Rate-A-Restaurant #218: Baracoa

Restaurant: Baracoa

Location: 3175 Glendale Blvd (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Cuban

We stipulated: We were looking for a quick dinner close to Franklin Avenue HQ, and had been meaning to check out Baracoa for years.

They stipulated: "We also offer a great priced lunch menu, food to go and delivery. For those who will join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we offer a nice beer & wine menu and the best Sangrias."



What we ordered: Jerk Chicken (Marinated in Jamaican spices, seared and finished in oven; $12.95); Pork Chop (Chuleta) (10oz. Charbroiled well seasoned chop. Served with rice and beans; $11.95)



High point: The portions are good sized, and we liked how the rice had a nice, soft texture. The Cuban bread starter is also really addictive.



Low point: It was cozy, but one waitress was on duty for the entire place -- making for slow service. Also, the beans had a slightly smoky taste -- but not necessarily in a good way; and the pork was a little too thick.



Overall impression: Yes, the decor is cheesy -- but the restaurant is nicely intimate. And yes, the food had a hit or miss quality -- but it's comfort Cuban food, and you can't go too wrong with that.



Chance we'll go back: And that's why we probably will -- when we want a nice, sitdown, simple yet comfortable dinner, Baracoa fits the bill.

Rate-A-Restaurant #217: BoHo

Restaurant: BoHo

Location: 6372 W. Sunset (Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Gastropub

We stipulated: This is going back to pre-Blogger Baby 2.0. After catching an early showing of "(500) Days of Summer" at the Arclight, we wanted to hit dinner -- and the newly opened gastropub BoHo, from Max and Oinkster chef Andre Guerrero (who's handling the kitchen) seemed to fit the bill. We're big fans of Max and, especially, The Oinkster.

They stipulated: Nothing is over $20, per the "bohemian" theme.



What we ordered: Burrata (croustades, roasted peppers, eggplant, heirloom tomato, basil; $11), Kalbi pizza (Korean bbq shortribs, chili paste, kimchee, fontina cheese, scallions; $15)



High point: Prices are strong, and some of the menu is interesting -- including the kalbi pizza, which is why we bit.



Low point: Perhaps they took the theme "bohemian" a bit too seriously. As you can see above, one of plates came out dirty, while the table was surprisingly sticky for a new joint. Another plate had a bug on it.



Overall impression: Sad to say, pretty disappointing. The pizza was OK, but the kalbi a bit too fatty for it to work -- plus, it got cold fast. And the burrata was just OK.



Chance we'll go back: Probably not. But we still love the Oinkster and Max, Andre! Sorry this one didn't work out for us.

Rate-A-Restaurant #216: Umami Burger

Restaurant: Umami Burger

Location: 850 S. La Brea (Mid-Wilshire)

Type of restaurant: Burgers

We stipulated: Meeting someone for lunch, they suggested Umami Burger -- and since (A) it's close to my office and (B) I'd never been, I was sold. It meant missing the food trucks that I'd been itching to try outside our offices that day... but I would live.

They stipulated: No substitutions. It's not quite "Soup Nazi" strict -- you can remove items that you don't want off your burger. But don't even think about substituting or adding things.



What we ordered: SoCal Burger (butter lettuce, oven dried tomato, spread, house-made American cheese, carmelized onions), $9; Turkey Miso Burger (Asian BBQ sauce, avocado relish), $10; Hand Cut Fries, $3; Malt Liquor Tempura Onion Rings, $2.50.



High point: This was the most moist turkey burger I've had in years. Juicy and nicely seasoned, it's a big winner. We also loved the housemade ketchup; and the person I dined with liked the balance between meat and cheese on his SoCal burger.

Low point: Service was a bit sloppy, with our sides coming long after the main food came out -- followed by two condiments that they chose for us, rather than asking what we wanted.



Overall impression: Umami's menu appears to be forever evolving -- the one posted by Eating LA's Pat in February doesn't hve a lot of the burgers offered right now -- and that includes the real winner, the Turkey Miso. Also, while Pat complained that the fries were too salty, they were just right this time.

Umami also offers a few unique touches: A large soda selection, including Mexican Coke (although the selection didn't include any diet sodas besides Coke Light), desserts from Cake Monkey, ice cream sandwiches from Milk and coffee via Lamill. The restaurant itself is slightly hidden among the auto parts stores and mechanics on the stretch of La Brea just South of Wilshire; but it's a cozy spot, both indoors and also on the patio.

