Urban Spoon's Restaurant Slot Machine

Los Angeles restaurants on Urbanspoon

Restaurants on Twitter?

(...fell off the earth for a bit.)

Besides the Kogi BBQ Taco Truck, anybody know of any other restaurants that are on Twitter? Trying to score on some deals here man!

Yelp!

My friend got me into starting a Yelp account. If you got one, feel free to add me as a friend. Loner!

....please add me.

TGI Friday's Buy 1 Get 1 Free Coupon

My mom told me about this. She used it the other day. Just print it out and go to any participating TGI Friday's. You buy one entree and get one free. You can get different entrees. You just pay for the more expensive one. (Not Valid Valentine's Day).

Thanks Mommy.

Yuni Sushi

Yuni Sushi
1928 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4037
Type: Japanese food / sushi
Map

After Candle Cafe & Grill, we met up with a homie that moved out here from my area. We asked him what was a good sushi spot nearby and he mentioned a cheap place he likes to go to called Yuni. It's a few blocks from the beach. I read it's a Korean-owned spot. Many don't like that idea and they just "know" it's not gonna be good. I personally don't care who owns and runs a restaurant. As long as they offer what I'm hankering for at the moment -- whether it's quality, price, quantity, exoticness, coolness, awesomeness, or a mix of those -- it's all good.

To save us all time, this place is decent. If I lived close by it might be worth returning to every now and then. Some of the prices for certain things are relatively appealing.



The salmon sashimi ($6.55) and yellowtail sashimi ($6.95) at 6 pieces each were a good deal. They were a little warm but they tasted good.



The dynamite appetizer ($7.75) was cool. I guess it was so cool that I forgot to take a picture of the dish til after a few bites.

whoops. still looks good though.


The baked spicy lobster roll ($11.20) and the super spider roll ($9.60) were eaten without any notes left about them. This looks good too.



I have no idea which hand rolls were which but I remember they gave us a shrimp tempura hand roll by accident and let us have it. YES!!!! One of those is the spicy scallop hand roll ($3.65).

freebie in the heezy


Damn, we ordered a grip of food! The last one looks like the rainbow hand roll ($4.95).



Between two people, that's a lot of food. I think I was barely able to finish everything. Maybe I took some home. Not sure. In my notes I put down everything was good. The Yelpers gave this place mixed reviews. Some gave it 5 stars while a few gave it 1 or 2. If you ain't a sushi snob, your chances of coming away happy with this place is good. If you are, eat here, and hopefully you don't enjoy your meal! You deserve it. Just kidding.

Candle Cafe & Grill - Venice

Candle Cafe and Grill
325 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-4456
Type: American food / casual
Map



Can't really say much about this place. It's located on the Venice boardwalk. You know: street performers, 5 dollar sunglasses, t-shirts with ironic quotes, bongs, pipes, vaporizers, Muscle Beach, basketball courts where they taped "White Men Can't Jump," and dudes rollerblading in Speedos. That boardwalk.

So Candle Cafe was just a spot for us to get a quick bite to eat, have some beers, and take in the scenery. We sat outside cuz it's the beach and I'm semi claustrophobic. Kind of.



We didn't exactly get front row seats to the boardwalk. We were on the side, but it was cool so you could just hang out in the cut and spy on the people walking by without them noticing you. So we ordered their calamari ($8.95) and a pitcher of Kona Longboard beer ($19.50). The calamari was whatevers to me. Too thick and chewy for my taste. Flavor was somewhere - not on the plate though. Maybe it put on some speedos and went rollerblading real quick.



The Kona Longboard beer was not that great-tasting either. I've tried many a beer and I could say I wouldn't order this again if I had the choice. If I had to rank New Castle, Corona, Hefeweizen, and Kona Longboard, I would put it last out of those 4. It's not super nasty though. I'd pick it over Budweiser and Bud Light, or any other light beer. I used to love Bud Light. Shooot... I used to like Mike's Hard Lemonade and Smirnoff Ice!!!! Shut up.



