Love Letters to LA

So, my friend Matt called the other day to say he is going to Los Angeles. My first thought was...JEALOUS! My second was, OK, I have to tell him where to go....so where should he go?? Well, he is only going to be there for three days...how do I only pick a few places?? Well, this is my first thought for him: 

Matt's first foray into sushi was actually with me in LA, so I want him to try Yamashiro Restaurant for it's delicious sushi and unbelievable views.

I suggest Lawry's Prime Rib, for it's to die for prime rib, sliced to order right at your table:

Mastro's is a great choice for a great steak and a lively atmosphere that includes live music (pst, get the Lobster Mac-n-Cheese!)

Geoffrey's in Malibu is a great place for not only a delicious meal, but the views are unforgettable!

If you are celebrity chef stalker, you can't go wrong with Nobu,

Mario Batali's Pizza Mozza

 

or Rick Bayless' Red O.

But no trip to LA is complete without trips to these staples:

The Original Farmer's Market at the Grove

Pink's

In-n-Out

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles (the #13 always works for me!)

and no trip to LaLa Land is complete without a trip to Baycities (get the Godmother)

Well, that should be enough, I think?! LA Folks, did I miss anything?????

Killer Craving

So I was driving to meet a friend for lunch on Friday, a very dark and stormy day, and I knew the question coming at me was "Where do you want to eat?" Well, I had to think long and hard about what I was craving, and then it became perfectly clear: Killer Shrimp! For those who don't know about the now closed (RIP) LA establishment, it is the most simple concept ever. The only thing on the menu: Shrimp. You can get it three ways...with bread, with pasta or with rice. period. That's the menu! My favorite is with bread. It is basically a bowl of broth with shrimp and a basket of bread to soak up all the broth. I always forget how spicy it is until I am halfway through it, but it would've been the perfect dish on that dreary day. Sadly, there are no more Killer Shrimp's, and sadly I am on the opposite coast now. I did find the recipe. I'll make it on the next rainy day and let you know how it goes!

This craving did get me thinking about all of the other places I miss on LA. Like my other romp to get the same dish, Bourbon Street Shrimp. Or my favorite Sushi places Crazy Fish or Sushi Mac.

Or the best Japenese noodles in town, the #17 at Ramenya.

Or the best Italian food at C&O...oh those garlic knots, how I miss you!

 Then there are the Hollywood legends, like Roscoes, Pinks, and Bay Cities. 

When I need a sweet treat, I definitely miss Pinkberry and Sprinkles.

 I made some new favorites my last year in LA, like Rubios and Daphnes.

 Then when I crave meat I want Korean BBQ, Mongolian BBQ, or Brazilian BBQ. Or maybe some  Gaucho Grill or Lawry's ....

And on just about any given day, I think at least once about In-n-Out. Please someone send me a Double Double!

*Sigh*  Sadly I can have none of these places, so I just sit here and drool on my keyboard....
I am finding some new favorites here in FL though. One day I'll tell you all about those too!
Until then, any suggestions you Floridians? I am HUNGRY now! ;)