Delicious Coffeeee at Stories

An exceptional americano made with good humor and great care. Every cup is brewed with Cafecito's organic coffee beans that are roasted locally and delivered fresh to Stories.

This is Hari. She made my americano and she's awesome.

Hari gave me a sampling of their chili soup which had just the right amount of piquant - yum! And there's my croissant. I can't not get a croissant when I order a coffee, it's a terrible compulsion that I'm not working on.

STORIES Books Gifts Cafe
I love Stories. It's one of my fave coffee shops in LA. You just can't go wrong when you combine good coffee, tasty food, super cool people, and great books. There's a cozy seating area at the front of the store, coffee shop with outdoor patio in the back, and lotsa cool books in between.
The menu was created by chef Mike who also makes a daily fresh soup, and I heard a rumor that they're bringing in some enticing cookies very soon. Hmm, I guess I'll have to come back.
Check out their website for readings, events, and deelish menu at www.storiesla.com
1716 Sunset blvd. (213) 413-3733

Oh Kogi Bbq... You make me so kogi-happy

Korean short ribs - Kogi's signature taco is a flavor and texture sensation. See how everything's chopped into little pieces... the tender bites of marinated grilled meat mixed with bits of crunchy onions and lettuce, topped with a tingly sauce and wrapped in two soft-tacos is just so good. Kogi bbq has created such innovative flavor combinations.

Kogi Quest a success! These are definitely the most delectable tacos in town. Thank you Kogi Bbq Justice League - Gamsahamneedah!!



How's your taco video\

ps: apologies for low quality video and pics... things will improve when I invest in a better camera

Beyond the amazing food, it's the overall Kogi truck experience that makes it all so cool. I think tonight was the first time I actually enjoyed waiting in line for anything. There's an excitement and happy anticipation buzzing throughout the long line of hungry customers with everyone discussing what they're going to order. The truck itself has an aura about it, like it drove in from some magic food land to feed the devout foodies of l.a. And witnessing the chefs at work in the truck, preparing, chop-chopping, and assembling with such focus and care is a sight to see. Oh yeah... and the tacos are $2. Man, I love LA.
Friday night in Silverlake Sunset @ Manzanita on North side of bridge.
Check out www.kogibbq.com or twitter.com/kogibbq for updates and new locations.



Ordering a taco video\

Again, apologies for crappy video quality

Yikes! It's 5:39pm... gotta get to Kogibbq truck!!

Foo-Foo Tei Noodle Soup!

Action shot of miso ramen noodles about to be eaten - gyoza still untouched but soon to be gobbled.

No, this is not a flying fish. It's pan fried gyoza with an outer crispy layer served with a little mound of shredded daikon mush. You just separate the gyoza with chopsticks and chomp away!

Then there's the Nanchatte Tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork based soup) and Omg it was so flavorful and layered with oodles of yumminess. The creaminess brings a subtle sweetness to the broth, and the added bits of fried garlic combined with the chopped green onions is perfect with a mouthful of noodles. Oh and the egg! That half soft-boiled egg floating on top is one one of the first things I pop into my mouth!


Okay if you're ever craving some delicious ramen noodle soup then this place is worth the drive.
I've met people who say they don't like soup and my brain doesn't comprehend this. I wonder if they've ever tried a bowl of miso ramen soup (like this one shown above). The broth is simple miso goodness with slices of fatty pork, some chopped green onions, and a fishcake. The noodles were just a tad overcooked but hey, that's ok.
Foo-Foo Tei 15018 Clark Ave, Hacienda Heights (602) 937-6585

Instead of KogiBbq - :( Cheeseburger Special (#2)

Krinkly yellow paper and ketchup cup make for fun dinner

Great viewing spot to see what the locals are up to... and there's always something happening!

Gotta love that shredded iceberg lettuce mixed in with mayo-sauce... mmm

Okay no Kogi Bbq, so I stopped in at Patra's Burger joint on Sunset West. I've driven by Patra's countless times and they always seem to have customers but it's one of those places that you tend to just keep on driving by cuz when you crave a quick burger usually a Big Mac or Burger King will do. Well tonight I turned my steering wheel towards Patra's and had me the Cheeseburger Special (#2) and it was pretty good. Their burger tastes like a homemade version of an In n Out burger. Lightly toasted bun, beef patty's not too thick and not too thin but still juicy, freshly chopped onions and lettuce, slice of tomato, a coupla pickles, some 'secret mayo sauce', and of course that slice o' melted processed cheese... mmmm. The fries were generic frozen kind, meh.
But I gotta say it's a great place to sit, people watch, and take in all the interesting happenings of Echo park.
Patra Burger Sunset @ Laveta Terrace

1st Food Quest for Kogi Bbq - Total Bust!

Tonight I drove out to find the Kogi Bbq truck in Little Tokyo. There's been a lotta buzz about this magical mobile Korean/Mexican fusion food vehicle that travels around the city feeding LA's hoards of hungry hipsters. Apparently Elyjah Woods recently waited in line for a taco treat AND Jonathan Gold praised them in an LA Weekly write-up... I like the part about them being "The Justice League of Food... coming together to fight evil". The first time I heard of Kogibbq was from my sister who lives in Gatineau, Quebec. So I must try this food! It is my Quest (this week).
Anyway, the line-up wrapped half-way around the block and I was too scared to wait in line by myself (lame, I know). I could've stood in line like many others chatting on the cell stuck to their heads, but it all seemed kinda douchey. Tomorrow I will set out earlier when the truck stops in Silver Lake... and I will get you kogi bbq truck! I will get you!
www.kogibbq.com

Constant Quest for The Perfect Croissant

Um, what's up with all the ginormous puffed-out 'croissants' in LA?
Until I can move across the street from Stohrer's in Paris, I will always, always, be on the quest for a good croissant in North America. There is a lack here I must say.
All I want is a simple, humble, perfect croissant. The kind that has delicate crispy outer layers that turn into a soft and slightly chewy but very buttery warm inside... Omg I want one right now.
Here I found a Portuguese convenience store that carries fresh-baked bread-y croissants. Well okay, it's basically bread shaped like a crescent, but these guys are soft and slightly sweet and are pretty delightful dunked in your morning coffee... And they're only 45cents! Man, I love LA.
962 n. Vine street