Sometimes you just have to go all out and go with your gut...which is what led LAist Featured Photos contributor ~db~ on this food-venture that he shared with us:

Last Monday I crossed another one off my 1,000,000 things to do before I die list. I headed over to The Gumbo Pot at Farmers Market and ordered up this feast for lunch. All I really wanted was the Gumbo YaYa and Hush Puppies. When I found out the gumbo also came with a side, I selected the cole slaw, which they make there. I didn't even know about the corn bread until it arrived on the plate. And even though it's against the rule, I decided to get a couple oysters, just to disgust my niece and please my palate. The Gumbo YaYa is just under $7, the hush puppies are about $1.50, and the oysters are a buck apiece. Everything was Real Good, though I've had better hush puppies and would have skipped them if I knew about the corn bread.

I Just a block down from Ragin Cajun, New Orleans occupies a space that used to be a 50s cafe, and you can still see traces of that design. The interior is a long diner counter, with tables lining the wall. The restaurant is extremely dark inside, so it is a little unwelcoming at first. I have been there a few times, but never managed to actually sit down and eat before. My dining companions... more ›

Hermosa Beach is one lucky town. Not only do they have the beautiful beach and the ocean breezes, but they have lucked out in the restaurant department. They are home to not one, but three New Orleans-inspired eateries: Ragin Cajun, New Orleans, and Café Boogaloo are all within two blocks of each other. This week, to gear up for the big Bayou Festival in Long Beach, I am going to cover all three restaurants.... more ›