Manny Valladares

Food

Yama Sushi Marketplace — quality LA sushi and sake at lower prices

We sat down with the co-owner of Yama Sushi Marketplace, an more than 40-year-old business that's focus is quality sushi at an affordable price.

A top-down view of a box that has an assortment of sashimi

Highland Park’s gourmet Korean convenience store

After opening a modern Korean pub called Yi Cha in 2025, chef Debbie Lee decided to pay homage to her heritage with Mokja — this time serving Korean goods and convenience.

Food

Transplant taqueria: How a Tijuana taco made its way to LA

Owner Aria Esquivel talks about how it all started from a humble Tijuana brick-and-mortar and how they stay true to their distinct North Mexican menu.

Food

How a Korean street food-inspired vendor started their pop-up and popped off

LAist sat down with the owners of Ho Tok Korean Pocket Pancake to talk about the food they grew up with and the variety they provide for folks in Southern California.

Food

Looking to try a variety of Southeast Asian flavors? Rasarumah is a one-stop shop for it

LAist sat down with Johnny Lee, chef and owner of Rasarumah, to talk about what inspired his restaurant's Southeast Asian fusion menu.

Food

More than a century in business and counting. Why Fosselman's is a SoCal treasure

Fosselman's Ice Cream Co. has been around for 107 years. Here's how it got its start.

The interior of an ice cream. It includes a refrigerator stocked with pints of ice cream, a menu, and display cases with tub of ice cream. There's also multiple chairs by a table for customers.

Food

Pawn Shop LA: The Hollywood sports bar with a James Beard chef

LAist sat down with two of the minds behind Pawn Shop, a new sports bar on Melrose with menu items like pickle-brined fried chicken and caviar.

Photo of a bucket of fried chicken in metal tray, alongside it are a full sauce container, and pickles. The tray sits on a table, alongside a glass of beer.

Explore LA

The man behind the World Cup and how LA fans are experiencing his decisions

Gianni Infantino is the head of soccer's largest governing body. Here's what to know about his rise, as well as his defense of ticket prices and human rights concerns.

A man in a dark suit and tie sits at a desk with a podium mic and a blue, red, white and green soccer ball sitting in front of him. He's arching eyebrows and raising his hand up.

Food

You can find more than 15 internationally inspired flavors at Lei'd Cookies

LAist sat down with the owner of Lei'd Cookies in Culver City to talk about the internationally inspired flavors they bake into their sweet treats.

A photo with a variety of cookies, ranging in different colors and garnishes.

Food

How O'Brien's Pub on the Westside ensures you drink a top-tier Guinness

What makes Irish food authentic? We sat down with the owner of O'Brien's Irish Pub to find out — and hear what sports fans can experience there.

Photo of a a pub's bar, sitting on it is a Irish coffee and and Irish breakfast.

Food

Looking for some British pub food and World Cup soccer? What we tried on the Lucky Baldwins menu

LAist sat down with the folks running Lucky Baldwins Pub in Pasadena to talk about what makes its fish and chips special, and what to expect during the World Cup.