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July 7, 2008
Stylish Six: More Great Doughnuts in Los Angeles
Filed under: Best Of, Eastside, Eat, Midtown, San Gabriel Valley, South, Westside — StyleGuide @ 1:28 pm
I’m in the midst of a doughnut obsession, as you may have noticed here and here. Since Los Angeles reigns as the undisputed doughnut capital of the world, I suppose it is a matter of civic pride. In that spirit, here are six more standard bearers.
Dumpy strip mall + two letter names = amazing doughnuts? Apparently. Try:
1. DK Donut & Bakery: Thanks to StylishGuide.com reader and At Home at Home blogger Laure for recommending this Santa Monica gem. Mmmm….
2. S.K. Donuts & Croissants: Head to Mid-city near Park La Brea and sink into a moist, luscious buttermilk bar or rich cruller. Bonus: It’s open late for post-bar-hopping appetites.
Doughnut as architecture — these two shops prove it works:
3. Randy’s Donuts: The gigantic doughnut atop this Inglewood shop is like a big, fat, sloppy welcome-home kiss after landing at nearby LAX.
4. The Donut Hole: Thrill the kid in you with a special trip out to a random intersection in La Puente for a doughnut that you actually drive through (see the video here). The architecture is icing on the cake, so to speak; the main attraction is the fresh doughnuts within.
More goodness:
5. Stan’s Corner Donut Shoppe: This legendary shop has been crafting gourmet doughnuts for more than 40 years. If your timing is right, Stan himself will recommend his favorites — welcome help since he probably has more flavors than there are parking spots in all of Westwood.
6. Tang’s Donuts: The bear claw — big as the real thing, fat with fluffy cinnamon-spiked dough — is worth attacking. Nights bring an eclectic Silver Lake crowd, including hard-core chess addicts, to the grungy strip mall location.
April 29, 2008
Great French Bakeries in Los Angeles
Filed under: Best Of, Downtown, Eat, Midtown, Westside — StyleGuide @ 7:15 pm
If I had to guess, I’d venture that my love of bakeries came from my mother. Her idea of lunch out was splitting a sandwich five ways so we could main-line Napoleons, cream puffs, pain au chocolate and cinnamon rolls.
I’ve spent a good part of my life ever since searching for great pastries. For rich, inexpensive breakfasts, afternoon treats, or part of a healthy lunch (according to my mother), here are some of my favorite local French bakeries:
1. Hotcakes Bakes: When I visited the Mar Vista shop, there were actual French people running the shop. Seems authentic to me. Try the delightful canele.
2. Frances Bakery: Head downtown for artful French baked goods, Little Tokyo style. The sweet almond croissant will make your eyes glaze over — they’re that good.
3. Delice Fine French Kosher Pastry & Bread: On Pico west of La Cienega, a Kosher bakery with light buttery flaky croissants. Mmmmm….
4. La Maison Du Pain: Two sisters living the dream — dumping corporate jobs to open a French bakery on Pico in Mid-Wilshire. Croissants, tarts, bread – this is the kind of place where you’ll want to eat your way through the line-up.
Where else can I find great French baked goods? Share, share, share!
Related links | More sweets:
April 23, 2008
Four Dining Splurges in Midtown Los Angeles
Filed under: Best Of, Eat, Midtown — StyleGuide @ 8:21 pm
There are occasions when a bucket of fried chicken just won’t do (even if it is as good as Golden Bird). Maybe it is that all-important second date. Maybe it’s just that someone else is paying.
When I want to go out, without going “all out,” I hit these four stylish supper splurges in Midtown L.A.:
1. Osteria La Buca: The owners built a neighborhood Italian trattoria on Melrose – and brought Mamma back from Italy to cook. Carbonara on tagliatelle is like a fat boat straight to heaven — worth every creamy mouthful. $$$
2. Meals by Genet: A study in contrasts in Little Ethiopia: Hands-on communal dining … set on white tablecloths. Fresh local ingredients … with spices imported from Africa. Family-style dining can keep costs down, and the vibe makes any occasion feel like a celebration. $$-$$$
3. Lou: A place famous for smoky, spicy, super-sweet bacon pieces called pig candy? A reason to celebrate in and of itself. You’d never guess that a super mod interior and artisanal cheese and sausage hides in this strip mall on Vine. $$$
4. El Cholo on Western: Five simple words will set you up: Cadillac margarita. Green corn tamales. $$-$$$
Related links | More Midtown eats:
January 31, 2008
Stylish Six: Great Hot Dogs in L.A.
Filed under: Best Of, Eat, Midtown, San Fernando Valley, South Bay, Westside — StyleGuide @ 7:46 pm
Hot dogs are the perfect StylishGuide food — carefully prepared with pride, yet inexpensive enough to indulge without breaking the bank.
We’re blessed with so many stand-up dogs in Los Angeles, I’ll honor them in shifts. First, favorites in L.A. Soon I’ll share the greats in the Valley — a virtual hot dog heaven.
