ace92503

that's makes me all warm and fuzzy to know I threw out nice words about Joe's and it ended up being such a great experince for you - even though a lot of others recommended it, I'd like to secretly think inside my head it was my idea. Great reveiw!

There is a fine taco place on Main Street in Santa Monica called "Holy Guacamole". Right accross the street from a very good micro-beer bar called the "Library Alehouse" If you live in that area, go to my post down below about LaPlayita - I think you'll like it better than Holy Guacamole

Hands down kids - my one recommendation would be - LA PLAYITA - it's a small taco stand on Lincoln blvd. 1 blk. north of Rose in Venice. If you're looking for a place that has tacos you can't get anywhere else (especially when you see workds like cabesa and maw on the menu), this is your place. You'll be the ONLY gringo on line there, but once you order the tacos and the best $1.50 shrimp ceviche you'll find off their enormous menu (they are known for their seafood), you'll sit back with the day laborers and smile, knowing someone steered you in the right direction.

My recomendation, if I had to pick one - and if you ask around, I'm sure you'll hear the same is - La Playita - it's a little Mariscos stand next to a tire shop on Lincoln blvd. 1 block north of Rose in the city of Venice. It's small and you'll know it by being the only gringo out there ordering the best $1.50 shrimp ceviche you can find. Also has great tacos. You'll go there, order from their enormous menu, stand there with the rest of the day laborers and smile because someone definitely steered you in the right direction

Maggie, have you written anything else that I could read, published, not published?

Pan - here the low down on Beachwood - it is becoming a very trendy LA spot - on the weekends it is jamming - even in the dining room (there is a lounge/bar as well) it is pretty loud and you'll find yourselves shouting over each other - it is fun, if you like that. Pretty people and really good food. A few examples of things I've eaten there that I like: pulled shortrib pot pie, octupus calamari...this doesn't sound like your place for what you're looking for You mentioned at $85 tasting menu - if you are going that high JOE'S has great seasonal tasting menu's. They have two, one being around 85 and the other 60-ish. The food is really incredible. Alsways seasonal and as far as fine dining goes, which, in my opinion, this one differs - it has a little heart and soul. The kind of food that makes you feel good, warm and happy. The serice is also great there. They make you feel taken care of and not in that walk you to the bathroom, place a napkin on your lap kind-of-way. HAL'S is also good. You know you will get good food there, always. It's not through the roof, but really good and they give you a lot of choices. Incredible risottos. Those are the two places, after reading all of your posts that I think are the most appropriate.

I'd love descriptions of more of these places. I'm going to be in Venice staying with relatives in August and I'm thinking of surprising them by taking them out for a nice meal somewhere. You can go to Citysearch.com and get a good description with user reviews - if there are any you have more questions I could give you more info on some of my favorites like AXE, Joes, Via Veneto, Hal's (that would be a good bet for you), Wabi-Sabi

Mariscos ( on lincoln) and Mossimos I couldn't find those two. Love the breakfast at Amuse. I live half a block away so I can walk there.

I recently moved to Venice and although I am enjoying the obvious retaurant choices like AXE, Joe's, Wabi-Sabi, Via Veneto my choices are running thin. I am looking for more places off the beaten path or not off the path. I'm very open to your suggestions. Also, sushi recommendations please...

thanks ts

I am re-doing my kitchen and want to have a minimal knife collection as opposed to the generic wedding present knife set I'm getting rid of. Can I get recommendations on two or three knives that are must-haves. The ones that are dancing around in my head are Nenox, Wustoff and Global. I plan on having these for a long time, so I want quality.

I forgot to change that - it is going to be on a weeknight, probably on a monday.

I am starting a new small company - primarily a cooking class in Los Angeles. We are looking for female chefs who can teach the class, who have had teaching experience. It would be once a week on Saturday evenings. There is more to this project but I would discuss this with the chefs we meet. I'm not sure what forums or places I can go to seek out and meet anyone who might be interested. This seemed like an ideal place to start.