Kinnara (thai restaurant)

This place may probably be my fave spot for Thai food this side of the valley.

The decor - modern and cool but not cold.

The staff - friendly and helpful.

The food - delish!

What was had:

Thai Iced Tea - Perfect on a hot October day. Cool and not too sweet. Having that first sip could be just what Goldilocks must have felt when tasting the baby bear's porridge for the first time.

Massaman Curry - Great over brown rice and not overwhelming with the coconut milk.

Pumpkin Shrimp Curry - Amazing! When done correctly, nothing could go wrong with Shrimp, pumpkin and curry all in one dish. Another plus is that this place isn't stingy at all with their shrimp.

Pad See You - mmm mmm good! One thing about asian cuisine is that you usually have a fave dish. When trying out a new place, ordering it usually determines if the food since it's your go to dish. In my opinion, this place probably has the best Pad See You this side of town.

What's great is that after going over the menu, I noticed some other things I will definitely be going back to try. There's also a Chef's creations section that has got me willing to give duck another chance. Who knows, maybe next time, since I definitely will be coming back for more.

Location: Kinnara Thai Restaurant

15355 Sherman Way

Ste O
Van Nuys, CA 91406

GAJA

This place is pretty legit when it comes to their "okonomiyaki." Ever since I've moved back to the states from Japan I've been craving this comfort food. I've found restaurants where you can order some sort of version from their menu but without customizing and making it yourself it loses it's appeal.

I ordered the "tako" and threw some kimchee into the mix and that stuff was "cho oishii." Their servings are pretty large as well. You can make about three good sized pancakes with the mixture they provide.

The other items on the menu were pretty good however I wasn't a fan of their versions of "takoyaki." Their parfaits on the other hand, are OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious. If it wasn't too far from where I lived, I would keep coming back for their parfait selection alone.

When checking this spot out make sure to leave room for a parfait in the end. For first timers, I'd suggest going with the cream puff eclair one.

Or... you can be like me and start with dessert first. Remember, you can always box up and take home an entree but that theory doesn't work as well the other way around.

Location: Gaja

2383 Lomita Blvd
Lomita, CA 90717

M CAFE DE CHAYA

For what it is to me - a vegan/vegetarian cafeteria influenced by Japanese cuisine, I'd consider this establishment more than okay. Though the food won't quite get me to do my dance the meal is satisfying to say the least.

It appears that they make everything fresh the day of however, it would be advisable not to go during dinner. It's a great place for lunch when you can do most of your people watching and the "inari" isn't too stale from sitting out too long, but if you must come here for dinner I'd advise to have an early one so the food doesn't taste too flat.

Location: M Cafe de Chaya

7119 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

PORTO'S BAKERY

These must be the gates to heaven since the line here is always so long. If not, then I hope they serve Porto's in hell.

Everything is so good that it has to be bad. Do NOT skip out on the sandwiches and just head for the sweets. Definitely recommend this place for brunch. Despite the long line, it moves rather swimmingly. Just make sure you know what you want by the time you get to the front to be courteous to those behind you.

I tend to eat with my eyes here since everything looks so sinfully delicious. As an advocate on life and living, everything bad is at least worth one try.

Location: Porto's

3614 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91504

FAB HOT DOG

The ripper is an explosion in your mouth that will have you coming back for more!

Tried this place for the first time earlier this year after reading about it in LA Weekly. This place does not disappoint. All the condiments they offer along with the smorgasbord of additional toppings will have you returning just to try out new combinations.

A little hole in the wall that definitely NEVER goes unnoticed. It's pretty mom and pop's which adds to the overall charm of the place. If you're ever in need of a clogged artery, this place will hit the spot.

P.S. don't forget the tots.

Location: Fab Hot Dog

6747 Tampa Ave
Reseda, CA 91335