Gjelina 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd Venice, CA 90291 Dining date: 7/20/11 I’ve wanted to visit Gjelina for some time now…though, not enough to drive all the way across town. Until now. Opened in 2008, Gjelina has been consistently popular during its lifetime. So popular, in fact, that when making a reservation two weeks in advance, only 6pm and…
Totoraku 10610 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Dining date: 7/9/11 I first went to Totoraku last August but had yet to return. The “secret beef restaurant,” reservations can only be made by those who have gotten a business card from the chef. I am not one of those people. However, I had the…
Sushi Nozomi 1757 W. Carson St. Torrance, CA 90501 Dining date: 7/2/11 I heard about Sushi Nozomi a little while ago but hadn’t had a chance to stop by until now. I’ve read some pretty strong reviews, particularly about the uni. The head sushi chef (Yasu) has a close connection with the boats in Santa…
Picca 9575 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 Dining date: 7/1/11 I knew I’d return to Picca soon, but I didn’t think it’d be this soon. Eight days separated this visit from my last (during the Test Kitchen preview), but I was eager to try more of the menu. Add to it the fact…
Wolvesmouth Beer Belly 532 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020 Dining date: 6/28/11 I first went to a Wolvesmouth dinner in January and have been itching to return. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to – it continues to get more and more popular and, thus, seats are even harder to come by. As a…
L’Epicerie 9900 Culver Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Dining date: 6/21/11 L’Epicerie opened in December, a French restaurant/marketplace in Culver City from Thierry Perez (Fraiche). There’s a little bit of everything on offer in the marketplace, from wine & cheese, to oils and vinegars, charcuterie, and pre-made meals. On the restaurant side, the food is rustic French. Just…
Picca 9575 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 Dining date: 6/23/11 Picca has been a long time coming. Ever since Test Kitchen closed its doors, we’ve been waiting for Sotto (downstairs, opened March) and Picca (upstairs). Although Picca’s grand opening is technically Saturday the 25th, there have been a number of preview dinners this…
Chaya Downtown 525 S Flower St Los Angeles, CA 90071 Dining date: 6/16/11 Given that I work downtown, I’m no stranger to this place. Chaya Downtown is one of my favorite happy hours in the area, largely for its well-priced food and the outdoor patio. In the summer, they have a ‘Japanese Beer Garden’ theme,…