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Moving To L.A.

Nealpollack

By Nealpollack
in California: Dining

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Nealpollack

Nealpollack

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I'm moving the family to L.A., as I pursue the final crushing of my dreams in Hollywood. Naturally, since I'm an egulleteer, we're looking for food advice and for food friends. We've rented a house in Eagle Rock, where all yuppies with an artistic bent go to die. Please advise any way you can: What's good around the neighborhood, what's new around town, where can I get a great South American meal in a strip mall for $15 and under, and so on....Thanks!

Neal

rjwong

rjwong

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Neal,

Welcome to the California forum!

Eagle Rock is located between Pasadena and Glendale (where I happen to live, neighbor :wink: ). Off the top of my head, there are a few places around Eagle Rock you should visit:

Trader Joe's calls itself "a unique grocery store." It really is, if you're not familiar with the store.

Casa Bianca is a neighborhood Italian restaurant which apparently has some decent pizza (haven't tried the pizza yet).

Cafe Beaujolais is a pretty good neighborhood French restaurant. I've only been there once.

Over in Glendale is a large Armenian community. The restaurants there are Middle Eastern / Mediterranean / Armenian / Lebanese / Persian ... (I can't really tell yet). Lots of kebabs, falafels, roast chickens, ... Also in Glendale is this Cuban bakery/restaurant called Porto's. Really good cakes, really good Cuban sandwiches.

Pasadena is a very popular destination spot on the weekends. Plenty of chain restaurants and several casual independents.

In just those three areas cover a lot of territory.

Again, Neal, welcome to LA, neighbor!

Russell J. Wong aka "rjwong"

Food and I, we go way back ...

Nealpollack

Nealpollack

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As proof that we're real foodies, proximity to a Trader Joe's was a primary factor in our choice of neighborhoods. I've been to Casa Bianca already, and it was definitely terrific. The tips on good Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food in Glendale are priceless.

We like to dine at all levels from time to time, occasionally splurging on a high-end meal. I made reservations for us at Table 8 to celebrate our arrival in L.A. I've eaten at Campanile and A.O.C. before, and I left very satisfied. The cheese selection at Campanile is incredible, and the charcuterie at A.O.C. is only topped, in my mind, by the one at Lupa in New York. La Terza also sounds really good. Any other suggestions?

rjwong

rjwong

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As proof that we're real foodies, proximity to a Trader Joe's was a primary factor in our choice of neighborhoods.

There are many Trader Joe's in Southern California, Neal. You're gonna have to show some more proof. :wink::wink:

We like to dine at all levels from time to time, occasionally splurging on a high-end meal. I made reservations for us at Table 8 to celebrate our arrival in L.A. I've eaten at Campanile and A.O.C. before, and I left very satisfied. The cheese selection at Campanile is incredible, and the charcuterie at A.O.C. is only topped, in my mind, by the one at Lupa in New York. La Terza also sounds really good. Any other suggestions?

It looks like you've been doing your research. I've only been to La Terza twice on Tuesday nights when Nancy Silverton does her Italian Tavola.

Which South American countries are you referring to? Argentina? Brazil? Peru? Others?

As for other suggestions, please narrow down your interests. Southern California is really spread out.

Russell J. Wong aka "rjwong"

Food and I, we go way back ...

Nealpollack

Nealpollack

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I do like Peruvian food a lot, and I really dig a good Colombian churrasqueria.

As for neighborhoods, it had to be near a Trader Joe's AND Dodger Stadium.

Specifics are hard to name. I just love food.

Raquel

Raquel

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I'm moving the family to L.A., as I pursue the final crushing of my dreams in Hollywood. Naturally, since I'm an egulleteer, we're looking for food advice and for food friends. We've rented a house in Eagle Rock, where all yuppies with an artistic bent go to die. Please advise any way you can: What's good around the neighborhood, what's new around town, where can I get a great South American meal in a strip mall for $15 and under, and so on....Thanks!

Neal

Welcome neighbor! I'm right next door in Pasadena. Hope you guys enjoy E.R. It's a cool little town.

Here are a couple more places that might interest you:

-Golden Deli in San Gabriel. 710 W. Las Tunas Dr. Great cha gio, fried Vietnamese spring rolls... and wonderful iced coffee. And cheap, cheap, cheap. You might run into long lines during peak eating hours.

If you're looking for Asian food neighborhoods, San Gabriel, Alhambra and Monterey Park are all good bets.

-All India Cafe in Pasadena. Great Indian food in Old Town. Owners and staff are friendly and accommodating.

-Fred 62 , off Los Feliz on Vermont. The kids love having breakfast here on weekends.

-Trattoria Farfalla , also off Los Feliz... on Hillhurst. Awesome Italian. Order the Tre Funghi pasta dish.

-As far as the South American hole-in-the-walls go, I don't know about many that are nearby. There is an Argentinian chain called Empanada's Place , however, that has wonderful empanadas. Many different varieties to choose from. And there is chimichurri sauce to go along w/. Also, their homemade alfajores are the bomb.

raquel

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe -Roy Batty

Nealpollack

Nealpollack

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I have dined at Fred 62 many a time, though rarely sober. But now I'm an L.A. family man. That's a great suggestion for a family outing.

I also wonder if my kid would like House of Pies. Hard to imagine that he wouldn't...

JFLinLA

JFLinLA

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Damn, damn, damn. What's the name of that place? Oh well, someone else will know.

I'm talking about a great, classic Italian place, on the east side of Vermont. Not trendy or upscale. It's one of those that's been around forever, dark inside, etc. Great place to take the family for pizza and the like.

