In addition to its well-known culinary scene, Los Angeles and Orange County are home to a number of under-the-radar new restaurants that offer unique dining experiences. A recent article by Cathy Chaplin on LA Eater highlights five of these hidden gems in Los Angeles [2781b048]. Each restaurant showcases a different cuisine and flavor profile, adding to the diverse culinary landscape of the city. One of the featured restaurants is Master Gan Noodle and Dumplings, located in the Northridge Fashion Center. This Chinese eatery specializes in hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, offering a taste of authentic flavors and textures. Another hidden gem is Bodega Delights in Sawtelle, which serves Jamaican culinary specialties. From hearty soups to flavorful jerk chicken, this restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Jamaica to Los Angeles. TP Banh Bao in Monterey Park is another must-visit spot. This Vietnamese restaurant is known for its banh bao, a steamed bun filled with various savory ingredients. Guests can enjoy a range of flavors and fillings, making it a perfect place for a quick and delicious meal. La 'Croque, located in Long Beach, offers a taste of France with its selection of croque-monsieur sandwiches. These classic French sandwiches are made with layers of ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, then toasted to perfection. It's a great spot for those craving a taste of Paris in Southern California. Last but not least, Mori Nozomi in West Los Angeles is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in omakase, a chef's tasting menu. Guests can indulge in a multi-course meal featuring the freshest ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. The article also mentions other new restaurants in different neighborhoods of Los Angeles, including Torrance, Inglewood, and Burbank. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines and dining experiences, further enriching the food scene in the city.
Meanwhile, in Orange County, Lola Gaspar, a Mexico City-inspired gastrobar in Santa Ana, has been added to Michelin Guide's midseason 'new discoveries' list [64b21ef5]. The restaurant offers a tightly edited menu featuring tacos, quekas, and churros. Michelin inspectors praised the quality of the food and highlighted the handmade flour tortillas, grilled tomato and dried chili salsa, and fillings such as sauteed shrimp and pork shank carnitas. The restaurant also offers happy hour discounts. Four other Southern California eateries were also added to the 'new discoveries' list. The announced restaurants could earn Bib Gourmand or star awards at California's Michelin Guide ceremony later in 2024.
On another note, if you're interested in spotting celebrities while dining out, a recent article on mediafeed.org lists 12 restaurants that have become go-to destinations for famous guests [d92cd192]. These celebrity hotspots include Tao Asian Bistro in Las Vegas, 75 Main in Southampton, New York, Chicago Cut Steakhouse in Chicago, Fanelli Cafe in Soho, New York, Barbuto in West Village, New York, Blue Duck Tavern in Washington, D.C., Casa Vega and The Ivy in Los Angeles, South City Kitchen in Atlanta, Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, Sonsie in Boston, and Poogan's Porch in Charleston, South Carolina. These restaurants have attracted famous guests such as Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, Wiz Khalifa, Amy Adams, Nick Jonas, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Howard Stern, President Joe Biden, Jodie Foster, Kelly Ripa, Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vince Vaughn, Lana Del Ray, Drake, Common, Nicholas Braun, Chloe Sevingny, Chris Rock, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bella Hadid, Andy Cohen, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Oprah, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Selena Gomez, Avril Lavigne, Mila Kunis, Nicole Richie, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Demi Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hanks, Melissa McCarthy, Dolly Parton, Martha Stewart, Al Gore, Taylor Swift, Tom Brady, Katie Holmes, Jon Hamm, Bette Midler, Amanda Seyfried, and Calvin Klein.
Whether you're a local looking to explore new culinary delights or hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrity, Los Angeles and Orange County have plenty to offer in terms of dining experiences.