Yes it was an amazing offering while it lasted, sounds like some WF’s still have it.
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The pre cooked bacon was one of the best hacks during the weekend. I’m pretty sure we are the ones who ruined it for everybody by going in and getting 50 pieces of bacon for $5.
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Had a beautiful moment this week checking out the steam table at Hop Woo and finding some old-school comfort canto beef stew (niu nan in mandarin, with the big squares of gristle/tendon/collageny goodness) amidst the more standard offerings, hidden in the back row. Was a good deal! 3 items and dece noodles for $9.99. Beats the desk salads at work in terms of value.
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Ensenada Surf and Turf?
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Yup!
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There is a 2 slice and salad lunch special now at Redwood
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I know but I already had 3 fish tacos lol
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Northern Cafe in Irvine. Always a solid option. Quick, piping hot and delicious. Wish the chili oil was spicier.
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Lovely meal yesterday evening at Iki K-Town. Thanks for the recs, everyone!!!
Partner was a little thrown by the Iki Old Fashioned b/c it was very citrusy and refreshing (which is not what he expects from an Old Fashioned, although it went well w/ the meal).
The mazemen had an add of crab, and the sauce was so, SO rich and delicious. Partner scarfed up the kaisei don. Chicken gyoza was entirely deep fried but still quite light. I ordered the shrimp tempura roll b/c I needed something filling. Octopus lovely (esp w/ the yuzu pepper sauce) but a bit of a small portion (not saying it was unreasonably so).
Black sesame mousse was a bit stiffer than I’d expect (more like a pudding), but good, intense black sesame flavor. Can’t recall if the menu said what the syrup topping was. It was a bit sweat and maybe kind of barley/rice-ish?
Only “criticism” is that I could eat like another 50% (which would be $$$), even though mazemen was quite luscious. I guess I can’t blame an eatery, if I am a glutton. Really a lovely dinner. No wait when we walked in around 6:30PM or so.
Main act did not disappoint!!! Her stuff is totally NSFW, in case you look her up.
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Wow! You guys did the baller version of Iki… LOL!! Usually we get Ramen and some apps. I especially love their Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna, one of the best renditions of that dish in the city. Those scallops though look amazing.
Glad you had a good time all around.
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Tried the newly opened Baekjeong location in Ktown. It was…disappointing. Makes me sad because it used to be quite good back in the 2015-2018 timeframe.
Edit to make this more informative:
- The outside skirt, which for me was the main draw of Baekjeong, just wasn’t good. It did not have the signature taste of skirt steak. This was the biggest disappointment of the night.
- The rest of the meat was only fine but not noteworthy.
- Our waiter overcooked most of our meat. This could easily be attributable to the fact that this is a newly opened restaurant and the staff is presumably still learning.
- Limited banchan, which was all fine but none of it was memorable. Baekjeong was never about the banchan, though, so this isn’t a big drawback in my eyes.
- Steamed egg was too cheesy for my tastes (something I didn’t think I’d ever say).
- Dessert (misugaru rice pudding) tasted mostly like rice. No misugaru flavor to be found.
For me it boils down to the meat just not being that good, with special sadness reserved for the outside skirt. 
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Forgot to mention that it was a special occasion. 
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Lunch at Falafel Queen on Pico. Balls were shaped and fried to order. Salads were very fresh and tangy. The pita was a 7/10. Guy taking orders and making the food was a real gem. It’s the best falafel I’ve had in Central LA. Normally I don’t bother with falafel unless I’m in the Valley, but this will become a staple. Curious if other folks can compare to other nearby options.
Two combo plates and two pita (not pictured) for $36.00.
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What are your falafel spots in the Valley?
Joe’s Falafel on Cahuenga has been a long time favorite. The eponymous Joe is often there, and when I tell him my name is also Joe, he gives me something extra because “That’s a great name.” This routine has played out maybe three hundred times, and he never acknowledges it. I also love the food.
Hummus Bar & Grill on Ventura in Tarzana. Great falafel, no extra points for my name. Also a top tier sabich sandwich, which (done properly) is hard to find.
Amir’s Falafel on Ventura in Studio City. Not much in the way of ambiance, but a good falafel when I’m driving by and need a bite.
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I like Joe’s falafel as well especially with the fresh laffa. LOL on the name thing. I’ll use Joe as well for some freebies
I have Hummus and Bar on my to do list
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Try Habayit (near Pico & Bundy, in West LA)…
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Skaf’s Grill has great falafel as well, but Joe’s usually gets my business because of the laffa and the hot sauce. However Skaf’s has that great cabbage salad with sumac dressing which can seduce me.
A trifecta would be Joe’s bread, Skaf’s salad, and Zankou’s toum. Skaf’s and Joe’s actual falafel balls are a tossup IMO. Both great as are Amir’s.
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I’m pretty regular here. Dad owns the place and his son sometimes works the counter. iirc he previously worked at Falafel King, hence the name. Love the falafels. I always call in my order and ask him for fresh potatoes. Great side choices too. Curious about the newer Lucia Grill across the street.
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