Chance we'll go back: Absolutely, I'll be back!

Rate-A-Restaurant #215: Angelique Cafe

Restaurant: Angelique Cafe

Location: 840 S Spring St. (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Casual French

We stipulated: We were downtown a few weeks ago for the Renegade Craft Fair, and needed to grab lunch. The problem: It was 3 p.m., so we wanted to get something in the immediate vicinity of the Fashion District, yet many places had already stopped serving lunch. Angelique was close by and still open.



They stipulated: There's plenty of seating upstairs, and a patio as well.



What we ordered: Chicken porcini sausage sandwich ($12.95); Chicken sandwich ($11.95)



High point: It's a great, cute location, and the sandwiches are extra large.

Low point: The menu was very limited, especially for lunch. Also, despite its French leanings, the offerings were on the basic side.

Overall impression: I'm afraid it seems that Angelique's best days may be behind it. The walls are still covered with good reviews and accolades earned at the start of the decade -- when the menu was quite more extensive. It's sometimes the little things that first demonstrate a slide: Angelique hasn't paid to keep up its website; when we went, they'd run out of straws; etc. I wouldn't completely write Angelique off yet, especially since it has such a great location.

Chance we'll go back: As a result, we'll probably search for another joint the next time we're hungry downtown.

Rate-A-Restaurant #214: Kogi BBQ

Restaurant: Kogi BBQ

Location: Mobile Truck; 5900 Wilshire Blvd. for this review (Miracle Mile)

Type of restaurant: Korean tacos and burritos

We stipulated: I've stood in line for Kogi BBQ several times... but have always bailed when it quickly became apparent that I'd be there for at least 90 minutes. That just doesn't work at dinner time, when I've got a wife and kid at home waiting for me. So despite all the hype, I had never had a Kogi taco... until I heard that one of the three Kogi trucks would be outside the Variety Building on Thursday. With that in mind, I called up my colleague, Ben, and we stood in line in the hot sun. The line was *just* long enough that we once again considered dropping out... but eventually we passed that point of no return, and committed.



They stipulated: Kogi offers a daily special -- but not at lunch time. There's the lengthy waiting-in-line thing. Then there's that need to order a lot, in order to justify the amount of time you waited in line.





What I ordered: Korean short rib taco ($2), Korean chicken taco ($2), Korean spicy pork burrito ($5)





High point: The burrito comes with a tasty potato mixture inside; I ordered without cheese and didn't miss it one bit. The kimchee mixture and other spices are much more elaborate than the knock-off Korean taco trucks we've eaten at.

Low point: What can I say, that line -- especially in the hot sun -- is pretty annoying. Especially when you realize that you fell in line during the peak, and that the line was never as long as when you joined it. In other words, it would have been better to get there an hour later. Meanwhile, when Ben and I finally made it to the very front, wouldn't you know it -- they ran out of tortillas. After a six minute wait, they began taking orders again.




Overall impression: You know how sometimes movies come out, and they're so hyped -- and your friends built it up so much -- that it can never live up to expectations? There's always that weird let down -- yeah, it was good, but not the best thing ever.

That's the experience of the Kogi truck. Given all the hype, the Twitter explosion and the lines, you're expecting nothing short of the best experience ever to hit your mouth. And that's not what it is. What it is is tasty, original, excellent burritos and tacos, with the perfect amount of spices and kim chee to get you through the day without ruining the day of everyone around you.




Chance we'll go back: Yes -- but I wouldn't wait in that hour-long line again. That's a one-time deal. It's like Pink's in a way -- you only really want to do that line once; but if it's short enough and you're driving by, it's your duty as an Angeleno to line up and grab something. Ditto here.

Rate-A-Restaurant #213: Bool BBQ

Restaurant: Bool BBQ

Location: Mobile Truck; 5750 Wilshire Blvd. for this review (Miracle Mile)

Type of restaurant: Korean tacos

We stipulated: The new Variety offices on the 30th floor of the newly dubbed Miracle Mile "Variety Building" offer up great views -- but on the down side, our eating options are even worse than they were in our old digs. And they weren't great then either. With more mobile food trucks stopping in the area, it's getting a little better -- and with that in mind, I decided to visit the copycat Korean taco truck "Bool BBQ" on Monday.

