Happy 80th birthday Canter's

The Los Angeles Times had a nice story on Canter's today, they covered their 80th birthday on July 12 which was celebrated with 80 cent sandwiches just for the occasion. Last weekend I visited their original Boyle Heights location at 2323 Cesar Chavez (formerly Brooklyn Avenue). Its now a Kids Dental office complete with scary people dressed as clowns out front.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - 100 things I love about the historic restaurants of Los Angeles

For my 100th post I decided to list 100 things I love about the restaurants and bars of Los Angeles that have been in operation for over twenty-five years. In no particular order.

1. The beef double dipped sandwich at Philippe's.
2. Bill's hamburgers on Oxnard in Van Nuys. Bill is the best and so are his burgers!
3. Miceli's meatball pizza with extra garlic.
4. Tiki Ti's Bayanihan.
5. My favorite waiter- Bobby at the Safari Room.
6. My favorite waitress- Barbara at Little Toni's.
7. Cassell's potato salad
8. Twohey's Stinko-burgers.
9. The 'medium' chili experience at the u-shaped counter at Chili John's.
10. La Villa Basque's original decor.
11. The #4 scramble at Nat's Early Bite in Sherman Oaks.
12. Hirschfeld mural at the Frolic Room.
13. Philippe's incredible salsa. Its only available during breakfast so make sure to get there before 10:30am.
14. In-N-Out burger's double-double.
15. Pineapple margarita at the original El Cholo location.
16. Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes enjoyed in the redwood forest known as Clifton's Brookdale.
17. Smoke House's garlic bread.
18. Papa Cristo's gyro plate.
19. Langers pastrami.
20. Philippe's hot mustard and the fact that it makes a tasty gift.
21. The ambience of the Las Palmas location of Miceli's. The Pig 'N Whistle booths are a plus.
22. Sunday morning at the Saugus Cafe.
23. Hof Hut's Hofburger.
24. Casa De Pizza's Sinatra night.
25. Black Forest pastrami reuben at Brent's in Northridge.
26. Corn dog with mustard and a lemonade from Hot Dog On A Stick.
27. Prime rib at Taylor's Steakhouse.
28. The incredibly skinny front doors at Bun 'N Burger.
29. Bob's Big Boy Toluca Lake car night.
30. The way Philippe's makes their Dolores chili with beef stock instead of water.
31. Pepperoni pizza with 'extra extra sauce' at Adrian's Trattoria in Reseda.
32. A donut from Bob's at the Farmer's Market.
33. The waitstaff at Musso and Frank.
34. Pann's interior and exterior.
35. Lido's red sauce.
36. The Safari Room's bacon cheeseburger, always prepared perfectly.
37. The atmosphere of Tam O'Shanter.
38. The prime rib cart at Lawry's.
39. Eating a Wienerschnitzel chili cheese dog and fries while standing outside the original location on the PCH in Wilmington.
40. Gyro plate from Firehouse in Reseda.
41. The paper cups at Apple Pan.
42. The original Barney's Beanery's extensive menu.
43. Red Lion Tavern's patio.
44. The Buggy Whip's green goddess dressing.
45. The combined taste of the beef and bun at the Hamburger Habit on National.
46. Tam O'Shanter's Hoot Mon! book.
47. Canter's pickles.
48. Philippe's logo.
49. Hof's Hut onion rings
50. Roma Deli's Italian Combo sandwich.
51. The view at Yamashiro.
52. The exterior of Bellflower's Chris & Pitts location.
53. The jukebox at the HMS Bounty.
54. The Original Pantry has been open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, since 1924.
55. Dagla's burger combo. Where everyday is a 'fry day!'
56. Musso and Frank's bread.
57. Dinah's Fried Chicken's interior at their Westchester location.
58. The roasted serrano pesto burger at Hamburger Hamlet.
59. Domingo's Italian Deli spicy Italian sub with sharp provolone.
60. Fried artichoke hearts at The Dresden.
61. The patio at Cat and Fiddle.
62. Al & Bea's cheap molten hot burritos with a side of Libros Schmibros.
63. Johnie's Pastrami Dip, the name says it all.
64. Palermo's free wine while you wait.
65. The huge bar at Tom Bergins.
66. Pecos Bill's pork sandwich.
67. Garlic cheese bread at Antonio's.
68. Jack and coke at Boardners.
69. Pink's cole slaw dog.
70. Tommy's chili cheese fries. If you don't see the shack... its not Tommy's!
71. Trying to figure out the Sherman Room's hours.
72. Norm's early bird specials.
73. El Indio Mexicano's milanesa burrito.
74. Mike's mammoth hockey burger
75. Gravy fries at The Hat.
76. The huge portions at Andre's Town & Country across from the Farmer's Market.
77. Du-par's pancakes.
78. El Coyote - cheese plus tortilla.
79. Casa La Golondrina's patio.
80. Poquito Mas steak burrito.
81. Dino's Chicken & Burgers, toss up between the burger and the chicken & fries.
82. Barone's square pizza.
83. The Baked Potato's logo.
84. The homemade schnapps at Oyster House in Studio City.
85. El Cid's floor show.
86. Simply knowing that 'Hardy Boys' filmed an episode at 94th Aero Squadron.
87. Pesto rigatoni at Two Guys From Italy in Granada Hills.
88. Meatball sandwich from Monte Carlo's Deli/Pinocchio restaurant in Burbank.
89. Bahooka's fishtanks.
90. Patty melt at Rae's.
91. My Hero Subs turkey sandwich with tomato salad.
92. The murals at the Bear Pit.
93. Marty's 'Home of the Combo' with a side of 50/50 fries and onion rings.
94. Steak Corral's mascot.
95. Dolores restaurant's Suzy Q fries.
96. The eternal quest to figure out what San Fernando's James restaurant lists as 'tasty sauce' on their menu.
97. Early bird specials at Billingsley's.
98. Philippe's cole slaw.
99. Cheeseburger at Russell's in Pasadena.
100. The wiener dog logos of Larry's Chili Dogs and Papoo's Hot Dog Show.

