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

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

gyu kaku

I love meat, I love fire and I love Gyu Kaku. Indeed, it's one of the few neighborhood places Beer and I both agree on and never seem to grow tired of.

This has become a favorite because it's reliable across the board - the food is always good, the service is friendly and efficient, the location is great, there's enough variety to satisfy virtually any craving, the valet isn't absurdly priced (sometimes you even get lucky and score a street spot), they treat their regulars well (meaning, they'll find you a table with a smile no matter how crazy it may be), you can work around any diet you may be on, or you can FEAST without gagging on your wallet in the process, all in a great looking environment. Really, what more can you ask for?

There's something very warm and cozy about the modern, minimalist Japanese interior. Despite being very open - with slatted wood between seating areas, sealed concrete floors and subdued lighting (I love the paper lanterns), and a large communal dining area in the main room - the styling makes every booth, large or small, feel private.

Their house specials like the hirami miso (thin sliced marinated beef), the garlic shrimp, the house salad (inexpensive, big, fresh and tasty), and the bibimba (seasoned hot rice bowls mixed at the table) are always flavorful and fresh. If you want something a little different, try the tongue (thin sliced and perfectly seasoned, it's delish, I swear) or one of the little Japanese sausages (this makes me giggle just typing it, heheh). There's a variety of little foil packed fresh veggies to steam on the grill, all of which are good, but I'd suggest the mushrooms, asparagus and garlic spinach.

Though the style of the cooking is definitely Korean and you will find kimchee making an appearance on the menu, this is distinctly Japanese BBQ.

They've recently added a bunch of new items to the menu, like a lobster tail that was succulent and worth every (reasonably priced) penny. There's also the addition of a list of ramen soup dishes if you're in the mood for something different.

Start your meal off with a Shochu Grapefruit (Korean grain alcohol with fresh grapefruit made at your table - the latest way to get around lack of a liquor license). Ask for the pulp and get your daily serving of fruit in while you get your drink on.

Dessert on the grill is another don't miss. They have fantastic DIY S'Mores to warm the hearts of all, and these amazing bananas you grill in foil and pour, steaming hot, over ice cream. Talk about comfort food. Save a little room and at least split an order.

I was recently saddened to discover there are no more frequent flyer cards (they used to get you free food orders, culminating in a $50 gift certificate when you used them up), and to see our favorite manager, Mai, leave to open their Sherman Oaks location, but, c'est la vie, the show must go on.

I'd recommend this place without reservation, even to those who don't necessarily love Japanese food or bbq. It'll please even the pickiest of groups - from your meat lovin' bf to your vegetarian gf and everyone in between.

This is a fun place for parties. There's a private room behind shoji screens just off the main room. Add a little candlelight, and it's perfect.

Tip: They have GREAT happy hour specials here on food and drinks. Ask about the frequent diner card at the Pico location, where I heard from Mai, they still use them. Check out the restrooms - they have everything you need apres Q, including mouthwash!

163 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 659-5760

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

grub

One word sums this place up - BACON.

Sure, they serve up all sorts of good stuff, but what brings me back every time is their bacon. They start with the applewood smoked variety we all know and love, and then take it up a notch by glazing it in some sort of wonderfully sticky, but not overly sweet, maple-based syrup and top it off with some finely chopped fresh herbs. This bacon is so good, I've had vegetarian friends break not only to have a bite, but to order their own side! It's THAT good.

Bacon aside, Grub serves up a nice variety of brekkie and lunch in a homey, cheery, Hollywood locale (it's a converted bungalow in a residential hood). They're open from 11a-3p every day of the week.

The crowd is very casual and consists of primarily locals and behind-the-scenes, industry production types walking over from the local studios. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and you'll likely be seated by one of the owners.

They serve up all sorts of comfort food, and make a mean grilled cheese accompanied by homemade tomato soup called the After School Special. A great lunch or snack is the (very) GARLICKY Mt. Olympus - a wild mushroom couscous salad, with olive tapenade, hummus and artichoke hearts, served with pita triangles. The homemade GingerAle is spicy and yum and a nice way to wash down your garlic or bacon.

Oh, and the french toast is friggin' amazing!

