LA Restaurant Hot Takes

TheCookie · February 11, 2020, 8:33pm

Now, that was a hot take.

Gr8pimpin · February 11, 2020, 9:23pm

I’ve given Joe’s too many shots to be great… alas… by the slice they overcook them and they were either way too charred or the flavor cooked out.

I had whole pie delivery and it was IMHO just ok. Pepperoni is standard, kinda meh.

Now that I said that I’m off to Pizza Wagon!!

*BTW, The Santa Monica Joe’s location is unrelated to all the other Joe‘s Pizza.

CiaoBob · February 11, 2020, 9:34pm

I agree - Joe’s (in SaMo) Blows. Much prefer Pizza Wagon.

Nemroz · February 11, 2020, 9:57pm

sorry @J_L your take is yours only. another vote in the wagon column

tailbacku · February 11, 2020, 10:27pm

Shunji’s nigiri is just average

ducks

hungryhungryhippos · February 12, 2020, 1:03am

I had lunch omakase there twice while I enjoyed both times (in front of Shunji-san) I’ve never felt the need to return for dinner

J_L · February 12, 2020, 1:25am

… and thus it’s a hot take.

J_L · February 12, 2020, 1:27am

Actually I sorta agree with that. The rice is very, very good, but often a tad below Mori level. The draw of the nigiri at Shunji, though is the variety of neta, and the knifework.

And lunch at Shunji is often not a great representation of the greatness that is the dinner omakase there.

tailbacku · February 12, 2020, 2:45am

I’m surprised to hear you say that because I know you’re one of his biggest fans. I love his dinner omakase but think the nigiri is the weakest part of the meal.

J_L · February 12, 2020, 3:32am

Understandable! My true north is to tell my fellow FTCer how I feel.

TheCookie · February 12, 2020, 6:40pm

Lots of whitefish. But you can’t beat the price for that quality and service from a master. I’d imagine lunch & dinner = apples & oranges.

TheCookie · February 12, 2020, 6:49pm

I’ve only had Joe’s Hollywood and always think there’s something wrong with me, because everyone is loving it and I.don’t.get.it… except for the square pizza which has a golden, crispy, buttery underskirt and is yummy.

bruins · February 12, 2020, 6:50pm

Santa Monica’s dining scene has never adequately replaced the OG Tacos Punta Cabras.

TheCookie · February 12, 2020, 6:52pm

Curious @tailbacku & others. What makes Shunji’s nigiri weak if the rice is so good, his knife work so fine & his seafood selections are superior?

hungryhungryhippos · February 12, 2020, 6:52pm

whatever happened to Punta Cabras? Was def one of my favorite spots on the westside a couple of years back

bruins · February 12, 2020, 6:56pm

They closed the old spot after being apparently pushed out by new landlords (their space, now flanked by the Rooster and a Thai Vegan place still appears to be empty years later, btw), then after they were reborn as Punta Cabras they got into a big time dispute with the landlord and decided to close.

hungryhungryhippos · February 12, 2020, 6:59pm

Sad to hear…tfti

TheCookie · February 12, 2020, 7:26pm

Wasn’t their first location where Soto Kitchen is @Nemroz & @Dommy? Don’t scream, taco purists… I loved the Buffalo Chicken Taco. Was bummed to see them go.

Dommy · February 12, 2020, 7:28pm

I have not tried Pizza Wagon… really want to… BUT… I agree… I love Joes in SaMo. The crust is always on point and topping tasty. It’s one of my favorite things about going to the movie sin Santa Monica…

Dommy · February 12, 2020, 7:33pm

Not that I recall. Puntas Cabras opened up right in the SaMo spot from the begining. I remember going the first week or so to try their Fish Tacos (Rickys was a bit spastic about locations at the time) and to seek out their Tofu Taco (So don’t feel bad about your love of Buffalo Chicken in Taco Form… I would probably love it too ) and to encourage them to do Soyviche (TVP re-hydrated in Vegan Dashi and Marinated in Lime)… Which I STILL can’t find around town. UGH.