Rock and Roll Chinese! and other Los Angeles, CA Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Genghis Cohen

Rock and Roll Chinese.

Genghis Cohen has been an LA staple since 1983, when it opened in the heart of Hollywood. It's food is great, and the up and coming bands play in the adjoined theater to make it a unforgettable dining experience. You would never guess that this is a local hotspot, considered it's in a horrible strip mall. Not your typical LA vibe, more of a music, grudge, hipster scene. The booths are large and cozy, and plenty of seating.

Favorite Dish: ~No Name Duck/ crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside. no bones, and low fat to boot! served with small dumplings and a plum sauce.

~New York Style Egg Roll/ large, crisp (and not oily!) egg roll filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. dipped into a sweet and sour/spicy mustard sauce.

~Fried Jumbo Shrimp/ crunchy, crispy, delicious!

~Skewered Beef/ 4 sticks of flavorful, lean beef grilled and seasoned to perfection.

~3 Flavor Mu Shu/ gets you a little bit everything...chicken, shrimp, and beef in a tantalizing sauce.

***Beware of the spicy mustard....it's in a league of it's own!

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 323.653.0640
Address: 740 north fairfax ave, hollywood, ca
Directions: located in the heart of hollyhood
Website: www.genghiscohen.com

Restaurant Name: Koi Restaurant

I hate trendy LA spots.

Mr. Chow? Never. Starwatching? Please.

One exception to the rule~ Koi.

The food has been consistence since it's opening and has some amazing dishes not to be duplicated anywhere.

The restaurant is beautifully done, with an outdoor patio, comfortable seating, and several dining rooms to choose from. The zen-like atmosphere can be a scene on weekend nights, but great for entertaining out of town guests.

Favorite Dish: AMAZING DISHES:

~Crispy rice topped with Spicy Tuna...literally melts in your mouth

~Spicy Seared Albacore with Crispy Onions

~Pan Seared Chicken Breast...I'm not sure what they do to this chicken, but it is absolutely amazing. Served with mashed potatoes.

~Kobe Filet Mignon Toban-Yaki...you'll never look at Filet again the same.

~Creamy Rock Shrimp...another must have for the first-timers...

~

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Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: (310) 659-9449
Address: 730 North La Cienega Boulevard
Directions: restaurant row/La Cienega
Website: www.KoiRestaurant.com

Restaurant Name: In-n-Out Burger

There are certain things in life I can’t live without.

Air.

My blackberry.

And In and Out Burger.

Without actually tasting a burger from In and Out, you have no idea how incomplete your life is.

Yes, it is a drive thru.

Yes, it has a very small, limited menu.

Yes, it is literally the best burger on the planet.

I do enjoy a great Kobe Beef burger from the Beverly Hills Hotel, but nothing comes close to the extreme ecstasy you will get from an In and Out Burger. The freshness of the products, the diner-style interiors, the always smiling staff, and the speedy drive thru just adds to the In and Out ambiance. Just wait until you take the first bite of the fresh, juicy, 100% beef patty, the way it combines with the crisp lettuce and the sweet tomatoes on a warmly toasted bun...mmmm.....

Favorite Dish: Favorite dish, hands down= protein-style cheeseburger.

THE MENU:

#1 Double-Double Combo. Includes 2 100% beef patties, 2 slices cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, with or without onions.

#2 Cheeseburger Combo.

#3 Hamburger Combo.

~ fries

~sodas, iced tea, and shakes.

THE SPECIAL SECRET MENU:
(but not so secret anymore)

includes:

~Animal Style
~Protein Style
~Double Meat
~3X3
~4X4
~Grilled Cheese

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Theme: Fast Food
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Several Locations
Directions: everywhere!
Website: http://www.in-n-out.com/

Restaurant Name: Pinot Hollywood

Pinot Hollywood is currently out of business!


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Theme: Local
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (323) 461-8800
Address: 1448 North Gower Street

Restaurant Name: Il Cielo

This romantic, low-key, hideaway off of Burton Way in Beverly Hills features one of the nicest patios in the city, bathed in the soft glow of white lights amidst the green backdrop of trees and flowers...

