Yes, it is hard to truly admit it but I am… an LA girl. It’s been long enough (like a thousand years), I will commit to being a Los Angeleno. Los Angelena? Los Angelina Jolie-a? Ok, I’ll stop. Let’s talk about the BEST thing about LA (besides the weather, it’s perfect, ok, you can hate us, get over it but we get earthquakes to even it out)… the food.

There are so many spectacular choices from spectacular chefs filled with spectacular people (kind of) I almost don’t know where to start. Wait, no, sorry. That’s a lie. I know exactly where to start. I shall begin where it all began. For me, anyway.

Mr Chow Beverly Hills

I have been relishing in the perfect Chinese ciusine from Master C since I was a teenager. And years later, I continue to order the exact same thing, every time, and sit in the exact same booth. And, every time, it s a perfect experience – service, food, drinks, people watching. Now, I would normally NEVER discuss this with anyone, so, please, don’t tell anyone, but I have the ability place the perfect order at Mr. Chows. Only those to me know my secrets and I’ve actually had friends beg me to tell them how I order so they can show off to their friends (And, no, I did NOT, if I’m not invited, then you’re on your own). But for you, anything. So, now, I reveal my secrets of how to order at Mr Chows…

Sit… and no, you do not need a menu. Order a Kir Royale. Then the food: Chicken satay – at least 3 pieces per person (this will come first and completely fill you up, but who cares? It is THE BOMB) – KEY TIP: ask for the brown sauce on the side (Hoisin, but I just say brown sauce), and dip it. TRUST ME. Then squab lettuce cups, seaweed with walnuts and crunchies (Yes, this is the technical term for it, don’t start with me), crispy beef, yellow rice with shrimp, velvet chicken and gambler’s duck. And, now, prepare to have the greatest meal of your existence (PS – I like to land this meal with a dessert helping of lychee nuts, even though at this point I can barely move and I’ll be carrying a doggy bag bigger than my car). So, there you go, keep it quiet. And, no, I’m not telling you where my seat is.

Nobu Malibu

This joint is hands down the most gorgeous restaurant experience in town and incorporates the 2 best things LA has to offer – beach and high-end sushi. Putting the ‘Bu in the Nobu, this restaurant is my go to “family has come to town and needs to be wowed LA style” place. It has it all. And don’t mess around. You must get the monkfish, albacore with jalepeno, creamy spicy shrimp, black cod miso and order as many mini tacos as you fit in your face. Nom Nom.

Now, those are my two favorites and here is the best of the rest:

Hillstone (Santa Monica) – This comfy, cosy atmosphere right off the Third Street Promenade is perfect for a relaxing lunch. Known for it’s spectacular service and perfect steaks, you must order the ribs – they are spectacular. And double the fries – vegetables, schmetchtables.

Santa Monica Seafood (Santa Monica) – Ah, the fish! So fresh, so succulent, so what! Get. The. Tuna Melt. OMG. Yes, you heard me. It’s amazing. Also, the tuna poke, crab bisque, shrimp cocktail and oysters, oysters, oysters.

Langer’s (Los Angeles) – Do this: enter establishment, sit in booth, say the words “I’ll have the number 19, please”. You’re welcome.

Heroic Italian (Santa Monica) – Ok, THIS is super secretville. Everyone yaks about the famous “Godmother” sandwich at Bay City, and, yes, it’s amazing, it’s classic, but I believe this sandwich may just conquer it: The OMG. It is as good as the name would infer. Everything in it is perfect but the bread it sits on is other worldly.

Best F*ck’n Pizza (Westwood) – Yes, it is.

Maude (Beverly Hills) – This restaurant is almost too romantic and charming. If this restaurant were a person it would be George Clooney in Ocean’s Eleven or Colin Firth in Love Actually or Ryan Gosling in anything. Wait. What? Where am I? What was I talking about? Maude! Yes! Sorry. Do the seasonal chef’s menu and sit at the bar. And be sure to prepare for an extra special treat at the end – hint: it takes place in a magical room. What an experience.

Casa Escobar (Santa Monica) – Very few people know that this dark den of mariachi fabulousness has the best tacos in LA (in my humble o)! It will take your eyes longer to adjust to the pitch black lighting than it will for your tacos and margaritas to arrive. What can I say except de nada!

Joan’s on Third – This institution for take out is good but the Chinese chicken salad takes it to great! Trust. Still love ya, Chin Chin.

Sugarfish (all over town) – Dependable and never disappoints. Trust me. (Get it? Sorry). So fresh you think you can almost hear “Hi, I’m Dory” coming from the kitchen. Ohhhhhh, no. Too soon?

Meizhou Dongpo (Century City) – I KNOW you don’t know this place. It’s in The Westfield Mall (which is gorgeous, don’t judge mall food), and it’s been there forever. The kung pao chicken is EVERYTHING.

Zankou Chicken – Speaking of our feathered friends, THIS roasted chicken is extra (as the kiddies say).

Honey Kettle Chicken – This place has the BEST… pecan pie! ha! Got ya!

And, if those aren’t enough reasons to be jealous of LA and it’s food then I have 3 words for you: In-N-Out. Boom. (Is “N” a word?)

Ok, now I’m hungry.

xoxo,

Alex