Cheap Eats in LA

Went to Santouka in the Mitsuwa shopping centre on 21515 Western Ave. in Torrance on recommendation from a friend and from Rameniac’s popular Ramen blog. Went for the Shio (Salt) ramen as it seems to be the most popular of the 3 variations available (others being Miso, and Shoyu). While being salty it was enjoyable though they only gave me two slices of pork, perhaps because I’m a gaijin, while I was seeing others being served with toppings on the side with at least 8 slices of pork on the plates. There’s a ton of better info on this spot just a Google search away, if highly interested in ramen and all it’s varieties definitely check out Rameniac’s site, quite possibly the best ramen resource on the web. 

This vietnamese spot in Garden Grove (near Westminster) at 14291 Euclid St. serves up some of the best Pho (pronounced F-uh) in Los Angeles County. Deciding on the pho buc tai with filet mignon was a very good choice. Satisfying and tasteful, the standard options for toppings is bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, peppers, herbal leaves, and you must ask for chopped onions. Add a little Hoisin and Sriracha as you desire and enjoy!

This is the legendary Hodori, located at 1001 S Vermont Ave at Olympic open 24/7. This is the place where many come after the club/bar/party/etc. I believe we arrived somewhere near 3:30AM. Ordered the bulgogi and enjoyed the vast array of sides they bring. Sizzling on arrival this is some very very good bulgogi and I highly recommend stopping by whenever you are looking for a late night spot. 

In Tarzana just down the street from the hospital at 18452 Clark St. sits Mort’s, your standard deli. I’m a big corned beef/Montreal smoked meat sandwich fan, so I opted for this terrible rendition of what should be a deli’s staple. I prefer kaisers to rye and this time I fucked up. Bun was a day old if not two, and the meat was sparse and flavorless. This sandwich should be moist and falling out of the side of the bun, I’m still angry at them for this terrible sandwich, it took me a couple days to make this post I’ve been that pissed off. Fries were skinny and oily, and to shit even more on this place they give you “fancy ketchup” packets, cheap bastards  can’t afford Heinz!?

Right next to Domingo’s at 17544 Ventura Blvd. is Thai ‘Ni. They offer a ton of Combo’s including this tasty Pad Thai and Chicken/Beef Satay for under $10. Pad Thai is typically western, not too spicy, a little sweet. Satay was great, with what seems to be a homemade peanut sauce that was probably the best I’ve had. I’ve heard things about the ribs, will try those next time. 

Situated at 15928 Ventura Blvd is D’Amore’s, the only place that was open after 10pm relatively close to me the other night. I’m still trying to figure out how these California pizza places end up with slices of ham when offering “Canadian Bacon”. There is nothing Canadian about sliced ham! Now if you were to coat back bacon with peameal, you would have something “Canadian” to offer. I ordered a medium and Ramone hooked up some extra toppings, came out great, thin crust, absolutely delicious.

Located at 11018 Vanowen at Vineland sits this “Texas BBQ” joint. I spent the first 3 years of life in Texas, and yea, you guessed it, I don’t know a damn thing about real BBQ, but I do know that if they smoke it over wood, shit should be good. This place smokes it but I ain’t finna be fixin for it anytime soon. Small portions and saucy, though the meat was definitely smokey I’ll give them that. Mac N Cheese was mediocre, service was prompt, and they have one of those original Mario Bros arcades if you play games. 

Let me preface this review by apologizing for all of the reviews in the Valley, I’m unfortunately stuck here until February when I will be relocating to the Westside! Also no, I do not eat 4 meals a day I’ve just been backlogged and now that I’m bloggin I just can’t stop. Located at 18966 Ventura Blvd. is one of the worst Philly Cheesesteak places I have ever eaten at. I am a connoisseur of the cheesesteak and tend to act a little naiive when I see that “best philly cheesesteak” neon sign. I hate to be negative but theres almost nothing good about this place (save for the steak itself), from the French baguette to the American cheese used, there’s nothin Philly about this spot. I honestly make a better cheesesteak myself. With that said, I still ate all 14″ of the thing. Here’s a pic for all y’all to drool over.

Again opting for something familiar, went to this place at 17334 Ventura Blvd. in Encino  to get me a shawarma. Here a standard shawarma is with Turkey/Lamb, not the beef or chicken I was used to, but willing to try it. Tasted great, and for $6.50 very filling. The meat cut off the rotisserie not thrown on a grill gave me a good feeling about this place, as it seems the rotisserie’s are not used at all of the middle eastern places in LA. With the tahini, hot sauce, hummous, and turnips in there, tasted much like something I have eaten on Bloor st. in times past.

Located at 17548 Ventura Blvd. in Encino, this deli/grocery brings many items from the old world into the valley. I opted to try a veal with mushrooms and peppers in hopes of recreating a taste I was familiar with eating at California Sandwiches as often as possible as a youngster. The veal was good and messy, just how I like em. Tons of other options under $10 that I’m sure will please.