1. Pink’s of Hollywood: This is the closest thing to a hot dog institution in town. There’s something about sitting in the cheap patio chairs in the tiny parking lot on a glistening Southern California day, settling into a chili cheese bacon dog topped with cool fresh tomatoes, and dripping fluorescent constellations of grease across the paper tray — it kindles something profound. It doesn’t make any sense, but it somehow fills me with a feeling of connection, like finding home. That feeling may explain the long, long lines. That, and the wildly inefficient counter service system, of course.
2. Carney’s: Eating in a converted train-car on the Sunset Strip can bring out the 6-year-old boy in anyone, and the dogs are great too. Visit a second location in Studio City.
3. Skooby’s: You’d expect this tiny Hollywood Boulevard stand to be a typical tourist rip-off operation. But the red and white bedecked, cute as a button, clean as a whistle shop with the tattooed and pierced staff actually slings some of the best dogs in town, as well as perfectly seasoned fries with aioli dipping sauce. A second location opened in Hermosa Beach.
4. The Stand: This is the black-tie dining experience of hot dog joints, with gourmet toppings and an upscale ambiance. Bring a date to the Century City, Encino or Westwood locations. Monday nights feature one-dollar dogs.
5. Let’s Be Frank: This is no ordinary catering truck outside Helms Bakery in Culver City. The 100 percent grass-fed beef hot dogs and organic toppings come with a foodie pedigree — Sue, who works the stand, came from the legendary Chez Panisse. At $5/dog, each bite is an investment in guilt-free eating (the dogs have no hormones, antibiotics or chemicals and are lower in calories than typical hot dogs).
6. Dodger Stadium: Grilled, nearly a foot long, and the perfect accompaniment to a game, it’s not surprising that Dodger dogs are among the most popular dogs in baseball. For the truly glutenous, $35 will buy you a ticket in the right field bleachers and unlimited Dodgers Dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn and Coke.
Honorable Mention
As a global chain, Costco is no “L.A. Original,” but I can’t ignore the fact they’ve asked only a buck and a half for a meaty Polish dog and soda for as long as I can remember. Top with sauerkraut, relish and onions before sinking into that sweet dog. It soothes the soul after the madness of Costco shopping.
January 29, 2008
Stylish Six: Great Hot Sandwiches
Filed under: Best Of, Downtown, Eat, Pasadena, Westside — StyleGuide @ 9:29 pm
Bread + Meat = Art? With these six hot sandwiches, you betcha.
1. Eastside Market: The universal sign of good cheap eats? Watch where government employees go. Sanitation workers in orange coveralls, City Hall staffers in suits and ties, firemen in uniform — they literally spill out of the door and onto the sidewalk at this odd, ancient downtown sandwich shop. Try the #1. It packs two links of the best homemade sausage in town into a soft Italian roll, then tops them with tomato sauce and grilled peppers and onions.
2. Philippe’s: This is a Chinatown oddity — a cavernous old school, All-American sandwich shop with sawdust on the floor. The line for the counter can number in the scores, but still moves along at a good clip. It seems an unexpected choice, but the turkey sandwich, paired with rich blue cheese and dipped in aromatic broth, delivers big-time.
3. Spring Street Smoke House: While Eastside Market and Philippe’s have been around forever, a new downtown treasure opened last year. Legend has it that on the other floors of the same building that houses Spring Street, the owner cooks for inmates in County lock-up. But this ain’t no prison grub. For a sliced brisket sandwich, they low smoke the beef in a Texas smoker, then deli slice it, pile it high atop a french roll, and smother it with homemade BBQ sauce.
4. Langer’s: If I could eat just one sandwich for the rest of my life, it would be Langer’s #19. Rough-hewn pastrami with bits of fat still clinging to the edges is served on soft rye bread; a thick layer of creamy cool coleslaw completes it. A $12 sandwich may seems excessive, but Langer’s sandwiches transcend that ancient equation of bread and meat. It is an experience that touches your soul. In MacArthur Park, no less.
5. Europane: It’s not surprising that this Pasadena bakery is legendary for pain au chocolate, since the owner formerly baked for Campanile and La Brea Bakery. What is surprising is that they also serve a stunning meatloaf sandwich. The sandwich is toasted, topped with tomato and lettuce, spread with homemade mayo and mustard and finished with tender grilled onions. There’s a choice of fresh, homemade breads for your sandwich – the rosemary currant bread was unbelievable. Another perk of getting lunch from a top-notch bakery? The free cookie on the side.
6. Bay Cities Italian Deli: Hit this Santa Monica strip mall deli and grocery for knock-your-socks-off sandwiches. You can skip the super-long line at the deli (even though there are amazing cold sandwiches there, too) and head to the much shorter hot sandwich line near the entrance. Their sausage sandwich, served steaming and tightly wrapped in foil, is nearly as good as Eastside Market’s, but their hours are much better.
December 3, 2007
Stylish Six: Custom Gift Baskets
Filed under: Best Of, Shop — StyleGuide @ 8:35 pm
Gift basket prices always seem inflated for just a bunch of stuff packed in wicker. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own.
First, try unique local fillers:
1. Galco’s Soda Pop Stop: Family owned and operated since forever, Galco’s carries 400 different sodas, plus unique beers from around the world and a collection of old-fashioned candy. Last year we filled a cooler with a ton of “nostalgic” pop from the Highland Park landmark — it made a fun gift for an office.
