CoFax

Guys, take a look at this breakfast burrito.  Doesn't it look mouthwateringly delectable?  Lucky for you, these looks aren't lying.

When I first went to Cofax, it immediately thought of the Dodgers.  It was an odd reference at first, considering Cofax is located on Fairfax, near WeHo and not near Dodgers Stadium.  But it's great to know that the Dodgers get love even west of La Brea Ave.

Proudly brewing Stumptown coffee.

Chorizo Burrito with smoked home fries, scrambled egg, crunchy tortilla stripes (INSIDE THE BURRITO), all wrapped in a warm tortilla -- $7.

Growing up in LA, I've had my share of breakfast burritos (Corner Cottage, Lucky Boy, Jinky's).  But what sets Cofax apart from the rest, at least for me, is the crunchiness found both outside (grilled tortilla) and inside (crispy tortilla strips) the burrito.  The melted cheese melds the fluffy eggs, spicy chorizo, and smoked home fries all together like an encore-demanding concert.  Game-changer.

I also asked for red salsa inside for an inviting spice kick.

And fresh creamy avocado too, of course.

Blue & white; breakfast burrito & coffee.  The perfect combo, especially when you pair Cofax with Stumptown.  In addition to burritos, Cofax has Donut Snob donuts, and in clear LA fashion, kombucha and select pressed juices.

If you like Golden State (burgers) and Bludso's (Texas BBQ), you'll likely enjoy Cofax because they're owned by the same folks.  They're doing a mighty good thing.






cuisine: Breakfast
location: Fairfax
hours: M-Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-5pm
websites: {Cofax | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
attire: Casual
parking: Street meters
price: ~$10
notes: Bfast for champions.
other reviews: LAist | LAMag | The Actor's Diet

Pine & Crane

In the heart of Silverlake -- yes, Silverlake -- and not far from Sunset Junction, there is a small cafe that serves tasty Taiwanese food at reasonable, almost comparable to SGV prices.  I consider this a huge win for everyone, particularly Silverlakers (Silverlakans?).

Why hello, Pine & Crane.  I'm so glad to have finally met you... and all the wonderful things you have to offer.

Wait in line to place your order, grab your number, and find a seat.

Finding a seat may be tricky; don't be afraid of communal seating.

Simple, easy-to-read menu.

Side Dishes on display.

Wood Ear Mushroom Salad -- a cold refreshing summer salad that have a crunchy texture and plenty of nutrients.

Marinated Cucumber -- also a crunchy, refreshing summer salad.

Three Cup Jidori Chicken -- with Chinese basil, red pepper, sesame oil soy sauce, and rice wine -- $12

Beef Noodle Soup -- with beef shank, baby bok choy, and preserved mustard greens -- $9

Perfectly-cooked, springy noodles in a broth that was surprisingly refreshing and flavorful.

Beef Roll -- $6

Mapo Tofu -- with Kurobuta pork and Sichuan peppercorns (v) -- $9

Mmmm.  

Potstickers -- stuffed with Kurobuta pork shoulder and Taiwanese cabbage -- $6

Minced Pork on Rice with soy-braised egg and house daikon pickle -- $6

FEAST BEASTIN'

All of the rice dishes (mapo tofu, jidori chicken, minced pork) come with a side of rice and the beef noodle soup is lip-smackingly good (oh, that broth).  The one dish that happened to be subpar in the above picture is the minced pork, not because it is horrible, but because everything else outshines it.

Although Pine & Crane may not be the most authentic and best Taiwanese food offered outside of Taiwan, there's something awfully charming about this casual, yet hip eatery.  And coupled with food that is carefully prepared and served, it's certainly a noteworthy place to write home about.  Grab a couple of friends and enjoy share a meal, family-style.






cuisine: Taiwanese
location: Silverlake
hours: Everyday except Tuesday; noon-10pm
websites: { P&C | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Street
attire: Casual
price: $5-15
must-haves: Beef noodle soup; Mapo tofu
tips: No reservations. Don't be afraid to sit near/ with strangers. It's all about sharing the dining experience. Seating outside is also available, but order your food to-go. They're vegan/vegetarian-friendly.  Lastly, they serve alcohol!
other reviews: { LA Weekly | darindines | Eating LA | e*star LA | LA Times }

Haché LA

Every once you awhile, I stumble across a local gem that I want to talk about with everyone while simultaneously wanting to maintain its "under the radar" identity.  Despite the clear tension created by these competing interests, my generous spirit always seems to win (ha).  So whether you fancy burgers or not, I’m here to share with you a steak haché joint that will quickly be identified on LA’s (ongoing) list of best burgers… just in time for its grand opening this Thursday, September 18, 2014!

Haché LA serves burgers… but not in a conventional way.   First and foremost, true to its French namesake, each burger boasts steak that is minced in an in-house meat grinder.  Second, due to this process, the steak is juicy without being fatty.  The other accompanying ingredients compliment the oval minced steak patty well, but what really stole the show is the bun -- fluffy, buttery, and delicious!

