365 Places to Eat is my list of places to eat, mostly in Los Angeles. While all of my favorite places are included in this list, not every place on this list is the best of the best. I do pride myself on being able to find at least one redeeming dish at a restaurant, although the occasional dud is unavoidable.
I built this list over the years, while creating my other sites, la.foodblogging, Digesty and Cheww.com.
As for me and my dining style… I do love to eat, I like to eat out, I like to eat in, I like to cook and I like to go find new places and new flavors. If I was asked to pick some of my favorite cuisines, I would answer with sushi, rotisserie chicken, soup, spicy, Mexican (Oaxacan esp mole), and then I would stop answering and realize that I don’t really have favorites, I like too many different kinds of meals.
I eat out fairly frequently compared to some, but not as frequently as others. My wife and I like to cook at home a lot, but treat ourselves with a meal out at least once a week, more depending on our schedule. With a baby in tow, we’re a little more confined than we used to be, but still make it a point to get out. Fortunately our little guy is a terrific dining companion.
I do not consider myself a foodie. In my definition, a “foodie” is someone who over analyzes each meal they eat. A foodie often spends more time trying to find something to critique about a meal, rather than something to appreciate. That’s a miserable way to eat, in my opinion. A foodie would never admit to having a meal at Applebee’s, I can say that while stuck in Killeen, Texas, I ate there and had a not so bad piece of meat.
I do tend to shy away from corporate restaurants, and favor small and specialty places. This is great in Los Angeles. We have an amazing amount of dining spots to choose from. Thus, my list. 365 Places to Eat.
The number 365 is an obvious choice. One spot, each day of the year. My stretch goal is to write up one place each day in 2009. I’m not promising anything, it’s a lofty goal. Before this site dies, however, I will list 365 Places to Eat.
The order of the list is mostly random. I have compiled my list of spots and shuffled them around a few times. I am starting at the top of that list and working my way down. As of Jan 1st, 2009, I have just under 300 places on the list and over 30 places on my “to dine” list. I’m banking on the idea that I can make up the slack by Q4 of 2009. Should be a fun adventure.
Unlike most foodblogs, this is more about reference than about detailing a single meal. Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.