SeƱora Maria, esto es para ti.
I didn’t accomplish much this year, but I have eaten a LOT this year and I want to mention my most memorable food experiences.
Now, I’m not saying that you have to go, specifically, to any of these places, but I do suggest looking for a spot that sells similar food in your area. I’m sure it’ll be good in its own way.
EATING OUT
Little Jewel of New Orleans
207 Ord St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The only place this year that I almost wet my panties at.
Little Jewel is a small grocery market and delicatessen located in the Chinatown area of downtown Los Angeles. They make their sausages Boudin, Andouille, Chaurice, Hot Sausage and Tasso), as are our baked goods, desserts, and dressings.
Little Pan
2 Hutton Centre Dr, Unit 202
Santa Ana, CA
Little Pan actually has two locations. One in Santa Ana and one in El Monte, but I’m recommending the one in Santa Ana because they are far more generous with the condiments than the El Monte Location and there’s a window where you can see the chefs making the dumplings.
So, I’ve had soup dumplings before and I’ve had fried dumplings before, I’ve never had fried soup dumplings.
Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90045
In case you didn’t know it, going to LAX is a pain in the ass. I hate going to LAX (Los Angeles International Airport). Between the traffic in LA and the construction at the airport, you can be there for HOURS trying to drop off or pick someone up.
There is a way to make it more bearable though. And that’s by leaving a little early (if you have the time) and going to Proud Bird. It’s about 5 minutes away from LAX. There you can grab a beer or meal from the food court while waiting for your loved one’s plane to arrive. This last time we had food from Bludso’s and a few beers while we waited for the plane to land.
Brats and beer. That’s pretty much all they do. As with many places with a limited menu, Wursthaus makes great food. Everything is done to perfection. They aren’t messing around.
Taco Stand (Santa Ana)
Taco Stands have been popping up all over the place lately and my favorite this year has been Any’s Taco. The location is, I’ll admit it, pretty terrible, however, the place is close to my work and the food is pretty damn good.
There are three cookie stands at the OC Fair: Mom’s, Cathy’s, and Totally Baked. I had all three in one night.
I’d tell you what we chose as the winner, but you’re just going to have to read my other blog post about this one.
The BEST pate chaud.
Brodard, how I love thee, let me count the ways.
This place is not new to me. I’ve been eating here for a long while. I just don’t eat here as often as I’d like to. I still can’t get over how good their spring rolls are. And that dipping sauce. Oh, the dipping sauce!!! I think I can eat this every week and not get sick of them.
My recommendations are the spring rolls, a lychee martini, and macarons. This is a place I’d highly recommend making a trip to.
LAX-C
Los Angeles, CA
So, this is more a warehouse-style grocery and restaurant supply store than anything, but yes, there are some hot prepared food inside some food vendors in the parking lot on the weekends. This place definitely deserves its own post just to cover a fraction of what they offer, however, I will give you a sneak peek at some of my favorite things to pick up there.
HOME COOKING
Naam Tok
I don’t know why, but it took me this long to learn how to make Naam Tok (a Thai/Lao Beef Salad). It’s really easy! I usually just have it when my sister makes it or have it at restaurants. Sal had it for the first time this year and loved it. Now he’s requesting it all the time.
I mean, I kinda knew how to make it. I’ve seen it made a thousand times, but I actually never made it myself until this year. When I do make it, I kinda just wing it. I don’t measure ingredients. I just throw stuff in until it tastes “right”. A few days ago, I finally measured out the ingredient so I’ll be posting a recipe in the near future. Stay tuned!!!
Albert’s Burgers
NOTABLES