I read your review on Xoia Vietnamese Eats. You noted what you perceived to be glitches in service. Have you returned to see if things have improved? Also, do all of the dishes represent this fusion of Vietnamese and Mexican? I am interested in checking them out.
I haven’t been back yet because I wanted to give them time to find their groove, but I do plan on doing a follow up soon. However, I’ve heard that the service has improved since my visit and that the owners took the early reviews very seriously.
In terms of the Mexican/Vietnamese fusion, I’d say the menu is predominantly Vietnamese–the only Mexican aspect I experienced were the pork and pho tacos. But I also remember reading in Jonathan Gold’s column that the Banh mi were torta-like, and they even serve one with lemongrass carnitas. Oh, and I remember distinctly that the pork in the Mi Quang tasted like carnitas.
Let me know if you go. I’d like to hear your take.
Great blog! I noticed you recently went to Tulum. I am a foodie living on the eastside and am heading there soon for my honeymoon. Any other recs? Thanks
Hey, Ethan. Tulum is great, but only recently have they started taking food very seriously. Still, there are some good spots. I’ll send you an email with my recs.
Hey there. If you want some true East Los flavor you should make your way over to El Antojo LA – it’s traditional Mexican with quality ingredients and great flavors. Their Guadalajara torta is amazing and their Shrimp Tacos a la Diabla will clear your sinuses for days! They usually park on Marengo between Soto and Mission, by the entrance to LAC-USC. Family-owned food truck trying to make it on the scene, a little-known gem of the Eastside. http://www.elantojoLA.com or @elantojoLA on Twitter. Definitely worth being checked out and possibly a featured blog post? Your tastebuds will be happy and they’d get a much-desired shoutout in the foodie world – a win-win, if you ask me! Take care!
Hi! Have you seen/heard of/been to a new diner on Eagle Rock? I drove by last night, all I noticed was lots of white, retro-future lights and “Breakfast Lunch Dinner” on the window. Love your blog!
Have you checked out Garvanzas on 64th in HP? They just opened a few weeks ago. It’s really, really good. Small, cute, friendly little place with historic photos of HP on the walls and a very simple menu of high quality, flavorful Mexican dishes. I’m so happy to have a place like that in the neighborhood. Antijitos Guerrero must be getting sick of me by now.
Buddha’s Belly is a Pan-Asian restaurant and Bar located in 3 locations in LA for over 10 years. With exciting new menu items and signature cocktails, we felt you might find the relaunch of this brand’s “fresh-appeal” exciting.
Please connect with Buddha’s Belly Press Release HERE
Thank you so much for your consideration. Your time is truly appreciated.
Love the site! Have you thought about adding South Pasadena to your list of neighborhoods? We have a number of interesting restaurants from casual to upscale.
@Serena and John, I actually like a lot of restaurants in South Pasadena–Mike and Anne’s and Heirloom are two of my favorites. I’ve also heard good things about that new pub on Mission. For some reason, I’ve just never gotten around to writing about them. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind.
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Dante’s Ride or Fry……new LA Food Truck.
Worthy of a major post. Complex flavors, amazing menu…….
Major Fan.
Hi Diane,
Thanks for the tip. I’ve heard great things about Dante’s. I’ll try to hit it up soon.
I read your review on Xoia Vietnamese Eats. You noted what you perceived to be glitches in service. Have you returned to see if things have improved? Also, do all of the dishes represent this fusion of Vietnamese and Mexican? I am interested in checking them out.
Hi Jeff,
I haven’t been back yet because I wanted to give them time to find their groove, but I do plan on doing a follow up soon. However, I’ve heard that the service has improved since my visit and that the owners took the early reviews very seriously.
In terms of the Mexican/Vietnamese fusion, I’d say the menu is predominantly Vietnamese–the only Mexican aspect I experienced were the pork and pho tacos. But I also remember reading in Jonathan Gold’s column that the Banh mi were torta-like, and they even serve one with lemongrass carnitas. Oh, and I remember distinctly that the pork in the Mi Quang tasted like carnitas.
Let me know if you go. I’d like to hear your take.
Great blog! I noticed you recently went to Tulum. I am a foodie living on the eastside and am heading there soon for my honeymoon. Any other recs? Thanks
Hey, Ethan. Tulum is great, but only recently have they started taking food very seriously. Still, there are some good spots. I’ll send you an email with my recs.
What about Zamora brothers on Cesar Chavez?
Any info?
Nope, Jerry, just know they were closed for a long time because of an electrical fire but now they are open again. I found this pretty recent write up: http://searchanddevour.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/zamora-brothers-carnitas-pork-in-its-purest-form/
Whittier?
What about Whittier?
Hey there. If you want some true East Los flavor you should make your way over to El Antojo LA – it’s traditional Mexican with quality ingredients and great flavors. Their Guadalajara torta is amazing and their Shrimp Tacos a la Diabla will clear your sinuses for days! They usually park on Marengo between Soto and Mission, by the entrance to LAC-USC. Family-owned food truck trying to make it on the scene, a little-known gem of the Eastside. http://www.elantojoLA.com or @elantojoLA on Twitter. Definitely worth being checked out and possibly a featured blog post? Your tastebuds will be happy and they’d get a much-desired shoutout in the foodie world – a win-win, if you ask me! Take care!
Hi! Have you seen/heard of/been to a new diner on Eagle Rock? I drove by last night, all I noticed was lots of white, retro-future lights and “Breakfast Lunch Dinner” on the window. Love your blog!
Hi Johnny, thanks for the tip. I just had a baby, so I’m in hibernation for awhile, but I’ll put it on my list.
@Chris, I’ve never seen this place. It’s on Eagle Rock? I’ll have to drive and see!
Valentina, have you ever been to Cooks’s Tortas in Monterey Park? If not, you need to!
Hey Valentina-
Have you checked out Garvanzas on 64th in HP? They just opened a few weeks ago. It’s really, really good. Small, cute, friendly little place with historic photos of HP on the walls and a very simple menu of high quality, flavorful Mexican dishes. I’m so happy to have a place like that in the neighborhood. Antijitos Guerrero must be getting sick of me by now.
Greetings!
Buddha’s Belly is a Pan-Asian restaurant and Bar located in 3 locations in LA for over 10 years. With exciting new menu items and signature cocktails, we felt you might find the relaunch of this brand’s “fresh-appeal” exciting.
Please connect with Buddha’s Belly Press Release HERE
Thank you so much for your consideration. Your time is truly appreciated.
Raechel Taylor
Founder, Retail Savvy & Social Order Media
http://www.RetailSavvy.net
310.699.4900
Love the site! Have you thought about adding South Pasadena to your list of neighborhoods? We have a number of interesting restaurants from casual to upscale.
@Serena and John, I actually like a lot of restaurants in South Pasadena–Mike and Anne’s and Heirloom are two of my favorites. I’ve also heard good things about that new pub on Mission. For some reason, I’ve just never gotten around to writing about them. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind.