White Boy/White Dog Move To Skid Row

Certified Beach Dude Moves To Downtown Los Angeles

Nothing earth-shattering here, but just wanted to share a few downtown eating experiences from past few days.

Ma Petite- I’m afraid to say, but I think they may have one foot in the grave. I have never been blown away by # of people there (although I don’t go at lunch time weekdays which may be very busy). I went Sunday fro breakfast- and they were CLOSED. Not a good sign. I went Monday for breakfast, as I was craving their bacon, carmalized onion and potato omelette- and I was only person there. I was told that from now on Sunday would be closed. I said fine, but UPDATE YOUR WEB SITE- their menu is even screwed up on-line as they still offer calzones and pizzas, but took dinner completely off the internet. I get so pissed when restaurants just change their hours and don’t at least post it, giving people a chance to figure it out. PLEASE try this place if you haven’t, and go back if you like it. I really like it and wish them success, but it is not looking good.

Blu LA- This place is my new “Nickel”- I don’t know why I call it that, execpt every time I go there I walk past a line at the Nickel and smile to myself knowing I’ll get a seat- maybe the last one, at Blu LA and love the food even more. The key here is the omelettes are oven-baked, something I only remember The Cheesecake Factory doing. This gives a great texture. And with lower prices, the place is an absolute value ($8 for omlette with 3 items of choice, bread, great potatos, and a side of bacon or sausage). We did have a bad service experience- and we did get last seat in the small place (it was very busy for Blu LA)- at least 3 tables came and went while we were still waiting for our food. At first I thought was the oven cooked omelette taking time, but then when waitress, Matilda, came by and asked for our order again that was a terrible sign. Thank goodness we wer not in a hurry, and basically shrugged it off, but it could have been a nasty turn of events. And they did offer us a free pastry, which we did not want but still were presented with.

Origami- Still my favorite happy hour place downtown, and definitely one of best sushi places, although not cheap in that department, but J.P. the chef will toss you enough free-bees to make up for the cost. Brian the owner is constantly tweaking the menu and prices- in a downward fashion, and I am known to order many things off regular menu while sitting in the bar, bypassing the happy hour fare, but enjoying good vibes with customers and bar staff. Try the popcorn shrimp (slightly spicy) or the Kobe flat iron steak- very tasty!

Weiland Brewery- I forgot about this place for about 9 months- I don’t know why. Well, yes I do- there are NEVER single women there, kind of almost a biker/sports bar. But the food is above average and very reasonable by downtown standards- great burgers for $7.95 while the norm is $12 and above. And during happy hour, the appetizers are half-price, which means a good shrim cocktail is $3.95, garlic fries are dirt cheap, and if you drink the house-brewed draft beer, they are half price too.

Redwood Bar & Grill- as much as I am over the terrible music that I’ve had to put up with at that place, I am addicted to their sweet potato french fries- nothing elee compares. And during happy hour, they are half price as well as decent prices on drinks. The sliders make a good meal by themselves- I like them better than ordering a regular $13 hamburger here. But come early and leave early before the wacked crowd arrives.

The Must/Julie Rico Gallery- a real find. I agree with a Yelp review that said the name souned pretentious and I wanted to stay away. But it turns out the must is just a stage wine goes through as it is fermenting, so the name makes perfect sense for this wine bar. My friend and I felt like hot dogs one evening and headed for Weeneez, but were side-tracked by the cool looking bar (forget Lime- this is nothing like that mess). We had some sweat potato tator tots (damn that is good stuff!), beer pretzals, and a couple of Sangrias (I love Sangria and they have 3 flavors that I’ll have to try). Again, very good happy hour prices- half off the $7 Sangrias, I believe, and food priced well too. We still split a Weeneez hot dog on way out as I like to patronize Julie’s joint….

So there you have it- my last week’s culenary experiences worth noting… Please support the places you love to eat at downtown!