FoodGroupLA

Margaritas and Nachos on the beach

2009-02-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Come to the beach this Saturday for a different type of FoodGroup. This event will be more casual than the usual lunch gatherings, with the opportunity to mingle and hang out with other FoodGroup members.

Meet us for nachos and margaritas at Cabo Cantina in Venice. Take advantage of the 2-for-1 drink specials and the many sports games playing at this lively bar.

Cabo can get pretty crowded during their happy hour (from 4-8pm) but we'll try to sit together. Get here early to catch the sunset from the upstairs patio. We may also walk across to Hinano Cafe, a FoodGroup favorite for their great cheeseburgers.

When: Saturday, February 7 at 6pm (or come earlier to catch the sunset at 5:30pm)
Where: Cabo Cantina, 30 Washington Blvd, Venice, 90292, (310) 306-2500
Price Range: $15-20 per person. Please bring cash.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/bdryfy Located next to the beach, across the street from C&O Trattoria.
Parking: Beach parking available where Washington meets the Pacific Ocean or at street meters and private lots.

Little Fat Sheep

2009-01-05T23:11:00.000-08:00

The cold weather calls for Chinese Hot Pot at Little Fat Sheep restaurant in Monterey Park. We'll order thinly sliced meats, mushrooms, dumplings, noodles, and other items to dip into (and cook in) a bubbling broth. Little Fat Sheep's broth delivers on flavor in both mild and spicy versions -- just the thing for a chilly afternoon.

When: Sunday, January 11 at 1pm
Where: Little Fat Sheep Restaurant, 120 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, 91754, (626) 282-1089
Price Range: Approximately $15 per person. Please bring cash.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/9mcyoc
Go east on 10 freeway, past Downtown LA. Take the Atlantic Blvd exit towards Monterey Park -- it's the first sharp turn off the freeway. Go south on Atlantic and turn left on Garvey Ave, then into first shopping plaza on the right, just past the gas station on the corner. Little Fat Sheep is behind the gas station, to your right as you enter the parking lot.
Parking: Parking available in strip mall and on side streets.

Persian Lunch at Shaherzad

2008-12-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

Join us for delicious kebabs and stews at Shaherzad. Shaherzad is known for its freshly made flat bread, served straight from the oven. We'll also try the soft roasted eggplant, crisp cucumbers in yogurt, and a variety of rice pilafs, made with herbs, sour cherry, and saffron.

When: Sunday, December 14 at 11:30am
Where: Shaherzad, 1422 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 470-3242
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5bbh3w
Parking: Some parking available in back of restaurant and at street meters.

Shanghai Soup Dumplings

2008-11-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Soup Dumplings, known as Xiao Long Bao, are plump dumplings filled with pork and flavorful soup broth. These "XLB" are accompanied by a dipping sauce of soy, vinegar and ginger. Join us for lunch and learn the secret to eating Xiao Long Bao.

I'll order a few other dishes we've enjoyed at Kuan's, including stir fried rice cake and salt-and-pepper shrimp.

When: Sunday, November 16 at 12noon
Where: Kuan's Restaurant, 2809 Via Campo, Montebello, 90640
Montebello is east of Downtown LA and south of Monterey Park.
Kuan's Restaurant is in a large strip mall just east of Garfield Ave and south of the 60 freeway, between an EastWest Bank and a Ford dealership.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/kuansmontebello

Papa Cristo's Greek Taverna

2008-10-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Join us for a Greek lunch this Sunday.

Papa Cristo's Greek Taverna sits in the center of LA's Latino-Byzantine Quarter. The Taverna is a combination cafe and market, where you can buy Greek cheeses, cured meats, wines and olive oils. We'll meet in the main dining room, a cheerful room filled with tiny white lights and blue-checked tablecloths.

