Crocodile Consumption, Drawing at Cafecito Organico

Remember that time I saved my purse from a crocodile? Me too! I'm just down at Cafecito Organico in Silver Lake doing a little drawing of an re-enactment of that fateful afternoon. 

National Burger Day at Haché

Karma Burger, Fries and Alagash White

What better day than this beautiful sunny California day to head down to Haché LA in Silver Lake for a burger. Excuse me, a "Steak Haché". Whatever they call it, I call it a burger and it definitely qualifies for National Burger Day.

If you haven't been to Haché yet, it sits on Sunset Blvd. in the old Tarasco's Tacos space. It's a welcome addition to the Silver Lake neighborhood with affordable prices, a nice patio and delicious selection of beer to go with your burger. Steak is ground in-house daily to make fresh, juicy patties which are served on a brioche bun with karma sauce, cheese and the basics for only $5.95.

Mmmm...Karmmmmaaaa.... Burger

Grab a Karma Burger with some of Mick's Triple cooked fries and a burger and celebrate the best of American holidays, National Burger Day. Aside from Thanksgiving, that is. 

The Magic Mushroom, The Pioppinno

Today while I was at the Silver Lake farmers' market, I stopped by Kane's Family Farm booth to see their beautiful mushrooms. It seemed Marissa gave her husband the day off and she set up a beautiful display. She quickly brought to my attention that she had something very special today. She showed me a small tray of mushrooms that looked less than special. They seemed to be long spindly shiitakes. But they weren't. Marissa revealed that they were rare Piopionno Mushrooms, also called Block Poplar. But what made these fungi so special? 

"Unlike other mushrooms, when you cook these, they get crispy," Marissa said excitedly with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. That twinkle sold me. So did the intrigue of how these shrooms would cook up. 

She advised me to cook them at high heat in a skillet with a little olive oil. I did so and threw a little garlic in at the end. 

The mushrooms cooked magically to perfection. They got super crispy and were delicious. I fried up a couple pieces of Canadian bacon, mounded it with some smashed red potatoes and topped it with the crispy Pioppinno mushrooms. It was a delicious treat. 

I'm gonna keep this one in my pocket for the future. They would be the perfect topping to a nice risotto or salad. 

Juiced Served Here, Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake to be Exact

"Clean Greens" to get your day going

Sunset Junction is writhing with health-conscious hipsters. Yoga pants have become mainstream fashion in this neighborhood with yoga mats slung around the shoulder as an accessory. Pilates studios, warehouses of spinning women and weekend dancing at the Sweat Spot provide the perfect consumers of fresh cold-pressed juices and vegan-gluten-free-nut-free-lactose-free-flavor-free treats for several of Silver Lake's green-eats restaurants.

 

Choose your Juice or Make it a Shake!

Though it seems the Silver Lake area has plenty of choices for healthy (and needless to say expensive) bites, they keep adding to the roster. Introducing... Juice Served Here.

Juice Bar now open in Silver Lake

Juice Served Here is a small chain of juice shops in Southern California. The new juice shop just opened today on Sunset between my favorite shoe store, Undefeated, and Pazzo Gelato. Their clean, minimal branding is fresh and bright and reflects the quality of their ingredients. You can go for one of their pre-made cold-pressed green juices or have a healthy shake whipped up just for you. They also offer juice cleanses starting at $55/day. #jshcleanse

Cookbooks and organic goodies for your body and soul

If you've lived in the neighborhood for awhile, it will definitely be hard to break your Naturewell habit as they blend their juice fresh and it's right across the street. Either way, in Silver Lake you're gonna be paying some major green to drink green!

Of course, what else goes with juice besides luxury goods?

JUICE SERVED HERE

3827 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Silver Lake Neighborhood

Silver Lake's Secret Pork Bun

The first bite is just the beginning of delicious. Pork Bun from United Bread and Pastry.

If you're living in Silver Lake, chances are you're a hipster stretched very thin financially. Whisky and weed take precedent over paying rent and most certainly expensive meals. So if you're looking for some cheap eats in Silver Lake check out United Bread & Pastry's Pork Bun.

Pork buns wait inside steaming for your love.

This little Filipino bakery sits quietly amongst one of Silver Lake's busiest areas - Sunset Plaza Triangle. Yet, many people don't know the deliciousness that hides in the drab, unassuming building between Pine & Crane and Yummy. At United Bread & Pastry, you can find bread, fresh roasted nuts and traditional Filipino desserts and groceries. But what I go for when I want a hearty snack is the pork bun.

