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Michael Moldofsky Photography

LA Eats & a little more...

First, a link to some history and how to pronounce a few things - thanks LAIST.

We noted a few places as LA TOP 5 so you don’t miss some real favs.

Our fav LA bloggers
Cathy at     Gastronomy Blog
Food news at EATER LA (They're in 22 cities nationally)


Fine Dining (all need a reservation) 
Providence     is the fav of Kamil (owns Blu Jam Café)

N-Naka            is always MM's favorite place in LA.

Hayato                is a top 3 place in LA for Anna.
KinKan LA         is Japanese with Thai flavors


Korean
Genwa           A K-Town favorite
Jae Bu Do    Seafood BBQ!! An experience!
Parks BBQ    If you're a Korean Celeb you eat here because its better than in Seoul. 
The food court in this Korea Town Plaza has some of the best fast food available.
One stall serves dumplings only and the shrimp dumpling is to die for.
Also, check out Western Avenue (between 5th St. and Wilshire). Many UNIQUE places - ask me!!

Japanese
Hama Sushi   in DTLA are pure sushi lovers. Feels like you're in a back alley in Tokyo.
Ichijiku             come have killer sushi in Highland Park - be sure to invite me.
Sushi Gen       in DTLA - Japanese pals say its TOPS.

Iki Ramen       is not just ramen, its also a great Omakase. An experience unique in flavors. Two Locations now!

Otafuku         is a small out of the way authentic place Michael really loves.
N-Naka          is on the list twice because its Michael’s fav in LA. $$$$. You must RSVP.  LA Top 5

Chinatown - 727 Broadway (Far East Plaza) 
The whole building has become a very hip food court worthy of checking out.
Pearl River Deli, Howlin' Ray's (Spicy Fried Chicken worth the long line).

Thai - Hollywood
Ruen Pair is our FAV place in LA for Thai LA Top 5
Recommend: Thai Beef Jerky, Sticky Rice, Crispy Fish Salad, Papaya Salad, Curry Noodle Soup.
We are only listing one place under Thai, this is the most authentic Thai place and least expensive.
NOTE: In the same strip mall across the way is a Thai dessert store (Orange sign). Must check out!

Chinese/Vietnamese - all in the East side of LA
New Port Seafood  LA Top 3 experience. The "go to" for the Chinese Lobster! (or visit Boston Lobster)
Green Zone                  Asian Fusion and very healthy and HIGHLY recommended
Half and Half Tea House     A unique boba/pudding drink

Hip and Cool
Little Dom's     Good place for celeb-spotting
Bestia                Really, really GREAT FOOD in DTLA
Cantor's            Like being at NY Deli - Party w/ Slash in bar area. We did.
Intelligentsia Coffee in Silverlake on Sunset (East Hollywood)
Bottega Louie DTLA is the most reviewed place in LA. Try the Trenne pasta and the amazing bakery inside.


Breakfast:
Blu Jam Cafe    I frequent the Melrose and Downtown locations.   LA Top 5
Recommend: Crunchy French Toast; Norwegian Benedict; Eggwich; Huevos Rancheros; great coffee.

Vegan/Vegetarian:   Kitchen Mouse or Cafe Gratitude (where every dish is also an affirmation - they do dinner, too).

Italian
Felix Trattoria - Meh... I really don't have a great recommendation. This Venice place is famous.

Burgers / Sandwiches
In-N-Out                        Everyone should make a pilgrimage here when in LA. Anthony Bourdain always did.
Monty's Good Burger  serves the Impossible Burger. It's darn good!
The Oinkster                  was highlighted in Diners and Dives, it’s the go to place for pastrami
Lee's for Banh Mi Sandwiches          in multiple locations...

Mexican
EL Cholos     Only go to the one on Western Avenue, the Original place. Guacamole is made fresh at your table.
Guisados     Tacos - LA Top 5
Holbox          Bib Gourmond food stand (also check Chichen Itza down the hall) offering Yucatan-style food.

Vietnamese
Summer Rolls   No Pho, Vietnamese BBQ. 
Sáu Can Tho Vietnamese Kitchen  is like NO OTHER place you've ever dined. 
Lee's for Banh Mi Sandwiches          in multiple locations...
Banh Mi Hoa Phat    Should be called the best sandwich in LA

Desserts
Portos       Cuban bakery Extremely popular and lots of selections
Scoops     Popular so I'm mentioning again.
Sprinkles Cupcakes – it’s an LA thing 

Trucks
Kogi Truck started the US craze here in LA.

Link 1    Link 3    Link 2    York Blvd in Highland Park (lots of Vegan options) Fri/Sat nights.

Shopping
The Grove LA in Hollywood is pretty darn cool. It started in 1930 as a Farmer’s Market that's still running today.
It has a great food court. 

Outlets
Citadel Outlets      is a short ride down the 5 Fwy from DTLA 
Cabazon Outlets   is a good weekend edition to Palm Springs trip. Look for higher end outlets like Prada, Gucci, etc.
Premium Outlets  in Camarillo, 60 min from LA

Bars
The Prince is located in Koreatown and where Mad Men was filmed. 60’s vibe known best for their fried chicken.

Best Adult Entertainment
The Magic Castle requires an invitation from a member (easy to find). Coat and tie required! Definitely an LA experience. LA Top 5!
Once you have your tickets, make a dinner reservation. Dinner guests have preferred seating in the main room magic show. Expect to spend several hours going from room to room and floor to floor for magic! When you walk in, talk to the Irma the piano and she will play any song you can name!