Help save La Villa Basque!

One of Los Angeles' most originally intact (circa 1960) restaurants, La Villa Basque, recently changed hands and remodeling has already begun. A recent Los Angeles Times article spelled out some changes that have already taken place but I urge you to support the restaurant and let the new owners know that the 'upgrade' isn't necessary.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - Hof's Hut since 1951

Hof's Hut had been on my list of places I have to hit up someday but I'd only bookmarked the Torrance location. Happily we stumbled upon the Bixby Knolls Hof's Hut yesterday while out on a Saturday road trip just about the time we started asking the 'where are we gonna eat' question.

Their menu tells the history of the restaurant, with accompanying photos. Founder Harold Hofman started a hamburger shack on the beach at 5th Street in Long Beach during the 1940s. A photo shows Harold at the grill standing next to his mother, who helped work the stand. Fast forward to September 1951, now married with a son on the way (current owner Craig Hofman), Harold seeks a more reliable business plan and opens his first Hof's Hut restaurant in Belmont Shores. By the mid-1970s there were nine locations around the South Bay and in Orange County. Today six locations remain: Bixby Knolls, Los Altos, Marina, Torrance, Buena Park and Los Alamitos.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Hofburger, a juicy 1/3 pounder with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion and thousand island dressing. A side of half and half fries and onion rings is a perfect accompaniment. The only regret was that I didn't have room for the olallieberry cheesecake I was thinking about before the meal.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - Bill's Hamburgers since 1965

Here's another one of those spots that's only open Monday through Friday (from 8:30 to 4pm in this case), so on those rare occasions I have a weekday off I head to Bill's. Located on the industrial stretch of Oxnard Street between Van Nuys Blvd and Kester, the stand was recently written about in Saveur and Los Angeles magazine though it heretofore relied on word of mouth as Bill doesn't advertise.

Bill has been in this location for 45 years, he's the third owner of this little 8 stool hamburger stand and I can't imagine its been without a customer since he opened it. Before the stand Bill operated a restaurant 'down the street' for a few years (also called Bill's) which fell victim to a street widening project hence the move to the current stand in '65. Once upon a time he was open on Saturday's but gave that up fifteen years ago because he got tired of working six days a week. I've occasionally seen people order a pastrami sandwich but its Bill's hamburger that's the star of the show- a deliciously seasoned little griddled patty served on a soft bun. These burgers come with chips on the side because as Bill says 'fries aren't good for you, they're too greasy'. And might I suggest if you're still hungry after one of Bill's single (or double) cheeseburgers simply order another.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - La Villa Basque since 1960