Options for lunch include kebabs (chicken, beef, lamb), gyros, and lamb chops. The appetizers are my favorite dishes: among them the sizzling feta with tomato is most memorable. Everything tastes better with the cool tzazitki sauce and a warm grilled pita. View the menu at http://www.papacristos.com/menu.html

When: Sunday, October 19 at 11:30am
Where: Papa Cristo's Greek Taverna
Restaurant is at corner of Pico Blvd and Normandie Ave (across from St. Sophia Greek Orthodox‎ Cathedral)
2771 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, 90006, (323) 737-2970
Parking: Small lot available behind restaurant, enter on Normandie Ave.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/papacristos

Clifton's Cafeteria

2008-09-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Come dine in a redwood forest at Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown LA. Clifton's has served Los Angeles since 1931, including several years operating an emergency "Penny Cafeteria" during the Great Depression. Service is cafeteria-style, and the menu is standard issue American comfort food (plus Mexican enchiladas and Chinese spareribs).

The real attraction is the interior of the main dining area: redwood trunks soaring toward the ceiling and small woodland animals hiding in every nook.

We'll meet on the third floor, known as the "history floor", to check out cool memorabilia from the restaurant's 70 year history.

When: Sunday, September 21 at 12:30pm on 3rd floor
Where: Clifton's Cafeteria, 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, 90014
Between 6th St. and 7th St.
Parking: Pay lots available on side streets
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/cliftons

Burger, Beer, and Beach at Hinano Cafe

2008-08-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Join FoodGroup LA for one last day at the beach before the end of summer. We'll meet at Hinano Cafe for lunch then saunter out to laze on the sand and frolic in the ocean.

Hinano Cafe is a friendly dive bar with a simple menu: tasty burgers and frosty beers. Free popcorn, sawdust on the floor, and a pool table complete the scene. Cash only.

Don't forget your towel and swimsuit.

When: Saturday, Aug 23 at 12 noon
Where: Hinano Cafe, 15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292
Located next to the beach, a few doors west from C&O Trattoria.
Parking: Beach parking available where Washington meets the Pacific Ocean ($10) or at street meters and private lots.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/hinano

Cocktails and Scotch at Seven Grand Downtown

2008-07-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

The bartenders at Seven Grand are skilled mixologists who take great care with every cocktail and can steer you around their list of 50+ whiskeys and Scotch. Come and try out a classic cocktail done right -- a Negroni, a Manhattan, or a Ramos Fizz made with, among other things, orange flower water and an egg white. Or, build your own Scotch tasting flight. Read up on classic cocktails at http://drinkdogma.com/.

Seven Grand is two blocks from the 7th Street/Metro Center stop on the Red Line. Find your nearest stop:
http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/imap/interactive_map.html

When: Saturday, Aug 2 at 7pm
Where: Seven Grand, 515 W 7th Street, 2nd Floor, LA 90014. Located on 7th Street between Grand and Olive, closer to Olive. http://www.sevengrand.la/
Parking: Parking available in nearby lots, at street meters, or on 8th Street (between Olive and Grand).
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/6ehbke

Philippe’s French Dip and Dodgers game

2008-06-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Philippe's in Downtown LA has served the city since 1908 and is the home of the French Dip sandwich. The double-dipped beef sandwich with blue cheese is a best seller, or you can choose a filling of pork or lamb. Round out your tray with old-fashioned favorites like tapioca pudding, pickled beet eggs and homemade pie. Do you dare try a pickled pig's foot?

After an early lunch, join us at Dodgers Stadium to watch the Dodgers-Indians game at 12:55pm. We've got a small block of seats in the Top Deck at $9 each. Drop me a line if you're interested in a ticket. Or, feel free to come just for lunch at Philippe's.

When: Saturday, June 21 at 11:30am
Where: Philippe the Original, 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, 90012 (in Chinatown).
Parking: Small lot available or try nearby lots in Chinatown
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5shaj9

Oaxacan lunch in Culver City

2008-04-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Lunch at El Sazon Oaxaqueno.

The cuisine of the Mexican state of Oaxaca is best known for the complex Mole Negro sauce made with chocolate, mild dried chilies, and spices. El Sazon Oaxaqueno in Culver City offers two styles of mole (the famous black mole and a red version) as well as large flat disks that look like Mexican pizza, with black beans and string cheese as a base for toppings. Don't miss the sweet breads and cookies made on-site.

