365 Places to Eat

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)

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

Lemon Moon is the casual dining collaboration between Josiah Citrin (of Melisse) and Raphael Lunetta (of JiRaffe). Get it, Lemon (Citrin) Moon (Lunetta)?

However the two came together to collaborate, it’s a successful marriage. Lemon Moon is only open for breakfast and lunch, catering mainly to the business crowd working in the same building as Lemon Moon and the surrounding offices.

The menu changes daily, depending on what is in season. The set up is simple, Lemon Moon largely offers a number of showcase salads. You can see them in the display case while you are waiting to place your order. You can choose one or more salads for your lunch and then add a cup of soup for a satisfying meal.

The ratatouille is fantastic and I had an albondigas soup that had just the right amount of spice. You can see some of the other choices on their online menu.

In addition to the salads, there are also a few items from the grill and a number of sandwiches.

Lemon Moon is a little bit on the higher end price wise for a casual lunch. The space is nice though, not what I expected from the first floor of an office building. There is a decent sized courtyard and also some large communal tables to enjoy your meal at.

Lemon Moon isn’t an everyday kind of lunch spot, but is a nice treat once in a while. It’s easy to drop $15 or more for lunch once you add a drink and tax. There are some nice touches, like a home made cookie and friendly service. Portions are also larger than they seem and I had some leftovers. This is a good place to go with a few people and share some orders.

Parking is free in the underground parking lot with validation.

Lemon Moon
12200 West Olympic Blvd # 110
Santa Monica
(310) 442-9191‎

Ketchy’s II is comfort in a little shop. It’s a food truck in a store front. Ketchy’s reminds me of coming off the beach in Hawaii and walking across the beach to get some chili and rice.

If you’re looking for gourmet, look elsewhere. If you want a satisfying lunch or snack with a taco, hot dog, chili or fries, this is what you’re looking for.

The Ketchy’s taco is unique and polarizing. You will love it or hate it. It’s simple. A thin hamburger patty, on the griddle, put onto a tortilla, topped with lettuce, tomato and hot sauce, folded in half and kissed on the griddle again.

Ketchy's Taco

At $2, it’s a junky deal. Then there are the hot dogs. Cooked to order on the griddle split in half and then topped with your choice of goodies. They are greasy and delicious. I like a juicy dog and it’s fun to have them topped for you.

Ketchy's Hot Dog

Adding to the casual atmosphere is the friendly service, very Hawaiian style and personable. There are no indoor tables, heck there is barely enough room to fit two people at the counter where you order. There are a couple of tables outside and a heater if it’s cold.

Hours are only 9am to 6pm, which is a bit limited. This should be late night food. Parking in the lot is free.

Ketchy’s II
11270 La Grange Ave,
Los Angeles CA 90025

It’s impossible not to be charmed by Pili’s Tacos before you even walk in the door.

The purple/pink exterior gives way to a modest interior with a focus on the authentic food and home style Mexican family atmosphere.

As the name implies, Pili’s is about the tacos. There are a number of other authentic dishes pinned to the wall, but the $1.25 tacos are simple and delicious.

From pastor to asada to cabeza to carnitas, your favorites are all available. Top off your tacos with their Mexican beverages like Jarritos and more. They have a bottle of guava juice that tastes like fresh squeezed. If you do want fresh squeezed, there is a wide variety of home made Agua Frescas the Pili’s makes to order.

Pili’s is very much like a taco truck in a storefront. Convenient because you always know where to find them.

Other reviews:

• Great Taco Hunt
• Yum Life
• Yelp

Pili’s Tacos
11924 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

When I’m hosting a BBQ, few things have the bang for the buck that Carne Asada has. It’s easy to cook. It smells good on the grill. It has flavor. It’s beef. It’s cheap.

In all honesty, I don’t think I have ever had bad Carne Asada from my grill. Therefore, I feel pretty confident strolling into any carniceria to pick up some pre-seasoned meat. The risk of getting something foul is low.