Tip: This place is nestled next to the studios and it seems to be a magnet for B-list celebs, so if you have visitors in tow, it's a great low-key stop for a satisfying bite to eat and a little people watching. The front patio is also small pet friendly, so if you're looking for a place to brunch and read the paper where you can bring Fido along, this could be it.

911 Seward St
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 461-3663

jay and silent bob's secret stash

If you're a geek, love a geek or just happen to be a fan of Kevin Smith and his films, this is the joint for you.

Great selection of comics, from the new stuff to the classics. They had Charles Schultz' Complete Peanuts in addition to a well-stocked new arrivals section. More Smith movie memorabilia and collectables than you could shake a stick at - most of which has been signed by the man himself.

If you're looking for a hard to find Mooby or Gay & Silent Bob t-shirt, they'll have it - very cleverly displayed and stored in a wall of pull-out file drawers that would make Martha Stewart proud.

Don't miss the collection of bobbleheads. My personal pick is Buddy Christ :)

To their credit, prices were reasonable, there was lots of fun stuff to check out (even if you're not an enthusiast), and they've done an amazing job having fun with the space. Only complaint - the staff. This is the kind of place for fans that you'd expect to be run by fans. The guy behind the counter was lackluster and humorless, and when queried on out of stock product, just nodded his head in agreement and didn't even offer an arrival date. Made me think of a college kid working a job he had no interest in because he really needed the money. He got two thumbs down - from Beer and Buddy Christ.

Secret Stash
1045 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-1373

olympic spa

So you're adventurous, you love a little pampering, you want smooth skin, you're on a budget and you like it a little spicy - your kimchee, that is. Oh, and you have a vadge (because, sorry boys, this is a peenie-free zone).

Where do you go?
Olympic Spa.

What to expect?
A low-key, clean, relaxing, pleasant, ethnic, bathhouse experience that will leave you wondering how soon you can come back and why it took you so long to get there in the first place. Lots of nekkie ladies of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. This place is strict on their no swimsuit policy, but there's no need to be shy since you certainly won't be alone, and let me tell ya, you have nothin' these ladies haven't seen a hundred times before (that week). Incidentally, let me remind you that waxing is a mostly western phenomenon, so if you're between appointments, don't let that stop you either. No one will notice. Or care.

What do you do?
Keep it simple and go for the Simple Soak for $15 - access to all of their pools, the Jade Steam Room, the Oriental Clay Sauna (like climbing into a big tandoor oven), and the Oxygen and Bichotan Charcoal Therapy Room (hot, hot, hot!) - and then give yourself a DIY Korean Akasuri scrub. Tip: Don't be shy. Ask the ladies at the front desk for a scrub kit for a few bucks and a little instruction. You'll be happy you did.

Splurge a little and make an appointment for one of their signature treatments - which all include Akasuri scrub, Shiatsu/Swedish massage, Simple Soak, and then some - like the Goddess ($130), Pure Bliss ($100), or Milk & Honey Body Smoothie ($100).

Call all of your friends to tell them about your rockin' new find.

How do you feel?
Damn good! And damn clean. A lot like a tenderized piece of meat with skin as smooooooth as a baby's bum. Ready for sweet sleep.

Tip: Have a little cash on you to tip the complementary valet in back and to grab yourself a little grub in the restaurant that doesn't take anything but. Try the fresh fruit juice. It's refreshing after doing the circuit. Do eat at the restaurant but wait until AFTER your services. Trust me! Trying to digest spicy food with two women pushing and pulling all your bits will NOT enhance your experience! And don't shriek when you ease into the ice pool (as I witnessed someone do). Take it like a (wo)man or the Korean ladies will shoosh and shame you! Plan to be here 3-4 hours to really enjoy the experience.

3915 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 857-0666

al gelato

After our less than thrilling experience at BJ's, we decided to stop by our favorite gelato joint on the way home - Al Gelato. Everything is homemade and I've yet to have anything here I didn't love, but faves include the DEEP dish apple pie with caramel sauce and fresh whipped cream (it's still a mystery to me how you bake something that size and get it perfect), the lemon ice, riccota cheesecake, and, of course, the chocolate hazelnut gelato, which is hands down one of the best I've had anywhere. If you don't do dairy, the fruit flavor ices (pear, lemon, raspberry, apple, etc.) are delish and so is the chocolate ice (it's better than most chokkie ice creams). The staff is warm, friendly, helpful and always quick to offer you another sample :) Tonight we had the tiramisu for the first time, and it was damn good. Can't wait to try their deep dish pecan and pumpkin pies this fall. Mmmmm...