When: Saturday, April 12 at 11:30am
Where: El Sazon Oaxaqueno, 12131 Washington Pl, Los Angeles, 90066 (adjacent to Culver City). Washington Pl is parallel to Washington Blvd and restaurant is next to a Laundromat, between Centinela Ave and Inglewood Blvd.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/62bkqv

Caribbean in Santa Monica

2008-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Taste the flavors of the Caribbean at the colorful and friendly Port Royal Cafe. Join us in Santa Monica for a feast of spicy Jerk Chicken, Pork Ribs, Plantains, and a tantalizing Bitter Orange Chicken. Lunch will be $25 per person. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 12.

When: Saturday, March 15 at 12noon
Where: Port Royal Cafe, 1412 Broadway, Santa Monica 90404 between 14th and 15th
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/2xb7c7 Metered parking available on Broadway.

Wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, May 2-3

2008-02-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

We've received lots of positive response to our wine trip invitation. If you haven't already, reserve your spot for FoodGroup LA's annual Santa Barbara county wine tour. Space is limited for an unforgettable weekend of relaxation, good company, and great food & wine in the rolling green hills of Santa Barbara County. See pricing details below. Payment is due by Saturday, March 15. Write to me for the mailing address or Paypal account.

The weekend activities begin with Friday night dinner. End the work-week early and take a scenic drive up PCH on Friday afternoon for dinner at one of the many restaurants in Los Olivos and Solvang (relive a 'Sideways' moment at Los Olivos Café or The Hitching Post).

Saturday morning starts with coffee and doughnuts before boarding the Wine Bus at the Los Olivos rental house. The Wine Bus will take us in comfort to wineries around Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of vineyards and green rolling hills. Tasting fees are included for all wineries. The bus will have plenty of room for your tasting room purchases.

After our winery visits, the bus will return to the rental house in Los Olivos. We'll have an hour or two to relax and nap. Dinner at the rental house will feature the local specialty: Santa Maria-style BBQ tri-tip and chicken from an award-winning local caterer. Enjoy the rest of the evening sipping wine under the stars, and come prepared for a dip in the hot tub. See details below for wine tour pricing and details on accommodations in town.

Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3

Saturday Wine Tour - $160 per person - Send payment to Chris and Rosa by Saturday, March 15
Includes:
Wine bus transportation to three wineries, bus departs from Los Olivos
Picnic Lunch
All tasting fees
Delicious Santa Maria BBQ dinner (Tri-tip, Chicken, the works)

Vacation house lodging -- price varies
Rent a nearby house for 4-6 people and enjoy group rates, kitchen, and more space to relax. Let me know if you'd like to organize a house rental.

Lodging in Los Olivos and Solvang
Fess Parker Inn & Spa - No Vacancy
Bed and Breakfast finder
Solvang Inn and Cottages
Best Western King Frederik Motel
Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge
Royal Copenhagen Inn
Holiday Inn Express Solvang

Mamita Peruvian Restaurant

2008-02-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

Ever had a stir-fry with French fries? Come to lunch at Mamita Peruvian Restaurant for Lomo Saltado, a savory combination of stir-fried beef, onions, and French fries. Some of the dishes we'll try include Mamita's ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice) and Papas Huancaina: boiled potatoes covered in a spicy cheese sauce.

When: Saturday, February 16 at 11:30am
Where: Mamita Peruvian Restaurant, 714 S Brand Blvd, Glendale 91204
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/2utcp9 Next to BMW dealership.

Korean Crab Stew

2008-01-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

Ondal 2 Restaurant specializes in a three-part Spicy Crab Stew. First comes the brothy, crab-filled stew, then fresh noodles are cooked in the bubbling stew, and the finale is a kimchi fried rice made with crab broth. We'll also try the beef short ribs. Bibs are provided, but light clothing is not recommended. Lunch will be about $20 per person.

When: Saturday, January 19 at 1pm
Where: 4566 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, 90016. Between La Brea Ave and Crenshaw Blvd.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/2lpkvx
Parking: Small lot behind restaurant and street parking

Chinese Islamic in Rosemead

2007-12-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

The dishes served at China Islamic Restaurant have their roots in the northern part of the country. Wheat, rather than rice, is the primary grain, and appears on the table in the form of chewy knife-cut noodles and flat bread stuffed with scallions and coated with sesame seeds. We'll try the lamb with green onions and perhaps a fragrant chicken hot pot to ward off the cold.