Outdoor Patio.

Super refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade -- $3.25

Like its sister restaurant, Mick's Karma Bar in Irvine, CA, the burgers are lean and mean.  And while every bite in your burger is unique, it also reminds you of something familiar.  For me, I tasted hints of In N Out and Shake Shack (the best of both coasts), all wrapped up in a wonderful warm brioche (I'm not even a huge fan of bread, but this bun is worth the raves, promise).  Best of all, the burgers are totally affordable!  For a burger meal (burger+fries+lemonade), the total bill comes out to less than $10.  Seriously, for both quality and quantity, what a steal!

Of the two burgers that I sampled, the slight, but gradual heat of the Habanero Burger won my vote.

Habanero Burger -- with habanero chiles, queso fresco, garlic mayo, lettuce, tomato -- $6.25

But the Karma burger is fab too, in its own classic way.

Karma Burger -- with American cheese, red onion, tomato, lettuce -- $5.75

Crispy French Friets -- $3.50

The friets reminded me of British chips (aka - fries).  Each fry has just the right amount of potato, salt, and golden crispiness.  If and when Haché LA adds some seasoning for a kick or some fun dip flavours, you will likely be in French fry heaven (and who wouldn't want that?).

I foresee myself frequenting Haché LA, not just for a reliable burger fix, but also to hang out and chill with the friends and family in an unpretentious and comfortable setting.  See you there!



cuisine: American burger with an European twist
location: Silverlake
hours: Open Daily. Sun-Wed: noon-10pm; Thu-Sat: noon-midnight
websites: { yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Free adjacent lot or street meters
attire: Casual
price: $5-10
notes: In addition to delicious food, there are several additional awesome things about Hache LA: (1) free parking lot, adjacent to the restaurant, (2) outdoor seating, (3) good (not too loud) music, and (4) more menu items to come!

Tender Greens Hollywood Beer Garden & Whole Animal Roast

photo courtesy of Zagat.

Tender Greens strives to serve "slow food, done fast." What does that mean?  It means the innovative chefs and their TG team create dishes that embrace the farm-to-fork culture.  It means you get to sample delicious food cooked and prepared from some of the freshest ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans without breaking the bank.  It means casual, fast-food dining gone healthy without compromising taste.  Basically, it means you win.

Speaking of winning, at its Hollywood location, on every third Sunday from May-October, Tender Greens serves up a special treat for beer-drinking carnivores -- hello, Hollywood Beer Garden and Whole Animal Roast! Neither being a carnivore nor a beer drinker is a prerequisite (there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly sides and non-alcoholic beverages), but as you can see below, appreciating both will only enhance the outdoor barbecue experience courtesy of our friends at Tender Greens.  I was fortunate to check out last month's event featuring a whole-roasted lamb from ReRide Ranch and brewskis from El Segundo Brew Co.

Casual, intimate outdoor patio dining with buffet-style set-up.

Whole baby lamb, brined for nearly 48 hours and marinated with rosemary, thyme, and other herbs, and roasted in a La Caja China box.

Cast-Iron Braised Greek Cheese with Lemon.

Eggplant Caponata.

Butter Lettuce and Frisee with Shaved Summer Squash, Carrots, and Champagne Vinaigrette.

Lamb Meatballs with Smoked Tomato and Parmesan.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Greek Lemon and Oregano.

Tabbouleh.

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad with dill.

El Segundo Brew Co.'s Beer Guys.

Bon Appetit! 

The lamb was very tender and the greens complimented the meat quite well.  But the real highlight of the night were the desserts.  They were as delicious as they were beautiful -- I just wish I had saved more room in my stomach!

Traditional Baklava with Pistachios.

Mini Apricot Galettes.

Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake.

Apricot Trifle with Greek Yogurt, Lavender Honey, and Shaved Almonds.

Peach Cobbler.

A healthy sampling. ;)

There are three more Beer Garden events remaining this summer! August: Boar; Strand Brewing Co.  September: Turkey/ Goose; Bootlegger's Brewery; October: Oktoberfest-themed Pig; Smog City Brewing.  

If you want Tender Greens to bring the beer garden barbecue celebration to you or need them to cater your upcoming special event, they'll do so gladly.  [link]  Lastly, if the ticket price are out of your budget and you don't plan on throwing your own backyard beer garden, just visit the Tender Greens restaurant (with its many locations) for you quick, easy, but still healthy lunch or dinner.  You won't be disappointed.

cuisine: American
location(s): Multiple, but the Beer Garden is hosted in Hollywood
hours: Event starts at 5pm.
where: Back patio of the restaurant.
websites: { TG | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Street meters
attire: Casual
cost: $45/ person for unlimited food and beer (or until they run out)
RSVP: email christina.wong@tendergreens.com. Limited to 50 spots, so reserve your ticket soon!