I’m loving that substack. It’s wonderful
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Water Grill (DTLA).
Excellent oysters, as good as anywhere.
I found the swordfish a little gamey, which made me question its freshness. The spaghetti squash stuff underneath was just okay.
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Water Grill just changed their corkage policy from no corkage to first bottle is free, all additional bottles are $50. I get it as a business stream, but damn, it’s getting harder to find places for my group.
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Japanese fruit parlour culture arrives in LA as Elly Amai (yes, the same company which brought us the Erewhon strawberry) launches a month-long popup along toney Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.
The fruit chirashi allows diners to enjoy most of their luxe fruit offerings all at once . There is an omakase option as well. Matcha drinks are legit. The highlight (as it should be) is their musk melon (and any of their parfaits). Huge bites!
Reserve a seating on Resy…
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A few Mexican food things to share.
El Ruso
Not totally sure how I feel about this one, though it’s pretty good. Game kinda passed them by, but they’re back on Hillhurst outside Albertson’s. I watched the taquero hand stretch my sobaquera, and they’re back to grilling over charcoal (though I got Coloradito)
Los Gardunos
Barbocoa in Lincoln Heights. Haven’t had enough barbacoa recently to compare, but this was good, especially the gratis pancita tostada.
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Took my animals to Galpão (Irvine) with the OC Restaurant week special and to try Bill Esparza’s rec.
Solid experience. Service was exceptional…they even offered a tableside bag hook when they realized it was slipping from the corner of my chair. Drinks refreshed without request, and the service captain patrolled the room to ensure any protein desires went direct to tables.
The market table had lots of interesting items like leek salad, green apple salad and deviled eggs. Sorry, @js76wisco, no hearts of palm for your chowpup. The hot market items had salmon, cooked vegetables and a variety warm rolls…in addition to table pão de queijo. The pão here are giant…and great for sopping up the delicious meat juices.
Noteworthy was the caramelized pineapple coming from the kitchen. Made for an excellent palate cleanser.
Proteins were very good. Nicely seasoned. The spicy pihcaña wasn’t spicy, but it did have extra flavor, which was nice. The bacon-wrapped chicken and ribeye were particularly memorable. They do have a gold leaf covered pihcaña that they’ll sear on a hot salt stone for you…I abstained.
Caipirinhas were not well-made here. There was a thick layer of sugar at the bottom of the glass that had not been properly muddled with the limes. Not a fan.
Dessert was fine. Nothing to write home about.
The chowpups had a great dinner. We had a nice family night out. Would definitely return.
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Is this where Agora Brazilian BBQ used to be?
Across the street…caddy corner to it?
Wasn’t Agora in the high-rise corner building on Main & MacArthur? I never went to Agora.
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Yeah that used to be the Agora’s.
Mapo ramen from a popup by https://www.instagram.com/zaknoodle
Really delicious with a great balance of spice and sansho. Making their own noodles (really almost everything) from scratch. A love letter to obscure ramen styles from Japan.
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Drool.
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If you reach out, they might still have room next weekend.
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Do you know how they normally announce the popups or is it a message to find out situation?