To be honest, the only reason we came here was it was close by and my friend’s bakery supplies the delicious pretzel buns their burgers come on.

I had never heard of Tower 42 before.

Of course, I rarely come to Playa del Rey.

Situated next to Lana del Rey, Playa is a sleepy, beachy, wetlandy part of West LA. I’m not really sure what there is to do there that you can’t do in Venice or Santa Monica.

I think it’s just cheaper real estate? I could be way off. I don’t know what I’m talking about, people. Don’t listen to me.

Tower 42 is a large, open-spaced, chic, modern beach themed joint that I think gets really hoppin’ at night. During the day, it was a ghost town.

Our waitress said it seemed odd that it was empty and then I made some hilarious “perhaps the world has ended” comment and, well, you know the rest.

While my burger was fine on all counts and my non-dairy friend’s salmon hit his boring-ass spot (friend, you are not boring but your diet sho nuff is), Tower 42 certainly is not road trip worthy.

No offense, waitress lady. It was not your fault. If I lived around the corner, I’d come here often.

Then I’d make a gut-busting pun about that and we’d all laugh and laugh and laugh.

119 Culver Blvd
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
(310) 823-6800
http://tower-42.com/

Pingtung has my dream menu, various Asian eats at my disposal. Ramen, Dim Sum, Sushi, Vietnamese….drool-worthy!

Don’t let the small front seating area fool you, there’s also a large patio in the back. That’s where all the people at!

Tonight, Clyde and I had a devil of a time finding a place to eat.

We thought we had ressies at Genwa Korean BBQ. “But my assistant made the reservation this morning, I heard her”.

“We actually don’t take reservations sir, but I’d be happy to place your name on the wait list”.

With an almost 30 minute wait ahead of us and Clyde’s temperatures soaring, we were outta there.

We decided to drive further into the heart of Koreatown for an alternate BBQ spot, Soowon.

Soowon’s wait was 45 minutes.

We would have already been placing a piece of expertly seared mammal flesh into our mouths at Genwa by now.

So, we left there, too.

After several times pulling over to look for a place on our cell phones and me blanking on my internal master list of restaurants, we finally remembered Pingtung.

Seated in seconds, we were shoving copious amounts of dim sum down our gullets faster than you can say “You can take your no reservation policy and shove it!”.

Perhaps, even faster.

My favorites were the Shanghai Panfried Pork Buns, the Chicken Chow Fun and the greasy but amazing Flatbread Beef Roll. Loved the light sweetness of the beefy filling! Just wear gloves when you pick it up.

We found the shrimp dumplings lacking in flavor and the radish cake was a bit too greasy. Still tasty, though!

When we spoke to the owner, he mentioned they have a ramen expert in the kitchen so I think I might have to go back before this post goes up and try one of their nummers sounding Ramen selection.

Yes, I believe Ramen should be capitalized. Have some respect!

7455 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 866-1866
http://pingtungla.com

If you’re a sub shop, I feel like you got a leg up in the restaurant biz.

Sandwiches are something people can eat every day. Not a special occasion kinda food like oysters or Twinkies.

I would eat at a place like Papa Jakes (I almost wrote John’s) once a week just cuz a sandwich under $10 is something I can commit to on a regular basis.

The Meatball was certainly the highlight. I like that they’re smashed and on the smaller side. The bread is amazing. Thin, soft with a crusty exterior French bread. Very simple and yum.

The famous Tuna was also amazing, the tuna was on the mayoey side (which I love) but that may deter some folks.

The Chicken Parmesan stood out because the chicken was shredded, some some bulbous patty shoved in a bun. Maybe could have used more cheese but I probably would have regretted it.

The Mushroom Pepper Cheesesteak was good. While cheesesteaks seem to be what everone on Yelp is ordering, I’m not sure they’re gonna win any awards. The meat could have been jucier. I could have used more cheese. Preferably Wiz.

The Turkey Avocado was as good as you can get with that situation. I mean, have you ever had a turkey sandwich that knocked your socks off?

If you have, its probably because of whatever ELSE is on the sandwich with it. Turkey is dry and boring, people. It needs gravy, cranberries, mashed pots and stuffing and a hit off a joint to give it a personality.

9527 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 276-7823
http://www.papajakes.com/home.htm

Capriottis, one of my favorite sandwich spots, is celebrating it’s 37th Anniversary this Thursday, June 13th.

