Really? Have you tried the boneless stuffed chicken and Buddha jumping over fence and fried duck bones (jowl and tongue) at Duck House?
I didn’t care for the Buddha chicken. The pepper beef is better at HDH as was the steamed fish. The pancakes are easily better. Duck and duck bone soup are equivalent. Both are just average. But my barometer is whether I would go back, and I would go back to HDH and I probably wouldn’t for DH. Both places I wouldn’t go back for the duck, but I would go back to HDH for their other dishes.
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##luv2eat
The mackerel was so holy it can walk on land
Luscious Dumpling
##Emperor Noodle
The buns were so big they could star in their own sir mix-a-lot video
##Golden Deli
The pho had so much msg it could open up a panda express #makesshitgood 
##Connie & Ted’s
I can’t help myself I’m a shellfish person
Quenelle
Strawberry shortcake, blueberry pie
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Hungry now.
After reading all your recommendations for Tacos Tu Madre, I dropped by the Westwood location this morning and got a fish burrito because I was feeling quite hungry. The fish was flakey, copious, and fresh. However, I felt like taking a long nap afterwards since it was such a gut bomb, which was discouraging as I was staring down a pile of groceries that needed to be prepped for this week’s bibimbap. Next time I’ll order the fish as a taco instead. While it’s a trendy, Instagrammable taco joint, it’s a decent neighborhood option.
FYI - I think it’s sacrilegious to cut burritos in half. However, I just wanted to give you a clear view of the ingredients.
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is that the blueberry pie?
sure is. i pretty much only order blueberry pie x strawberry shortcake; I get the apple pie a la mode bar to go if they got it. it’s just too damn good, I can’t resist!
i got the blueberry pie and strawberry shortcake too, i’ll definitely be back to try some more. what did you get for a topping?
graham cracker streusel which totally brings out the pie/shortcake effect. gotta remind them to add some in the middle as well as on top, not all employees do it by default.
the streusel is slightly salty to keep everything in balance
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I really do like their Sunday night Fried Chicken dinner $20. My only complaint is the coating is a little thick.
We had the Mackerel done as a salad with vermicelli, veggies and lots of spice - was awesome.
And those skewers are new to Luv2Eat - Moo Ping, I think it was called. Really
yummy.
Rounded out the Sunday meal with the Crab Curry, and a mixed vegetable curry.
So great.
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After reading about it in @MaladyNelson’s great write-up last month, I went to Tempura House on Sawtelle for lunch. The little take-out only space (other than two lil chairs inside and a table outside) is completely charming and so is the lady who runs the front-of-house.
Food-wise, it was a solid lunch. It’s not the best tempura in town, but if I worked in the area, I could definitely see going there for lunches on a regular basis. The antique store owner next door said that they’re always busy too, which is good. It was nice to drive past the busy part of Sawtelle, sit outside, drink canned oolong tea and eat some tempura.
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Thanks for your very kind words, @President_Mochi! I’m glad that you had a good experience at Sawtelle Tempura House.
It’s true that the tempura combo isn’t going to win any gastronomic awards, but it really feels like someone’s kind grandparents have prepared a meal for you. And what a deal at $7.50!
I totally agree that they’d be my go-to for their bentos if I worked in the area. I’m so happy that you gave them a try!
Monta Factory:
Read that LA Times article on this place hand making those Armenian Manti Dumplings from scratch every day.
Sini-Monta (Regular):
These little Beef-filled Manti are OK. The outside shell is a bit hard and slightly crunchy (from baking?), but otherwise still soft. The flavor profile is rather straightforward (Tomato Sauce, Oregano, some other herbs) and their Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Glad I tried it, but not sure if I’d return.
Spudds:
New Poutine specialist in Pasadena. Thanks to @secretasianman BarryC for the heads up.
Authentic Poutine (Fries, Gravy, Cheese Curds):
Pretty tasty. Only tried it once so far, but the Fries were still crispy, holding up to the Gravy which is Vegan(!), but delicious, and the Cheese Curds were awesome when you mix it with the hot Gravy and it melts and stretches. Pretty good so far.
My 2 Cents:
I’ve heard a lot about this place from @kevin and others. Finally got around to trying it (was really excited)…
Biscuits & Honey:
They’re OK. Slightly flaky, but a bit dry.
Chicken & Waffles (Brunch Only):
Note: The Waffle in the picture above is a regular, average sized waffle (maybe 6 inches or 7 in diameter?). The amount of Fried Chicken (breast meat, boneless) is laughable at best. 
We don’t need giant portions, but it was seriously maybe… 1/5 or 1/6 of the meat of a single piece of Chicken Breast? And most of it was breading.
And they charge $15 for this. 
The actual Waffle was mediocre, bready, not that good. The Fried Chicken was OK in taste. Slightly sweet, but nothing interesting.
Braised Greens:
Were the highlight of the meal there. Tasty, lightly spiced, nice braising. Delicious. 
Pollo ala Brasa (Western Blvd):
Hadn’t been in a whiile. Got their Peruvian Roast Chicken (1/2):
Nice flavor, but saltier than last time (about 1 year ago). Still rather tasty. Chicken Breast was juicy and moist (not dried out).
Leg and Thigh portion were also great, touch of smoke, nicely cooked through.
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the poutine & the sini-monta are two things in pasadena that are on my list. i think i’ll scratch the sini-monta after this report. thanks!