Rate-A-Restaurant #261: Five Guys

Restaurant: Five Guys

Location: 8850 Tampa Avenue (Northridge)

Type of restaurant: Hamburgers

We stipulated: We've heard the Five Guys raves for some time, but hadn't found the time to make a trek to one of the chain's few (but growing) Southern California outposts. This Monday, we finally made the effort.



They stipulated: Five Guys is "the place to get a fresh, juicy burger with all the toppings you could stuff between fresh-baked buns." The chain claims there are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys. Founded in 1986, it was only in 2003 that the restaurant began franchising -- and has already opened 900 stores around the country.



What we ordered: Mike: Hamburger with lettuce, pickle, tomato, grilled mushroom, jalapeno and mustard ($3.89); Maria: Hamburger with grilled mushroom, tomato, lettuce and grilled onion ($3.89). French fries with cajun spice on the side ($3.09).



High point: The fries are fantastic -- and the cajun spice a nice touch. Plus the burger patties are thick, and I appreciate the free toppings (including fresh, not pickled, jalapeno slices).



Low point: The burger buns are too soggy, perhaps a function of the foil wrapper trapping too much moisture.



Overall impression: Like any Southern Californian, we swear by In-N-Out. But I appreciate the larger Five Guys burger patty and the wide variety of condiments. Five Guys also offers quite a variety of diet sodas. I don't get the free peanuts thing (seems unnecessary), and Five Guys' stores are lacking in ambiance (There's a low-rent quality to decorating your walls with quotes from reviews. Hey, we're in the restaurant, you don't need to sell it to us.) The In-N-Out stores are nothing special, but they're more pleasant to sit in.



Chance we'll go back: Absolutely. In many parts of the city, Five Guys is opening up near an In-N-Out. Perhaps because of the novelty factor, we'd probably return to Five Guys again first.

Rate-A-Restaurant #260: Slaw Dogs

Restaurant: The Slaw Dogs

Location: 720 N. Lake Ave., #8 (Pasadena)

Type of restaurant: Hot Dogs

We stipulated: We were in Pasadena to visit the Huntington Library -- but this was right after the big winds, and the Huntington was closed. We decided to treat ourselves to lunch -- and Slaw Dogs popped into mind.



They stipulated: For their gourmet dogs, either order one of 10 special "Slaw Dogs" or build your own.



What we ordered: Mike: Thai slaw dog (above; chicken sausage, spicy peanut-coconut satay dressing, cilantro-carrot slaw, crushed peanuts, siracha aioli) $6.59. Maria: A.B.L.T. dog (below; double bacon, chopped romaine, tomato, avocado, roast garlic aioli) $6.29. Plain hot dog for the kids, $3.49. Belgian fries, $2.99.



High point: Amazing choices and unique selection of hot dogs and sausages, with great tasting buns. Several different kinds of dipping sauce as well (although not homemade).



Low point: The loaded-up dogs are a bit hard to eat. Plus, we found it odd that there was no kid hot dog. And the fries were most certainly "belgian fries" (below).



Overall impression: Good place to bring the kids (what kid doesn't love hot dogs?) and a gourmet way for you to try it as well.



Chance we'll go back: Yes-- there are plenty more dogs to try!

Rate-A-Restaurant #259: 'Wichcraft

Restaurant: 'wichcraft

Location: Inside MGM Grand Hotel (Las Vegas)

Type of restaurant: Sandwiches

We stipulated: Before driving back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, we picked up a few sandwiches to go for the drive home.

They stipulated: "Tom Colicchio's 'wichcraft combines the Craft ethic of great ingredients and careful execution with the ease and accessibilty of a sandwich - or as co-founder Sisha Ortuzar describes it, "it's Craft between two pieces of bread!"



What we ordered: Pressed sandwich: chicken breast, roasted red pepper, mozzarella & pesto, country bread; warm sandwich: meatloaf, cheddar, bacon & tomato relish, ciabatta



High point: Decent sandwiches, good bread and a lot of flavor.

Low point: I'm guessing these sandwiches come loaded with a hefty calorie count. I know they come loaded with a hefty price tag.

Overall impression: Good sandwiches, and even though they were a little messy to eat while driving home, they filled our bellies when we needed them the most.

Chance we'll go back:  We might the next time we're in Las Vegas. Still a better option (and despite what I wrote above, more economical) than most places on the Strip.

Rate-A-Restaurant #258: Scoops Westside

Restaurant: Scoops Westside

Location: 3400 Overland Ave. (Palms)

Type of restaurant: Ice Cream

We stipulated: We've been enjoying the wonders of Scoops' original location, in East Hollywood, for years. But a few weekends ago, we found ourselves on the Westside with my parents -- and I thought it might be a good time to check out Scoops' Westside digs.

