By Chef Michael Cimarusti
Photograph courtesy of Pizzeria Mozza
PIZZERIA MOZZA
Mozza is the queen of the LA restaurant scene and deservedly so. My new favorite at the Pizzeria is the Slow-cooked Broccoli Pizza. It is as delicious as anything I have ever put in my mouth, and no, I'm not sharing.
LUCKY NOODLE KING
Lucky Noodle King is a spot where they cook with enough chilis to choke even the most die-hard chili head. The Chonqing style Spicy Fried Chicken is actually 60% chilis and 40% chicken, the perfect ratio if you're asking. The Dan Dan Noodle and the Ma-Po Tofu are tasty enough to make you fight for a parking spot on Valley Boulevard, which you will have to do to enjoy such delights.
Photograph courtesy of Daikokuya
Daikokuya
The Monterey Park location, tucked away in a tiny strip mall, serves ramen that is as good as its downtown sister store. The cabbage salad served as a side is crave-worthy.
Chang’s Garden
We initially found Chang's garden while on a hunt for Scallion Pancakes. Their version is excellent. We continue to go back for the delicious fried fish with seaweed, the General Tso's chicken and the spare ribs.
Photograph courtesy of Union
Union
Chef Bruce Kalman has turned Old Town into a must visit for serious foodies. He is cooking a hyper-seasonal menu using the finest ingredients all prepared with love and serious technique.
My Taco
My Taco is our 'home away from home' in Highland Park, great Birria, Carnitas and Chili Rojo. The Carne Asada fries are a guilty pleasure that I allow myself and my kids about once a year.
PIZZERIA MOZZA - 641 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | T: 323.297.0101 | (Make a Reservation) | pizzeriamozza.com
LUCKY NOODLE KING - 534 East Valley Boulevard #10, San Gabriel, CA 91776 | T: 626.573.5668 | www.luckynoodleking.com
DAIKOKUYA - 111 N Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 241 (2nd Floor) Monterey Park, CA 91754 | T: 626.570.1930 | www.daikoku-ten.com
CHANG'S GARDEN - 627 West Duarte Road, Arcadia, CA 91007 | T: 626.445.0606
UNION - 37 East Union Street, Pasadena, CA 91103 | T: 626-795-5841 | unionpasadena.com
MY TACO - 6300 York Boulevard #4 Highland Park, CA 90042 | T: 323.256.2698 | my-taco.com
Chef Michael Cimarusti of Providence and Connie & Ted's
Chef and owner of Providence Restaurant and Connie and Ted’s in Los Angeles. He started his career working with chef Larry Forgione at An American Place in New York. Years later, he worked with chefs Paul Bocuse, Gerard Boyer, and Roger Vergé and restaurants La Marée and Arpege in France, Osteria Del Circo in New York and Spago in Los Angeles.
Cimarusti is slated to open a new fish shop/seafood market in L.A. called Cape Seafood and Provisions in June 2015.
Get Michael's eating and drinking recommendations for Los Angeles in the Find. Eat. Drink. iPhone app.
Photograph courtesy of Providence
Providence
Cimarusti's modern American seafood restaurant and great for special occasions is both Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated. Chef Cimarusti changes his menus nightly to emphasize seasonality, but some examples are oysters or farm-raised caviar; Alaskan King Crab Risotto with sea urchin and yuzus; Nantucket Bay Scallop Crudo with satsuma tangerine, mint, pistachio, and pickled red onion; and Wild Black Bass with sweet potato, New Zealand spinach, and La Quercia bacon.
"For molecular cuisine. Very clean flavors served elegantly." - Chef Josh Whigham of The Bazaar by Jose Andres
"A quintessential Los Angeles restaurant." - Chef Fabian Gallardo of Petty Cash
5955 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038 | T: 323.460.4170 | (Make a Reservation) | www.providencela.com
Photograph courtesy of Connie & Ted's
Connie & Ted's
The West Coast version of a New England seafood house and oyster bar. They feature all kinds of treasures from the sea, plus 24 California craft beers on tap.
"The seafood and service is impeccable. Diver Scallop, simply prepared served on the shell, it is sweet, delicious, meaty." - Chef Govind Armstrong of Willie Jane
"The oyster selection and the clam chowder are top notch." - Chef Josiah Citrin of Mélisse Restaurant
"They have the best New England Style raw bar and the best lobster roll I've had in LA. Their lobster roll makes me feel like I'm at PJ's in Wellfleet, Cape Cod during the summer. They really do it right here." - Butcher Amelia Posada of Lindy & Grundy
8171 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046 | T: 323.848.272 | (Make a Reservation) | www.connieandteds.com
More California Features