They stipulated: You know the drill: Wait in line, order, and then wait some more.



What I ordered: Two chicken tacos, one pork taco ($1.99 each).



High point: The spice is great -- and despite the kim chee, I didn't suffer any aftertaste throughout the afternoon. (Can't vouch for what the people I spoke to might have noticed.) he chicken, in particular, was also cooked well.

Low point: The Bool BBQ menu is very limited; and somewhat confusingly, isn't only Korean and Mexican. The truck also sells Brazilian pastels.




Overall impression: It's easy to just dismiss the Korean taco trucks that have popped up in the wake of Kogi's success... but there's definitely room for Bool, which offers up tasty Korean-inspired tacos at -- and this is the important part -- a fraction of the time in line. I waited only about five minutes for my food -- not a bad advantage of the always-packed Kogi.




Chance we'll go back: Absolutely; it's a nice change of pace from the same mix of Koo Koo Roo/Johnny's/Baja Fresh/O to Go in that part of the Miracle Mile.

Rate-A-Restaurant #212: Cliffs Edge

Restaurant: Cliffs Edge

Location: 3626 Sunset Blvd. (Silver Lake)

Type of restaurant: Italian/Mediterranean

We stipulated: For the tenth anniversary of the day we first met, Maria and I decided heading back to the Good Luck Bar wouldn't work out -- Maria's eight months pregnant, after all, and that wouldn't probably come off well. Instead, we opted to venture close by.

They stipulated: Cliffs Edge is almost entirely outdoor seating -- but permanent heat lamps hover above.



What we ordered: Barramundi with Sugar Snap Peas & Jasmin Rice, along with Lemon Grass Jalapeño Broth ($24); Pan-seared California white sea bass with mashed potatoes and broccolini, along with butter corn sauce ($25). Salad: “Cliff’s” Caesar Salad --Classic Caesar with Shaved Reggiano & Anchovy & Garlic Crostini. Mike drink: Jalapeno margarita ($12).



High point: My fish was moist, and the rice had a nice hint of coconut. The hint of lemon in the salad was also nice.

Low point: Maria's fish was a bit too dry.


Barramundi with sugar snap peas

Overall impression: While the food is just OK, the Cliffs Edge setting helps make up for most of those shortcomings. Surrounding a massive tree and with greenery throughout, the restaurant is a great outdoor setting -- especially at dusk. Service was good, except at the start -- when we were greeted by a gruff maitre'd, followed by the employee who took us to our table -- and reeked of body odor. Yuk. Thankfully, it got better from there.


Pan-seared California white sea bass

Chance we'll go back: Perhaps for another special occasion.

Rate-A-Restaurant #211: Max Tribeca

Restaurant: Max Tribeca

Location: 181 Duane St. (New York)

Type of restaurant: Southern Italian

We stipulated: For our last night in New York, we didn't want to stray too far from our Battery City hotel. With no obvious choices there, we scoped out Tribeca. Maria was in the mood for Italian -- and Max popped up high on our search.

They stipulated: "Most pastas are already finished with cheese. Please inquire when ordering."



What we ordered: Spaghetti del Marinaio (homemade black spaghetti with shrimp in spicy tomato sauce; $14.95); Fettuccine al sugo Toscano (homemade fettuccine with Max's tomato meat sauce; $11.95); for Evan, Pollo Capriccioso (breaded chicken cutlet; $7.95)



High point: They definitely don't skimp on the sauce. Meanwhile, the seating was immediate, the service was quick, the environment was great and the food decent -- not the best Italian we've ever had, but it hit the spot.

Low point: Some attention to detail was missing, however; we asked for butter early on, but it never came. Also, the dessert selection was disappointing.



Overall impression: Time Out NY has called Max the best affordable Italian restaurant in New York, and I believe it. The prices are strong, and it's a great environment without being too upscale. We were happy to see a children's menu, and pleased with the service.



Chance we'll go back: If we were there, it'd be a great place to return again with Evan -- a nice adult restaurant that is still kid-friendly.

Rate-A-Restaurant #210: The Kati Roll Co.

I may have to put my Dunkin' Donuts pursuit in order to lobby for something even more pressing: We need to introduce the Kati Roll Co. to Los Angeles.



After all, we gave them Pinkberry (for better or for worse; I don't mind the stuff, even though it's horribly overpriced), so it's time for a return gesture.