They stipulated: Scoops, of course, is famous for their always-changing selection of unique and unusual flavor combinations. And the small still comes with two scoops, which means the ability to get more than one flavor in even the smallest size. And as always, samples are free.

Flavors available the day we visited: Pistachio Tangerine, Chocolate Almond Butter, Black Sesame, Cream Cheese Oreo, Strawberry Balsamic Honey, ND Coconut Jasmine, ND Chocolate Peanut butter



What we ordered: I tried the Cream Cheese Oreo and Black Sesame (always a fave), while Maria got the Strawberry Balsamic Honey and the Black Sesame. ($3.50 for a small, which comes with two flavors.)


(Pic via Scoops Westside's Twitter feed.)

High point: Scoops' Brown Bread flavor, its signature selection, was also on tap, and my mom got it. I took a taste and remembered how much I like it. Next time. Also, it was less crowded than East Hollywood.

Low point: Sadly, the flavor selection is smaller than the original East Hollywood location, which has two freezer displays.

Overall impression: Scoops has still got it.

Chance we'll go back:  We'll be returning to the East Hollywood location, which is much closer to Franklin Avenue HQ.

Rate-A-Restaurant #257: House of Dole Whip

Restaurant: House of Dole Whip

Location: 7901 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 106 (West Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Dessert



We stipulated: Back in Hawaii, my family would frequently play tourist and walk around lively Waikiki on a Sunday afternoon. While there, we'd usually end up getting a Dole Whip at a stand at the Royal Hawaiian shopping center. More recently, a Dole Whip is required eating while passing by the Tiki house at Disneyland. So when something called the "House of Dole Whip" popped up in West Hollywood, featuring a discounted coupon on Groupon, I bought one. This Labor Day, with my parents in town, it was time to relive those childhood Dole Whip memories.

They stipulated: House of Dole Whip is located inside a former yogurt shop, complete with the serve-yourself machines. But the store won't let you serve your own, they'll do it for you. That's partly because they don't sell the cups and cones by weight.

What we ordered: Pineapple Dole Whip, Mango Dole Whip, Raspberry Dole Whip in a waffle cone.



High point: The flavor selection -- at most places, including Disneyland, you can only get Pineapple.

Low point: The House of Dole Whip doesn't really specify what's Dole Whip and what's not among their flavors. I had to ask, and discovered that one side of offerings is still traditional yogurt (including Red Velvet).



Overall impression: So yes, the vagueness of this enterprise concerns me a bit. There's no signage anywhere, and you get the strong vibe that Dole has not sanctioned this store in any way. Contrary to what the House of Dole Whip says, the Dole Whip can be found in other locations besides Disneyland and the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa. But nonetheless, they're not easy to find -- and that's what makes the House of Dole Whip a unique idea. Rather than open another yogurt shop, I gotta give these guys credit for finding a niche.



Chance we'll go back:  Yes -- especially since I've got another Groupon.

Rate-A-Restaurant #256: The Six

Restaurant: The Six Restaurant

Location: 10668 Pico Blvd. (West L.A.)

Type of restaurant: Gastropub

We stipulated: It was a long-awaited lunch with my pal Diane "The Surf Report," but she couldn't get away for too long -- so we settled on a spot on the west side. I'm not as familiar with restaurants over there, but Diane suggested The Six. I was game.

They stipulated: Part of the gimmick of The Six? Sections of the menu (starters, pizzas, main dishes, dessert, etc.) all contain just six choices.



What we ordered: Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders: portobello/red bell pepper/ fried housemade pickle ($13); Grilled Salmon Salad: tomato/cucumber/avocado/red onion/capers/lemon vinaigrette ($14)



High point: Despite the "six" choices limitation, the menu was unique and diverse. And the turkey sloppy joes had a nice, sweet but savory flavor to them. I could have used another.

Low point: Parking is limited, and the service could be a bit slow at times.



Overall impression: Nice environment for a casual lunch.

Chance we'll go back:  I'm not sure I'd make an extra effort to try The Six again, but if I were nearby, I might.

Practice Dinner: Papilles Bistro, Coming to Los Feliz

Over the course of our nine years blogging at Franklin Avenue, we've had the opportunity to visit many restaurants -- and of course, we've reviewed more than 250. But last week we received our first-ever invite to a private dinner in a downtown Los Angeles loft. I was intrigued.



Santos Uy, who owns downtown's Mignon wine and cheese bar (and before that, opened Bacaro LA), is about to open a brand-new French concept restaurant in Los Feliz (on Franklin Avenue, natch). To spread the word and test things out, he invited a handful of bloggers to his loft last Thursday.

