I have a few favorite haunts right now and I believe it’s the time to share so here I go.  In Los Angeles and sorry, but only the westside,  I have a few restaurants that I love for more than just the amazing food.  They aren’t the biggest secret but I’m certain that word of mouth is the reason all are usually packed with regulars.

One is the Nook or is it Nook Neighborhood Bistro? My friends and I just simply call it the Nook.  It’s small and tucked into a corner ( hence the name) of a shopping mall on the corner of Barry and Santa Monica Blvd. in West Los Angeles.  The food is fresh and very good and I especially like their french fries.  But, what I really like about this restaurant and the others I’m about to out is that they are” neighborhood” restaurants.    The owner, Brian,  is present and lovely and a great restaurateur.  The aioli mayonnaise is the second or is that third now reason that I love the Nook.

Next not so new find that I’m ready to reveal is Akasha in Culver City.  I love her.  I’m starting with that.  The chef and owner is a famous private chef for years by the name of Akasha and she has talent in the kitchen and a warmth that makes you feel like you’ve known her a hundred years, or as my dad would often say ” I know him 40 years” Say it with a heavy New York accent and you can sound exactly like him. It’s very healthy, all fresh farmers market ingredients and dishes like Red Quinoa and Edamame with market vegetables and lemongrass tofu.  You get the idea, it’s VERY  healthy but it’s tastes nothing like healthy food usually tastes to me.  Not like cardboard is basically what I’m saying.  The cannellini bean hummus is truly out of this world.  And here is a main draw that will be the common theme here. Akasha’s husband is Alan Schulman, also an owner and he is always there welcoming guests, bringing you extra goodies (freebies) to try.  I am loving these two restaurants for the old fashioned quality they have with their owners being such good restaurateurs.

Last one I’m giving away today is Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica on Ocean Ave.  Still so new to me, but I go at least once a week.  I’m saying still so new because the name of the guy who manages the place just escaped me.  It’s like Silvano or something.  I’m making that up but it will have to do.  He has that charm that I love of someone getting to know you and realizing that you are a regular.  He called me an evangelist because I’m so out there spreading the word.  Saying that to me is when he really sealed the deal.  The food is very good and if you love oysters, you definitely have to go because they have some very fresh good ones.  Again, here I do love their french fries, oy, how old am I that I keep talking about the fries in these restaurants? And fries with mayonnaise no less.  Sorry, that’s the way I like my fries.  They have a lobster sandwich on brioche but I’m digging the ahi tuna sandwich on brioche just as much.