I didn't try anything of substance in the menu, but from how the calamari was, I'm not really interested in trying. There's a handful of other boardwalk spots like this and I'll give them a chance before I come back here. But I'm assuming most of the other places are like Candle Cafe. You mainly come to hang out and enjoy the classic Venice vibe. That's cool with me. Get buzzed and rent some rollerblades.... don't worry bout what I'm gonna wear!

Restaurant Shizu - West Covina

Restaurant Shizu
116 N Grand Ave
West Covina, CA 91791
(626) 966-5279
Type: Japanese / sushi
Map





I don't remember too much about this place. I just took some pictures and wrote the prices of our food. Sorry -- once again.

Shizu is located off of Grand Ave. right by the 10 freeway. It's in the same plaza as House of Louie. I've always wanted to try this place and my girlfriend said she used to come here all the time back in the day. So we went during lunch time on a weekday. I think we were one of the first ones, but more people started coming in just after us.



There's nothing fancy about the place. It was pretty plain actually. But who cares about that right? Right. Let's make this quick. I ordered the combination with salmon teriyaki ($14.99). A little pricey for lunch from my experience. Like I said, I don't remember anything about the place or the food. So let's just say it was good. I would've complained and remembered if it was really bad or good.







Next up, the dynamite appetizer ($9.95). Again, relatively a little pricey. From the looks of the picture, it seemed good.



The two handrolls we got were the salmon lover hand roll ($4) and the yellowtail with spicy crab hand roll ($4.50). I'm sure we finished these. Can't describe it though.





We also got the salmon with scallop tempura roll ($7.95). That's somewhat decent in price but then again you only get 6 pieces instead of the usual 8. Tricky, tricky, tricky. It's an intersting dish from the norm and that's why we got it.



What? We got sashimi? I don't even have it in my notes. Well here it is....



Ahh shit. I give up. I'll go back here in the future and take better notes. From the two reviews on Yelp, they really like the place. I mean it wasn't empty by the time we left. There were a good amount of people still eating. Then again, Wesco isn't really a mecca for first class sushi.

Koji's - Hollywood / Los Angeles

Koji's
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 871-0200
Type: Japanese / sushi / shabu shabu
Website
Map



I think we went to Koji's the same day we went to Galanga. We didn't eat much here. We didn't even plan on coming here. We were just hanging out at Hollywood and Highland to kill time. That same day, they were having a big premier for Iron Man (part one. yes this is very old). Anyways, we saw Robert Downey Jr. but from far away. We were actually on the 3rd floor or something at the Highland Center. That's the same floor where Koji's is at, and also the Highlands club.

can you spot Robert Downey Jr? Look hard.

just kidding. he's not in the picture!

So after getting a taste of the tourist-y stuff, we went inside Koji's and sat at the bar. Whaddaya know? It's Happy Hour!

Happy Hour is from 5-8pm Mon. - Fri.
-$3 draft beers
-$6 crunch rolls
-$9 sake
-$3 california rolls

Guess what. That's all we ordered from there. Hey, gas costs a lot to drive all the way to Hollywood. Don't judge. Anyways, I'll make it quick. The crunch rolls were cool. The california roll was a california roll. The beers were beers. The sake was sake. I don't mean to take away from what this restaurant really offers. I still don't know. I know their main thing from the looks of the place is they have shabu shabu where you cook your own food at your table. I think they have a few special rolls up their sleeves. The place is pretty big and a lot of people go there, so I don't really know.

Look at their menu if you really want to know.



crunch roll


cali roll


some sake


I guess if you want the chance to see some stars, this might be the place to be. Afterall, we saw Robert Downey Jr. who's a pretty big star IMO. The highlight of the night came as a surprise. We were sitting at the bar area looking out of the window for a while. After some drinks, I started noticing women walking by. These women were special. They weren't wearing much. And whatever it is they were wearing, was maybe a size or two too tight. They kept passing by. They were walking with guido-like dudes and men in suits (bodyguards?). I see camera flashes going off to the side. What's going on? Then I see a face that solved the whole equation:

scantily clad women + guidos + bodyguards + n = x
if n= Ron Jeremy
then x = porno event/convention!