Maria couldn't make it, but I brought along my pals Paul and Diane, who were equally intrigued. Santos gave us the rundown: Papilles (French for "taste buds") Bistro is inspired by a recent trip to Paris, where the “bistronomique” movement has taken off. "It's simple but well-executed French food," he says. More from his website: "We strive to serve the same quality food as one might have at a Michelin starred French restaurant, but in a casual, bistro setting. Our wines will be French heavy. I’m an admirer of Beaujolais. I also love esoteric Eastern European wines."

The plan for Papilles: Weekly three-course meals in a small space (currently occupied by a pizza joint, one block west of Gower) that will seat around 24. Uy plans to move fast, opening the restaurant within two months. (The chef is remaining anonymous for now, as this person first has to give notice to their current restaurant.)

Here's what we ate:



“Chilled almond soup with figs.” Also with almonds, almond oil, and a mahon tweel.



“Warmed nicoise salad nouveau.” A deconstructed nicoise salad with pan-seared tuna, boiled potato, haricot vert, olive; arugula, spinach and sherry vinaigrette “dots.” It was nice, and as a bonus, Diane says it was the first time she could appreciate rare-seared tuna.



“Braised veal cheeks, artichoke fava ragout, cooking jus.” This was the highlight. Diane didn't finish hers, so Paul and I happily split what was left.



The dinner was capped with cheese: cana di cabra with honey. It was quite a treat, and the dinner went off without a hitch. We're looking forward to checking Papilles out once it opens.

Ludo Bites America, and We Bite Ludo

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, as I immediately went from Comic-Con to the Television Critics Association Summer press tour, held for a little more than two weeks at the Beverly Hilton.

The Hollywood Reporter's Tim Goodman calls it the "Death March with Cocktails." The press tour is a weird mix of back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back press conferences, held inside a dark, cavernous ballroom where the temperature ranges from 50 degrees to 90 degrees, depending on the moment. Then it's capped off by an evening event -- a chance to chat and interview executives and stars in a more casual environment.

The cable networks, in particular, like to make some noise by putting together unique events. In January, we took an L.A. noir bus tour with James Ellroy (read about that adventure here).

This time, the highlights included a special Ludo Bites dinner from Sundance Channel, which is the home of Chef Ludo Lefebvre's new TV show, "Ludo Bites America."

I'm sure you've heard of Chef Ludo, the king of the pop-up restaurant idea. "LudoBites is a restaurant by Chef Ludo Lefebvre that has no permanent address and no phone number. We like to say that the restaurant is limited only by Ludo’s imagination," says the restaurant's website. "Many, including ourselves, have called it a “pop-up” restaurant and that may have been true for a while, but to truly characterize our business model as it exists today, we are a “touring” restaurant."

For the "Ludo Bites America" dinner, Chef Ludo and Sundance took over the Mel's Drive-In location on Sunset for an evening. Here's what he cooked up:



AMUSE BOUCHE: Grilled Carpaccio of Lamb; Green Tomato Chutney, Feta and Socca Cake. (I was pleasantly surprised by the mellowness of the feta, a cheese I normally don't enjoy. The lamb was simple and nice.)

Honey Grilled Summer Fig; Blue Cheese Mousse and Hazelnut Croustade. (This was just a bit too sweet for me and the others at my table.)



FIRST COURSE: Ceviche, Cucumber Water & Purslane. (Not a lot of flavor here, may have needed salt or other seasoning.)



SECOND COURSE: Red Beet Gazpacho, Goat Cheese Sorbet. (This was good, but perhaps too rich. Others noted the vinegary, mustard-like flavor.)



ENTREE: Marinated Hanger Steak, Shallots, Kale, Red Chile Kimchi Butter. (Amazing. The dish of the night. Perfect crust on the outer core.)



DESSERT: Smoked Vanilla Bean Bacon Creme Brulee and Lavender Bloom. (Great flavor. But the strong lavender presence maybe too strong and covering up the bacon taste.)

In the end: The dinner started a little so-so, but ended with a bang with that entree and dessert. I've heard that Ludo Bites dishes can be hit or miss, and we got both. Still, a great meal, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to try.

"Ludo Bites America" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Sundance Channel. Tomorrow night's episode features Ludo in Denver, "where he hunts and kills a buffalo. Out of respect for the animal, he eats the heart in the field, and uses every part of the animal in dishes for his Denver restaurant menu." The Aug. 16 episode takes place in Raleigh, N.C., while the season finale, on Aug. 23, returns to Southern California as Ludo puts his own spin on Tex Mex cuisine in Redondo Beach.