2. San Antonio Winery: Yes, Virginia, there is an L.A. wine country. Established in 1917, San Antonio is the city’s only producing winery, still in its original location near downtown. Bottles run $6 and up.
3. Gust Picolas Nut Company: It’s not much to look at (see photo), but inside the factory store at this downtown L.A. packaging facility is an affordable selection of nuts and dried fruit (including neat stuff like dried strawberries). Get buzzed in at the front door, then choose generous packages of smoked almonds for $4.25 or peanut brittle for $3.25.
4. A1 Imported Groceries: Fill your basket with Italian imports like tapenade and salami, sold at this San Pedro gem at low low prices. Read more about how much I love A1 here.
5. Papa Cristo’s: An institution near downtown sells imported goods perfect for gift baskets, but I’d go for the bakery’s wide selection of rich, sweet, flaky baklava.
6. Fruit from The Farmer’s Market: Hit the stands at Third and Fairfax for beautiful and unique fresh fruit.
Honorable Mention
Ross: As a mega chain, they can’t crack the top six, but this is a great place for inexpensive baskets. Find piles of them — usually at the back of the store.
Second, assemble your basket with these three tricks: a.) Gifts don’t actually go inside the basket — fill the basket to the top with stuffing and set the gifts so they seem to hover above the basket, b.) choose a smaller basket, and pack in the gifts, and c.) wrap with that crinkly cellophane they sell at the drug store.
A more personal, handmade gift basket on the cheap — and you don’t need a crafty bone in your body.
November 19, 2007
Stylish Six: Home & Garden Deals
Filed under: Best Of, House + Garden — StyleGuide @ 9:00 pm
Here are enough bargain home and garden sources to transform a former crack den into a family-friendly space. (Trust me — I’ve done it.)
1. B&W Tile: This factory outlet mini-chain (locations in Gardena, Lake Elsinore and Riverside), sells hundred of tile styles. Discontinued or seconds from their factory are dirt cheap.
2. Fernando’s Lumber: “Bare-bones basic” custom kitchen and bath cabinets at prices so low you can splurge on high-end appliances — learn more here.
3. Santa Fe Wrecking Company: Check here for tips on shopping this grungy 50,000 square foot salvage yard, overflowing with old building materials like solid wood doors, near-new toilets, antique lighting and vintage tubs.
4. Linoleum City: Authentic Linoleum Marmoleum is wonder flooring. Environmentally friendly! Durable! Lots of colors! Available nearby! Learn more about how much I love Marmoleum here.
5. 7 Oaks Nursery: Their twice-yearly sales are worth the drive to Corona. Thousands of plants, from mini to mammoth, all half-off. See my tips on getting the most out of the sales here.
6. Pottery Manufacturing & Distibution: Browse pallet after pallet of heavily discounted decorative pots at this factory outlet. See what this pottery mecca looks like here.
Honorable Mention
Sears Appliance Outlets: As a mega chain with three appliance outlets outside L.A. County (Santa Ana, Corona and Ontario), this can’t qualify as an “L.A. Original.” Nevertheless, they carry the latest home appliances, flat-screen TVs, mattresses and BBQs, slightly damaged or reconditioned and at deep discounts. Example 1: A recent tag had the original price of $899 marked down to $449. Example 2: I’ve picked through their huge inventory and saved a bundle on a high-end, top-brand stove with barely noticeable dents on the side that faces the cupboard. Don’t worry about things breaking down — everything comes with the Sears guarantee.
October 31, 2007
Stylish Six: Great Doughnuts in Los Angeles
Filed under: Best Of, Eat, Midtown, San Gabriel Valley, Westside — StyleGuide @ 8:21 pm
“Doughnuts?” The term doesn’t seem to do these “fine American pastries” justice. Here are six of my favorites (including an homage to JFK’s favorite German doughnut):
1. Donut Man: Don’t think about it, just drive. Glendora’s crown jewels are strawberry- or peach-stuffed, fluffy glazed wonders (in season), weighing in at nearly a pound each. See the video here.
2. Rockenwagner Bakery: The famed chef turns out Berliners Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays from his Culver City shop. Mmmm, jam filling….
3. Primo’s Westdale Doughnuts: This old-school shop is in the shadow of the 10 and the 405. Their butterfly doughnut nearly brought me to tears. You need more reason than that?
4. The Gumbo Pot: Beignets are doughnuts, New Orleans-style. Click here for more about these deep fried, powdered sugar-loaded, airy sweet treats from the L.A. Farmer’s Market at Third and Fairfax.
5. Frittelli’s Doughnuts & Coffee: Doughnuts in the 90210 – without the expected attitude or prices. Friendly staff can guide you through their vast selection with prime ingredients like Tahitian vanilla and Meyer lemon zest.
6. Bob’s Coffee and Doughnuts: Plain cake goodness, daily at the L.A. Farmer’s Market. Neat kitty- and dinosaur-shaped doughnuts, too.
Where are your favorite doughnuts?