Chris Cognac

All this talk of great food is going to force me to eat at the Shafaa Halal market now just walking distance from our new police station. Its awesome, they have a meat counter with tons of premade meats and to my suprise, very good shrimp skewers...My absolute favorite thing is that garlic spread for the flatbread...made with "clarified" butter I think...Behemoth moght be able to "clarify" (sorry couldnt resist ) what its made of.....but it is to die for....

one of the things I enjoyed most in Saudi was the wonderful chicken, roasted w a little paprika and served with rice and the most amazing freshly baked flat bread. It still ranks as one of the best things I have ever had to this day.

Mayo....the secret is friggin mayo!..I never would have guessed

Gotta try El Gringo in Hermosa, Its where I took Alton when he came out..I have pics on my web site...you can eat on the patio deck and sip a nice mexican brew while eating a bowl of Xol-Chee....right price, right distance for you...I say go for it!

They have had it out here at Carls Jr for about 1 yrs....its called the double 6 dollar burger....I tried to eat one, with no success.....does not come close to a double super star!

Where is he going to be located or meeting at?...If he really wants to show his knowledge, then have him go some local place like Langers on Alvarado for pastrami...instead of some trendy place....but if he must go trendy there are plenty of places...L.A. is HUGE as far as driving distance so if we know the area he is shooting for we can help more....if its downtown, the Palms is always nice and classy, near the Staples center...

I guess I am lucky being in So Cal that its not to hard to find a good old frosty bottle of "Mexican" Coke...let me tell you, few things go as good with street tacos...except maybe a Modelo or XX beer!

Are you not going to partake in at least 1 little bowl of pea soup from Andersons?

I am dying for Esperanza's report on them...I think there is something in the "technique" that gives it the right flavor...

Do you think its more important for the reviewer to be unnoticed at a fine dining place as opposed to a small mom and pop establishment? My column is focused on the $10 and under dishes and lunch. I tend not to write overtly "bad" reviews as I realize that I could actually be destroying the livelyhood of a family as a result. If there is something I dont like, I will mention it, but then add to it the things I enjoyed. If the place just sucks, I wont write about it at all, I think that when people open the paper and read the reviews they want to read about a place they would like to go and try, not someplace I hate. My paper does have a fine dining critic (Merril Schindler) and I feel he is pretty honest about what he feels about a place good or bad, but then again, its fine dining.... opinions? should it be different in each catagory?

remember, reviews are mearly one persons opinion and opinons are like assholes, we all have one...now, on another note, my friday review of Bob's Akazu-ya is "spot on" as the Brits say and should be taken as gospel!!! Edit: I case you dont get my meaning, what I am saying is that you should not rely too much on one persons review, and if you have always wanted to go someplace, then go, make it a special evening and enjoy it. Clear your mind of whatever you heard or read and just enjoy! The last portion of my post is again and tounge and cheek reference to the same thing. I hope you all understand what I mean/meant. Eat to enjoy and enjoy eating, no matter what anyone says!

Cant wait to see the photos...I am also interested to see if the bacon is par cooked, then wrapped and the whole thing is slow cooked...MAn, it "ALMOST" makes me want to go down to Tijuana for one right now...But I can always go to Langers....the ladies on the street sell em just outside Langers!

Yea, its just west of the new Westin/old Maxim hotel...Its kinda strange, they have no live gaming, only machines....I did eat the steak and lobster...for 7 bucks, not bad....I dont think I would stay there...too creepy and dark for me!

you mean Bourban Street...home of the $7.77 steak and lobster?...I am thinking of checking out the Greek Isles next time I go...The Pizza Expo is in late March and I am going to go to that for sure! I am sure I will be there before then though...I ate at the Orleans buffet for lunch after new years....pretty good, w 6 live stations for around 6 bucks!

Sound like it all worked out int he end with the Blackjack....of course mine was the other way around, ate for free but had to feed the slots an equal amount! Did you eat at Mesa Grill by chance? I am dying to get back to Vegas, I think I am going to try and stay at the Orleans this time. They just built a new tower and its set back from the strip so you can get a good view of the strip. I was not pleased with the crappy view from my room at Caesers....all I could see was the pool and that new tower under construction!

Jason, I have tried and failed to duplicate it...I think it might have to do with the dogs and bacon itself...You would have to try and get the same kind they have in Mexico....I think I will cruise up to Lennox (a small area of L.A. that might as well be Mexico) and learn the secret if I can...

So you got the Kobe, was it not amazing! Did you meet any of his young sous chefs, Adam, Gerald or Jeffrey...those guys are amazing (I am doing an article on them). The kitchen is incredible as well....Bradley knows how to do it right, its costs an arm and a leg, but if you are going to make one meal, make it Bradley Ogden! http://forums.egullet.org/uploads/10992750..._1099361935.jpg Stupid new image gullet....otherone worked fine!....Well, this is supposed to be a picture of Bradley Ogden and the others.....stupid image gullet!

What makes these things so damn good...is it the many cerveza's consumed prior....but man are they good..anyone know how they are made and what makes em special...let hear it from all of you whom have cruised a border town, eaten one and lived to tell about it!

Oh my god, there is a cheeseburger flavoed chip....Now I can have my favorite unhealthy snack flavor, on another completely unhealthy snack....thats 2 heart attacks in one chip.....I am so there!

I saw a "wasabi chip" at Albertsons market the other day, it must have been those....what flavors do they come in...I only saw the wasabi flavor....I am still looking for a substitute for "Krunchers Alfredo" chips

Well, if you must give Disney your money, you can always eat at the Blue Bayou which is actually inside the Pirates of the Carribean ride....the food is ok, but its kinda neat and at least you can say you ate there.

Go to Pinks for a hot dog if you can...Its a landmark here in L.A.

I have learned that there is an amazing amount of talent and knowledge on eG. I also learned that I can go anywhere in the world and have local knowledge about the food scene. I also have made several friends and have had the pleasure of going to several eG events with all of them.

Well....you are a young guy and only have a few hours...I would say spend some time at Margaritaville and go down the slide into the ocean, catch some rays in the rooftop hot tub...its a blast and you will remember it forever...yea I know its full on tourist but it sure is fun...otherwise, you can be adventurous and walk around MoBay and check stuff out (its an experience).

it was a random panel with vaious ages and both men and women, all well educated and ranging from complete novice to people that drink wine often....I forgot what the other wine was, but it was classic....I was sure I would have chosen the right one, but nope....chuck for me!