THE CHEAP THE BEST & THE HIDDEN

Not as Lost in Translation as I had Planned for.

What’s happening fam squad. I’m in Seoul, currently on an inspiration trip with Samsung. It’s a pretty rad city, and they're doing a sick job of showing me around. I’m also not nearly as confused and lost as I assumed I would be. Billy Murray you really scared the shit out of me in that movie. WHAT FINE TRAINING SIR. It is hard to review things though, bc most of the restaurants I go to’s names are written in shapes and lines. But I did go to a new spot with a name I could read called Bover Lounge. It’s really modern and rad. The food is presented in a super Asian way (a good thing) and is all mega delicious. The walls are a really chic grey with gold trim. My friend was siting against that wall during lunch wearing a grey sweater and gold glasses. I took a photo of him. It looks great. 

Bover Lounge 

Tip: food is great. Can’t go wrong with the korean styled or american styled dishes. Tip: Everything is served with a twist, but in a good way. Not the gross way.

When to come here: for uber chicness

Where: 100, Toegye-ro Jongno-gu Seoul 100-052 

Times:  really couldnt say

Really Really High Con Edison Bill’s

Yesterday I was sitting at LA Mill in silverlake and I noticed something strange as I walked in. I quickly realized its that the really super mega effected people were out. Those Silver Lake "cool" people. Big hats in full effect. Huge beards. Elijah wood. I then got email reminding me that My Con Edison bill was almost $400 dollars this month which was cool and I had to go to dinner in El Segundo that night, which I don't really know how to get to. I also Uber everywhere, and they changed their logo with a new welcome screen that makes me nauseous. I’m sure an Uber from Silver Lake to El Segundo during rush hour will be a solid $200 euros. Yes the denomination I now references is exclusively euros and pounds because it's classy to deal in cool foreign metrics like meters and use your passport as your only form of identification like I do. Partially because my license is suspended. I know I didn't really tell you much about anything but the point of this whole thing is to tell you that El Segundo is further than I initially thought but don't regret having a fire meal at Sausal. Next time you're near the airport you should totes get lit up on specialty margaritas and well made tortillas from Sausal.

Sausal 

Tip: Everything is legit amazing. Can’t go wrong with any items Tip: Don’t sleep on dessert. They pay attention to it. (date cake) When to come here: If youre in/near El Segundo. Ever.

Where: 219 Main St, El Segundo, CA 

Times:   Wednesday 11AM–10PM Thursday 11AM–10PM Friday 11AM–10:30PM Saturday 11AM–10:30PM Sunday 11AM–10PM Monday 11AM–10PM Tuesday 11AM–10PM

Addicted to Frozen Dumplings

Do you like cocktails? Do you like music? This is going to be a really cool moment for you then. Patina Group, which for everyone that has no clue what that means, is catering the Grammys this year. To celebrate this, they’re curating some sick musically inspired cocktails available at a few of their restaurants (Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse, Ray’s & Stark Bar, Café Pinot, Pinot Grill, and Kendall’s Brasserie & Bar) from NOW until Grammy night. This reminds me how much I miss celebrating things. I feel like when you’re a kid, you have a major celebration on the reg. Dude, whenever I even had to go to the dr for a physical I got mad presents and a cool dinner. Yes, my parents had no choice bc the thought of going to the dr threw me into an emotional spiral. Literally weeks of turmoil. I think I’m going to have a wild celebration tonight. Ok so if you know where I live, come over tonight and bring food, entertainment, and something to drink for yourself. I’m going to be laying down on the couch while I defrost a few bags of trader joes frozen dumplings. They’re really addictive.

Some info belowwwwwww 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

She’ll Be the Death of Me Vodka, Ancho Reyes Chile Liquor, Honey, Lemon, Mint         Inspired by “Can’t Feel My Face”   From Evan: “I wanted something with some heat that could hit you on your front palate, but dissipate via a well-crafted balanced cocktail. To achieve this, I used Ancho Reyes Chile Liquor along with some simple and lemon to balance out the drink, and some mint to cool your palate and to achieve a clean finish. It certainly matches the song very well, if you catch my drift.”

·        Drunk on Jealousy Rye, Blackberries, Lemon, Honey   Inspired by “Blank Space” A twist on a Whiskey Smash with lemon and blackberries. “I wanted a drink with a lot of depth, both in body (via the balance of Rye Whiskey, lemon, and honey) and color (via the blackberries that gives a great dark hue) to match the themes of the song.”

·        All The Love Mezcal, Aperol, Lime, Bitters           Inspired by “Really Love” The drink is a variation of the whiskey-based “The Paper Plane” (which itself is a variation on the classic The Last Word). Inspiration came from the opening of the song, which is in Spanish. “I immediately wanted an agave-based drink and to both honor the drink it is based on as well as the quality of the record, I decided to use the smoky agave spirit, Mezcal.”

