This is where we recommend those restaurants/greasy spoons/watering holes/fine dining establishments for those of us who have spent some time on the road...we need all the help we can get...please send your favorites for posting and what makes them special to barbara@bjazz.com...
Richard Ocean's Best Singapore Stops
I must admit to having led you down the garden path--we are not going to roam the steamy streets of Singapore in search of some culinary mystery. We were going to, honest, but Richard wants to start us off in our own backyard (gotta walk before you can run theory, I suppose).
So...
Richard Oshen is Eyelight, the most spectacular guy in the lighting world. Big lighting, like lasers around the Acropolis. Golden Globe Awards. MTV Unplugged. Nickelodeon. Rock and roll hootchie-coo stuff. He gets to go all over the world making things beautiful, like what he did a holiday season ago or so in the twilight skies of Los Angeles. For free. A truly good person, Richard is a dear and cherished friend. And knows how to appreciate a good meal or two or three. When folks are given advice about writing a book, so I have been told, it is invariably "write about what you know". To that end, Richard is starting in his own backyard and is sharing what he knows--
In the Land of the Left Coast Lotus Eaters--Great Dining in Los Angeles
(no, it's not an oxymoron)
Note: This is not the list for trend seekers, If you want to spend your hard earned cash on Ambiance that's your business, but if you want some insight into some "local" LA establishments.......read on.
Dan Tana's
9071 Santa Monica Blvd.
W. Hollywood
310.275.9444
What Can I Say but My Favorite. Hands down When I get the blues and yearn for home. Like a New Jersey Road house, red and white table clothes, intimate, steaks and chops, pasta. The place rocks. Did I say martini's----n-a-a-a-a-a-a-
Philippe the Original
1001 N. Alemeda St.
Los Angeles
213.628.3781
Philly has cheese steak we have the Best French dipped sandwiches. Get there early. Near China Town and Union Station.
The Pantry
877 S.Figueora St.
Los Angeles
213.972.9279
Now under ownership of Hizzoner Mayor Richard Riordan. great breakfasts, served with gusto...What public health certificate?
Nate 'n Al's
414 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills
310.274.0101
For the best deli: go here, Jerry's is bigger....It's your pastrami.
Pinks
709 N.La Brea
Los Angeles
213.931.4233
Chili Dogs with a pedigree....if you're gonna go - stop here first.
Musso & Franks Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood
213.467.5123
Hollywood's oldest. Is 1919 old? Steaks, Chops, Martinis. Good American style stuff. Great Atmosphere.
El Coyote
7312 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles
213.939.2255
What would an LA eating guide be without a Mexican Restaurant. Don't answer that...Hey remember-- I'm from NY ---- There are pricier ones...but not better.
The Apple Pan
10801 W. Pico
West Los Angeles
310.475.25.85
There motto is "Quality forever" eat one of their burgers and find out what they are talking about.
Gladstones
Where PCH and Sunset meet
Great Seafood. Outer deck to view the Pacific. On a clear day you can see Catalina. Definitely a California Groovin' place.
Roscoe' Chicken and Waffles
1514 N. Gower St.
Hollywood
213.466.7453
A mighty fine piece of fried chicken and waffles served. Definitely a breakfast of the soul.
Border Grill
1445 4th Street
Santa Monica
310.451.0616
Classic Mexican style cooking plus some quirky twist. Margaritas muy bueno
Brothers Sushi
21418 Ventura Blvd.
Woddland Hills
818.992.1284
Everyone has their favorite sushi bar...this one's mine. Small, homey and unpretentious (translated as: be prepared to wait) They've got the best selection of sushi rolls that I've found. If the concept of a hot soft shell crab roll starts your mouth watering...boogie on up...just don't do it on a Sunday or a Monday -- they're closed.
A few in Philadelphia and close by
Rouge
203 South 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.732.6622
Parc
Down the street from Rouge on 18th.
Ristorante Panorama
14 North Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.922.7800
Tucked way in the Penn’s View Hotel, this gem has a gazillion wines by the glass (that is a few more than zillion), however it is the fresh ingredients in the fine Italian fare that make this a truly favorite spot. No airs, just great food in understated elegance.
La Croix
The Rittenhouse Hotel
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.546.9000
If you are a fan of outrageously magnificent French cuisine and cannot get to Paris by dinnertime, and Le Bernardin in NYC is booked until 2014, this is it. Truly. This is it. There was a tiny place at 16th & Pine in the 1970’s that was heaven on earth--Sal Montezinos was the owner chef....it was simply magical...La Croix brings back those memories in its astounding culinary accomplishments.
Pepper’s Cafe
2528 Haverford Avenue
Ardmore, PA
610.896.0476
Only 6 seats inside, a deck outside when weather permit--this gets five stars, or tires, or whatever Michelin is giving these days. An absolute must!
