Johnny's West Adams
The king of pastrami in LA is Johnny's on West Adams who has been operating for over fifty years, I think, that's at least what a woman I met in line told me.
Burnt Ends $10.50 hours French Dip Pastrami $20
4327 West Adams Blvd 323-840-3048
Ember & Flame
I ended up at Bristol Farms because I had to pee very badly. I was pleasantly surprised by their BBQ sandwich shop near the deli counter. I apologize for not having an amazing picture, but honestly, these photos rarely turn out well. The most surprising thing about Ember & Flame is how affordable it is, especially considering its location. It's equivalent to the cost of a Costco rotisserie chicken. I have a few favorites here. The massive Smokey Burnt Ends burrito makes you wonder if someone from KC works the smoker at night. A pound of sliced brisket for less than nineteen dollars is a steal. Show me where else you can find that. I also have nothing but great things to say about the Chimichurri Roast Beef, Cheesesteak, and Tomato Melt (a classic for vegetarians). I suggest making a stop at Bristol Farms on your next trip to the beach.
Pork Belly Burnt End Burrito $12 Tomato Confit Melt $10
1570 Rosecrans Ave(Bristol Farms) 310-643-5229
Upside Down
I have a sentimental attachment to Westwood as my daughter was born at UCLA Medical Center. It's also where I smoked crack for the first time, just a few blocks away. Despite these contrasting memories, there's a charming little coffee shop and workspace tucked away next to the In-N-Out called Upside Down, run by Jews For Jesus. The baristas here are skilled and knowledgeable, and they always offer Ethiopian or Kenyan beans for pour-over coffee. The coffee bags may have a homemade look, but the taste is still delightful. It's worth noting that the shop only accepts donations and card payments, so even if you don't have any cash, they'll still provide you with a cup of coffee. Additionally, please be aware that they are closed on the Sabbath and during all high holidays.
Tiramisu Latte $?? Cheese Danish $3.5
10962 La Conte Ave 310-341-0996
Max City BBQ
I left Eagle Rock some time before Max City opened, in fact this is the former location of the first weed shop I ever went to way back in 2007, ERHC(Eagle rock herbal collective). Fortunately the bbq being smoked here is an improvement on the low quality product being smoked here before. Every time I come to Max City I'm impressed with the craft and precision the meat is smoked. The presentation is stellar also. Everything tastes good and sauce is on the side which I prefer. Go buy your weed at Cornerstone up the street on Colorado then come to Max's for the ribs
Baby Back Rib Plate $37 Brisket Sandwich $26
4729 Eagle Rock Blvd 323-254-4227
Shin's Pizza
While Shin's is not the best pizza in LA, it's definitely the best slice shop in Northeast LA. I wouldn't leave my area just to get a pizza here, but if you're trying to get a slice before going to Footsies go for it. Between this and Loquat the anti-gentrification crowd of the area must be furious. Surprisingly the Japanese Eggplant salad was the best thing on the menu.
Cheese Pizza $25 Italian Ice $4
1215 1/2 Cypress Ave 323-332-2028
Petit Trois
A few months before quarantine, I had a stage shift at Petit Trois Valley. The highlight may have been seeing Ludo in the back, ensuring the terrine was of good quality. Alternatively, it could have been when the guy from Psych came in, and I playfully gestured with pistol fingers at him. To my surprise, he returned the gesture, leading the staff to believe we were old friends. However, I believe the true highlight was serving a dozen people the bordelaise-covered Big Mec burger. Days after receiving the email stating they would not be moving forward with me, I counted my quarters and decided to visit the original Highland location in Hollywood. I sat at the bar and indulged in their messy knife and fork burger.
Big Mec $37 Croque Madame $29
718 N Highland Ave 323-468-8916 13705 Ventura Blvd 818-989-2600
Rui Ji Sichuan Cuisine
In China, they have a term called "ma la," which refers to the intersection of spiciness and numbness. The concept of numbness was new to me (well, not really, considering all the blow that I've snorted in my face). This numbness comes from green peppercorns, which have an earthy citrus flavor that makes your mouth buzz with a burning sensation. It's a great spot to stop at on a trip back from Long Beach. Also, MSG naturally occurs in certain foods, so you're not actually allergic to it. So please, just shut the fuck up.
Hot & Sour Glass Noodles $14 Dry Pot Beef $24
1949 Pacific Coast Highway 424-263-5195
bolivar coffee + arepa bar
On that trendy stretch of Ocean Park in south Santa Monica, where the boutiques exude an air of unaffordability, you'll find Boliver, a charming coffee and arepa bar. A quick word of caution: avoid speeding through the alley behind Boliver. As it turns out, there's a daycare facility next door, and the alley, riddled with potholes, serves as their only pickup point. Moreover, if you happen to be the parent of a child attending the daycare, it's probably best to refrain from yelling "fucking asshole" at strangers who speed through. You never know if the person you're yelling at might be unstable, and now they know your daily routine of picking up your child. Although this isn't a threat, just an observation, it wouldn't be difficult for them to follow you home and discover your whereabouts.
Regarding the coffee at Boliver, it was decent but not exceptional. The bacon and cheese arepa was tasty, but the one with pork and Caribbean spice would have made my caribbean friends ask "wheres the spice" but it don't matter because their fresh made in house Chimucurri is good enough to go on anything; and they sell bottles to go.
Two Pulled Pork Arepas $16 Veggie Bagel $5.75
1741 Ocean Park Blvd 310-581-2344
Rodney's Ribs
I'm not particularly fond of Pasadena, but when in Rome, I make a stop at the CVS parking lot near Roscoe's for Rodney's Ribs. Rodney operates a food truck where he serves mouthwatering brisket, pork ribs, rib tips, and sausage. If you prefer it in sandwich form, Rodney can make that happen too. Rodney is a savvy guy who knows what works, and he generously smothers his meat in sauce. While his meat is undeniably delicious, don't expect much from his social media presence. He has a tendency to repeatedly post the same six photos. Stick to what you do best, Rodney, and we'll make sure everyone knows how amazing your food is.
Brisket Sandwich $16 Rack of Ribs $36
900 North Lake Ave 626-818-7427
Pampas Grill
Before I came into the picture, my first wife dated a sneakerhead. While waiting in line all day in front of a Fairfax streetwear shop wasn't her ideal way to spend an afternoon, it did give her the opportunity to eat at the fast-casual stall, Pampas Grill, located in the Farmer's Market. As a savvy Angeleno, I always avoided the Grove/Farmer's Market. However, once I discovered the Brazilian flavors of this traditional churrasco, you would often find me illegally parking at Whole Foods and rushing over for a plate of plantains, cheese bread, and perfectly cooked Picanha and Linguica. Payment is based on weight.
Meat by the pound $26.95
6333 West 3rd St Stall 618 323-931-1928