·        Say It Loud                                                                         Rum, Lemon, Simple, Strawberry, Basil, Sparkling Wine Inspired by “Think Out Loud” This is variation on a Rum Smash with basil, strawberry, and a little simple syrup added for balance. “I wanted to create a cocktail that had a nice red color (after all it is a love song).”

Quit Your Job

Ozu East Kitchen was the shocker of this year and last year for me. Atwater has the tendency to creep me out just a bit, mainly for reasons unknown, so naturally I was skeptical when I realized I had to go to dinner there. But YOOOOOO; I’m still confused as to how dope the food was. The spot is owned by a former film dude out of Asia. 1, he’s COOL. 2, you get all the benefits of a creative with attention to detail masterminding the whole situation. It’s really cool being a creative; like myself. We’re mainly unemployed but thats ok bc you’re supposed to be. Also, our opinions, like, matter. Sorry man, if you work at H&R block or wherever, your girlfriend is NEVER going to let you have any choice in how many throw pillows you’re forced to have. You’re life is going to be taken over by throw pillows you didn’t even get to pick the color of. You’re going to spend an average of 90 seconds every morning and every night removing and replacing throw pillows. THAT’S OVER FORTY FIVE HUNDRED (4,500)  MNUTES OF FUCKING AROUND WITH THROW PILLOWS PER YEAR. You should probably quit your job, become a creative, and eat at Ozu East.

Ozu East Kitchen 

Tip: Kimchi udon shrimp is INSANE. But so was everything. Tip: Ask about the beers, there is a major story behind what they serve here. Tip: everything is light and packed with insane flavor. Less salt, less heavy, just BETTER.

When to come here: whenever you want amazing food. Can’t go wrong here. WOW.

Where: 3224 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Times:  

Monday Closed Tuesday 5–10PM Wednesday 5–10PM Thursday 5–10PM Friday 5–11PM Saturday 5–11PM Sunday 5–10PM

Dominating Omasake’s in Expensive Dinosaur Sweaters

I love when I don’t need to decide wether I want French or Japanese for dinner. That pretty much only happens when I eat at Maru, the new spot for French AND Japanese cuisine. I feel like I have so much time for other cool activities now that the burden of that decision is done with. Now I can focus on things like whether I’d look super cool in this Saint Laurent Dinosaur sweater when I’m at the bar dominating one of the best omasake’s in LA. 

Maru

Tip: Steak is wild insane good, can't go wrong with any of the choices. Tip: Omasake is the move, they are literal sushi masters here. You’re in good hands. Tip: Wasn’t feeling desert at all. Go hard on things like the prosciutto & walnut salad, lamb tacos, and omasake.

Tip: The parking garage validates for 2 hours but only takes cash or check so keep that in mind so you don't get stuck in the parking garage like I did.

When to come here: major sushi moves and steak dinners.

Where: 12400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Times:  

Friday 12–2:30PM, 6–11PM Saturday 12–2:30PM, 6–11PM Sunday 6–10PM Monday Closed Tuesday 12–2:30PM, 6–10PM Wednesday 12–2:30PM, 6–10PM Thursday 12–2:30PM, 6–10PM

No Side Zips

I’ve had a really hard time leaving the house lately. I’m really into a few new obsessions like angel hair pasta. Fam I bought 10 boxes of angel hair pasta bc if I bought 10, I’d get a $5 coupon to buy more angel hair pasta. Another new favorite meal of mine is making a bowl of dumplings and taking it into bed. I lead a pretty dope life. I lay in bed eating dumplings from a large glass bowl looking out into the Silverlake Hills, thinking about angel hair. It’s a very very modern way of life. Speaking of modern, Inotheke is a very modern Greek restaurant with a sick wine list. I know what you’re thinking, is this modern like a sweatshirt with a side zip? Or modern like an easy and cool cashmere blend sweatshirt with an updated fit? NO, FUCK SIDE ZIPS. Updated classics all day. Go to Inotheke and have some of the most incredible lamb and orzo and realize the meaning of life when you take your first bite of GALAKTOBOUREKO. Just don’t drop any onto your new Bruno Cucinelli modern classic athleisure sweatshirt.

Inotheke

Tip: This is wine bar status. The list is wild good.

Tip: Tapas style situation here. 2-3 dishes a person yoooo.

When to come here: nice lunch bc u deserve it, a casual dinner that is the tits.

Where: 606 Broadway #101, Santa Monica, CA

Times:   Tuesday 12–2:30PM, 5:30–9:30PM Wednesday 12–2:30PM, 5:30–9:30PM Thursday 12–2:30PM, 5:30–9:30PM Friday 12–2:30PM, 5:30–10PM Saturday 5:30–10PM Sunday 5:30–9PM Monday 12–2:30PM, 5:30–9:30PM

Thug Consumption Tactics

Straight off the bat I’m going to tell you this spot is in the trap. But its worth is for the food. North African Tacos. Don’t lie to yourself and pretend you already know what that is, it’s too soon into 2016 to start lying again. This is a no frills spot which is what we all really want. Chic Beverly Hills lunches are so 80’s. Lets be thugs about our food and where we consume it. I really can’t deal with pretentious creeps looking at me when I eat, sizing up my fire jawnz to later ask me when I got my t-shirt. FAMGOD this t is way limited and way way sold out. Step off into next week.