I hear they have wonderful grilled sandwiches but I never have room for anything more than dessert.

Tip: Even if it seems pricey, buy a quart of your fave flavor. It's so rich, it'll last for weeks - even for a chocoholic like Beer.

806 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 659-8069

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

bj's restaurant & brewery

For starters, this place is called BJ's, so I'll do my best to refrain from the Beavis and Butthead jokes.

We ducked in today for lunch after snooping around at Secret Stash because Beer recalled having some sort of orgasmic dessert experience at another one of their locations. We were seated at one of the few tables upstairs, which was awkward but all that was available, and ordered the Avocado Egg Roll appetizer. Despite the sauce being too sweet (even for me) they were crispy and yummy (but then, I'm of the mind that you could deep fry a leather shoe and it would be good). They were a lot like the ones at Cheesecake Factory, but with the addition of bacon (I'm also of the mind that everything is better with bacon). Beer ordered the Roast Beef Dip and I had the BBQ Chicken Salad. After a long wait for the egg rolls, the main courses were up and our server rushed us through them so she could clear the plate and make room on the tiny table. He said the roast beef was bland and rubbery and the roll was soggy on the inside and over crisped on the outside. The battered fries and horseradish creme were much better, but not enough to salvage the meal. As for my salad, had there actually been any BBQ chicken in it, it might have been great. It was mostly chopped iceberg lettuce with a few kernels of corn, some black beans, jicama, tomatoes, and a few chunks of bland grilled chicken. Had they tossed half the lettuce, added more of the remaining ingredients and actually included some BBQ chicken, it would have been a worthy meal of a salad.

Food aside, we both had the Blonde brew which wasn't bad on a warm day if you're in the mood for a pale ale. Sadly, we were so bummed with our food and service, we passed on their signature Pizookie dessert (a giant deep dish baked cookie topped with ice cream). Beer didn't even want to finish his fries ... never a good sign.

For more than an appetizer and some suds, we would have been better off at Le Pain Quotidien or CPK - both next door. So would you.

939 Broxton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 209-7475

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.

golden bridge yoga

My first experience with yoga was a kundalini class with Gurmukh (of celeb pre-natal yoga fame) about 7 years ago at the original Golden Bridge on 3rd St.

The new location in Hollywood is Gurmukh's vision of creating community realized - having evolved beyond just another yoga studio. Despite the new location's walking distance from my office, it's taken me nearly a year to make my way over, but I was glad I finally did.

With the inclusion of a natural food stop (salad bar by the pound, mung beans and rice, selected Indian food, numerous healthy sweets and a communal dining table), a large shopping area (with books, magazines, apparel, accessories and beauty items), a healing spa offering massage and a bevy of wellness services, as well as a wide variety of the yoga classes you'd expect (not just kundalini, but hatha and anusara), this really is a community center.

True to form, they host a number of events from music performances to book signings. All that considered, one of the best bets is still the old school kundalini yoga class with meditation taught by Gurmukh weekend mornings. After the class, yogi tea is served and nearly every weekend that's followed by Gurmukh opening her home to students for a communal vegetarian dinner. The experience is definitely worth the time.

Tip: Validated parking is available at the Arclight. Check out community classes in their online schedule for discounted rates at goldenbridgeyoga.com

6322 De Longpre Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 936-4172

living green (is a pain in the ass)

literally.

has anyone else tried the seventh generation toilet paper? in my ongoing effort to go green, i gave the roll a, um, test run, and was left thinking i could have cut out the middle man and wiped my bits with the recycled newspaper it's made from and it would have been a more pleasant experience than using recycled tp. seriously, the dispenser driven single sheet sand paper we had in elementary school was better than this!

i'm all about living green and i'm happy to stick with my environmentally friendly cleaners and products, even when it means sore arms from having to scrub a little bit harder, but when it comes to bog roll, just call me a consumerist pig.

oink. oink.

la artists market

If you love art and could do without pretense, you'll love the LA Artists Market.

