New York Food Fest 2008

So once again I'm in the Big Apple soaking in the culture of the American City. Since this is my second trip in less than seven months, I was not as concerned with hitting a whirlwind of places. Instead, I took my time, tried to drop the tourist act and soaked up the city at my own pace.Crif Dogs was...

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Nanban-kan

(310) 478-1591 11330 Santa Monica BlvdWest Los Angeles, CA 90189Adequately Fed: $30See Below(Out of Five Stars)Considering the Nanban-kan is a Japanese yakitori-ya serving grilled skewers in small portions, I am doing something different for this review. Each dish will be listed with a...

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Pollo a la Brasa

(213) 382-4090 764 S Western AveKoreatown, CA 90005Adequately Fed: $51/4 Rotisserie Chicken*****Salad*Fries*(Out of Five Stars)From a block away, you can smell the smoky stacks of the Pollo a la Brasa Peruvian chicken hut. It is among the least accommodating restaurants in Los Angels; it's...

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Santouka

(310) 391-11013760 S. Centinela Avenue,Los Angeles, CA 90066Adequately Fed: $7Shio Ramen*****(Out of Five Stars)Located in the Mitsuwa Japanese Market, Santouka is a food court ramen stand. Yet its humble surroundings belie the superb flavors of the ramen. I have never understood the fascination...

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Clementine

(310) 552-10801751 Ensley Avenue,Century City, CA 90024Adequately Fed: $10Rare Roast Beef Sandwich***Chocolate Chip Cookies*****(Out of Five Stars)This charming cafe off Santa Monica is a little difficult to get to and even more difficult to park. There's a small lot behind the restaurant, but the popularity makes this place crowded even in the late afternoon on a Monday. Clementine does...

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Eating Veal is NOT Eating Babies

Reading my last entry, a review of Mio Babbo's, I realize that I may not have as many veal fans among my cohorts as I might believe. Though I do not think I can bring over the moral objectors with words alone, it would take a delicate veal chop to do that, I want to lay the groundwork for their first foray into the tender meat of calves.All meats bear their characteristic flavors due to the lifestyle...

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Mio Babbo's

(310) 208-5117 1076 Gayley AveWestwood, CA 90024Adequately Fed: $15House Salad with Italian Dressing**Spaghetti Pomodoro***Veal Piccata*****(Out of Five Stars)After reading the chapter on meat in Harold McGee's On Food and Cooking explaining the science of cooking, I felt compelled to order a veal entree. McGee writes that meat gains flavor from life, meaning older...

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