Rico’s Mar Azul, a splashy blue truck stationed in an idyllic park off Figueroa, specializes in Mexico City-style seafood preparations. The concise menu lists tostadas, cocteles, and that’s it. The tostada de pulpo, a raft of tender octopus and avocado slathered in a creamy white sauce reminiscent of Greek tzatziki, is my favorite bite of all.
One bite of the Double Cheeseburger at Hawkins House of Burgers and you’ll wonder why cooks bother with frou-frou touches like gorgonzola, brioche, arugula, and secret sauces. This straightforward setup of Angus beef, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and American cheese in between mayonnaise- and mustard-slathered commercial buns is an absolute slam-dunk.
I came home from the land of baguettes and foie gras to an incredible opportunity to write a book about the very best restaurants in Los Angeles. I’ve always eaten out quite a bit, but this project has turned me into a hardcore binger. On average, I have been visiting upwards of 20 new restaurants each week, sometimes dining in seven or eight places in a single day. It’s all in the name of research, and I’m certain that my book will be better for it. My waistline, on the other hand, not so much.
With so many dishes gracing my palate these days, usually one right after the other, blogging about restaurant meals in my normal format doesn’t properly capture the spirit of these occasions. Thus, I’m launching a new feature on the site called {swoon} to highlight the plates that have made a serious impression upon me during these completely insane dining sprees. Consider it a sneak peek of what’s to come; summer 2013 is just around the corner.
And just in case you’re wondering, {swoon} is an acronym for Superlatives Worthy Of Over N’dulgence. You can thank Calvin and Hobbes for that last bit.