Dirt Dog - Los Angeles

One of the things my dad always made when I was growing up was boiled hot dogs. He would literally boil a whole pack of weiners and leave it in the fridge so we would have something to snack on. It wasn't until I was in the 7th grade when I was at Drill Team practice by the park where dirty dogs were sold. Dirty dogs are just hot dogs wrapped with bacon. Sometimes with grilled peppers. But I like mine straight up with a slab of mayonnaise. 

2528 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Dirt Dog does dirty dogs right. All dogs are wrapped with bacon. I've tried a few and can say these are the best I've had when it comes to a sit down restaurant.

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Here we have the elote fries, elote dog (secret menu), their house dog with grilled onions and peppers, patty melt, and their elote corn on a cob.

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Elote Dog

Mexican crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro. Their links have a nice snap. Ok, there's no good way to review hot dogs without tons of sexual innuendo. So before you say anything, "that's what she said" has already been said by me. 

SO, yes. Their hot dogs were beefy and delicious. Buns are shipped daily from a local baker. I recommend their brioche buns.

House Dog

Their classic house dog comes with a simple bacon thousand island, roasted onions and peppers. Simple, but flavorful and delicious.

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Patty Melt

This was my favorite. Who doesn't want their bacon hot dog topped with french fries, melted cheddar, bacon bits, and a chipotle mayo? This was a flavor bomb. It was just everything that I would want on a hot dog.

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Horchata Ice cream with Churros and fried oreos. After all that food you would think I'll stop. This did it for me. If the dogs didn't put me to sleep, this sure did and I don't regret it. I LOVE fried oreos. The batter did not disappoint. 

I'll definitely be back soon. 

2528 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Astro Doughnuts - National Doughnut Day

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516 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

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This Friday at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken (516 W. 6th St) they are serving a limited-edition Cherry Pie Doughnut (cherry compote filling, shortbread crumble, and tart cherry vanilla glaze).

This doughnut will be available for $3.50 on Friday, June 2nd for National Doughnut Day with 100% of sales benefitting Fisher House Foundation.

Fisher House Foundation provides “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. 

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Astro Doughnuts

After four years of success in Washington, DC and Virginia, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken opens its first West Coast location on April 5, 2017 in Downtown Los Angeles at 516 W, 6th Street, between Olive and Grand, bringing its seasonal and creative menu to a town that is notoriously in love with doughnuts.

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A casual yet refined take on two comfort food classics – fried chicken and doughnuts – Astro’s unique cuisine has had loyal customers lining up around the block for years. The menu features an evolving array of seasonal doughnuts, creative takes on fried chicken, unique side dishes and specialty doughnut sandwiches. Sourcing only the finest ingredients, Astro’s menu evolves based on the freshest fruit and produce available from local farmers and purveyors. Astro’s crème brûlée doughnut has been named one of 40 “Must-Try Dishes” by The Washington Post, one of the “best fried chicken restaurants in America” by TimeOut, one of the “Best Doughnuts in DC” and “Best Donut Shops in America” by Thrillist, one of the “Hottest Doughnut Shops in America” by Eater and “The Best Southern-Style Fried Chicken in Washington, DC” by Serious Eats.

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Fried Chicken Sandwich with Bacon, BBQ Sauce, with a potato roll.

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The beauty slice in half.

Los Angeles, CA

516 W 6th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

213-622-7876

Hours:
Monday - Friday:                 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
Saturday:                               7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:                                  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sushi Gen - Downtown Little Tokyo

I found Sushi Gen a few years ago when I started making more cash to afford higher end sushi. I didn't start to understand the craft until after my first visit here. After my first visit, I came back a few more times and it never fails to deliver. The ratio between rice and fish is always perfect in the nigiri. The quality of their seafood surpasses the expectations of local joints. There's a lot of great sushi places out there, but Sushi Gen always has that charm every time I go. People think it's all about the hype and the long lines that drive people to go. I'm not going to say that's not part of it, but they deliver on what they are proud to serve and I like to stick up for that because they shouldn't be shunned out for being "popular" just like they shouldn't be raved about just because they are "popular".

