Today's Food Section of the LA Times brings a somewhat scathing review of former Top Chef contender Fabio Viviani's North Hollywood eatery Firenze Osteria. The recently opened Italian restaurant created quite a stir before it even opened, thanks to Viviani's on-screen sizzle--enough allure to merit a 5-star pre-opening review from one Yelper who had never even eaten there. more ›

We weren't kidding when we said we wanted to hear from you about Late Night Eats in our fair city. The following review of Cuban restaurant La Bodeguita de Pico--sometimes serving until 1 in the morning--came to us from an enthusiastic reader. Don't be shy, Los Angeles, LAist likes you! By Jeremy Weinstein Even if you didn’t take note of the Bacardi Mojito billboards strewn throughout the city, you still probably know that the drink’s... more ›

Whether you love or hate LAist’s coverage of Thai Town, with 18 restaurant reviews in 21 days, you have to at least admit one thing – there are a hell of a lot of Thai restaurants on that small stretch of Hollywood, just east of the 101. Torung holds a special place in my heart, as I spent many a late night there; sneaking in a six-pack of Mickey’s Big Mouth, and scarfing down... more ›

Last Friday I was graciously invited to check out Ford's Filling Station's kick-off of their new "Ford's Play" snacktime menu. Billed as being "not quite lunch, not quite dinner" the comfy Culver City eatery has introduced a late afternoon menu boasting small bites and discount drinks. This Happy Hour-esque array of tasty offerings is available from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and certainly does take the edge off those late-in-the-daytime munchies with... more ›

I've lived in the U.S.A. for more than half my life now, but I still grapple with the issue of cultural identity and a sense of national heritage. This is further complicated by the fact that my people and my motherland suffer from what I see as a lack of culture beyond a handful of longstanding stereotypes that I feel oftentimes at a loss to counter or defend, unless I am taking exception to... more ›

We wanted to wait a while before checking out the new-ish Oinkster in Eagle Rock--and, admittedly, gear ourselves up for a major pig out on what they call their "slow fast food." So recently we stepped inside the red and white "shack" on Colorado in Eagle Rock for some lunch. Sitting in the interior made us feel like we'd crossed over into one of those nouveau "indie" films with big budgets; maybe it was... more ›

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The James Beard Foundation award nominations (the Nobel Prizes of food) are out today. And two out of three nominated cookbooks "From a Professional Point of View" are from chefs who've made their names in Los Angeles: Nobu Now from Nobu Matsuhisa and Sunday Suppers at Lucques by softspoken Suzanne Goin. Together the books total just about $50, which is less than you'd pay to eat in either place. more ›

Several LA institutions and individuals deserve a hearty congrats following the most recent round of the food world's academy awards. more ›