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

pink's

This places gets props just for the historic kitsch factor. Being that I hadn't been here since I used to ditch junior high, I decided to stop by with the Beer's parents visiting from the UK.

Thankfully, the line moved quickly an we had our to-go order, packed and out the door, in under twenty. The chili was just as I remembered it - oily and meh. I can think of at least a dozen places with better chili BUT this is still a fine dog. No doubt in my mind there isn't a kosher dog in the house, but for cheap eats, can't really complain.

The Pastrami Reuben dog was tempting (with mustard, kraut, swiss cheese and pastrami), but I finally settled on the Martha Stewart dog (a 10" stretch dog, mustard, kraut, relish, chopped tomatoes, three slices of bacon and sour cream) and it was damn good. The folks had the polish sausages with grilled onions and mushrooms and seemed content. Next time, I'm getting the Mulholland dog. It's a bit of a mystery to me what's (not) on it, but I saw a few made, and man did they look good.

I wouldn't advocate going when the line is around the corner, but if you can catch it when it's not and you're mood for a creative, messy, piled high dog, this is the place to be.

Tip - Some people have made cracks about the line being an e-ticket to the toilet. If that's what you're in the market for, head over to OkiDog on Fairfax - they'll give you the shits (and maybe a little salmonella) every time.

709 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 931-4223

asakuma

Even with a recent change of hands, Asakuma is still one of the best places in LA to find great sushi without costing an arm and a leg. Everything is consistently fresh and delish, there's a full bar and easy, inexpensive valet parking (which belies it's upstairs mini-mall location).

Though there is a full service restaurant and dining room, if you're up for sushi, this is one place you'll definitely have a better experience sitting at the sushi bar. The specials menu is a great start, but be sure to ask one of their seasoned chefs for the day's recommendations and go from there.

If you like sake, they have a nice selection and the presentation is great - in large test tubes. If you're in the mood for something on the light side, or dropping in for lunch, try the Seared Ahi Salad. The Seared Bluefin Sushi is one of my personal faves along with their amaebi (sweet shrimp). Make sure you request the heads fried - despite their alien appearance, they're beyond good and you'll earn a little respect for munching down antennae with a beer and some gusto. As for basics, they make a mean Spicy Tuna and the house special, grilled Black Cod is not to be missed.

Tip: They have a special delivery only location on Robertson, east of Wilshire, that's just as good. You can even order online at www.asakuma.com

11701 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 826-0013