Every Friday, our editors put together a list of trusted recommendations that answer your burning question: “Where should I eat?” Here are four places to check out in Los Angeles this weekend: If you need ideas on where to drink, check out our list of the hottest places to get a cocktail in the city.
Best pizza delivery: Lucky’s Pizza in Canoga Park
For the best pizza delivery, try Lucky’s Pizza in Canoga Park. Matthew Kang
The quiet business district of Canoga Park is home to a bustling cloud kitchen where upstart restaurants are climbing to achieve full-fledged brick-and-mortar status. Entering the store, one door leads to Lucky’s Pizza, where intrepid Peruvian pizza maker Luigi Elauskin makes Los Angeles’ most underrated whole pie. Elauskin says he once ran around seven restaurants in Peru, one of which was near Machu Picchu, mostly because of the pizza he describes as New York-style. The pizza maker says the dough is made with slow-fermented sourdough, but the actual taste is far from sour. We ordered the pepperoni and the Supreme, the latter of which was loaded with juicy sausage, ham, onions and peppers, almost like a delivery pizza. Both were nice, moderate and not too challenging for most people, with a fairly thin, pliable crust and generous toppings.I wish I had something this good in my neighborhood in the South Bay. If Canoga Park doesn’t take off, I hope Erauskin expands south. 9030 Owensmouth Avenue, Kitchen 9, Canoga Park, CA 91304. — Matthew Kang, Editor in Chief
Mango Seasonal Sticky Rice: My Mango Sticky Rice.
Sticky rice in mango season: My mango sticky rice. Nicole Adleman
My Mango Sticky Rice, formerly located in Sepulveda near Trader Joe’s at the Palms, now pops up at the bustling Mar Vista Farmers Market on the first and third Sundays of each month (though for now, the Sepulveda location is closed). Run by longtime friends Jan Thipsiri and Warn Alsinram Jamalco, the stand serves up vibrant renditions of traditional Thai dishes, including an “original” plate, a version of “purple” (whole black) sticky rice, a half-and-half for those who can’t decide, and mango sticky rice served with creamy purple yum mash (toasted mung beans add texture contrast). All of the mango sticky rice is vegan. Most of the stand’s dishes are $15 to $16, but the market hosts an early morning special, offering entire plates for $13. Coconut pudding and freshly brewed milk tea are also on sale for $5.The stand will open on July 21. 12198 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066. — Nicole Adleman, City Manager
For a sandwich to go with your coffee: Bodega Park
For a sandwich to go with your coffee, try Bodega Park. Mona Holmes
There’s no denying that bodegas are popping up all over Southern California. Let’s call this phenomenon “bodega creep.” It’s a largely East Coast cultural staple trying to invade the West Coast. Those born and raised in the Southland may react defensively, since Los Angeles already has a well-respected neighborhood cafe culture. But in true Los Angeles fashion, sandwich shops like Bodega Park have popped up in 2020. The shop offers sandwiches for everyone, including the salty and tasty chopped cheese, a New York staple, and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. They’ve also added pork bulgogi rolls and Peruvian chicken breakfast burritos with ahi peppers. Order any of the above and Bodega Park’s Misgaru Black Sesame with two espressos to make your day. 2852 W Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake, CA, 90026. — Mona Holmes, Reporter
A summer evening in a French bistro: Oriel
Summer nights at French bistro “Oriel” Wonho Frank Lee
Oriel in Chinatown is a French wine bar and bistro tucked away under the railroad tracks of what was once the Gold Line. The menu has evolved several times over the years, but remains balanced with bistro staples like bread with beurre de barrat, charcuterie, French onion soup, tartare, and usually bavette steak. The French-only wine menu features champagne, skin contact, red and white bottles, most of which are also available by the glass. During the summer, when the sun goes down and the nights are warm, Oriel’s softly lit patio is constantly buzzing with food and conversation until the restaurant closes. If you want to stay outside after Oriel’s last order, try nearby Homage Brewing. 1135 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. — Rebecca Rowland, Associate Editor
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