This is an inviting little space on Fairfax featuring an eclectic mix of local artists that reminds you of what an art gallery ought to be. They regularly open new shows which means lots of wonderful art to enjoy on their walls (or yours) and receptions that are worth dropping in-on, especially if you're a local looking for something different to do on a Saturday night.

The current show just opened this weekend, Jul 22nd and runs thru Aug 31st. The next show opens with a reception on Saturday, Aug 26th

Aside from the usual gallery receptions, they're doing a waffle brunch Saturday mornings all Summer long. Another great reason to stop by and check out some great art. If you want to pop in during the day, they're open Thurs- Sun, 10a-8p.

517 1/2 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

arclight hollywood

Hands down, this is the best movie theater in LA.

I had to jump on the bandwagon here, because everyone's griped about the price of admission and no one has really talked about the free membership program. Sure you pay a dollar or two more per showing (The Grove is up to $12 and you still have to fight kids, crowds and mess for a seat), but who else is offering you points for every dollar you spend? You can redeem them for concessions, discounted companion seats and even free tickets.

Member movies (ones that have been out a few weeks) are only $11 anytime - and you're still in a comfy reserved seat, in a quality theater, without a bunch of screaming kids. Worth every penny.

Then there's the special member's events (you get notice of these when you sign up for their e-mail), like advance screenings and openings with writer and director Q&A's, and their 21+ screenings which include bar service. What's better than having a martini with your date night movie? Try the Orangesicle without the triple sec, it rocks.

We just saw a screening of Clerks II on a Friday night at 5:30 followed by a Q&A with Kevin Smith (that went on until they had to literally drag him out). Because it was before 6pm, the tickets were only $11 and the seats I got online were awesome. How can you beat that?

And the concessions - Who doesn't love a big sausage and some caramel corn? This really is some of the best caramel corn around short of making it yourself.

As for the Cineramadome.. I always loved this theater and it makes my heart smile that they've breathed some new life into it without taking away from the integrity and historic value of the structure and its features. They still do lots of classic film screenings, complete with intermissions. If anything, it's now a draw for thousands of people who never would have bothered.

What more can I say. Thank you Arclight. We love you!

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

summertime

... and the living hasn't really been easy since we were fifteen, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a fabulous soundtrack to do your thing to. too little time to search out new music, dig thru your old faves and spend hours on track order for summertime mixes? thank yewknee for doing the heavy lifting for you...

otome sophiste is one of the best, breezy, bangin' urban mixes i've ever heard - anywhere. download the podcast and then drag all of the individual tracks into a new playlist for the mix to flow like it should. check out a change in the weather mixed by elastic heart, and summer romance mixed by porkhead. crack open a cold beer, sit back and enjoy!

l'scorpion

If you know me, you know I'm a tequila drinker, and L'Scorpion is just my kinda tekillya bar.

It's got the look of a dark, seedy, cave of a watering hole, but it's actually clean (the way I like my dining establishments). They have an impressive selection and a number of specialty drinks that were pretty damn good, even to the fussy likes of me.

Knowing I hadn't had a chance to check this place out, The Beer gave me a surprise party here for my birthday a couple of months ago. We were in the back room - the one Manny mentioned in his review - but thankfully had a much better experience.

Thursday nights (which my b-day just happened to be) they do a nice tequila tasting and pairing menu for $45/person. It was a great experience, with surprisingly good food, some amazing tequila and well thought out pairings.

As for the service, we must have gotten lucky because the (scantily clad) waitress we had was very attentive, despite working the front bar area along with a full house in the back. She even stopped by a few times with some special shots for the birthday girl, including some strong fruity concoction the bartender came up with called jungla (pronounced yoongla, think, the tequila version of jungle juice) which was the beginning of the end for me, but damn good at the time.

Sidebar: I rarely get wasted, (even drinking loads of tequila, which seemed to impress the bartender who continued to pour), and this ended up being the first night Beer saw me completely "tossed off my box" as he would say. It was all fine and well until we got into the car, at which point, I realized I had to work in the morning and it was gonna be a loooong night - a long night spent passed out on the cold tile of the bathroom floor until about 4am when I could sit up again. Anyhoo ...

I think even the greatest place is gonna have an off night, so I'd say this one is worth giving a shot -no pun intended- and checking out yourself. Let me know what you thought.

Tip: They have a good happy hour here from 6-8 every night if you live or work in the area.