Many thanks to Nina for giving us a taste of her delectable handmade chocolate bars at last month's lunch. The BonBonBars, made of local, organic ingredients, will soon be sold online. Learn more on Nina's blog at www.sweetnapa.com.

Lunch at China Islamic Restaurant
When: Sunday, December 9 at 12noon
Where: 7727 E Garvey Ave, Rosemead 91770
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/2lbcxn
Parking: Small lot next to restaurant and metered/free parking on Garvey and nearby residential streets

Vegetarian Indian in Santa Monica

2007-11-15T00:13:00.001-08:00

Join us in Santa Monica for a vegetarian Indian lunch on Sunday, November 11. Chandni offers delicious and flavorful curries, stews and dals, or lentils. We'll enjoy favorites like saag paneer, chana masala, and soft garlic naan, and explore some of the other dishes and appetizers on the menu.

When: Sunday, November 11 at 12noon
Where: Chandni Vegetarian Restaurant, 1909 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90403
Driving Directions http://tinyurl.com/yrb9px
Parking: Small lot in back (enter through alley) or metered parking on
Wilshire.

Japanese Ramen in Gardena

2007-10-08T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hakata Ramen in Gardena specializes in tonkotsu style ramen noodle soup. Tonkotsu broth is a rich, pork-based broth cooked more than 15 hours. You'll customize your soup by choosing the strength of the broth and the firmness of the noodle (soft, medium, or firm). The soup is garnished with the traditional sliced pork, scallion, shredded ginger and sesame seed toppings.

We'll arrive when it opens and sit together in small groups. Read more about ramen at http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/ramen.php

When: Sunday, October 21 at 11:30 am
Where: Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi, 2015 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, 90247
Driving Directions http://tinyurl.com/2kgtka

Moroccan Dinner

2007-08-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

FoodGroup LA travels to the San Fernando Valley on September 22 for a lively Moroccan dinner. Simon's Cafe serves a small but well-prepared selection of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy moist lamb tagine, flaky chicken bastilla covered in almonds and powdered sugar, and a delectable Couscous Royale with standout merguez sausage.

When: Saturday, September 22 at 6pm
Where: Simon's Cafe www.simonscafe.com
4515 Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 91403

Directions: Simon's Cafe is on Sepulveda Blvd just past the Ventura exit off the 405 freeway and a block and a half south of the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Turn on Dickens St toward 405 freeway to reach rear parking lot.
Driving Directions: http://tinyurl.com/yuyudb

Nyala Ethiopian Restaurant

2007-08-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Last month's delicious and pleasant pan-African lunch naturally leads FoodGroup to want to continue the exploration of the African continent with a visit to Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the world's oldest civilizations and boasts a unique, flavorful cuisine. You'll love the pancake-like injera, the fragrant stews and well-spiced vegetables. For great company and a delicious lunch, come to Nyala Ethiopian Restaurant on Sunday, August 19.

When: Sunday, August 19 at 2pm
Where: Nyala Restaurant, 1076 South Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles CA 90019
Directions: Nyala Restaurant is on the east side of Fairfax Ave. between Pico Blvd. and Olympic Blvd.
Driving directions at http://tinyurl.com/2dvk7t
Parking is available on residential side streets and at metered spaces on Fairfax Ave.

Pan-African in mid-Wilshire

2007-07-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Join FoodGroup LA at Ngoma Restaurant and try traditional dishes from a pan-African menu. Among the dishes from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Senegal and Nigeria are fish with red rice, lamb in peanut sauce, and rice and black-eyed peas in coconut sauce.