I've got a list of places that are only open during the work week to hit up on one of those rare occasions I have such a day available. La Villa Basque has been on the top of that list for quite a long time. I was recently able to cross it off and it was definitely worth the wait. Located in the industrial hub of Vernon (only 90 residents were listed in 2008), and as a result it's easy to see why its only open during the week. The restaurant is owned by the town's (former) Mayor, the infamous Leonis Malburg, Vernon's native son. La Villa Basque serves lunch from 11-3 Monday through Friday and the dining room enjoyed a steady stream of partakers during my visit. I wholeheartedly recommend the croque monsieur (Virginia ham and melted gruyere cheese served on french toast with a side of pesto aioli), grilled beef and cheese on sourdough, their perfectly cooked shoestring fries and homemade potato chips. I will be back and I'm not the only one!

R.I.P - Edith Carissimi of Musso & Frank Grill

The Los Angeles Times featured a nice obituary on Edith Carissimi, the 95-year-old restaurateur that (until late 2009) co-owned the legendary Musso & Frank Grill. AKA 'Musso Frank' the restaurant is the oldest in Hollywood, its roots date back to 1919. Edith married into the Grill's 'family'. The original owners, Frank Toulet and Joseph Musso, sold the business in 1926 to John Mosso and Joseph Carissimi (Edith's father-in-law). Joseph passed the reins to Edith's (second) husband Charles and Edith became co-manager upon Charles' death in 1969. She had a pretty amazing life!

*** On a related note, do yourself a favor and read the interesting story of the restaurant's earliest years (when it was known as Frank's Francois Cafe) on page 100 of Gregory Paul Williams' fascinating book The Story of Hollywood which was published in 2005.

Get thee to a newsstand

My favorite magazine devoted an issue to my favorite city. Every page of the March 2010 Saveur magazine focuses on the food, restaurants, recipes and dining history of Los Angeles. After reading it cover to cover some highlights for me were: a history of Vernon-based Tapatio Hot Sauce; the upcoming 72nd anniversary of Lawry's Seasoned Salt (of Lawry's the Prime Rib fame); Jeff 'Beachbum' Berry profiles Mike Buhen and Tiki Ti and includes a recipe for Puka Punch; the stories behind Philippe's mustard and Pacific Dining Car's steak relish; Bill's burgers in Van Nuys; Los Angeles as 'Deli Capital of the World' with Langer's, Brent's, Nate 'n Al and Canter's; and a baker's dozen of Saveur's favorite local food products- from Littlejohn's English Toffee to Kruegermann pickles.

Don't miss Patrick Kuh's Nights on the Town article which name check's La Rue's, Philippe's, Musso and Frank Grill, Ye Bull Pen Inn, Don the Beachcomber, Cocoanut Grove, Perino's, Romanoff's, Clifton's, Schwab's, etc....

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! -Papoo's Hot Dog Show since 1949

Who can resist a place called Papoo's Hot Dog Show? This flagship location was once part of a chain of hot doggeries and opened the same year as it's neighbor, Bob's Big Boy. While the crowds for Papoo's aren't anywhere near as large as Bob's they are holding their own and celebrating their 60th birthday! I like Steve Doggie Dogg's review of Papoo's the best but one friendly word of warning- please do try the huge breakfast burrito if you're in the neighborhood but you might want to forgo the greasy, cooked salsa and opt for hot sauce instead.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - James since 1953

James at 739 Truman in San Fernando is a 'must' just for the sign alone.... You are handed multiple menus when you sit down, with a huge variety of options. A few selections come with 'tasty sauce' though I've never gotten a straight answer to what that is. The place is always decorated for the nearest holiday.

Happy 85th Birthday to The Original Pantry

The Original Pantry opened in 1924 with five employees at the northwest corner of 9th and Francisco. They moved to their current location of 9th and Figueroa in 1950 all without closing (they served lunch in the 'old' location and dinner in the 'new' location). Interesting facts include:
-They have no locks on the doors, they are open 365 days of the year for the last 85 years.
-The restaurant's seating capacity is 84 people and they serve 2500 to 3000 a day.
-Their annual coffee supply derives from approximately 20,000 coffee trees.
-More than 2400 eggs are used every 24 hours.
-Yearly averages include 30 tons of celery, 16 tons of fruit, 50 tons of vegetables (aside from potatoes which consist of 208 tons used a year), 5.5 tons of jams & jellies, 188 tons of ice, 15 tons of sugar and 17 tons of dishwashing soap.