Ron Jeremy as some of you may know is a well-known porn star back in the day. I don't know if he still "performs" for the camera. Anyways, he came by with a little posse, and he came in the restaurant and schmoozed with some people. Then he went to the bathroom where my girlfriend waited outside to get a picture with him. Great night. The End.

....oh yeah Koji's is cool. I'd possibly go back for the Happy Hour. Maybe for another "event."

Inland Empire Reviews

If you're out east in the Inland Empire, you may want to hit up this site to find the best Mexican food, burger joints, and I don't know what else they have out there.

Inland Empire Reviews

Recession All-Stars

Besides the news, I've been hearing a few stories from people I personally know who have been affected by the so-called recession. I don't know how to fix it, so all I can do is try to come up with a list of restaurants (besides the usual fast food joints) that might help you save a little more. Skip that, just don't eat out! ......Never!!!!

The list is not gonna be too organized or even complete. Here's just a few categorized by cuisine:

Chinese:
Maxim (Rowland Heights)
Chopchop Grill (Walnut)
Coffee Break (Walnut)
JJ's Cafe (Monterey Park)
Happy Wok (Rowland Heights)

Mexican:
Hole Mole (Long Beach, Whittier)
Alberto's
Molca Salsa (La Habra, Fullerton)
Senor Baja

Pizza:
3.99 Pizza Co. (West Covina)

Thai:
Banana Bay (Rowland Heights)

Vietnamese:
Pho Express (Walnut)
Lee's Sandwiches
Nha Hang $1.99 (Garden Grove)


This list will be added to as much as I can (or feel like). Don't hesitate to add your own recommendations. Oh. Don't forget about Happy Hours. Those may just be the best times to eat.

The Food Roamer

My homie/co-worker started up a food blog of his own. Hopefully he'll put up more posts and reviews. He loves taking pictures so if you see some weirdo at a restaurant taking pics with his camera phone, tell him I said "whattup?!"

The Food Roamer

You can also find him on Yelp.

Galanga - West Hollywood

Galanga
7440 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 851-4355
Type: Thai / fusion
Map



It's been so long since I've been to this spot that I had to cheat a little and look on Yelp to get some ideas on what to talk about. Yeah I took notes, but as many of you know, they suck!



Whenever I go to LA or Hollywood or just somewhere out of my area, I'll usually do a little research on Chowhound to find some recommended eateries. I don't really remember why we went to Hollywood this time around, but I didn't do any reconnaissance ahead of time. Instead, we just drove around knowing we would find a spot. I mean it's LA/Hollywood. There's something around every corner and hip thrift store. I guess we were being picky cuz we passed on a bunch of stuff. After maybe a half hour of driving, we finally see this little spot with an interesting name. Aight. That's it.



Galanga Thai Fusion was the place. It's a small place near Fatburger with an equally small parking lot. We got there just after lunch so I'm assuming the drones had to get back to work at the hive. Luckily I wasn't them at the moment. From what I remember there were no booths. There's a patio dining area in the back if you want to enjoy your Thai burrito outside.

Speaking of which, I personally love fusions of any kind. All I remember from this place was the Thai/Mexican fusion in the form of the tofu burrito. We added shrimp to it. I don't remember what the cost was but my notes tell me it was sweet but good. I kind of remember that personally.

tofu burrito and a salad and a square plate. fusion at its best.


To go back a little, we ordered the crab roll appetizer ($6.95). Now that was really good. I don't know if that's considered fusion with the egg roll wrapper and stuff. Nonetheless, it was bomb. Usually my only complaints when something is good is 1) it costs too much 2) they don't give you enough. My complaint was mainly about #2, but seven dollars for an appetizer is treading around #1. But then again, it is called an appetizer and not a meal. Still. I'm cheap and I eat a lot.