Behind the counter filled with pastries is where the secret treasure is kept. A steamer box with several shelves sits near the wall. It's windows are steamy with beads of condensation, but you can see the buns inside just waiting to get into your belly. When you order the bun, it will come wrapped in a plastic baggie and ready to eat on the go. Make sure to pull the paper off the bottom. Unless you're into that sort of thing.

Hot out of the steamer. Pork bun from United Bread & Pastry.

The pork bun is a soft, pillowy dough that surrounds tender pieces of shredded pork spiced to perfection. It only costs $1.25 and one, most definitely two, will fill you up. They also have chicken available. Pop next door to Mornings Nights Cafe and grab an iced-tea and you're set!

UNITED BREAD & PASTRY
1515 Griffith Park Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Silver Lake Neighborhood

Pizza Slut in Silver Lake

I was on my way down to Silver Lake Ramen and saw this great sticker art on Sunset Blvd. I'm a big fan of street art stickers. This cheesy, pepperoni slice looked so good, it almost made me change my mind and order pizza delivery. Mmmm... Tomato Pie is sounding good right now!

Blue Corn around the Corner in Silver Lake

Blue corn quesadilla with potatoes and chorizo

Today I had quite a pleasant surprise when I was walking home from Dinosaur Coffee and ran into the blue corn quesadilla lady of Echo Park. She happened to be working an event at Mack Sennett Studios. I couldn't resist a quesadilla.

Street food is my favorite. Just like in Mexico City, potato and chorizo quesadillas are my number one choice.

One of my favorite ladies in Los Angeles. Making some homemade tortillas from blue corn for quesadillas.

National Cheeseburger Day at Haché LA

Habanero Burger at Haché LA, Silver Lake

 It's amazing how much your neighborhood can change in three months. As I spent the summer in Mexico City, my barrio of Silver Lake was busy making some changes of it's own. New shops and restaurants popping up as others shutter down. One of them to close it's doors was Tarascos on Sunset Blvd. I won't lie, I won't miss it. It was replaced by a burger joint. Haché to be exact.

I was happy to hear that we have a burger place in the neighborhood. But I was also fearful it was going to be a fifteen-dollar-hipster burger. On this glorious American holiday known as National Cheeseburger Day, I found out that I was wrong.

Haché is a welcome addition to the restaurants in Silver Lake. In fact, it's just what we needed. A non-pretentious environment with affordable food (and craft beer too). Burgers come in around the $6-$7 dollar range starting with their Karma Burger. It's a burger with all the standards with a patty that's not so standard. The patties that fill the burgers at Haché are made in-house daily from ground Angus sirloin and seasoned on the outside like you would your sirloin steak.

One of the lovely workers rockin' one of my banana stickers on her hat.

They offer a few other varieties of burgers like the "Swiss Onion" with Gruyere cheese and carmelized onion. There's also the "Habanero" with a four-chile mix, garlic mayo and queso fresco. I had the Habanero and it was quite good. However it was pretty mild and I didn't really get any of that fruity habanero flavor, it was more of a jalapeño burger.

Of course there's also french fries, strawberry basil lemonade and a very friendly staff. So grab a burger and brew at Haché sit outside on the patio and enjoy friends and music.

Spitz for Lunch Fits!

Beef-Lamb Wrap at Spitz, Los Feliz, Los Angeles

There can be some pretty pretentious places in this neighborhood. Sometimes you just want to grab some good grub and a beer without overpaying for food to sit with a bunch of hipsters. Spitz is "home of the döner kebab" and it's also affordable and delicious. The term döner kebab is way over used on their menu and to save you confusion, it basically means "rotating meat". This refers to the cooking method which is very similar to al pastor. 

They offer beef, lamb, chicken for your döner kebab and have vegetarian options as well - like falafel. You can grab a decent wrap, sandwich, salad or their crazy street fries and get some great beer on draft to help wash it all down. I'm also a big fan of Crispy Garbanzos with Fried Olives (though sometimes they can be over salted).

My only complaint is the decor. I cringe everytime I go there. I'm an artist and I also used to run a street art blog. So their attempt to simulate street art as decor is terrible at best and definitely offensive to my eyes. Thank god the food is good.

Go to Spitz, but eat with your eyes closed! They also have curbside pick up and delivery at some of their locations - Little Tokyo, Studio City, Eagle Rock, Los Feliz.

SPITZ
Neighborhood: Los Feliz
1725 Hillhurst Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 522-3309

11am - 10pm, Sun, Mon, Tues
11am - 11pm, Wed & Thurs
11am - Midnight, Fri & Sat

Ricky's Fish Tacos - LA's Best Fish Tacos!

