Because every Angeleno loves to eat, even if he has to valet, we bring you Table Stakes: a series that answers man’s eternally recurring question (“Uh, what’s new?”), and recurs once every lunar cycle or so. Bon appétit.
Tallula’s
Santa Monica
You’re here for: A lively meal with friends or family.
You’re dining on: The turkey enchiladas will make you feel warm inside, and the pumpkin seed hummus is an interesting play on a familiar texture (also, very healthy). Well balanced cocktails and an Esters-picked wine list will keep the chatter going strong.
Prawn
Downtown
You’re here for: A healthy lunch break at Grand Market.
You’re dining on: A chopped salad with sweet and spicy shrimp placed on top. This is your new go-to summer lunch.
317 S. Broadway Street (map)
Website
Sweet Chick
Fairfax
You’re here for: A booze-filled dinner with friends at Nas’ famous fried chicken concern.
You’re dining on: Nashville hot fried chicken capable of rousing a few beads of sweat on the brow. The wedges of sweet waffles help subdue that heat, as do the sugary sweet cocktails.
SOCA
Sherman Oaks
You’re here for: Date night or a client dinner.
You’re dining on: Steaks as this is a modish steak house with a Mediterranean freshness. The giant chilled tiger shrimp are bursting with flavor, and barely need the cocktail sauce.
14015 Ventura Blvd (map)
Website
Friends and Family
East Hollywood
You’re here for: Breakfast, brunch or lunch. This would be a great spot to snag the makings for a picnic, too.
You’re dining on: Depends. If you’re there for breakfast you need to try the olive oil eggs because olive oil imbues eggs with a subtle freshness that’s both healthy and delicious. Lunch: roasted chicken salad is a go-to, but that lamb baguette with the crispy potatoes if it’s Saturday. Do not leave without a dessert. These guys do some of L.A.’s best pastries.
5150 Hollywood Blvd. (map)
Website
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