I ordered the Spicy Crispy Basil Fish ($8.95). I think it might have been a lunch special. I got mine with white rice. I'm personally tired of brown rice because we used to cook it at my house all the time and I've associated it with dry.... just dry. The fish was good as well. Was it spicy? I think a little. Was it crispy? I believe so. If not I would've complained in my notes of knowledge.





Good. Fresh. Pretty light. That's Galanga for me. The cost is actually ok. If you've been around, it's obviously not the cheapest. The portions ain't huge like at Banana Bay or some other spots, but add an order of an appetizer and you're good. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here if I'm in the area. Of course, I would like to try other things first, but you won't see me throwing a fit if we had to go here. Especially if somebody paid for me! Thank you kindly.

The Clubhouse - Costa Mesa

The Clubhouse
3333 Bristol St # 2802
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-2582
Type: American food / dining
Website
Map

.......must ..........post .............review ...................ughhhh .......



Back up on the horse with the first review of the year. Man. We went to this place probably in May or June. So I'm about 6 or 7 months behind with maybe 80 restaurants to still post up. Unless I get laid off or quit my job, the postings won't be coming along faster than I visit new places. Sometimes, I just go to old restaurants and order the same stuff just so I don't have to jot it down in my handy notes application on my phone. Sounds like I hate doing this, huh? Actually I love doing it, but it's a lot easier when you got nothing else to do-- which isn't the situation right now.

Anyways..... The Clubhouse. Costa Mesa. South Coast Plaza. Louis V. Bimmers. Yuppies. The End.

I went here and met up with my lady after a half day of work. She suggested The Clubhouse and I should've picked something cheaper cuz I was a little sick and my tastebuds weren't dead on (but when are they ever?). But here we were. In a fancy sportsbar where all the business guys go to ink deals and talk about how T.J., the CEO's assistant is rumored to be messing with the CPA from JDPA and he might have an STD. I don't know, but you didn't hear it from me.



On The Clubhouse's website, they describe the place as a stylish country club environment. Never been to one, so that's how the place looked inside. There were tv's everywhere playing sports channels and we got seated at a round table fit for about 8. The place wasn't dead, but it's pretty big so there's room for everybody. Plus, it might've been after the lunch rush.

This place is a little pricey, but then again it is a stylish country club environment. For appetizers we got the Flaming Spinach & Artichoke Dip ($12). See.... I told you it was pricey.



I think when it arrived it was flaming on top. I forgot. The dip was good. Not too salty nor too bland. Just right. Some might say it was worth the twelve bucks. I say it is if I'm loaded.

flaming spinach & artichoke dip minus the flaming part


My girlfriend got the Salmon Salad. I don't remember the cost. Maybe $15, but it was one of the best salads I've tasted. (I haven't tasted many salads so my credibility in this department is laughable) I just remember the salmon was a little raw or lightly seared. I'm assuming they used sashimi grade fish for it cuz it was bomb. The combination of the sauce they used on it and the fish and salad was pretty impressive for a salad hater liker myself. If I had the money, I would get that everytime along with my main dish.

the salad that wowed me


After the amazing salad, my order came. I got the Tilapia ($15). Since I wasn't feeling in top-top shape, I didn't write too much in my notes and put "tilapia was good. fish was light." Yup. LA Times here I come! No, but I remember liking it with the creamy sauce and the rice and that green stuff in the back. If you like fish you probably won't be too disappointed.





Oh yeah, there was free bread in the beginning too!


I want to thank my girlfriend cuz she paid and it was our 2 year anniversary this year. Happy Anniversary, honey! She's the one behind the scenes of this blog doing many of the better describing that should soon come in time. Clubhouse was a good place if you got a little dough. The food is pretty good (atleast the ones we tried) and you can walk it off after by shopping. Oh wait, you might not have any money left after.

.....even lazier

With the New Year's and all, you'd expect people to have more motivation to do the stuff they should/want to be doing. Nope. Not me. I've been so lazy to put up reviews cuz I'm so beat from work. I'll get on it though. Sorry. and Happy New Year!!!