After just coming back from Mexico City, I couldn't just have an al pastor or asada taco anywhere because I knew I would be disappointed. So I had to go with a California classic, a fish taco. Not any fish taco, but Ricky's Fish Taco. Ricky's Fish Tacos are the best I have had in Los Angeles. They are always super crispy without being greasy. They come topped with cabbage, tomato onion, and just enough jalapeño for a little kick. You can then top you taco with their white cream sauce or salsas. They also have shrimp tacos. The only thing missing for me is lime wedges (and I've been known to take my own). They also have a choice of sodas and aguas frescas - usually horchata, jamaica and cucumber-spinach-mint, which is refreshing and a great compliment to the fish tacos. It's always my choice.

Ricky's Fish Tacos, Los Angeles

Ricky's Fish Tacos is kind of hard to find. There is not really any signage. You will see a food truck and yellow striped awning in the parking lot of some sort of abandoned beauty salon, where someone may or may not currently reside. It's on Virgil just below Sunset Blvd across from the Vons where East Hollywood, Los Feliz and Silver Lake collide.

Ricky's Fish Tacos

Neighborhood: East Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake

1400 N Virgil Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 906-7290

"Pine & Crane Noodle Co" Taiwanese Food Restaurant Opening Soon in Silver Lake

Pine & Crane Noodle Co. Logo via Facebook

I'm very excited for Pine & Crane Noodle Co to open in Silver Lake. It's next door to the cafe, Morning Nights in the Sunset Triangle, where I often sit to sketch and get inspired by neighborhood friends. I've seen the construction going on since the end of last year and I'm getting anxious for the opening of this Taiwanese food restaurant. It's going to bring some new flavor to our hood. We have plenty of Thai, Vegan, American options. I don't think I've ever had Taiwanese food per se. I've had Chinese but I know Taiwan is an island that likes to think of it's self as an independent.

According to About.com:

Mainland China's position on Taiwan is that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China; the People's Republic of China is awaiting reunification of the island and mainland. However, Taiwan claims independence as a distinct State.

With a mix of Chinese, Japanese and aboriginals, Taiwanese food is bound to have some interesting flavors.

Beef Noodle Soup Spice's via Pine&Crane Facebook

The owner is a young Tawainese woman. I've only met her breifly, but I've seen her buzzing about like a hard-working bee with her family and friends close behind to help. The facade of the old Cru restaurant along with the space next door is shaping up with a fresh look quite quickly.

Tea Tasting via Pine&Crane Instagram

I think this restaurant is going to be special for so many reasons - it's family owned, supporting sustainable, local, seasonal produce. According to a sign in their window nearly all the produce will be from their very own family farm. The menu will consist of "noodles, dumplings, scallion pancakes, beef rolls, plenty of seasonal vegetables, a few of our signature Taiwanese dishes like Three-Cup Chicken and Twice-Cooked Pork. Beer, wine and Taiwanese Teas served alongside."

Pine & Crane Noodle Co
Taiwanese Restaurant
Silver Lake
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Pine & Crane Instagram

Pine & Crane Twitter

Pine & Crane Facebook

Note in Window

Yuca's Burrito Love

Mexican food is at the top of my list and Yuca's is at the top of my Mexican food. I was fortunate enough to be near the original Yuca's yesterday on Hillhurst in Los Feliz while doing a little baby gift shopping. So how could I pass up a carne asada burrito, torta or carne asada anything from Yuca's? I almost always automatically go for the Torta there because it is pretty amazing. This time I went for a carne asada burrito. I am never disappointed. The burritos here are so simple, yet so satisfying. Burritos here, unlike Northern California burritos are made with a combination of four simple ingredients, well five if you include love. Each burrito consists of stewed pinto beans, your choice of meat (ASADA!) and their pico de gallo salsa (to give it a little kick) carefully folded into a flour tortilla. When you unwrap your burrito, there is it is - a perfectly wrapped pack of delicious. Don't forget to ask for a roasted jalapeño if you like spicy heat!

Check out Yuca's if you are in the Los Feliz, Silver Lake or East Hollywood neighborhoods. They have two locations:

Yuca's
Los Feliz

2056 Hillhurst Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 662-1214
The original Yuca's is a tiny taco hut on Hillhurst Ave across from the Albertson's Market. Order at the little window and go next door to the liquor store to pick up a beverage and come back just in time for your name to be called. There is a small outdoor patio for seating.