R.I.P. - LeVonne Eloff, proprietress of Henry's Tacos

LeVonne Eloff moved to California in 1962 to help her father Henry run his taco stand at Tujunga and Moorpark. She'd been there ever since....

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - Andre's Italian since 1963

Located in the Town & Country Shopping Center (across from the famed Farmer's Market at 3rd and Fairfax), Andre's Italian has been drawing them in since April 1963. They tend to fly under the radar of those driving by but the locals know they offer cheap eats and huge portions.

R.I.P. - Harold Price, co-founder of Canter's on Fairfax

Harold Price, the co-founder of the Canter's location on Fairfax was 89. Mr. Price and his (then) wife Selma Canter Udko opened Canter's in 1948 a few doors down from their present location. They, along with partners Ben & Jenny Canter moved Canter's to their present home in 1953. Prior to the move the building at 419 N. Fairfax housed the Esquire Theater.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - Safari Room since the mid-1950s

The timeless setting and excellent waitstaff make Safari Room a destination I should visit way more often than my traditional 3-4 times a year. I've never had a disappointing meal here. A little advice for your first trip to the Safari Room, go during the day when Bobby is your server. Bobby, "trained by the best", takes pride in his job and it shows. Primarily known for their surf and turf combos, do yourself a favor and try the delicious (and cooked to perfection) burgers in this white linen tablecloth setting.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! - Saugus Cafe since 1887!

Saugus Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles County. It started life as Tolfree's (Southern Pacific) Eating House in 1887, owner J.H. Tolfree also ran Southern Pacific eating houses in Bakersfield and Mojave. Tolfree also took over the Nadeau Hotel in November 1895. The following July, J.H. Tolfree's wife (aged 28) died at the family's home in Mojave and was interred in Los Angeles at the Rosedale Cemetery. J.H. Tolfree died January 16, 1897 of either suicide (rumored) or 'apoplexy' (official cause of death) and joined her at Rosedale. Tolfree's brother Lyman (L.H. Tolfree), a prominent hotel man in Scottsdale, AZ, seems to have taken over the Tolfree's Eating House and run it until selling to Martin & Richard Wood. More to come on the history later, BUT in the meantime- stay away from the (watery) biscuits and gravy and make sure to request onion if you order a burger. I'm thinking its better to stay with the staples here. Don't get too fancy. And-unless-you-like-to-be-the-fly-on-the-wall-checking-out-the-scene---- stay away from late nights.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! Chili John's since 1946

Chili John's is the place to go if you like chili with a little heat. Too many choices! Available mild, medium and hot. With/without beans, in a bowl, over spaghetti, on a hot dog, chili size. Add cheese, sour cream, onions, pepperoncinis, oyster crackers (particularly good here). Don't forget a piece of the pineapple cream pie.

Enjoy L.A. - Eat Out More Often! Bear Pit Bar-B-Q since 1955

Having been born and raised in Missouri I'm puzzled by The Bear Pit's claim to serve 'Missouri style' barbecue (I've never had it so dry) but I definitely give it an A++ for ambiance. Its worth the trip to see the bear murals and Hamm's beer 'panoramic rippler' signs. This place is always packing 'em in.....

The building at 10825 Sepulveda Boulevard started life as a Tip's barbecue and in the early-1960s Ben Baier partnered with Don Carrow (of Carrows) to open Baier Pit Barbecue. The name changed to The Bear Pit in the mid-1960s and the restaurant branched out across the Valley to 21377 Roscoe (Canoga Park), 132 N. Glendale (Glendale) and 1001 W. Victory (Burbank). When the fourth location (on W. Victory) opened in 1978 it was being touted as a prototype for 21 Bear Pits that the new owners (Bert, Jerry and Shirley Schatz) hoped to open within two years. That never panned out. The Sepulveda location is the original and last of the chain still open.

Happy Birthday In-N-Out!!

In-N-Out just turned 60. And unfortunately had to squelch an internet rumor that sprang up informing the unknowing public that prices would be severely discounted to celebrate the anniversary.

Fountain of Youth - Barney's Beanery since 1921

Barney's Beanery began life in 1921 as a shack eatery on Route 66. From an early age it has been known for its French Onion Soup, the menu now consists of pages of grub. Today its looks almost exactly as it has for years, as evidenced from these photos of Barney's in 1980.