Antigua Bread in Vernon

Antigua Bread in Vernon is the second location of this growing local franchise. In fact, this second place is where they now bake the bread for both locations. A big, new and upscale site, the smell of freshly baked French and Mexican style goods is intoxicating. The staff was so proud and happy. I really appreciated their enthusiasm and honesty. The place was still filled with customers even at 10:30 AM on a Tuesday. I got the sense that the local folk have taken to the place already and treat it as a second breakfast nook.

The Kettle in Manhattan Beach

Bike riding again with friends, we stumbled onto a local fav, a 24 hour place called the Kettle. Known for its rich onion soup and hot homemade muffins. We ordered sandwiches and salads. The interior is very dark and comforting. It feels like a ski lodge, although the beach is two block away. The staff is awesome and helpful. The onion soup was rich but I wish the cheese on top was a little bit more melted. The muffins were absolutely delicious. I had to stop myself from eating too much.
The Kettle, located at 1138 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach CA 90266, 310-545-8511.

Rick's Burger in Pasadena

We decided to go to the Norton Simon Museum today which opened at Noon, by then we were hungry so we decided to get a quick meal at Ricks Burgers before checking out the world renown collection. Rick’s is located at 680 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA, (626) 449-4842. The cheeseburger, fries and drink special is really inexpensive but I super sized my drink to a chocolate shake. The hamburger had shredded lettuce, a think patty (ala frozen stock), and a sweet sauce with relish. Well, for a quick, inexpensive burger, it’s a very decent burger. I’m not a big fan of shredded lettuce. It’s a little too Mac for me. The fries are also from frozen stock as well. The little shack is very old school and fun. The staff is very no nonsense and confident. Over all, Ricks is nostalgic and decent. I heard they have a burrito, a vege burrito stuffed with fries among other things. I think that sounds pretty cool.

Atlacatl

A couple of blogs ago, I mentioned that we have a new dress code at work. We have to wear a neck tie. So in response to that, my friend and artist Noel Korten responded by giving my 25 of his neck ties ranging from styles of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. So, after getting them cleaned and pressed at the dry cleaners, I wore one each day for 25 straight work days and each day I would send a picture of me in the tie to Noel as a on going gag. Towards the end, Noel and Sheila invited me out to eat some Salvadorian food. We went to Atlacatl, 301 N Berendo ST at Beverly Blvd, LA CA 90004, 323-663-1404. Some friends at work had told me of this place with rave reviews so I was pretty excited about it. The interior is uber living room. We ate a minced meat dish that was very good, some plantain with cream sauce, and of course papusas. Everything was fresh, even the tortilla was homemade. I really hope you all get a chance to eat here. It's totally down home and yummy.

Phillips in Leimert Park

Where's the best BBQ in LA? That's a hard one. Everyone's got their favorite. I'm still bitter about the closing of Leo's BBQ, which was on Crenshaw off of Adams. Oh well, don't get me started. Anyway, if your out sampling the LA BBQ landscape, certainly Phillips would have to be on your list. Now there are several locations. There's the classic one on Centinela with the fried fish place in the back, there's the location that used to be my beloved Leo's and there's the one on Leimert in Leimert Park.
Phillips Bar-B-Que (323) 292-7613 4307 Leimert Blvd, Leimert Park, CA 90008. There's a bullet proof window in this short hallway, no where to eat and a kind of "secret" like feel about the place. Everyone's cool and the food is outstanding. I got the Pork BBQ dinner. Couldn't finish it. There was enough leftovers for a second meal. Tender BBQ where the meat just falls off. The sauce is not too sweet and smoky.

Langers at Mac Arthur Park

When I first started working at Metro, my boss at the time, Jessica Cusick, swore that Langers at the best pastrami in town. Even though I went to Otis for my undergraduate, I had never been to Langers. Jessica lived in NY for many years so I respected what she said. The key to their pastrami beyond the fresh and tender pastrami is the smothering of coleslaw and that Russian dressing. The rye bread is fresh and delicate. I also enjoy their cream soda, which is homemade. I was there last week with photographer Bill Short and his assistant John. John got the brisket and Bill ordered the cornbeef. Bill and I shared halves. I have to say I like my pastrami. So good. Not too salty but meaty and delicate. In the past, I've ordered the potato pnacakes and I love their matzo ball soup. Langers is located on the corner of 7th Street and Alvarado, across the street from MacArthur Park and four stores south of the MacArthur Park/ Westlake Metro Station.