The Kati Roll is a street food that is simple to produce, but is quite elaborate in taste. According to the New York-based chain, a Kati Roll is "a spicy mixture of meat and vegetables rolled in Indian flat-bread." It's great for a quick snack or a meal. And the locations are open late.



Our friends Hank and Lisa turned us on to The Kati Roll Co. while in New York last month; we were immediately sold. The partha flat-bread was nice and thin, and the fillings had a nice, flavorful kick. Most fillings could come with or without egg; although the egg added more flavor and heft to the fillings, i was actually fine without.

Varieties we chose included the Aloo Masala roll (spicy potato mix), $4.25 (or two for $7.50); the Achari Paneer roll (Indian cottage cheese marinated in spicy pickle), $5.25 (or two for $9.50); the Chicken roll ($4.75, or two for $8.50).



The Kati Roll Co. has been around since 2002, so I'm embarrassed I'm only learning about it now. Coming back to Los Angeles, I checked all over the Internet to find a similar joint. Pasadena's Akbar Cuisine claims to a Chicken Kati Roll... but we haven't investigated to see if it's similar just yet.



So far the chain has just three locations: Two in New York and one in London. C'mon, folks, let's speed it up. Los Angeles is waiting!

Rate-A-Restaurant #209: New York Hot Dog & Coffee (a.k.a. Korean Hot Dogs)

Restaurant: New York Hot Dog & Coffee

Location: 245 Bleecker Street (New York)

Type of restaurant: Korean hot dogs



We stipulated: In New York, we were telling our friend Michelle about the magic of Kogi's Korean tacos. "Well," she asked us, "have you heard about the Korean hot dogs?" Nope. We were intrigued. A bulgogi hot dog? Tell us more! Luckily, on our final day in NYC, Michelle was free for lunch. And she worked close to New York Hot Dog & Coffee. Good enough for us.

They stipulated: There are more than just Korean hot dogs at New York Hot Dog & Coffee; and, strangely, their other specialty is Belgian Waffles. Seriously. Also, for $2 more, the meal deal includes a small soda and either spicy fries, chips or a frozen yogurt. Yikes. Too much food.



What we ordered: Kimchi-Bulgogi Hot Dog ($6.50) for me; Bulgogi hot dog ($5.99) for Maria; Bulgogi wrap with rice ($6.50) for Michelle; and a plain hot dog ($3.25) for Evan.



High point: I'm not a big meat-on-meat fan. But I make an exception when there's a big draw or something unusual. And I was so intrigued by the idea of bulgogi and kimchi on a hot dog, I was sold. And you know what? It was good. But possibly the highest point was afterward: I had no regrets. (That time I ate at Oki-Dog in L.A.? Big regrets. Here? Not at all.)

Low point: The temperature of the bulgogi and the hot dog just wasn't hot or steamy enough. That probably would have led to a more flavorful experience.




Overall impression: I say "no regrets," but I don't think I'd rush back and get a Bulgogi hot dog too soon again. It still seems like a bit too much. But I do like that they offer up chicken items and a variety of sausages for non-bulgogi fans.

Most importantly, though, I gotta take issue with the name of the joint. Apparently New York Hot Dog & Coffee actually originated in South Korea, where the name makes sense -- they're trying to add a little New York hot dog culture to a society that doesn't see that every day. Of course, moving it to the actual New York, it just sounds kinda generic. The name doesn't do it justice, but I guess visiting Koreans will be familiar with the name and logo..

Chance we'll go back: Once you've tried it, you've tried it. We'd probably hit a different unique NY eatery next time.

Rate-A-Restaurant #208: Barbrix

Restaurant: Barbrix

Location: 2442 Hyperion Ave. (Silver Lake)

Type of restaurant: Tapas/wine bar



We stipulated: Continuing our monthly "date night" trend of trying new restaurants in the neighborhood, we excitedly booked an early evening dinner at Silver Lake's Barbrix. We'd been reading a lot about the spot -- including the owners' struggles in getting the proper permits to open in the first place -- and wanted to check it out ourselves.



They stipulated: It's tapa-style small plates -- so share quite a few. As for parking, Barbrix has a deal with Baller Hardware to use their lot across the street. But park on the street to avoid valet charges.



