Oct 2017

Fair Oaks Burger – Altadena

Fair Oaks Burger - Altadena

The Astronomer and I first noticed Fair Oaks Burger while dining al fresco across the street at Pizza of Venice. Its promise of all-American burgers as well as Chinese and Mexican fare piqued our collective stomachs, so we agreed to stop in for a bite soon.  I like to support local businesses.

Fair Oaks Burger - Altadena

Our family strolled to Fair Oaks Burger for dinner last Friday night. I was craving a cheeseburger, June was in the mood for noodles, and The Astronomer was up for anything, per usual. Three cuisines under one roof is certainly convenient!

As we lined up at the counter and placed our awesomely diverse order—one cheeseburger, a plate of chow mein, and a carne asada taco—I kept thinking to myself that this was an “only in L.A.” kinda moment.

Fair Oaks Burger - Altadena

My cheeseburger combo ($6.19) was good, but not exceptional. Super Burger still makes my favorite cheeseburger in the neighborhood. The quarter-pound patty was cooked through, while the single slice of American was melty enough. It was served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, pickles, Thousand Island, and mayonnaise.

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Sep 2017

Press Play with Madeleine Brand | Chinese Breakfast in Los Angeles

Press Play with Madeleine Brand | Chinese Breakfast

I joined Madeleine Brand, the host of KCRW’s program Press Play, to chat about where to get regional Chinese breakfast in Los Angeles (and why it’s superior to pancakes and eggs Benedict). Listen here. And enjoy!

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Sep 2017

Weekend Brunch at Love & Salt – Manhattan Beach

Weekend Brunch at Love & Salt - Manhattan Beach

Long weekends are made for beaching and brunching, and that’s exactly what we did during the recent Labor Day holiday. In the past, we’ve beached in Venice and Manhattan Beach and brunched at A-Frame and M.B. Post, respectively. This weekend, we decided to see if brunch at Love & Salt was as great as dinner. The Astronomer, June, and I were joined by my cousins Jackie and Jessica, who were visiting from The Bay.

Weekend Brunch at Love & Salt - Manhattan Beach

The restaurant serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The menu includes a little bit of everything, including a few favorites from Chef Michael Fiorelli’s beloved dinner menu.

Weekend Brunch at Love & Salt - Manhattan Beach

A meal at Love & Salt wouldn’t be complete without an order of the house-made English muffins ($8) served with rosemary- and sea salt-topped cultured butter. Warm and toasty, the English muffins were a definite crowd-pleaser.

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