Yuca's on Hollywood
East Hollywood

4666 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-0523
The second Yuca's in located on Hollywood Blvd near Vermont across from Umami Burger. They have more food options on the menu and also have indoor seating as well as a patio.

Yuca's on Hollywood is also a MOGL Partner, so if you pay with a credit card linked to MOGL, you will receive 10% cash back on your order. It totally works, I've already gave it a try! Sign up for MOGL and see participating restaurants here.

Quesadilla Blues

You might the quesadilla blues is going to be a sad story. It's not. It's about some of the most delicious quesadillas in Los Angeles.

If you want some of the best quesadillas in LA, you have to go to the blue corn quesadilla lady in Echo Park. She's right off Sunset Blvd on Echo Park Blvd. to the west most weekdays for lunch. Look for the cart with the rainbow umbrella at the edge of the parking lot behind El Clasico Tattoo.

She makes fresh blue corn tortillas by hand then fills them with cheese and other goodies. Definitely try the Papas con Chorizo (Potato and Mexican sausage). The squash blossom and mushroom are grub too! You can also get a danger dog (LA street hog dog wrapped in bacon). Eat in LA for under $5. Oh yeah.

via Silver Lake Street Art

Halloween Projection Art at Berlin Currywurst

I will be exhibiting my projection art on the streets of Los Angeles for Halloween. I will be showing video art from "Return of the Dark Owl" and "The Fold" tomorrow night at Berlin Currywurst in Los Angeles. Come out and see my spooky art come alive on the walls. I will also be giving away sticker, postcards, t-shirts and more!

BERLIN CURRYWURST

3827 W Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles
CA, 90026

Halloween Night

October 31, 2011

7pm-10pm

Grub on Vegan Burgers

I'm generally not a fan of vegan restaurants, tho I love my veggies. But if you're a meat eater and ever dragged to Flore in Silver Lake, go for the BBQ Bacon Sliders. The patty is made of black beans and it is delicious. I'll be back for more.

WHERE:

FLORE VEGAN CUISINE

3818 W. SUNSET BLVD. SILVERLAKE, CA 90026

(323) 953-0611 

Rambutan in Silver Lake

Rambutan in Silver Lake is an average Thai restaurant with a great atmosphere of bright orange and acidic green The tables are sparse with white plates and accents of colorful chopsticks. Everything is pretty good but nothing was a total standout for me.

The Summer Rolls were refreshing and the peanut dipping sauce made me want more. The Pad Kee Mow aka Drunken Noodles was very good. I've normally had it with a light coat of gravy, but at Rambutan they do it two ways. You can get it "dry" with a light coat of gravy like I normally get. But the best option here is to get it in a bowl with gravy to the brim. It does make the noodles extra slippery and you may need to master your chopstick skills. I got some gravy in my eye when the noodles slipped away from me. The Crying Tiger beef neither made me cry nor feel like a tiger. It was a simple flank steak grilled almost perfectly, but by itself had little flavor. It's all about the sauce. It's sweet and tangy and a little onion-y. It kept reminding me of flavors in Mexican Salsas.

RAMBUTAN THAI
2835 West Sunset Blvd
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
213-273-8424

Thai Iced Tea

Summer Rolls

Summer Roll

Pad Kee Mow

Crying Tiger Beef

Jasmine Rice

Growler spotted at Silver Lake Farmers' Market

A fan sent in this image of the Growler seen buying produce at Silver Lake Farmers' Market.

Like the Sasquatch, you can sometimes spot a Growler. A fan of our blog captured the Growler this weekend shopping for produce at Silver Lake Farmers' Market. 

Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits. Thankfully in most parts of California, we can enjoy locally grown strawberries year round. Here are some berries from the Silver Lake Farmers' Market today... Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries.

Trying Lotus

Lotus root had long been one of my favorite snacks. The first time I tried it was at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles years ago. The root is sliced and pickled in a light sauce. When sliced it has a beautiful flower-like pattern inside. It is crisp, savory and slightly sweet and very refreshing for summer. Available at Silver Lake Farmers' Market.

Artichokes at the Farmers' Market in Silver Lake

Artichokes with a beautiful purple to green color at the Farmers' Market in Silver Lake. The market is now on Saturdays in the morning from 8am - 1:30pm and also now on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm-7pm.

The Silver Lake Farmers' Market is located where Griffith Park Blvd. meets Sunset Blvd. near Sunset Junction.

Silver Lake Farmers Market
3700 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

SAT 8am - 1:30pm 
TUE 2pm-7pm.

more info 213-413-7770