When: Sunday, July 22 at 12noon
Where: Ngoma Restaurant, 5358 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036
Directions: Ngoma Restaurant is on Wilshire Blvd just west of La Brea Ave., next to the Conga Room. Parking is available in lot behind restaurant or at street meters.
Driving directions at http://tinyurl.com/38smtx

World Famous Baked Fish in San Gabriel

2007-06-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Phong Dinh Vietnamese Restaurant has an astonishingly wide array of exotic meats -- bison, ostrich, venison, goat -- in stir fries and stews. We'll be there for the World Famous Baked Fish; a large platter of delicious fish to wrap with rice paper, lettuce, and herbs. Join us for lunch this Sunday.

Phong Dinh -- World Famous Baked Fish
When: Sunday, June 17 at 1:00pm
Where: 3119 San Gabriel Blvd. between 10 Fwy and Garvey Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770 (626) 573-8623
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/2bp99q

Moffett's Chicken Pies - Now Closed

2007-05-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a real home style American meal with friends and good company at Henry Moffett's Chicken Pies. Moffett's offers chicken pies, chicken and noodles, chicken and dumplings, and desserts like tapioca pudding and cherry pie. Come on down for good talk and traditional American food. Look for the large chicken on the roof.

Henry Moffett's Chicken Pies
When: Sunday, May 20 at 12noon
Driving Directions
Where: 16506 Lakewood Blvd between Alondra Blvd and 91 Fwy.
Bellflower, CA 90706, (562) 925-5061
Directions: Take 105 Fwy East toward Norwalk. Take exit 16 (Lakewood Blvd/CA-19).
Turn right at Lakewood Blvd. Restaurant has a large chicken on the
roof.

Addition on 2/10/08
Moffett's is no more. The restaurant closed last fall and has now been demolished. There's another Moffett's in Arcadia, not sure how the two are related. Check out the Yelp entry.

Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara

2007-03-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Come taste some wine with us on April 14. The Santa Barbara area is about 2 hours from LA and produces some of California’s best wine. If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, Rosés, and minerally whites -- or are just curious to try them -- you’ll love exploring the region.

Itinerary
Friday, April 13

Leave work early and take the scenic route north, traveling along PCH til you hit the 101. Check in at the Days Inn Buellton.

8pm Dinner at Los Olivos Cafe, 2879 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos.

Saturday, April 14
8 - 9:30am -- Breakfast at Pea Soup Anderson’s, for morning people.
10:30am -- Meet in front of Days Inn Windmill for Welton Wine Limo.
For those of you driving up Saturday, click here for directions from L.A.

morning -- 5pm
We’ll visit a few wineries and have a picnic lunch at midday.
Some of the wineries we might visit:
Buttonwood
Lincourt
Blackjack
Beckmen
Fess Parker
Zaca Mesa

8pm -- Dinner at the Hitching Post Restaurant, 406 E. Highway 246 in Buellton.

Sunday, April 15
Return to Los Angeles

View photos from event.

March FoodGroup goes to Thai Town

2007-03-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

March FoodGroup will try Ruen Pair Thai Restaurant in Thai Town. Join Chris and Rosa for lunch and delight in pork jerky, spicy papaya salad, larbs, noodles, and curries. This is a small place, so RSVP early for a spot at the table.

Ruen Pair Thai Restaurant
When: Sunday, March 18 at 12 noon
Where: 5257 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 466-0153
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/2ms49n
Take 101 Freeway to Hollywood Blvd exit. Take right fork to Hollywood
Blvd E, turn Right at Hollywood Blvd. Go less than 1 mile. Restaurant
will be on right side. Small lot and street parking available.

Chinese Hot Pot at The Little Sheep

2007-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

Join us at Little Sheep restaurant in Monterey Park for Chinese Hot Pot. Herbs and spices fill a cauldron of bubbling broth where you'll dip meats, vegetables, and noodles. The experience is similar to shabu-shabu, but the clouds of cumin- and chili-scented steam can't be beat.

When: Monday, February 19 at 1pm – Special President's Day edition
Where: Little Sheep Restaurant, 120 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, 91754, (626) 282-1089

Directions: Go on 10-East past Downtown LA. Take the Atlantic Blvd exit towards Monterey Park, it's the first sharp turn off the freeway. Go south on Atlantic and turn left on Garvey Ave, then into first shopping plaza on the right, just past the gas station on the corner. Little Sheep is behind the gas station, to your right as you enter the parking lot.