los angeles - koreatown: ho dduk cart at california market

tommy follows the sweet scent of hodduk to the parking lot of the california market...


ho dduk cart outside the entrance of the california market


ho dduk

tommy says: warm, crisp outside, chewy inside, sweet and a hint of cinnamon... these korean rice cakes are $1 each and a tasty snack! yummmmm

koo ga nae chap sal ho dduk cart
california market

450 s western ave

los angeles, ca 90020

(213) 368-1410

los angeles: paco's tacos

tommy cena a paco's tacos para la cinco de mayo pero no es muy bien...


margaritas and salsa


queso fundido and handmade tortillas


beef tamal and beef taco

tommy says: apparently paco's claim to fame is their handmade tortillas made on site... dunno why though because they were bleh. the taco and tamal weren't so great either. the salsa and margaritas were so-so... no repeat visits necessary.

paco's tacos

4141 s centinela ave

los angeles, ca 90066

(310) 391-9616
http://www.pacoscantina.com/

santa monica: la playita (guillen mariscos)

tommy develops a new addiction at la playita in santa monica...



la playita (aka guillan mariscos) in all its glory


ceviche

tommy says: the ceviche is laced with crack... that is the only explanation for the frequent visits of late... another gem on the menu is the mixed seafood cocktail. carnitas were so-so, shrimp burrito was ok, horchata is good. seriously though, the ceviche is addicting...

la playita

3306 lincoln blvd

santa monica, ca 90405

(310) 452-0090

los angeles - culver city: father's office

tommy discovers why he only orders the burger at father's office (the new location in culver city)...


duck with salad


ribs


sweet potato fries


the infamous burger

tommy says: after being a loyal fan of the father's burger, the other menu items beckoned, but they could not compete... the salad was ok, but the duck was flavorless. the ribs were disappointing as well, dry and a mediocre sauce... the sweet potato fries and burger were spot on as usual. lesson learned, no need to stray again.

father's office

3229 helms ave

los angeles, ca 90034

(310) 815-9820
http://www.fathersoffice.com/

los angeles - los feliz: alcove cafe & bakery

tommy consumes a hearty brunch at alcove in los feliz...


shrimp & lobster omelette: black tiger shrimp and chunks of maine lobster, fresh spinach, tomato, topped with tarragon-spiked hollandaise


smoked salmon scramble: smoked salmon and caramelized onions scrambled with three eggs, topped with fresh goat cheese

tommy says: a very hearty and heavy brunch. the food for the most part is just average, nothing outstanding and nothing bad. the omelette could've used more filling and less egg, and the side of potatoes were bland (remedied with the help of cholula). the scramble did not look very appetizing, but luckily was pretty tasty. portions are big, very friendly staff and service, and the outdoor seating area is quite charming.

alcove cafe & bakery
1929 hillhurst ave
los angeles, ca 90027
(323) 644-0100
http://www.alcovecafe.com/