365 Places to Eat

I don’t go to sushi for lunch very often, it’s more of a dinner meal for me. I did have a very good lunch special at Kaido not too long ago.

For $14, you get an almost obscene amount of food. The Sushi Large Plate provides miso, a plate with 7 pieces of nigiri and 1 sushi roll, plus your choice of salads.

Sushi

The combination comes with tuna, albacore, yellowtail, halibut, shrimp, salmon, something I can’t remember.

The salads to choose from are substantial. I tried the chicken salad and there was a full chicken breast in addition to the fresh greens, veggies and avocado.

Chicken Salad

There is enough food that you could almost split the combo, with maybe another roll or too to fill two people up.

Service is friendly and fast for lunch, good if you need to get back to work.

Kaido is located in a little strip mall at Santa Monica and Yale. The space used to be occupied by one of our favorite sushi bars, Senju, which closed years ago. Glad to see that the space is being put to good use.

Kaido
2834 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404

I have been meaning to try Noma forever. Legend has it, that up until a couple years ago, Noma was owned and operated by Mr. Noma himself and that the sushi was terrific. The same legend says that Noma sold his joint and that maybe the new owners don’t provide the same service as Noma did.

I can’t say for sure, because a) I don’t know the history and b) I didn’t go when Mr. Noma owned the joint.

Noma is a pretty standard sushi experience, nothing overly special and not too much to complain about. The service is pretty spotty, it goes in spurts of attentiveness and then neglect. It’s best just to be assertive and let your server know that you need some help, don’t wait for them to come to you.

The rolls at Noma were actually a little disappointing. Rather bland and overpriced for the size. The nigiri, however, was quite good with generous cuts.

A couple of appetizers worth ordering. One is the spicy tuna on crispy rice, along the same lines of Roku’s signature appetizer. The other is a Korean style tuna sashimi that borrows some inspiration from Hawaiian Poke with a nice sesame oil flavor.

Noma looks big from the outside, but in reality, there are limited tables and seats at the bar. If you time it wrong on a weekend, you could be waiting a while.

Prices are a bit on the higher side, especially for the quality, but stick to the nigiri and sashimi and you should be satisfied.

Noma
2031 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica

Chabuya opened on Sawtelle a few years ago to great expectations. There were mixed reviews after the opening, including from me. The rich, thick broth was tasty, but at the time, was overwhelmingly salty. Since opening, there have been some changes and additions to the menu. The broth seems a little less salty and there are enough different menu options to suit anyone.

Chabuya is a bit higher priced than the other Ramen shops (around $8) on and around Sawtelle. Service and ingredients are a bit higher quality as well. As a note, the green salad is one of the best deals around and a nice companion to the noodle soup. The salad is a generous mix of fresh greens, along with some blanched veggies including asparagus and carrots. At $4, it’s a must add to your order.

The spicy ramen is nice when you need to clear some sinuses and the regular broth will soothe your throat on a cool night.

I do think that Chabuya has some of the best noodles in the area, but depending on your soup preferences, you may have another favorite.

Other Reviews

• Rameniac
• Mikey Hates Everything
• Noodle Whore

Chabuya
2002 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

I had been going to Asahi for at least two years before I tried Ramenya, I was convinced that I had found the top Ramen place in Asahi and was hesitant to branch out. When we did finally make it to Ramenya (on a Thursday, when Asahi is closed), I was pleasantly surprised.

Similar to Asahi, Ramenya has limited seating, is cash only and can get very crowded. The first big difference you notice at Ramenya is the size of their menu. While Asahi may have a dozen or so Ramen options, Ramenya has around thirty choices. Not only that, but the different soups that Ramenya serves their noodles in have much more flavor and variance from dish to dish. Most of Asahi’s soups are mild soy based broths, whereas Ramenya has soups with a spicy kick and and tangy twinge.

When you sit down at your table, the server is very quick to bring out drinks. Admittedly, I am not familiar with the drink they serve, it is a cold tea and at first we joked that it was just dirty water. I know, not very PC, but we’re silly like that. The tea has a very earthy taste (thus the dirt comment) and it has grown on me. The first time we went, I only had a few sips, last night I was hoping that the waitress would refill my glass.