The service and quality are outstanding. All food is fresh, and the theme relates the fresh air and the fresh food to a homestyle dining experience in the middle of the busy city.

Perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Favorite Dish: Special Set menus for holidays.

Traditional Italian food...delicious but not overwhelming.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 310.276.9990
Address: 9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA
Website: www.ilcielo.com

Restaurant Name: La Boheme

This severely underrated restaurant is in a class of it's own. I have been attending since January of 2003, and the food has always been consistent. The interior is a dark wood, somewhat modern goth deco theme, long curtains, with a warm fireplace in the center of the room and a cozy, intimate bar to meet for drinks. Large booths frame the outskirts of the dining area and a curtain can be drawn for ultimate privacy, and chandeliers cast a nice glow throughout the room.

Overall; great service, decent wine list, excellent food, manageable prices.

Favorite Dish: ~ lovely lobster risotto

~great salads

~rack of lamb to-die-for

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 323.848.2360
Address: 8400 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069

Restaurant Name: A.O.C.

This always packed 3rd street eatery is known for their ever changing tapas menu and several choices of wine. The modern, dark wood interior feels comfortable and has plenty of seating.

Favorite Dish: ~THE DATES! Dates w/ bacon...sounds weird, but delicious!

~ great selection of cheeses; including goat, sheep, and cow

~things you might have never heard of; fingerlings, speck, pork rillettes, braised lamb cheeks.

~lovely fish (halibut, salmon, trout)

~lamb meatballs...yum!

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 323.653.6359
Address: 8022 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA
Website: www.AOCwinebar.com

Restaurant Name: Berri's Pizza

At 2am on a Saturday night you find yourself on the corner of 3rd street and Orlando. You see a packed crowd up ahead. What could it possibly be? The hottest new club? Celeb siting? Nope. Just your typical late night at Berri's Pizza.

Don't be confused by the title, Berri's Pizza is actually an upscale establishment, featuring amazing thin-crusted pizzas, delicious pastas, and a beer and wine list. The decor is soft, muted lighting and dark wood with old fashioned glass covered tables. With hours of 11am-4am daily, you can always get your pizza fix.

If Sam Berry is actually in, he has no problem coming over to say hello or offering you a glass of wine or an appetizer you've never tried before. =)

Favorite Dish: ~The Lobster Pizza (melts in your mouth)

~The Calamari (fried, but not greasy or too salty)

~several great selections of pasta

~beer and wine!

~lovely deserts!

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 323.852.0642
Address: 8412 W. third. st. los angles, ca 90048
Directions: corner of 3rd and orlando

Restaurant Name: Islands

I'm not usually a fan of "chain" type restaurants, but I have to say I was amused over my lunch at Islands.

Situated in a cozy booth, I ordered a glass of pinot and a "Sandpiper" Sandwich...a grilled chicken breast with mushrooms and swiss. THe colorful, Hawaiian-themed environment is slightly cheesy, but a lot of fun. =) Casual, Laid back atmosphere!

Favorite Dish: Basic Menu consists of:

~Burgers (try the PIPELINE or SUNSET)
~Fries
~Soft Tacos
~Appetizers such as nachos,, quesadillas, fries, and onion rings
~Soups and Salads
~Sandwiches
~Desserts
~"Gremmie Menu" for those 12 and under...grilled cheese, hot dogs, cicken tenders, etc.

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Theme: American
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: several locations in CA
Website: WWW.islandsrestaurants.com

Restaurant Name: Il Piccolino

From the owners of Le Dome, Il Piccolino is a quiet, calm restaurant with sparkling white lights lining it's spacious patio seating. The friendly staff is always helpful and prompt, and the ever changing menu has some delightful treats.

Favorite Dish: When I went on a Monday night, the special was "Stinco" which translates from Italian as "Whole Leg". Basically, it was a whole leg of Veal shank. Cooked to perfection, the meat pretty much fell off the bone. Served with sauted mushrooms and a wonderful polenta, this was a great meal!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 310.669.2220
Address: 350 N. Robertson Los Angeles, CA 90048
Directions: at rosewood