This isn't my area of town so I haven't been there in ages but I do remember it was great.

So long and thanks for all the fish.
Raquel

Raquel

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Damn, damn, damn.  What's the name of that place?  Oh well, someone else will know.

I'm talking about a great, classic Italian place, on the east side of Vermont.  Not trendy or upscale.  It's one of those that's been around forever, dark inside, etc.  Great place to take the family for pizza and the like.

This isn't my area of town so I haven't been there in ages but I do remember it was great.

Are you talking about Palermo ?

raquel

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe -Roy Batty

rjwong

rjwong

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JFL, do you mean Palermo's in the Los Feliz area (LOS feh-LEEZ, as in feh-LEEZ NAH-vih-DAHD)?

Neal, I should have thought of this sooner. Here's link I did back in Mar. 2005 on a Los Angeles Discussion Thread Index. And there's always the LA Times Food Section Digest, updated weekly by some eG Specialist ... :rolleyes:

Go ahead and see if you find it useful.

Russell J. Wong aka "rjwong"

Food and I, we go way back ...

Radio7

Radio7

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Woohoo! Another EG'er enters the L.A. fold! Hiya Neal :smile:

I reccommend heading down to Manhattan Beach, say on a sunday morning, having breakfast/lunch at "The Kettle", then spending time on the beach. It's lovely out there. Also, at the end of the pier is a small aquarium(all sorts of fish).

The Kettle is a popular diner, it's located at 1138 Highland Ave. Also, just a couple blocks away is "Uncle Bill's" a tiny cottage that makes great pancakes.

Have fun!

~Radio

the tall drink of water...
JFLinLA

JFLinLA

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Damn, damn, damn.  What's the name of that place?  Oh well, someone else will know.

I'm talking about a great, classic Italian place, on the east side of Vermont.  Not trendy or upscale.  It's one of those that's been around forever, dark inside, etc.  Great place to take the family for pizza and the like.

This isn't my area of town so I haven't been there in ages but I do remember it was great.

Are you talking about Palermo ?

Yes, yes, yes, Palermo. Right.

JFL, do you mean Palermo's in the Los Feliz area (LOS feh-LEEZ, as in feh-LEEZ NAH-vih-DAHD)?

Oh and RJ, sorry but gotta disagree with your pronunciation. Despite what may be linguistically correct, most everyone calls the area Los FEE-liz.

So long and thanks for all the fish.
Nealpollack

Nealpollack

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This is definitely the handiest moving to L.A. advice I've received yet. You people are so much more helpful than the posters at sexyvampires.net!

Manhattan Beach, ho!

maggiethecat

maggiethecat

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So did you pet the sea cucumbers in the fish petting zoo on the pier at Manhattan Beach? They're really soft, those weird critters.

My daughter, who lives in LA, has a new favorite spot: Blair's on Rowena in Silverlake. American bistro at its best, with the added attraction of desserts that crown the meal, not simply add some sweet at the end.

And , come to think of it, my all-time fave strip-mall restaurant is on Sunset in Silverlake-- the Pho Cafe. I've never eaten better, cheaper Vietnamese in a cool space.

Margaret McArthur

"Take it easy, but take it."

Studs Terkel

1912-2008

A sensational tennis blog from freakyfrites

margaretmcarthur.com

  • 3 weeks later...
mazman

mazman

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Neal.

Not from LA but go occassionally for work. In terms of South American/Peruvian, Marios in Highland Park (off Melrose) is amazing, the best Ceviche my wife (she's Peruvian) and I have had in the US and an Amazing and authentic Lomo Saltado. Really, run there and go early...it gets crowded. Otherwise not a resident so my recs are not based on a lot of experience, we both liked Blairs alot also and think Luques on Melrose is consistently great. If I think of others I will write again, hope all goes well in your search.

mazman

mazman

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I remember one more...Moroccan restaurant Chameau used to be in Silver Lake now on Robertson...also a great wine store on Glendale called Silver Lake Wines...one of the most interesting selections I have seen and do regular tastings with an interesting crowd

Edited by mazman (log)
arkestra

arkestra

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I remember one more...Moroccan restaurant Chameau used to be in Silver Lake now on Robertson...

minor correction -- chameau is on fairfax (between beverly and oakwood).

jschyun

jschyun

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Eagle Rock's actually not a bad place to be, esp if you like Chinese food. You're not terribly far from downtown either (in my view, but I'm an OC person) Can't help w/ South American, sorry.

I love cold Dinty Moore beef stew. It is like dog food! And I am like a dog.

--NeroW

hzrt8w

hzrt8w

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Eagle Rock's actually not a bad place to be, esp if you like Chinese food. [...]

jschyun: Hi, LTNS! Did you imply that there are some decent Chinese restaurants at or around Eagle Rock? I would like to hear more and may try them next time when coming by.

W.K. Leung ("Ah Leung") aka "hzrt8w"
jschyun

jschyun

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Why, you know where these restaurants are, hzrt8w! Eagle Rock is pretty close to San Gabriel Valley. :-)

I love cold Dinty Moore beef stew. It is like dog food! And I am like a dog.

--NeroW

rjwong

rjwong

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Eagle Rock, like Glendale, is pretty close to SGV & downtown LA. I'd be very surprised if there's a decent Chinese restaurant IN Eagle Rock itself.

Where I live in Glendale, I just drive 15-20 minutes and I'm at Sam Woo's in Chinatown, if I can find street parking close by.

Russell J. Wong aka "rjwong"

Food and I, we go way back ...

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