The menu is extensive, as I mentioned, and nearly every item is accompanied by a picture so that you can get an idea of what you are ordering. I have found the servers to be very helpful at explaining the items and they are open to substitutions, such as swapping ground pork for chicken. There are chili peppers next to the spicy items on the menu, and they should be observed. While many Japanese restaurants tend to run towards the mild end of the spice meter, Ramenya has a few dishes that are definite sinus drainers. Of course, that’s why I go there, the spicy soups are wonderful.

On to the Ramen…

As with most Ramen Houses, the dishes come out shortly after you order, served piping hot in large bowls. The actual ramen noodles at Ramenya are great, but I have to give the edge to Asahi on those. The Asahi noodles tend to be a little bit thicker, certainly not as thick as Udon, but enough to give a good texture. I do like the noodles at Ramenya, but they are on the thin size. The same goes for the wontons in the wonton ramen. Ramenya’s wontons are on the smaller side; where you can barely fit one Asahi wonton on your spoon, there is room for multiple Ramenya wonton in your scooper. Both are pork filled and tasty, but if it’s plump wonton you are looking for, you are better off at Asahi.

As for specific dishes, I have two favorites and they are both spicy! Normally I go for the Tan-Tan Men, a spicy broth with egg drop. The hearty, gelatinous broth thickens as you eat it and the egg sets. If you don’t like soup with that consistency, you might want to skip it. Last night I opted for the Tam-Yam Men, a hot and sour Thai flavored soup packed with chili peppers, cilantro and Japanese mushrooms and root vegetables. I swallowed a few bites too fast and felt the scorching down the back of my throat, definitely not for those with sensitive taste buds.

Unlike my dissertation on Sawtelle curry joints there is no clear winner here. If forced to delineate, I would give the noodle crown to Asahi and the soup crown to Ramenya. If you are looking for more variety, perhaps Ramenya wins, but there are certainly enough choices to be satisfied at Asahi. If you are eating on a Wednesday, Ramenya is closed, if you are eating on a Thursday, Asahi is closed. Both places are cash only, but you wont need much, two people can leave stuffed for about $15.

Tam-Yam left, Wonton right

Ramenya
11555 W. Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90064
310-575-9337
(closed Wednesdays)

Asahi Ramen was the first local Ramen place I tried, years ago on a friend’s recommendation. Located on Sawtelle, Asahi stays fairly busy, be prepared to wait, especially for parties larger than two. The wait isn’t too long though, I think the longest I have sat in their outdoor plastic chairs is about 15-20 minutes. When you do sit down you are served a small sample of spiced pickles and water while you decide what to order.

All of the Ramen options are served in generous bowls, with salty broth which can be ordered with or without MSG. I usually opt for the MSG free broth, because I can’t taste the difference, so why not skip a little sodium. My normal order is the curry ramen, which has a nice spice to it and potatoes floating in the broth along with the noodles. When I have a cold or it is chilly, it can’t be beat. The Wakame Ramen is tasty as well, served with seaweed and other veggies. My wife sticks with the Wonton Ramen which, as the name implies, comes with both wontons and noodles in the soup.

Asahi only takes cash, but with most dishes priced between $5-8, you can usually find enough cash in your pocket to cover the bill.

Wakame Ramen

Wonton Ramen

ASAHI RAMEN
2027 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310)479-2231

Ramen is a funny thing. For most of us growing up and going to college, it meant a brick of dried noodles with a salty “flavor” pack on the side. Then you have live in an area that has honest to goodness traditional Japanese ramen and find out that there is so much more to this simple soup.

Santouka, located in some of the Mistsuwa Market food courts, has some of my favorite ramen in town.

The actual ramen noodles are good, but it’s the broth that makes the difference to me. It is rich and hearty, with a cloudiness that displays the time and ingredients that goes into making it.

Santouka Ramen

The pork slices are fatty and flavorful, but also tender. When you look at them in the broth, you think that they might be chewy, but the meat is tender in your mouth.

Like I said, Santouka is in the little food court in Mitsuwa. It’s a funny, but fun place to grab a meal. The worst part about this set up, though, is that all of the places close at 7pm! One night we were there literally at 7:05 and were flat out refused service. Must be something about the agreement they have with the market.