What we ordered: Hamachi crudo (ginger creme fraiche, avocado and paprika oil; $9); shrimp & chickpea flour tortillas (with cilantro tzatziki; $6); "barely buzzed" cheese (espresso & lavender rubbed cows milk; $4); soppressata (coarsely ground pork, sweetly spiced; $5); crispy grilled polenta (oyster & shiitake mushrooms and creamy gorgonzola fonduta; $5); monkfish (with chickpeas and chorizo; $9).





High point: I really enjoyed those shrimp/chickpea tortillas. And the espresso cheese was quite interesting, in a very good way.



Low point: Didn't think much of the polenta, to tell you the truth.




Overall impression: Quite a nice addition to the Silver Lake/Los Feliz dining scene. Prices are right, wine pairings are strong, the menu selections are fantastic.



Chance we'll go back: Absolutely, we will return.

Rate-A-Restaurant #207: Momofuku Ssam

<


Restaurant: Momofuku Ssam

Location: 207 2nd Ave. (New York)

Type of restaurant: Asian fusion



We stipulated: In New York, we wanted to splurge at least once. We'd been hearing about Momofuku for years, obviously, but never had been. Several people recommended it to us.. although most, I think, were referring to the Momofuku noodle bar. In researching the three different Momofuku restaurants, I kept reading that most foodies preferred the Ssam bar above the others. Most importantly, the signature Momofuku pork bun was available here too -- so at the very least, we would still get a taste of Momofuku's most notable dish.



They stipulated: Momofuku Ssam doesn't take reservations. It's also connected to the Momofuku milk bar, which is a fine place to wait for a table (make sure you get a free sample of soft serve).

What we ordered: Steamed pork buns – hoisin, cucumbers, scallions (2 orders, $9 each); Angus hanger steak – tarragon, manchego, potatoes ($26); Roasted diver sea scallops – sea beans, gremolata, anchovy ($24)




High point: The pork buns -- just as hyped, with fall-off-the-bone pork. The pork is nice and fatty, and meshes nicely with the pickles and cucumber, as well as the hoison sauce. There was also a decent sour cream tang to the potatoes and an interesting seasoning on the chips.

Low point: There was nothing all that special about the hangar steak (except for the crust), especially given the price.




Overall impression: Overpriced, yes, but still worth a trip. Those pork buns are fantastic, although you need to order at least two servings. By the way, I was perhaps more impressed with the Momofuku Milk Bar. Soft-serve flavors included several candies, such as Red Hots, Gummi Worm and more -- interesting stuff.

Chance we'll go back: If we were in New York, probably -- especially if we were with a group. Otherwise, we'd try the other Momofukus next.

Rate-A-Restaurant #206: Bottega Louie

Restaurant: Bottega Louie



Location: 700 S. Grand (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Italian/Market



We stipulated: It was monthly date night for Maria and I, so once again we wanted to try something new -- and when I put the word out on Facebook for suggestions, Bottega Louie was mentioned. Cool new restaurant downtown? Done.



They stipulated: Bottega Louie is already being called L.A.'s version of Dean & Deluca. Except that D&D doesn't have a bar. The huge Bottega Louie gives you several options: Sit down dinner. Fully stocked bar. Pre-packaged food items. Or a massive case of prepared foods and desserts.




What we ordered: Bianco pizza, $14 (ricotta, mozzarella, granna parmesan, garlic and rocket arugula); portobello fries, $8; caesar salad, $9 (romaine hearts, reggiano parmesan, garlic herbed croutons and caesar dressing); stuffed artichoke, $8.




High point: Those portobello fries are worth the trip right there.



Low point: Pizza was decent, but only so-so when you compare it to the explosion of strong pizzerias in L.A.




Overall impression: At a place like Bottega Louie, you can forgive the pizza for being only so-so. The environment itself is amazing -- high ceilings, stark white walls, a nice airy feel that makes you feel like you're in the middle of a lively, bustling urban center. This place definitely fits the downtown vibe. And the staff is uber-friendly -- almost too much so. The prices are decent too, and run the range. As you can see above, we decided to go economical; there are also pricier $23 fish dishes and $33 steaks... but this fed us just fine.





Chance we'll go back: Absolutely, it was a nice date night location, but looks to also be a great spot to meet up with friends. Plus, I read elsewhere that the breakfast is also worth another trip.

Rate-A-Restaurant #205: Sweets for the Soul

(Flickr pic by Atwater Village Newbie.)

