Must Eat: Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, Los Angeles

There's quite a bit of debate in LA regarding who has the "best burger".  J and I are fans of the famous father's office burger. We also enjoy the burger at Rustic Canyon and the options at Comme Ca.   However, recently, we came across a new favorite - the "Chefs Favorite Burger" -  at the hip new spot for "Modern American Comfort Food" on Sawtelle Blvd -  Plan Check.  

The "Chef's Favorite Burger" consists of "akaushi red wagyu beef, cheese two ways, bacon two ways, ketchup leather, sunny fried egg and hot sauce."- $12.  It is not for the faint of heart - as you can see from the photo above, this is quite a decadent burger.  If the above combinations do catch your fancy, they also offer the Plan Check Burger, and the Blueprint Burger.  The menu has a number of tasty snacks and apps, sides/salads and dishes to choose from. 

Must Eat: Thai Vegan, Santa Monica, CA

Tofu Satay

J and I enjoy Thai food, but have been having some trouble finding really good Thai on the Westside.  After reading rave reviews on yelp, we decided to give Thai Vegan a try.  It is a mom and pop little shop inside the Thai Teak store across from Urth Caffe. The atmosphere is unique and quite cozy - probably best to do take out, or go as a small group.  

Must Eat: Sushistop

The other night, J and I went to watch the documentary - Jiro Dreams of Sushi at the Nuart Theater in Westwood. It was a beautiful film (both in cinematography and in regards to the story) and we highly recommend it!

When the movie was over, quite predictably, we were craving sushi.  Lucky for us, the theater was only a few blocks away from Sawtelle Blvd, also known as "Little Osaka."  Although we were inspired by the 30,000 Yen ($362) per person meal depicted in the film, that is a little over out budget. So we settled for the $2.75 per roll sushi at Sushistop.

Must Eat: Father's Office, Santa Monica, CA

This was one of the first places we ate at when we visited LA in May 2010 to search for an apartment in Santa Monica.  Now we are lucky that it is just a few blocks from home!  Father's office is a cozy bar on Montana with many beers on tap, a hipster vibe, and a yummy bar menu.  People rave that they make one of the best burgers in LA - It's one of mine for sure!

The Juicy Burger loaded with deliciousness.   However note - "No substitutions, Modifications, Alterations or Deletions" allowed!

 Shoestring Fries served with Aioli! 

Must Eat: Mama Lu's Dumpling House, Monterey Park, CA

In the spirit of Chinese New Year (it's the year of the dragon!), this week I'm sharing a delicious Chinese food spot in LA! Living on the West Side, we don't make it all the way over to Monterey Park very often. But when we do, it is always worth the drive! You just can't find Chinese food like this on the West side unfortunately. Unless my parents are visiting. Sigh.

After hosting 23 people for Christmas this year, we decided to take a break from cooking and went out for a Chinese feast the day after.  This is what we ate and enjoyed ...