Revolutionario: North African Tacos

Tip: have a friend drive so if their car gets broken into you still good.

Tip: CAN’T go wrong. All food is dope. Try a variety of things, it’s the sort of place meant for that.

When to come here: chill lunches and early dinners.

Where: 1436 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles

Times:   Sunday 11:30AM–9PM Monday Closed Tuesday 11:30AM–9PM Wednesday 11:30AM–9PM Thursday 11:30AM–9PM Friday 11:30AM–9PM Saturday 11:30AM–9PM

Escaping Reality

How do we all feel about 2016 so far? I’m not sure about it. On the Jan 1, I randomly went to Palm Springs then Vegas to escape the impending reality which I thought was pretty smart. It was off season, and I mainly stayed in my hotel room and stared at the huge mirror on the ceiling, trying to figure out if I was capable of installing one at home. Other than that, I realized the coffee game in LA isn’t that great, though I recently did discover a new favorite, Bar Nine. It’s all the way in Culver City though, so unless I want to live in traffic for the rest of my life, I’m never going again. BUT, for everyone on the west side, it’s a MUST GO. They don’t even have to go cups, they have to go GLASS JARS. Make sure you’re on a level where you’re ready to handle such an establishment.

Bar Nine

Tip: free wifi Tip: coffee is insane, and they feature rotating blends weekly.

When to come here: work, meeting, chilling.

Where: 3515 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA

Times:   Friday 7AM–6PM Saturday 8AM–6PM Sunday 8AM–6PM Monday 7AM–6PM Tuesday 7AM–6PM Wednesday 7AM–6PM Thursday 7AM–6PM

Plebeian BBQ’s

Sometimes Brooklyn is just SO perfect. Like loose Rouge. It’s the sort of place that makes you sigh, ahhh Brooklyn, but with that fuck yea sort of relief of rebellion and cool. Not the sigh of, Brooklyn, like ugh, this place makes me hate pianos and all instruments and the L TRAIN. I love that the bar and restaurant are separate but the same. The vibe in both of Loosie’s spaces is so cool and perfect unlike the vibe of that bbq your friends girlfriend made you go to last summer. My Sunday was going so well too. Suddenly, I’m at some unknown apt, on a rooftop surrounded by plebes, roasting in my white jeans. We even had to bring our own food fam. What kind of bbq is this? Oh; come to my restaurant fam, but BYO-FOOD. GTFOH with this tractor tailer trash. Please no one talk to me rn. Instead of going to basic bbq’s, go to Loosie Rouge and eat dope fried chicken.

Loosie Rouge

Tip: The Hurry Cane is amazing. Bahamian daiquiri vibes all day. Tip: Fried chicken. Don’t sleep on collard greens. Tip: Start at the bar, then head around the side to the back for dinner. Double scenery moves.

Tip: The dessert is WHAT.

When to come here: when you need that real fried chicken sandwich game with the David Cheng flair that makes you say OOOOOOOOOOOH WEEEEEEEEEE!

Where: 91 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY

Times:  

Thursday 7PM–2AM Friday 7PM–2AM Saturday 7PM–2AM Sunday 7PM–2AM Monday 7PM–2AM Hours might differ Tuesday 7PM–2AM Wednesday 7PM–2AM

The Michael Jordan of CHILL Why is it that the fast food and cheap version of everything is better than any quality/gourmet version? THINK ABOUT IT KIDS. Best example, Cinnabon. There is no better cinnamon bun than the manufactured fluffiness of a Cinnabon. I feel like the Changster has figured this out. I’m talking about Fuku. This is the Michael Jordan of chicken sandwiches, no questions asked. And yesz, I’ve had the Shake Shack chicken sandwich. STILL NO CONTEST. I also happened to find the Michael Jordan of not caring whatsoever about basketball. This kid, hands in pockets and all, doesn't make a move for literally 3 minutes. I think we can all learn something from a kid with such an apparent lack of pressure whatsoever. Boss yelling at you? Channel this kid. Have no money? Channel this kid. Co worker Susan sucks? Channel this kid. Remember, nothing is above the total chill of this tiny basketball player.

Tip: I do love hype but this chicken is the crispiest of all time. Tip: The line is intimidating but moves crazy fast. Tip: Skip the fries get the salad, and order the Koreano which is the off menu version of the sandwich.

When to come here: when you need that real fried chicken sandwich game with the David Cheng flair that makes you say OOOOOOOOOOOH WEEEEEEEEEE!

Where: 95 Avenue A, New York

Times:  

Lunch Daily | 11am – 4pm

Dinner Daily | 6pm – 11pm