Restaurant: Sweets for the Soul

Location: 3169 Glendale Blvd. (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Dessert

We stipulated: Evan and I were shopping for a Mother's Day present in Atwater Village (support your local businesses, especially in this economy!) on Friday afternoon, when we walked by Sweets for the Soul. The shop, which specializes in brownies, seems to always be closed when we're in the neighborhood. Given that we finally happened to be passing by while the doors were open, we had no choice but to check it out. Evan didn't object.

They stipulated: Cupcakes be damned. Sweets for the Soul is all about the brownies. Sure, they also offer a lemon pudding cake and a flourless pecan cookie. But you came for the brownies.


"Brownie Bliss"

What we ordered: Hot Shot brownie ($3.50): Valrhona Venezuelan dark chocolate base layered with spices such as chili, cardamon, cinnamon, ginger and more. Brownie Bliss ($3): Creamy chocolate square with toasted pecans. Cocoa Bliss ($3.75): More of cake-like texture of cocoa and chocolate chips.


"Hot Shot"

High point: Seeing how I love spice -- and love the combo of dark chocolate and chili pepper -- this was made for me. Rich in every bite.

Low point: But there weren't too many of those bites. And here we get to the real problem of Sweets for the Soul: Their brownies are tiny. Particularly given what you pay for them, the portions are shockingly small.


"Cocoa Bliss"

Overall impression: Love the brownie, hate the price. At least at cupcake stores, for $3.50 you get a humungous treat that can't (or shouldn't, at least) be eaten in one sitting. Here, we plopped down more than $10... for three tiny brownies that fit neatly in a small, small bag.

Chance we'll go back: I gotta say, I loved that Hot Shot brownie -- named because of its small, cylinder appearance. But there's so little value in the brownies, I'm afraid I won't be rushing back. Which is too bad, because it's the kind of store that would make for a great Atwater VIllage stop. But it's just too specialized and pricy for it to be a regular stop.

Rate-A-Restaurant #204: Cook's Tortas

Restaurant: Cook's Tortas

Location: 1944 S. Atlantic Blvd. (Monterey Park)

Type of restaurant: Latin Sandwiches



We stipulated: Hungry for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, we decided to try some place new. I'd been curious about Cook's Tortas since Pat raved about it on her site, and decided we'd make a trek out to Monterey Park.




They stipulated: Certain sandwiches are always on the menu, while others rotate. They're all made fresh to order. Oh, and you've got to drive out to Monterey Park to satisfy your craving.



What we ordered: Cucumber-lime aqua fresca; Mole verde sandwich (Pepita tomatillo, Chicken breast, Onion, Avocado); Bacalao sandwich (Spanish style cod, Roasted red peppers, Olive, Garlic, Parsley, Potato). On our second visit (!) we brought sandwiches over to a friend's house, so we bought four. In addition to the Bacalao (easily our favorite from the first round), we got the La Diabla sandwich (Chicken breast, Jalapeno, Chile de arbol, Habanero, Guacamole); Chicken basil sandwich (Chicken breast, Lettuce, Tomato, Basil pesto, Fresh cucumber); Cochinita sandwich (Achiote pork, Onion escabeche, Black beans, Cilantro). We also got a pineapple-celery aqua fresca. All sandwiches are $6.98 come with a side, such as red fries, potato salad, macaroni salad, caprese cucumber salad, among others.



High point: Oh, that soft, easy-to-eat bread! Not only are the sandwiches great, but the sheer variety of choices (see the blackboard photo above) is amazing. And the price makes the drive worth it. Even Evan liked the bacalao (and, the second time around, the Chicken basil). The La Diabla was super spicy, even for me, yet I'm still glad I tried it.

Low point: At one point, someone cleaned the tables with Windex right next to us... which left an unfortunate odor as we ate our sandwiches. The fries are also just OK; I'd recommend one of the salads instead (like the cucumber one, below).



Overall impression: Like Pat mentions on her blog, Cook's Tortas is the kind of place that I wished popped up all over L.A. -- or at least, closer to home. If we had one of these close to the office, it might be a little dangerous -- I'd probably eat there every day.



Chance we'll go back: Well, we've already been back once, and we'll probably continue to head down the 5-to-the-60-to-Atlantic-Blvd. in order to eventually try every sandwich!