Restaurant Review
22 Sep 2015

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Los Angeles (Los Feliz)

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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Los Feliz - Los Angeles

L.A.’s ice cream scene is on fire. The local offerings have always been superb (see: Fosselman’s, Carmela, and Scoops), but with national superstars like Columbus’ Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Portland’s Salt & Straw coming to town recently, there’s never been a better time to go out for a scoop, take home a pint, or better yet, both.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Los Feliz - Los Angeles

Founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002, Jeni’s proudly makes every ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt “from the ground up” using milk from grass-grazed cows and local produce from small farms. Quality input means quality output—it’s as simple as that.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Los Feliz - Los Angeles

Whereas The Astronomer selected light and refreshing flavors on our visit, I desired something far more decadent. For him: one scoop of red raspberry sorbet and another of mango lassi frozen yogurt. Both were tart, tangy, and just sweet enough. (more…)

Now Closed
10 Sep 2015

Pok Pok Phat Thai – Los Angeles (Chinatown)

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Pok Pok Phat Thai - Chinatown - Los Angeles

The arrival of Pok Pok Phat Thai was a mixed bag for me. As a Thai food lover, I was thrilled to have superb regional noodles available a stone’s throw from home. The only downside was that the restaurant took the space formerly occupied by Hoan Kiem, a Northern Vietnamese spot that served terrific banh cuon and pho ga. Alas, that’s how the cookie crumbles sometimes.

Pok Pok Phat Thai - Chinatown - Los Angeles

Phat Thai is the first of two Pok Pok concepts that Chef Andy Ricker is bringing to L.A. His full-service Pok Pok, which I was a fan of when I visited it in Portland, should be arriving before year’s end.

Phat Thai’s menu is succinct, and service is efficient. After ordering at the counter and grabbing a seat at the communal picnic table out front, we received our food within five minutes or so. Fast service makes for happy parents, always.

Pok Pok Phat Thai - Chinatown - Los Angeles

I had heard (and read) that careful application of condiments is key to a great Pok Pok experience. Otherwise, the food can taste bland. This cart full of fish sauce, sugar, and vinegar was on hand to season our dishes to taste. The chili-spiked fish sauce and fresh lime juice were essential for Pok Pok perfection for The Astronomer and me.

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Restaurant Review
01 Sep 2015

New Flavor of India – Rosemead

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New Flavor of India - Rosemead

The Astronomer is not the jealous type, except when it comes to weekday lunches. While he and his colleagues dine at various sports bars across El Segundo, my co-workers and I are spoiled by the San Gabriel Valley’s bounty. Lunchtime envy is real in our household.

New Flavor of India - Rosemead

In addition to fantastic Chinese and Vietnamese options in and around the office, there are solid Mexican restaurants and, as it turns out, Indian spots too.

New Flavor of India - Rosemead

Flavor of India, a relative newcomer to Rosemead, offers a $10 lunchtime buffet that my co-workers and I have been digging lately. Pro tip: Indian food comas can be seriously intense, so it’s best not to schedule any post-lunch meetings when this spot’s on the docket.

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