Rate-A-Restaurant #255: Lawry's

Restaurant: Lawry's The Prime Rib

Location: 100 N. La Cienega (Beverly Hills)

Type of restaurant: Steak

We stipulated: For a belated office holiday party, the consensus was Lawry's. I had never been, believe it or not, and was more than intrigued about this history and tradition.

They stipulated: "The moment you arrive, you’ll know Lawry's The Prime Rib is an extraordinary restaurant – a place of grand style, classic elegance, luxurious comfort and home of the world famous Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. The unique menu features our Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef served tableside from gleaming silver carts. Enjoy the warm hospitality, exceptional service and award-winning food that have made Lawry's a dining legend for more than 70 years.



What we ordered: "The Famous Original Spinning Bowl Salad: Crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, baby spinach, shredded beets, chopped eggs and croutons, tossed with our exclusive Vintage Dressing"

Lawry cut: "our traditional and most popular cut"

C.C. Brown's ice cream sundae: "Prepared tableside with Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream, toasted almonds, whipped cream and C.C. Brown's Hot Fudge"



High point: The entire old-school experience, starting with the odd use of meatballs in the front as you wait for a table. From the table-side prep to the servers' uniforms, you're transported back to an earlier time.

Low point: Of course, in that earlier time, food was fatty, portions were large and the overall experience was pretty unhealthy.



Overall impression: Lawry's is not a place you would visit often, but it's a dying breed of a restaurant experience. I'm glad that places like this still exist; I can at least get a bit of a feel for what it might have once been like to dine at a Perinos, for example.



Chance we'll go back:  Not in a long time (I think I've had my allowance this year), but perhaps for a special occasion.

Rate-A-Restaurant #254: My Sweet Cupcake

Restaurant: My Sweet Cupcake

Location: 954 Mission St. (South Pasadena)

Type of restaurant: Bakery/Cupcakes

We stipulated: We were in South Pasadena for one of our regular go-to adventures with the kids: Taking the Metro Gold Line downtown. Back in South Pasadena, we were walking around and decided to check out My Sweet Cupcake's goods.
b
They stipulated: My Sweet Cupcake won Food Network's "Cupcake Wars." "My Sweet Cupcake prides themselves on fine ingredients with a touch of homemade flair to make their cupcakes delicious and classic."



What we ordered: "Oreo Delight," "Simply Vanilla" cupcakes.

High point: My Sweet Cupcake had just closed, but we must have looked sad otuside the door, because they still let us in and let us buy two of the day's leftover cupcakes.

Low point: Well yeah, it was an end-of-the-day cupcake... which meant that it wasn't quite as fresh.



Overall impression: Cute place, cute cupcakes. Does the job if you're in South Pasadena and you're jonesing for a cupcake.

Chance we'll go back:  In a town overrun with cupcake shops, there wasn't anything that memorable about these. (If anything, the cake was a bit dry.) They were OK, but is anyone jonesing for cupcakes anymore? So I'm no so sure.

Rate-A-Restaurant #253: The Edison

Restaurant: The Edison

Location: 108 West 2nd Street (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Bar/Speakeasy



We stipulated: Maria and I were in downtown for the Last Remaining Seats, and looking for a place to grab a quick bite and drink before the movie. Because this screening was being held at the Million Dollar Theatre, we were close to 2nd Street -- and Maria had never been to the Edison. Mission accomplished.

They stipulated: "By creating living history, Andrew Meieran's award-winning design celebrates an era of invention and imagination -- the blending of science, art and industry. The space retains many of its architectural and mechanical artifacts from its history as Downtown LA's first private power plant. The design combines styles ranging from Art Nouveau to Industrial Gothic in order to create a lavish Industrial Cathedral -- a space that needs to be experienced more than just seen."



What we ordered: It was happy hour (5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday), so we took advantage of the 35 cent martini, and several $5 specials: Kobe beef burger, calamari ("Electric Company squid") and "Singapore wings." All came with "Tesla fries" (sweet potato fries)



High point: The Happy Hour prices. We were able to dine for $20.

Low point: The confusion over where to sit. There were "reserved" signs on every table -- and most of those tables were empty. We finally just took a seat and promised the waitress that we'd be out by 8.

Overall impression: The Edison is a spot you want to show off to folks who still don't believe in the downtown renaissance. It's a magnificent place, and the happy hour can't be beat. Even the circa 1900 silent films they flicker on the wall lend themselves to an air of history and intrigue (well, except for the one with the blackface. Yikes. Maybe remove that one.)



Chance we'll go back:  I'd say it's a great spot to meet downtown with friends or with out-of-towners, particularly for happy hour. So yes.