At the corner of Venice Blvd and McLaughlin sits Aqui es Oaxaca (Here is Oaxaca). They carry a slew of Oaxacan goods, including a variety of meats — and their own marinated Carne Asada.

I do get small pleasure out of using my limited Spanish when I’m in a carniceria. At Aqui es Oaxaca, not only is my Spanish not needed, I don’t have the chance to use it, as the friendly Senora behind the meat counter greets me in English and we talk about how much carne I want.

She weighs out five pounds of carne ($5/lb) and after she marks down the price, throws in some extra goodies like orange slices, onions and a few small pieces of meat. While she is doing that, I am eying the salsa containers in the refrigerated cabinet. My new friend pulls out a few of the containers and seems to be guiding me towards the salsa roja, which turns out to be an amazingly thick smoky chipotle salsa.

I walk out happy. The service is friendly, the meat counter is clean and I like how the carne asada seasoning is on the dry side. Sometimes when I buy carne asada, it is swimming in half a bag of marinade. I still like that style, but if the meat sits in the marinade too long, it can become a bit chewy.

So how does it cook?

I fire up the grill on fairly high heat and slap the meat down with a sizzle. I’m tempted to munch on some carne tartar, it looks so good. A few minutes on each side and then on to the chopping block to be cut up for tacos. The meat is juicy, charred on the outside and moist on the (thin) inside.

So here I am, staring at my taco. So far my Carne Asada de Aqui es Oaxaca experience is first rate. I get ready for my first bite. Yeah right! I totally ate chunks of carne while I was swinging my cleaver. It is awesome. A taste of Oaxaca right in my backyard. I’m the hero of the grill. The crowd is clamoring for carne. I’m passing out the tender morsels while my guests lick their lips and then close their eyes and sink their teeth into the flavor bursting meat.

Need I say more? Aqui es Oaxaca is a home run in the carne asada department.

Aqui es Oaxaca
11614 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, 90066
(310) 313-4813

Good, authentic Chinese food is not easy to come by on the Westside. When you don’t have time to make the drive all the way out to Alhambra though, you can find Hop Woo on the corner of Olympic and Sepulveda.

With whole roast ducks hanging in the window and crispy fried whole shrimp (shell and head on) on the menu, you know this isn’t a run of the mill Chinese takeout spot.

We eat in sometimes, we take out sometimes, and may have even done delivery. When you do go to Hop Woo be prepared for some parking challenges. The lot is impossibly small for the number of stores in the mini-mall and sometimes cars just double park. You can find street parking around the corner on Pontius, which is the street west of Sepulveda.

There are Hop Woo locations both in Chinatown and in Alhambra, but I haven’t been to them, so I don’t know how the Westside location compares.

Some of the hits on the menu are the soups, the Pepper Salted Shrimp, the Roast Duck, Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Snow Pea Leaves, Sesame Chicken, Braised String Beans (Hot!), or the Chow Fun noodles.

The first time we went with a couple of friends, we let the waiter do much of the ordering for us and it turned out great. Tried a couple dishes I wouldn’t normally have and learned about some of the food.

If you are having a party, you can also arrange to have Hop Woo fix you up with a whole suckling pig. They also have whole lobster specials which are really cheap.

Prices are pretty standard with most dishes between $8-$13 and portion sizes are generous.

Hop Woo
11110 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 575-3668

Across the street from Penguin’s at Olympic and Westwood is another frozen yogurt joint called Bigg Chill.

Similar to Penguin’s, Bigg Chill serves old school style, creamy frozen yogurt in a variety of flavors. They also have custard flavors, carbo-lite choices and even their own “tart” line called Chill Berry (guess what it tastes like).

Bigg Chill has been around for decades and has developed an enormously faithful following. It’s not uncommon for lines to be out the door in the evenings.

The people behind the counter are very friendly and keep the line moving. One note is that the portions are HUGE! They give you an overwhelming amount of yogurt, a small is plenty for me, especially if you get some tasty toppings that range from fresh fruit to candy favorites.

10850 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 475-1070

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