Message: | OK, I'll take a small crack at this one, too ...
For what it's worth, I'm a 4th-generation Angeleno who's spent some years living and working in NYC as well, and my general impression is that the French, Italian, East Europe and steakhouse fare is better in the Big Apple, while the other stuff is better here in LA. With that in mind:
Korean: If you're going with your beer buddies, Soot Bull Jeep. If you're looking for something nicer for family/coworkers, the place of the moment is Manna (but move fast before the ZaGatsbys swoop in). If you want to impress a date, Yongsusan.
Mexican: As noted earlier, El Serenata or Border Grill for the fancy stuff, Guelaguetza for the weird stuff, El Tepeyac or El Taurino or El Gallo Giro for the cheap stuff.
Southern/Ribs: Aunt Kizzy's and JR's are good places to start (anyone know if Chef Marilyn's Place is still around?)
Seasonal creative: What makes you think LA has seasons? :)
Thai: I'm partial to Sanamluang (noodles) and Kruang Tedd (everything else) in Thai Town. (Plus, the red-blooded hetero male in me thinks the babes at KT match up to those at Chan Dara, without the attitude ... OK, so shoot me.)
Special chefs: A few too many (and they're ready for their close-ups, Mr. DeMille)
Other obscure recomendations: Messob and Nyala on Ethiopian Row (Fairfax south of Olympic), Little Malaysia in El Monte, Shamshiri (Persian, on Westwood), Malvasia in Long Beach (one of the few pan-Mediterraneans that's actually good) |