bodega de cordova

After running, walking and driving by this small, dim local wine bar sandwiched between long standing retailers on Fairfax, and often wondering what lurked behind the mysterious exterior, we finally had opportunity to give it a try last night (thanks Stephy!).

Having just come from dinner, we didn't go crazy ordering food from the tapas menu, but did enjoy a few glasses of well chosen Espana vino with some friends and the very affable owner, Kenny. The olives he brought out were delicious (enough to rival my favorites from Lucques - the French city, not the restaurant) and the Spanish charcuterie platter was generous - overflowing with cured meats, manchego cheese and toasted bread.

The interior is dark and dimly awash in red light with just a small street facing window giving a glimpse of the world outside. Small wooden benches and tables dot the areas around the bar and give the space a rustic feel.

Parking on this block of Fairfax is marginally better than the surround, but should your parking karma run out, there's a few spaces to sneak into off the alley in the rear.

And don't forget your green. I didn't pick up the tab, but got the impression that cash reigned supreme from the little atm tucked away in the back.


361 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 951-1169

imai sushi & kushi

I've been keeping this neighborhood joint on the dl for a long time now, but I see the word is already out.

The sushi here is reliably fresh and tasty - and the sushi chefs are even better. Add to it the wide variety of kushi (little grilled skewers of this and that they flame grill behind the sushi bar), extensive menu, pleasant service, nice atmosphere, a little bar with some interesting cocktails, (including a new Zipang sparkling sake that gets me in trouble more often than not), generally easy lot parking, reasonable prices and great specials (lunch and happy hour), and you can't go wrong.

For us, it's walking distance, which makes it even better - especially after a few sake cocktails ;)

If you're in the area, this is a relatively unknown place worth checking out.

8300 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(323) 655-2253

Photo courtesy of Robert H.

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

cobra lily

**Update ** It's official. My beloved Lily is closed. No mas. Evidently, they were going through a change of ownership, the deal hit a snag, fell through, and that was the end of that. To add insult to injury, some total shite looking deli/diner place seems to have moved in. No me gusta. (3/29/07)

Sister to Cobras & Matadors, this has always been one of my local favorites since I can walk here.. and then stagger home. You can enjoy most of Cobras' tapas (in addition to a great house special steak sandwich) without having to BYOB or travel to the east side location for a little sangria with your meal.

It's a dim, small, sexy, chandelier lit space with funky art on the walls. Right on the corner adjacent the Larry Flynt building, Cobra has a great little bar, friendly bartender, a couple of very pleasant and competent waitresses, and a few small tables, including two rounds, which can be thrown together for larger groups.

Some of my faves here include the fried lentils, the cheese plate and sangria. If you just want to stop in for a drink, they have a full bar and you can snack on delicious olives while you enjoy your libation.

This is a great, low-key, weeknight place to grab a light dinner and they've always got an impressive soundtrack ala kcrw buzzing in the background to help you unwind and set the vibe.

Note: The Lily has been closed the last two weeks for a little sprucing up, so I'm curious to see what changes, if any, have been made when they reopen their doors this week...

Tip: Be sure to check hours before you go since they're sometimes limited. If you want to actually sit down to eat and have more than one in tow, make a reservation.