And we’re all being given a present!

Come to any California location from 3-7 pm on June 13th and receive their signature Bobbie sandwich (Shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberry, a touch of mayo) for ONLY A BUCK!

You heard right, ONLY A BUCK!

Stop making me yell, people.

Just come to Capriottis this Thursday and cram a gratuitously delicious sandwich into your mouth. You can send me a thank you letter later, I’ll be waiting by my mailbox.

http://www.capriottis.com/

WILSHIRE @ BEDFORD – Beverly Hills
9683 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA
90212
(310) 858-1383

CULVER CITY
5495 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA
90230
(310) 391-1600

ENCINO
16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA
91436
(818) 986-2838

TORRANCE
17352 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA
90504
(310) 214-9200

WHITTIER
10126 Carmenita Road, Whittier, CA
90605
(562) 777-0779

COVINA
216 N. Azusa Ave., Covina, CA
91722
(626) 966-4007

WALNUT
505 North Grand Ave, Walnut, CA
91978
(909) 444-7782

GLENDORA
1331 S. Lone Hill Ave. Suite 120, Glendora, CA
91740
(909) 599-1600

NEWPORT BEACH
4221 MacArthur Blvd. Suite B-2, Newport Beach, CA
92660
(949) 769-2650

TUSTIN
2487 Park Ave., Tustin, CA
92872
(714) 258-0900

SAN MARCOS
1158 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Diego, CA
92078
(760) 471-8700

MISSION VALLEY
1620 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA
92108
(619) 542-1987

SDSU
6011 El Cajon Blvd. Suite 107, San Diego, CA
92115
(619) 265-2113

Mondo Taco is another one of those places who’s menu I become obsessed with.

“Must bring lots of friends, must try every taco”…I plot.

On this night, Chesty, Clyde and I were able to sample 12 delicious, unique, globally themed tacos….

…there are still so many I still need to try.

FYI, that’s the theme here. Tacos from around the globe. Around the world in 80 tacos.

You want Thai, you want Indian, you want Greek? Mondo Tacos got ya covered.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

*Love, love the handmade corn tortillas. They’re soft and malleable, unlike store bought. Scratchy and breakable.

*French Kiss – The mushroom dijon sauce was so freaking good, I need to learn how to make this at home and then pour it directly into my mouth.

*Angry Chicken – The star of the menu, the thick pieces of all white meat, the tang of the buffalo sauce and the creaminess of the blue cheese. All the buffalo wing flavor without the orange fingers (and shirts..and pants..)

*Big Ben – All their tacos from the sea were fantastic, the fish was cooked perfectly. Loved the tarter on this one.

*The meats were all super high quality, no bits of fat or gristle. Even some of the tacos that I enjoyed less, such as the Holy Mole and Car-Neato still had excellently seasoned, grade A meat.

The joint is a bit small so try to come during the off hours if you don’t like being around people. The prices are insanly cheap for the big ass deliciousness you get.

Trust me, you’ll toil for hours gazing at the menu wondering which tacos to choose.

FYI, just plan on coming back a few more times to alleviate any buyer’s remorse.

1292 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 939-0161
http://www.mondotaco.com/

I came into Petty Cash Taqueria during its first week expecting love at first sight.

I had already included it in the “Top New Restaurants in LA” article I was writing!

I just couldn’t bring myself to love the tacos. They were just all right.

So disappointing. Now, I was going to have to find some other new restaurant to love.

However, after coming back a second time the following week, I found the tacos had improved and realized that I shouldn’t have broken my restaurant rule and judge a restaurant too harshly when it first opens.

For the record, the cocktails were amazing from the start! Come here for drinks and you won’t care WHAT you’re eating!

Standouts were the Petty Cash Margaritas and the Banana Hammock, a somewhat banana scented version of a Mai Tai. Also enjoyed the Rubarbara Walters (tequila, clarified rhubarb and “Paloma Soda”) a new addition to the menu since last time.

The cheesy churros with the green corn dipping sauce were PERFECTION. So decadent and delicious. Felt like one of the most fattening things I’d ever consumed and I was FINE with that.

Really loved the “Poncho Style” quesadilla. Super thin and simple, which I appreciate in a quesadilla.

Loved the fresh and light Kanpachi Ceviche with tomatillo and avocado. At $17 it was on the pricier side, but you get a nice, healthy portion.

