2 posts tagged “los feliz”

What are your weekend plans?

My girlfriend is out of town this weekend, visiting her new little niece. You'd think that would mean: party. And in fact, there are opportunities this weekend.

It's a weekend of First Annuals: downtown today they're having the First Annual Detour Fest, featuring acts like Beck, Queens of the Stone Age, Of Montreal, Blonde Redhead, Basement Jaxx, !!!, The Like and more. From that list, the only bands I haven't seen are Of Montreal and Basement Jaxx. Still, the people-watching element would be entertainment enough. But when my girlfriend asked if I was going, I told her it wouldn't be fun without her. Granted, if any of my friends had approached me about going, I'd have considered it. Still, there's another big event going on downtown at Bunker Hill, and the Dodgers-Mets game at nearby Chavez Ravine. Traffic and parking are likely to be hellacious.

Then on Sunday is the First Annual Taste of Los Feliz, which will be held a few blocks from my house. But it's happening a) during the Chargers-Steelers Sunday night football game, b) around the time my girlfriend's flight lands. Downer.

So my weekend is looking considerably more tame: clean the house, sweep and wash the back deck, rake the leaves in the backyard, pick up a few pairs of jeans from Denim Revival (when did they change the name from Denim Doctors???), choose colors to paint the office next weekend, get the dog some exercise and maybe a grooming.

What's your favorite restaurant?

It's too much pressure to decide on one favorite restaurant. There are so many great places in my neighborhood, Los Feliz (and adjoining Silver Lake):

The Alcove – Were we to judge by sheer frequency of visits, The Alcove would win hands-down. Set back from Hillhurst Ave. by a charming patio, it's part café, part American cuisine restaurant. You order at the counter, take a number, and are served your food at one of the patio tables. The most prominent feature is their display case full of scrumptious-looking cakes. I've sampled many of them and can vouch for each. The staff is also exceptionally cheerful.

Vinoteca – A block up Hillhurst and across the street is Vinoteca, technically a wine bar begun by block neighbor Farfalla, they serve food prepared at Tropicalia, the Brazilian restaurant next door. Vinoteca gets the nod for their excellent wine selection, severe lack of seating (there are 4 two-person tables, several 4 person tables, and the bar), and general ambiance—it's darker and more candle-lit than Tropicalia. We frequently stumble from a light meal at Vinoteca to the aforementioned Alcove for a slice of cake.

Malo – It's name means 'bad', but it's so good. The nouveau taqueria just east of Fountain on Sunset has two parts: a dining room (with outdoor patio), and the bar. The bar is where it's at, and you can eat from the full dinner menu there. Any of the carnitas dishes are amazing. It's also worth trying the four varieties of gourmet salsa they serve with freshly-made tortilla chips: the habañero & creme fraiche and tomatillo and hass avocado are my favorites. They don't mess around with girly blended margaritas. It's on the rocks or nothing here. And the jukebox kicks ass.

Blair's – Probably the overall best restaurant in the area, Blair's is a little unassuming place on Rowena that houses some of the best dishes available in Los Angeles. I believe the chef came from downtown's Water Grill, which is L.A.'s best seafood place. Every dish here (that I've had) is a winner. I've overcome my negative associations with this place (having had a bad argument here), but my girlfriend and I still call it "Blaine's", as in Ducky from Pretty in Pink's "BLAINE?!?! That's not a name, that's a kitchen appliance!" But it really is a phenomenal place. I highly recommend the blue lake beans with sausage.

Edendale Grill – A steak and American fare place built in an old firehouse. Good ambiance. The adjoining bar, Mixville, is also great, because they serve Blue Moon beer with orange slices, something I hadn't seen since visiting the midwest.

And that's just for starters. I haven't even mentioned the restaurants on Vermont, or some of the other good ones on Hillhurst (Home, Mexico City, Purans), nor have I gotten into the heart of Silver Lake (Cliff's Edge, Cafe Stella, Koda Sushi).

By the way, this weekend is the Taste of Los Feliz, where a number of these restaurants will be presenting their food. Yum!