Original Pantry

This is one of the strangest eating experience I've ever had. This diner in Downtown LA feels like it hasn't changed since the day it opened. Accepting cash only, with no menus, only food options printed all over the walls and open 24 hours, this place is like stepping back in time, specifically 1924... a much simpler time. Coleslaw is served as a side with every order. YUM! We ordered ribs, the pulled pork sandwich, the roast beef dinner and a good ol' NY steak. Besides the strange sweaty man that spent the entire time we were there going in and out of the bathroom, this was a pretty cool place! I'd definitely go back.

The Original Pantry Cafe
877 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90017
www.pantrycafe.com

A Local Silverlake Spot

On a casual day out I'd recommend checking out Local. A place known for their savory crepes and vegetarian friendly menu. Sit outside at picnic tables or order your food to go. Just like Forage, Local cooks with locally sourced, organic ingredients. During this visit we ordered the Ginger Orange Tempeh Vegetable & Brown Rice Bowl and Albondigas Ground Pork Burger. These were pretty decent, but the crepes come highly recommended. They're listed up on the chalkboard above the salad bar when you enter the restaurant. It's one of those where you have to order your food at the register then take a number and find yourself a seat. If you like that sort of thing, check out Local. Oh, I also want to try their Whole Wheat Cast Iron Banana Walnut Pancake!

Local
2943 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90266
http://www.silverlakelocal.com/

Larchmont Bungalow

My best friend works down the street from this place, so we we're there a lot. Their menu is pretty extensive, so anything you're craving they'll most likely have. Larchmont Bungalow is a new restaurant in my favorite part of town. Their indoor/outdoor seating and delicious coffee are just some of the reasons to check this place out. It's got a vibe similar to Urth Cafe for those of you familiar with that place. Some of my favorite dishes there are their breakfast sandwich, fish tacos and their stir fry vegetables.

So check it out, and don't forget to order a slice of Princess Cake!

Larchmont Bungalow

107 N. Larchmont Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90004

www.larchmontbungalow.com

My Neighborhood Pizza Joint

Robbie Mac's is my local corner pizza shop, and it is yummmmmmy! My friend Aynsley and I couldn't think of a place to eat one afternoon and thought pizza sounded good, and we were not let down. We also had those delicious garlic knots. I mean... you can't go wrong with garlic knots. Amazeballs. I guess this place is also good to go to for happy hour and to watch sports games. They have lots of TVs...ya know, if that's your thing.

Robbie Mac's

14502 Ventura Blvd

Sherman Oaks, CA 914033

Figaro

mussels and french fries

ravioli

scallops

steak tartare

salmon

My sister said you can tell if a restaurant is French if they have tiny tables. Now I'm not sure that she's 100% right about that, but Figaro definitely fit the criteria. This adorable Parisian restaurant full of tables for 2 has a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menu you must try. But honestly my favorite thing about this restaurant is the outdoor seating. I love me some people watching!

Figaro

1802 N. Vermont Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90027

323-622-1587

www.figarobistrot.com

Forage

So I guess urban farming has been going on for decades, but now you can eat some of that locally grown goodness in the comfort of a restaurant! Forage, a new spot in Silverlake has recently created something called the Home Growers Circle. They encourage people who have gardens in their back yards to grow produce that the restaurant can buy and serve to it's customers. So genius, right!? You can read more about it on their website foragela.com. Forage, sadly closed Sundays and Mondays is quite a small space but the food is big in taste. The fresher the yummier. We had some flank steak, brocollini and quinoa and an avocado sandwich with jalapeno coleslaw on it. DELISH. Check it out.

Forage
3823 W. Sunset Blvd
Silverlake, CA 90026
www.foragela.com

Boa Steakhouse

Our waiter tossing our caesar salads

mmm.. caesar salads

chopped salad

blue cheese wedge

Chilean Sea Bass. The best fish I've ever eaten.

ahi tuna

macaroni & cheese and asparagus

NY Strip

petit filet

truffle cheese fries

petit filet with chimichurri

some sort of awesome dessert with berries

I think this had the word s'mores in it. Delish!

A few weeks ago I had a business dinner at Boa. I don't remember who chose the restaurant but, god-bless them. This place was incredible. I've dreamt about the fish I ate every day since. I can't wait to go back. I loved how they made a simple caesar salad into an event. They toss it table-side for you and with a little dash of tobasco, they've created the best caesar I've ever had. We all loved our meals, especially the dessert. I couldn't recommend this place more!

Boa

9200 Sunset Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 278-2050

http://www.boasteak.com/balboa/index.htm

Brazilian Cuisine

Bossa Nova is one of LA's best restaurants (in my opinion, this is my blog after-all!) They've got an extensive menu of fairly inexpensive, delicious brazilian food. They've got some of the best salads in town too. My friend Ashley and I went there the other night and decided to indulge a little. We got

Rafael's Pasta
Chopped salami, bacon, gouda cheese, sundried tomatoes, fresh garlic and red onions in a lightly spicy white cream sauce. and

Chicken Stroganoff
Flavorfull chicken breast tenders sauteed with mushrooms, onions and seasoning in a creamy homemade pink sauce (freshly cooked to order) with mashed potatoes.

Little known fact, Bossa Nova's Sunset location is in the Original Famous Amous Cookie factory building!

Bossa Nova

7181 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 436-7999

or

685 N. Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 657-5070 www.bossafood.com‎

The New K2

I few weeks ago I told you all about Kokomo cafe and their new location in Silverlake, K2. Well, i checked it out and it's great. We got the Eggs Lafayette, Power Breakfast, Catfish & Eggs and some yummy coffee cake to top it off. K2 is a cool bunch spot in a fun part of town.

K2

3916 W Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90029

www.kokomo.com

Love At First Bite

Last night I met my new favorite hamburger: The Six Weeker from Stout in Hollywood. This perfect little burger comes adorned with camemebert, fig jam, mild jack, arugula and caramelized onions. It was sweet and savory all at once. Just perfect. Andy had the Stout Burger: blue cheese, emi gruyere, rosemary bacon, caramelized onion and horseradish creme. Loved it. Stout specializes in burgers and beer but if you're a vegetarian or don't eat red meat they've got options for you too :)

STOUT

1544 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

www.stoutburgersandbeers.com/

Girls Night Out

blue iceberg salad

beets & haricot verts salad

the best thing EVER. scallops on bellinis!

sides: parmesan truffle fries and mac & cheese

petit filet

another petit filet

fish

dessert

dessert all gone

s'mores donuts with graham cracker ice cream

I know I don't need to say much more than, you must eat here. This place is fabulous, a dinner favorite of mine. Their steaks come with the option of adding toppings and sauces: chimchurri, horseradish, bearnaise sauce, blue butter, peppercorn crusted, foie gras butter, lobster, shrimp, black truffles, crab and foie gras. Aside from the great menu, the decor of this place is awesome. STK is a great place for a group outing; the dining area is filled with booths made to seat 6 or more (I'm all about ambiance). We also saw Mario Lopez there! haha

STK

755 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069

(310) 659-3535

www.stkhouse.com