On my second visit, we tried the Dorados (crispy, rolled potato tacos) and those are definitely a must order.

Tacos to get are the Carne Asada, Grilled Octopus or the Portobella mushroom.

I love how casual and large this place is. You can get a whole park bench to yourself (yes, its communal seating) but hopefully this place never takes off enough to force me to sit next to strangers.

I’m sorry, Petty Cash, for doubting you. Good luck. Good luck to us all.

7360 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-5300
http://pettycashtaqueria.com

Don’t Tell Mama, a cabaret-style restaurant/lounge/Piano bar originally from NYC, had a lot to prove after opening the doors to it’s new west coast location.

Any restaurant opening up in West Hollywood is bound to fall under the scrutiny of the town’s bitchy denziens.

We’re a picky bunch, as Yelp can attest to.

I think a good hard and fast rule is never judge a restaurant too harshly during it’s first month (or three).

There are always some bugs to work out, so just cut these places some slack. If you’re going to be that particular, just wait til the place has got its shit together before going and slandering them online.

I came here last Friday night with a small group of friends. We came early for dinner, sat at a really nice booth up front by the piano with a super attentive and friendly waitress and had the best time. We stayed for about 3 hours, I would say.

I rarely stay anywhere that long.

DTM is a really fun, neighborhood spot where the food is good and the piano keys never grow cold.

In between a mixture of Broadway and classic Elton John, the waitress would come up and sing a fun Disney tune or one of the patrons (such as ourselves) would request something off the wall, such as A-Ha’s “Take on Me” from the enormous songbook being passed around.

Some food highlights were the Lobster Mac and Cheese, the DTM Pizza and the Filet Mignon. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Chicken Piccata (a bit oily).

The specialty cocktails were very straightforward yet nicely presented however, I would have appreciated some more variety in the selection. Something spicy, something herby, something not made with vodka.

But it’s a new joint, folks. Give it some time to warm up. Let’s see what they have coming up in the second act.

8279 Santa Monica
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 380-7209
http://www.donttellmamala.com

I’m always slightly offended when someone suggests we got to a restaurant I’ve never heard of.

How is it that Bun Boy has not heard of any restaurant?

Quite impossible sounding, right??

Especially a restaurant sandwiched between several others I have already been to.

Meet in Paris is a quaint French bistro in the heart of downtown Culver City. Apparently, self-parking has become a thing of the past and one must valet on a friday night.

I hate valet. Besides being embarrased by my filthy automobile and my intense pride (I will find a parking spot even if I have to miss dinner, dammit!)…

…I’m just a cheap bastard.

Anyhoo, what Meet in Paris is known for is their 16 KINDS OF MUSSELS.

I didn’t hear much talking once the entrees arrived so I’m assuming they were tasty. I don’t eat shellfish as many of you may know but I’ll take everyone’s slurp, I mean word for it.

The Tomato Tarte Tartin was excellent. The pear added a nice sweetness, balancing out the tartness of the tomatoes and the abundance of blue cheese topped everything off nicely.

The Steak au Poivre seemed a bit overcooked but the frites were perfection.

My Burger Provence had a lot of ingredients but I love a saucy burger and this one did not disappoint. I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to have to eat this with a knife and fork, which I’ve learned to be fine with.

The prices are a bit higher than elsewhere on Culver Blvd but, in general, cheaper than most French restaurants.

Please note your table will be adorned with old fashioned, tall, white candles which will disappear before your eyes.

Eventually, the melted wax will become irresistible and you will have to play with it and have it drip on your fingers even though it keeps hurting (ouch!…ouch!…that stuff never cools down, does it?!)

9727 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 815-8222
http://www.meetrestaurantla.com

Chi Lin is so LA.

Sexy. Sleek. Pricey.

(Also, David Spade drove by me in some beat up car while I was waiting outside and yelled out “Is that place open yet?!”)

Forget all that noise, what drew me in was the mouth-watering menu.

I’m a sucker for any Asian cuisine. I could eat it every day, for every meal.

So, when someone comes along and does some cool stuff with it, I’m sold.

Don’t be frightened, I wouldn’t call this fusion. Just super high quality meats and produce, combined with unique uses of traditional ingredients.

To be honest, I don’t drag my ass up to Sunset very often (even though it’s literally four blocks away from me).