Another thing to note about Santouka is that it is cash only. It’s cash well spent though.

Other reviews:

• Rameniac
• Oishii Eats
• The Delicious Life

3760 Centinela Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310)398-2113

I have a small mission. To try every spot in the Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax.

One problem is that I have a few places that are my favorites and I have a hard time straying. My solution is to grab bits and bite when I can, even if I have main courses from one of my favorites.

I love French Onion Soup. The simplicity of the broth and onions topped with cheese, broiled to almost a crisp is pure comfort.

One spot you can grab French Onion Soup at the market is The French Crepe Company.

French Onion Soup

The soup is good. Good, but not the greatest. On the plus side, the broth is tasty and the crock it is served in keeps things steamy to the last bite. The cheese is a bit on the heavy side, and the crust isn’t quite there. But, overall, it’s a nice bowl of soup, if a bit expensive at $6 for a relatively small serving.

6333 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Stall # 318
(323) 934-3113

il Forno Caffe is hidden in the back of the mini mall on Ocean Park where The Counter is out front. It’s easy to miss, but should not be skipped.

il Forno has the Italian Trattoria feel where everyone feels like a regular. The kitchen is small and open to the restaurant and figures prominently in the dining room.

There are a couple pasta dishes that I really like, but my favorite is the Linguine Mare e Monti: Linguine with baby lobster, shitake mushrooms and fresh tomatoes in a red bell pepper sauce. The flavor of the red bell pepper sauce grabs my mouth and does not let go - in a good way.

Most of the pastas are home made and have original flavors. If you want something heartier the entrees run the gamut of Italian meaty favorites.

Prices are reasonable, especially for the size of the portions. I usually have enough pasta left over for a nice lunch the next day. Pastas are $15-$19 and entrees in the $20-$25 range. Meals come with fresh baked bread and a balsamic bruchetta.

Added note, if you buy a case of wine at Wine Expo, you get a coupon for a free pizza (dine in or take out) at Il Forno.

il Forno Caffe
2901 Ocean Park Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-1241

Some people would say that I’m not a dessert person. Those people would be wrong. It’s more that I’m not the kind of person who likes an overwhelmingly sweet dessert. Especially cupcakes. I don’t like a cupcake that tastes like it has all of the sugar, butter and frosting of a full size cake, squeezed down into a smaller package. For these reasons, Hot Cakes Bakes on Centinela near Mar Vista and Marina del Rey is my kind of bakery.

Their cupcakes are light and airy with just the right amount of frosting on them. Their coconut cupcake is subtly flavored and not too sweet. Also, the cupcakes are the right size and priced a little lower then some other shops at $3 a piece. They also have some mini versions for $1.50.

The real star of Hot Cakes Bakes is the Black and White cookie. Out of this world and something that even a New Yorker (which I am not) could love.

When you drive past Hot Cakes, you might think twice about stopping in. The sign is very hand made looking and parking is tight. There are a couple spots in the back. The main benefit of parking back there is that you get to walk through the kitchen and take in the amazing aromas of the bakery in action.

Hot Cakes now serves lunch, mostly just sandwiches, but I haven’t tried them yet. I’ll stick with the dessert.

Hot Cakes Bakes
4119 South Centinela Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(Just South of Washington Boulevard)
Phone: (310) 397-2324

Beside having one of the greatest names for a taco joint, Tacos La Flama also has some hearty, quick mexican food. For me, the “usual” is the wet chicken burrito which has shredded chicken, cheese, rice, beans and is smothered in enchilada sauce and some more cheese. Low calorie, it’s not, but when I get home with the tin take out tray, the steaming burrito is a real treat.

This isn’t the small taco plate kind of place. This is the high, and high flavor kind of place.

There is also a meat counter at the back of the restaurant, but I have never tried it. This is actually the place the tipped me off to Aqui es Oxaca when I went in looking for carne asada. La Flama only had pork and chicken, unmarinated so they sent me down the street.

In addition to the cooked dishes, there is a variety of pan dulce baked treats that seem very popular.

If you’re looking for a filling, tasty and cheap meal, Tacos La Flama is a great place to stop at the corner of Pico and Barrington.

2404 S Barrington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone (310) 966-9027

« Older Entries

Newer Entries »