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.
For delicious sandwiches and groceries: Carla’s Fresh Market
For delicious sandwiches and groceries, head to Carla’s Fresh Market. Kathy Chaplin
Pick up your groceries and more at Carla’s Fresh Market in Highland Park. This spacious, stylishly appointed space sources produce and products from local farmers and makers. Best of all, this beautiful building is just steps away from where you can tick off a few items on your weekend to-do list. In addition to shelves filled with staples and specialty indulgences, the market also features a coffee shop, pastry case, and lunch counter, making it the perfect one-stop shop for busy people. Pick up the market’s You + Mi sandwich (a flavorful vegan sandwich with chili-marinated tofu and fresh herbs on a French roll) and a pastry by Sasha Pilijian to stock up on your essentials for the week. 248 N. Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042. — Kathy Chaplin, Senior Editor
Get a sneak peek at Gardena’s hottest new Vietnamese restaurant, Nam Kitchen
A sneak peek at Gardena’s hottest new Vietnamese restaurant, Nam Kitchen. Matthew Kang
Don’t be surprised by the popularity of new Asian restaurants in the South Bay. New establishments, like Nam Kitchen, which opened a few weeks ago, tend to attract customers through word of mouth. Nam Kitchen serves up classic pho and noodle dishes at a slightly more upscale level. The spacious, well-designed space, with plenty of navy blue accents, is already packed, even on a weekend night. Most customers order the beef pho with rare filet mignon, beef spare ribs, or duck biet (their specialty, a light mix of various cuts, including meatballs). Prices are reasonable, about $16 for a heaping bowl, and you can add more noodles upon request. The soup itself is on the middle path in terms of flavor and spice, and not overly overpowering. The meat comes off the beef bones easily and is perfect for dipping into the hoisin-sriracha blend. The sauce is served from an elegant jar on the table, not a plastic bottle. The only thing to note at peak times is that the service can be hectic.This is likely due to a slight staff shortage at the moment. Once Nam Kitchen improves its service, it should be one of Gardena’s strongest new Vietnamese restaurants. 1530 Artesia Boulevard, Gardena, CA 90248. — Matthew Kang, Managing Editor
Savor delicious food at the Original Corry’s, one of LA’s longest serving Jamaican restaurants
Enjoy delicious food at the Original Cory’s, one of the longest-running Jamaican restaurants in Los Angeles. Mona Holmes
The Original Corey’s remains one of the best places to grab some great jerk-spiced chicken, saucy oxtail, and brown stew chicken, but it’s come a long way as one of Southern California’s oldest Jamaican restaurants. This San Fernando Valley family-owned restaurant has been a fixture in North Hollywood for decades, first opening in Leimert Park in 1982 before relocating to Slauson Boulevard and occupying the former Tony Roma’s site in Inglewood. Founder Don Corey retired in 2015, but Corey’s reopened for catering in 2017 and is now located in Sherman Oaks. Corey’s daughter and son-in-law Candice Corey Thompson and Neil Thompson are at the helm, but it’s not uncommon to see dad Corey cooking and greeting those who’ve been tasting his food for generations, especially the pâté and sweet dumplings that come with every entree. A delicious mix of cornbread, coco bread, and doughnuts, Corey’s is a staple in North Hollywood for decades. 14056 Burbank Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91401. — Mona Holmes, reporter
A classic diner given new life: Clark Street Diner
When I first heard that 101 Coffee Shop was reopening, I was a little worried about what would happen to the beloved diner. But when I learned that Clark Street’s Zach Hall would be heading up the project, I knew I was in good hands. Hall is preserving all the charm that made the diner an L.A. icon, preserving its original ’70s stone walls and camel-colored leather booths. The menu features all the diner classics, but with Clark Street twists, including artisanal biscuits and gravy and buttermilk pancakes made with Sonoran flour. For lunch, try the tuna melt or cheeseburger, both of which are great with a side order of French fries. Pastries from Clark Street Bakery are also available, and a selection of beers, wines, and spirits is also available. It’s easy to forget what decade you’re living in here, but that’s no bad thing. Play with the era and wear your flared jeans for the perfect experience. 6145 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068. — Rebecca Rowland, Associate Editor
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