I wouldn’t exactly call it a foodies paradise. Douchies paradise, perhaps. But the hot, GOOD restaurants don’t often choose that location.

They usually choose the scariest street, next to the scariest crack den.

But IDG (Innovative Dining Group) is known for a lasting array of restaurants in their repetoire. They also own Boa Steakhouse, Katana, Sushi Roku and my favorite lunchspot (located right next to Chi Lin), Riva Bella.

They know their sh*t.

But that sh*t don’t come cheap.

You’re on Sunset Boulevard, people. Someone’s gotta pay that enormous rent!

I don’t mind passing out the bucks if the food’s good and thankfully Chi Lin really impressed me.

In a world of “meh”, I’m not easily impressed.

Before I go into the food, remember that the portions are definitely on the smaller side (and prices on the higher).

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

Hot and Sour Martini – You must order this version of a spicy margarita. Best drink on the menu, hands down.

Orange Glazed Baby Back Ribs: They were perfection. Tiny, tiny perfection. No fat or gristle. Remember to utilize the kumquat sauce drizzled all around it. Excellent flavors here.

Prawn, Crab and Asparagus Toast: Shellfish Alert! I actually ate and ENJOYED shellfish! What is happening to me?? Mark this day on your calendars. And remember to order this dish if you come here! So good.

Scallops with Toasted Black Beans and Garlic: Super spicy and super delicious. Scallops were excellently cooked. The heat is in the finely diced garnish, so don’t keep scooping that in your mouth if you’re afraid of the heat. Dummy.

Black Pepper Two Basil Filet Mignon: One of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth!! Oh my god, this crap is good! Bold, tangy, mildly spicy sauce on crazy, crazy tender beef. I want more. I want more NOW.

SOME LOWLIGHTS:

The Pea Leaf and Water Chestnut Dumplings were good, but not great. A little too simple for my tastes. Order the crab and uni dumplings instead.

The Chile Garlic Brussels Sprouts were…..awful. I’m sorry, they were just terrible. We were warned they were going to be served cold but they were rubbery, bland and undercooked. I will not discount Chi Lin for this. It’s their first week of operation and they’re still seeing what works and what doesn’t.

One of the best things is that everyone at Chi Lin was VERY friendly!

Huh? Friendly on Sunset? You heard right, folks!

Our server, Courtney, was the best! Super nice, no bullsh*t, awesome.

Alan Young, the asst. general manager also swung by and was definitely a cool dude.

Overall, I LOVE this place. It’s perfect for a full on “night on the town” dinner or just sexy drinks and apps. You’ll pay a bit more (we spent about $100 per person, that includes tip) but was definitely no buyer’s remorse.

(JUST A HEAD’S UP, IT WAS SUPER DARK IN THERE, MY PICS AREN’T GREAT)

Ramen in LA has certainly become big business.

Just when I think I’ve been to them all, another one opens somewhere else and soon as Jonathan Gold drags his fat ass there, it’s suddenly got a line around the block.

When I first started going out for Ramen, the flavor choices were Shio (Salt), Shoyu (Soy Sauce) and Miso (fermented soybean paste).

They were all fine, they were ok. I ate them but didn’t rave about them.

Tonkotsu Ramen has more recently become the hot new thing. It’s a thicker, richer broth made from boiling down the pork bones and fat for hours til you’ve got a cloudy, latte-colored soup.

It’s SO much better than the prior ramen we had dane to devour before.

Some places, such as Daikokuya, ONLY serve that. Or at least, that’s all you’d want to order there.

Men Oh, located in Honda Plaza (across from Sushi Gen) seems to be tapping into Daikokuya’s market. Which is fine. Daikokuya usually has God awful lines and Men Oh is certainly a comparable alternative.

The two ramens are almost identical. Like twins. Like two feisty twins ready to pull a Parent Trap. Huh?

While I hate to admit that Daikokuya’s broth is a bit more flavorful than Men Oh’s, it’s good enough as long as I also make sure to order those tasty Karaage (fried chicken bites) and the PERFECTION which is the Gyoza.

Gyoza often bores me. Soggy, oily, partially-fried wontons filled with bland and scalding hot meat.

Men Oh’s wonton wrappers are delicately thin enabling them to crisp up without all the oil residue and the contents are tasty, porky, piggy heaven.

Oh, and that divine soft boiled egg is better than Daikokuya and isn’t that the best part of any good bowl of ramen??

456 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 687-8485