electric karma

Beer and I are the first to admit we're food snobs, and when it comes to Indian, we're especially spoiled - and particular. That said, Electric Karma is one of our few local faves to make the speed dial list.

There's nothing on the menu we haven't liked, but some top picks include the samosas, sev puri, aloo tiki and mixed chutneys for starters. For mains the lamb korma, mixed tandoori grill, and fish vindaloo are always good. On the side, the aloo gobi, mattar paneer and bhindi masala never disappoint. If you're in the mood for something different or drop by for lunch, try one of the frankies - for lack of a better description, it's like an Indian burrito. Good stuff.

More often than not we opt to order in and enjoy at home, but this is a great location to enjoy a romantic meal out with your lover or some friends. The interior is colorful and dimly lit with seating indoors that flows out to an enclosed courtyard with tables and cushion seating where you can dine on the floor with a group. Another reason to dine in are the cocktails. Inside, Bollywood movies play on a wall hanging plasma. You'll notice a little bar when you enter and for good reason. The libations here are creative and tasty. And don't worry about the nasty parking on 3rd - they have you covered with valet. Or, you could just order in :)

8222 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-2121

shah abbas

If you live in the area and like Persian food, you can't really go wrong at Shah Abbas. Everything from the salads and grilled meats to the stews and rice, is perfect. Huge portions, reasonable prices, pleasant service and, best yet, fast free delivery.

We've been eating here for years and the quality of the food and service has never let us down. Some faves include the sultani combo (perfectly seasoned and grilled filet mignon kebab with a couple of other meat specialties), the fesenjoon (traditional pomegranate and walnut stew with chicken), and the albaloo polo (lamb shank with sour cherry saffron rice). The tadeeg (sheets of crispy, buttery rice from the bottom of the pan, a Persian specialty) is served with stews of your choice for dipping. At a very reasonable $5.95, this is a must-have starter you can make a meal out of, just be sure to order your stews on the side so the rice doesn't get soggy en route.

The restaurant is perched atop a second story corner, in an unremarkable mini-mall on San Vicente and La Cienega. If you're dining in, be forewarned that the large, ornate (read, toeing the line of bad taste) decorated space - complete with clover shaped tile fountain centerpiece, dance floor and disco lighting - may be deceptively calm weeknights, but come the weekend, it leads a double life as a Persian nightclub. Dinner often comes with a bellydancer in your lap and deafeningly loud music, so if you're in the mood to quietly enjoy your meal, be sure to order in!

400 S San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 659-3242

chulada grill

Good Mexican isn't always easy to find, especially when you don't want to leave the house, but Chulada always manages to deliver - literally and figuratively.

I wouldn't go so far as to say everything here is perfect, (complaints about too dry burritos and nachos have been warranted on occasion), but the chilaquiles with verde sauce, chicken and steak (add $1 for both), hits the spot every time. Add their spiced rice pudding or flan and a beer for the perfect combo after a rough day at work. The horchata here is pretty good too.

The specialties of the house are Oaxacan and they do a mean oxtail stew that's worth a visit.

5607 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 954-7570

wok on fire

Wok on Fire should be on everyone's delivery auto-dial. If you're craving Asian but can't put your finger on what, these are the guys to call.

They do Chinese, sushi and a couple of Thai basics (Pad Thai and Thai Tea) and miraculously manage to do it all well. They're routinely fast, fresh and friendly. No waiting an hour when you're starving after work for mediocre lukewarm food. Even the packaging is well thought out - it's secure, recyclable and reusable. You'll never find hot items in the same bag as the cool items, nor leaky dishes, soaked thru paper containers and spilled drinks.

Rarely can you find delivery sushi that's good, fresh and trustworthy, but they've nailed it. Their special rolls are great and they have an ample list. The yellowtail and halibut sushi along with the shrimp handrolls are also good picks.

If you're in the mood for Chinese, it's all good. Really. If you're in the mood for small plates, their Lettuce Chicken Cups are fantastic as are the Shu Mai, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings and Crab Rangoon (if you want a little something fried and naughty).

In the mood for soup? Both the Won Ton and the Hot and Sour are simple and perfect.

We've ordered from these guys at least a couple of times a month for the last few years and have yet to get something we didn't love. If you find yourself with something you don't dig, call me and I'll take it off your hands ;)

As for sweets, they've got you covered. Every delivery comes with an obscene number of colorfully foil wrapped, white chocolate dipped fortune cookies.

Tip: There are a few tables inside, but this really is a delivery place. Some of the usuals like the Garlic Sauteed Green Beans, Spicy Eggplant, MaPo Tofu and Fried Rice can be too oily for the diet conscious. Just ask for light oil and they'll be happy to accommodate. Everything is so flavorful, you'll never even miss it.

1447 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 289-5168

Photo courtesy of Kampy

here comes the grocery store!

Grocery delivery isn't just for late night cigarettes and the lazy anymore!

A friend turned me on to this service and I've been hooked ever since. You name it, they've got ya covered. They have everything from fresh produce, meats, herbs and pantry basics to baked goodness from La Brea Bakery, artisanal cheeses, and even paper goods, cleaning supplies, pet stuff, and, um "feminine hygiene" products. And of course, a full range of booze, smokes, mixers and ice to round out the experience.

You go online, browse and place your order, then you have the option of choosing immediate delivery (within 30 minutes - no joke), or setting a future time or date (I've ordered an 8:30am delivery at 2am the night before knowing it'll be a good wake up call). That simple.

The delivery fee is just $3.99 and if you spend more than $75 (which most of us do when we're at the market), the delivery is free. At first, I felt indulgent having my groceries delivered, but when you've worked a string of 12 hour days or have last minute company on the way and need to clean house, it's a blessing. Oddly, I've found we actually spend less on Yummy than we would at the store because it seems to preclude us from doing all the impulse shopping we normally would. Go figure ..

Note: Yummy.com delivers to WeHo, Hollywood, Park La Brea (aka the white projects), Hancock Park, Beverly Ctr. and the vicinity. If you're further west, check out HomeGrocer.com (Yummy is the parent company) which offers the same service and rates.

Tip: Try the hand made giant S'Mores and their deli Chicken Curry Salad. Good stuff. Oh, and the delivery boys are cute. Never hurts ;)