Baby, it's cold outside. And our bellies are empty. Here are some of the best eats in L.A. to comfort you in this chilly, rainy weather.
Chicken Rice Porridge at Forage
Forage is known for it's locally-sourced goodies and kale salads, so it might be a bit of a surprise that their riff on Asian rice porridge is so soul-warming and delicious. The thick rice soup is topped with fried garlic, ginger, scallions, tender dark meat, a soy poached egg, and yes, kale. This is L.A., after all.
Forage is located at 3823 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, (323) 663-6885
Green Curry at Jitlada
Pretty much everything on the spicy Southern Thai menu at Jitlada will warm you up, including owner Jazz's smile, but if we had to pick one item on the menu it would be the fiery green curry mussels. It's rightfully the talk of Thai Town.
Jitlada is located at 5233 1/2 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, (323) 667-9809
Photo of vegan broccoli soup at Charlie's by Krista Simmons/LAist
Vegan Broccoli Soup at Charlie's Pantry
When we first tried the vegan broccoli soup at Charlie's, we were so convinced there was some sort of dairy in it that we checked with the chef -- twice -- to be sure that wasn't the case. The trick to this ultra-creamy soup is white rice, which they use to thicken and add a silken texture to the comforting broth.
Charlie's Pantry is located at 12265 Ventura Blvd #101, Studio City, (818) 509-9085
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at Grilled Cheese Truck
Is there really anything better than a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup on a rainy day? The answer is yes, a BBQ pulled pork grilled cheese with a side of fresh tomato soup. We wouldn't recommend tracking down the road stove in this weather because Angelenos are notoriously bad drivers in the rain, but if the trucks are anywhere near you, go.
You can find the Grilled Cheese Truck by following them here.
Photo of miso tonkatsu ramen by Krista Simmons/LAist
Miso Tonkotsu at Ramen By Omae
Our town has admittedly become obsessed with ramen this year, with countless gourmet noodle joints opening up. If you're after some of the cleanest, most savory pork broth you'll ever taste, then try the miso tonkotsu ramen by Morimoto-trained chef Takeshi Omae, who was recognized by the Michelin guide during his time cooking in Tokyo. The broth is made by simmering pork for 40 hours, resulting in a well-developed flavor that will have you hankering for more.
Ramen By Omae is located at 14425 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, (818) 784-8981
Braised Short Rib at Cliff's Edge
There's no better way to beat the rain than a braise. This type of slow cooking at home is painfully simple, but if you'd rather have something a bit more elevated (and leave it up to a professional), head over to Cliff's Edge, where you'll find prime short rib served with a marrow bone, smoked celery root, turnips, carrots, and horseradish with a thyme jus.
Cliff's Edge is located at 3626 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, (323) 666-6116
