space in Koreatown, Heres Looking at You serves creative small plates made for sharing alongside delicious cocktails—take an uber and don’t drive. The Hamachi Collar with fuji apple, snake beans and Nashville Hot sauce demands a return visit on our next trip.

Local: Rose Café is the kind of place you wish you had in your neighborhood—it’s great at any time of the day—with friends, with kids, a date or even solo. This iconic Venice restaurant has been completely redone into a multi-concept eating venue. The large, eclectic space boasts a bakery, coffee bar, bar area, big open kitchens, plus two patio’s. The food is good, it wasn’t our best meal in LA, but we loved the space and the vibe, all in all a fun night.

Just Opened: From Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan of Huckleberry, Rustic Canyon, Cassia and Milo and Otis fame its no wonder Tallula’s, though new to the scene, is already packing in the crowds in Santa Monica. The menu reads Mexican modern with SoCal influences served up in a fun, beachy space. Leave room for Nathan’s desserts and definitely have one, or more, of the delicious cocktails. 

Ethnic: Out scouting USC for Daytripper University we had lunch at Chichen Itza in the nearby Mercado la Paloma. There’s a reason locals rave about the pork and chicken pibil--its the kind of plate where everything speaks to each other in each bite—sweet plantains, black beans and oh so flavorful meat. The owners have just opened Holbox in the same market featuring raw and cooked Yucatan-style seafood, now there’s even more reason to go to the Mercado hungry.

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Anytime of Day: From the first moment we walked into Gjusta we were smitten—the chic industrial space, the beautiful food displayed behind glass cases, the bakers at work. Gjusta is the younger sibling of one of our favorite restaurants in LA--and really anywhere else too—Gjelina. (Book well in advance for Gjelina) If we lived in LA you’d find us here a few times a week eating on the back patio or grabbing take out to bring home or to the beach. The breakfast Bialy sandwich is seriously addictive; loaded with egg, merguez sausage, arugula, gruyere and harissa--so good were still thinking of it while eating our grain free granola back home.

Pasta Master: Chef Evan Funke is back in action with hand rolled pastas at Felix in a Venice bungalow on Abbot Kinney. The centerpiece of this buzzing Italian is the climate controlled room where pastas are being made in front of you—this is cacio pepe heaven!

Fish, Fish, Fish: Connie and Ted’s is loud and bustling—with a New England menu of lobster rolls, clam chowder, grilled fish with herbs and a seafood boil that is summer in a bowl. It’s a fun, casual place for good reliable seafood and perfect for larger groups. Dig in to the Parker Rolls and order the calamari to start—trust me.

Word of Mouth: Everyone’s talking about Kismet, and for good reason. This all day, packed, minimalist spot in Los Feliz showcases a veggie heavy, Middle Eastern menu, from the team behind Madcapra. We don’t know about you but we are over avocado toast and the delicious broccoli toast is a welcome spin. You need to order the Persian cucumbers with lebneh and parsley seed za'atar-and the shakshuka-and the flaky bread. Better yet, go with a friend or two so you can share.

Salads: Joan’s on Third is great for breakfast and lunch with a side of good people watching. This is the space that I’m convinced Nancy Myers used as her inspiration for Meryl Streep’s gourmet kitchen shop in the movie ‘It’s complicated’. Come here for a quick bite—there’s an array of good sandwiches, veggie plates and salads. On a nice day sit outside before heading over to Melrose to shop.

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Good Luck: Book way in advance at Bestia, located downtown in the hot arts district. The food is rustic Italian, the space is industrial, and the place is perennially packed-one of the hardest reservations in LA to get.

Ran Out of Time: We so wanted to try the bowls we’ve been seeing on Instagram at Baroo. And tacos at Guisados, Oaxacan food at Guelaguetza, and French-Asian fare at Cassia. We didn't have time to visit old favorites like Suzanne Goin’s Lucques or AOC, Italian classic Giorgio Baldi, or Spago in Beverly Hills.  And, of course all the restaurants on Alison’s list below.

Alison's List

Los Angeles Favorites by Neighborhood from Alison of Twist Your Spirits

  • Top Silverlake/Echo Park: Cafe Stella, Alimento, Botanica, , Ostrich Farm, Winsome, Sqirl
  • KoreaTown(Ktown): Ham Ji Park, Le Comptoir, Here’s Looking at You
  • West Hollywood/Hollywood: Papilles, Petit Trois, Nora, Jon and Vinnys, Gwen and Salt’s Cure, for brunch.
  • Downtown: Bestia, Wurstkuche, Sushi Gen, Ka Ga Ya, Sushi Enya, Kozunori
  • Santa Monica: Felix, Scopa
  • San Gabriel—Mian Restaurant (insane homemade Chinese noodles)

 

 

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