I've heard great things about their lunch specials. The sashimi lunch here is what everyone goes nuts for. The line was also no joke. We got there at 10:40 to wait in line. They don't open till 11:15AM. After the first crowd gets seated, the rest of us leave our name and the number in our party. Make sure your party is here or you won't be seated when called. Don't be mad about it either. There's a lot of hungry eaters waiting in line ready to take your seat anytime, so just be prepared. We got seated at 12, perfect timing for lunch.

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Each entree is served with marinated steamed tofu and lightly pickled cucumber and cabbage.

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This is the unagi set with side sashimi. The unagi was very flavorful, fatty, and scrumptiously decadent. Dust a little sansho pepper on top and dig in. I highly recommend this set. For $28, it's a great deal.

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The side sashimi that comes with the unagi.

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Their famous $17 sashimi lunch. Comes with a good portion of hot rice, this was a lot of food than what I bargained for! Fish was absolutely amazing. The tuna slice you see behind the hamachi, I believe was bluefin tuna. I could see the fat marbling throughout and knew this bite was going to be a treat. My eyes literally lit up after my first bite. They also served chopped up spicy tuna, negitoro, a few ends from the yellowtail and tuna. Also a grilled salmon piece in the back. Totally worth it.

422 E 2nd St Los Angeles, CA 90012

Little Tokyo, Downtown

Harvest of the Season

I met Bernadette Low (@Eatlikeabosslady) a few months ago after seeing her at a few foodie events we were both attending. It didn't take long before we met and just fell in love with each others energy. When I found out she's doing a collaboration with a few others (Bernadette Vanek and Evi Aki) to host a pop up dinner, I had nothing but excitement and full support for her. Harvest of the Season is basically "The Last Summer Dinner" highlighting the local produce of the long California summer, sourced from Santa Monica and Hollywood farmer's markets.

The theme of Harvest of the Season was strong and very visible by the displays visioned by Bernadett Vanek. It was gorgeous and felt like an elegant wedding during Spring. The cooking and designs was arranged by Chef Bernadett Vanek (@born.under.the.sun). Bernadett Vanek is a chef, food stylist, and food photographer residing in Pasadena, California. Her farm to table cooking has a strong European influence that celebrates local, seasonal produce and supports sustainable farming and fishing practices. She develops seasonal recipes based on produce available at the farmer's markets of her neighborhood and features them on her instagram page @born.under.the.sun and on her website at www.bornunderthesun.com.

The space was located in DTLA at the Vene Ai Studio. The pop up also showcased a sneak preview of the VENE AI 2017 Capsule Bridal Collection with mannequins laid around the studio wearing the gowns and jewelry.

Hors D'oeuvres were served before the farm to table offerings. A fig, rosemary blossom, walnut, and soft bloomed goat cheese was served on a thin cracker with a generous pour of wine. I'm not a fan of goat cheese, but this was really good and the quality of the cheese used really made a difference.

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I seated myself shortly after viewing the gowns and eating the awesome opener. Just relaxed and helped myself to more wine as the guests trickled in.

California Toast

I've had many avocado toasts. Many. Even the crappy ones I've made myself. But. The one that they served was definitely the best anything toast I've ever had. It's obviously avocado, tomato ceviche, charred corn, micro cilantro and goat feta shavings on top. What was beautiful about this was not just the market tomatoes and all the wonderful ingredients that were picked to perfection, but that lime. It wasn't sour, but it sure punched you in the face to let you know that it existed. It was amazing. The bread was toasted carefully that it did not cut the roof of my mouth. The tomatoes and corn added a nice sweetness balanced by the slight saltiness of the goat feta. This dish was inspiring.

Green Gazpacho

Lemon cucumber, chevre mousse, green coriander, watermelon and cilantro flowers. So refreshing. Ridiculously clean. I see myself eating this on my invisible porch on an invisible swing with my invisible acres to look out to.

Summer Moussaka

Braised lamb with heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, yukon potato mash with oregano oil. The lamb was spiced with great anise flavors. Braised till it's fork tender. Very comforting and fulfilled the yearnings of a meat course.

Peach and Almond Eaton Mess

Almond cake, peache, a lemon verbena whip creme and meringue. Also raspberries floating around saying what's up. A lot of people were wondering what this was, but everyone wanted more. The almond cake was fantastic. The lemon verbena is also a classic whip, but not utilized in cuisines as much. A great light sweet touch to end the last summer dinner.

Stay tuned for more pop ups.