Restaurants

Restaurants in the greater LA area that we've tried:

Cha Cha Chicken (Santa Monica): Really good caribbean style dishes. Order at the counter and patio seating, so go when the weather is nice. It is just a short walk from the beach.

El Nopal (Palms): Oaxacan and standard Mexican food. The Barbacoa de Chivo (goat in a soup-like spicy, tangy broth) is outstanding!

Hu's Szechwan (Palms): Traditional Amercianized Chinese food dishes, but the flavors seem a little more authentic (less sweet, less oil, more subtle spices). Still a lot of meat and very few vegetables. I'm still looking for a Chinese restaurant that serves dishes like most of the Chinese people eat (mostly rice and veggies with meat as a seasoning).

Lemononade (Beverly, Pasadena locations): A variety of fresh, seasonal cold veggie dishes. It is hard to describe just how awesome cold veggie dishes can be so you just have to try it. They do amazing things with veggies! They also have hot dishes and sandwiches, but I can't get past the salads.

Mayura (Culver City): Indian food with an emphasis on the Kerala region. The flavors were good and the spice levels perfect (I had the Aloo Palak). Also, the glass of wine equated to at least two servings so while it was so-so we got our money's worth.

Mesquite Grill at Hangar 19 (Playa Vista): Situated in the redevelopment of the Howard Hughes Airport (it is not in a hangar, though). Good sandwiches that differ from the usual deli fare, but cost about the same. The pulled pork has been my favorite. They can be a little slow even though it is never crowded.

Poquito Mas (Burbank location): Traditional grilled fish tacos and other light coastal Cali-Mex options.

Simpang Asia (Palms): Indonesian food! Very spicy curries. I would definitely recommend the options that come with a mix of dishes in a banana leaf package.

Vegan Joint (Palms): From the name it is pretty clear that this is vegan food. The Asian inspired dishes are great. The portions are big, but since it is vegan, it is easy to eat it all.