LA STREET FOOD

Bodega Cantina Party

2012-02-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

The Brisk/Star Wars promotional tour kicked off with the Bodega Cantina party in DTLA on 2/2/12. The interstellar collaboration celebrates the theatrical release of Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace 3-D. The pop-up gallery featured a Patrick Martinez curated street art exhibit featuring Star Wars culture and characters (No Jar Jar!!!). DJ Just Blaze supplied the beats and the Greasy Wiener supplied the eats (light vs dark side menu). Stay tuned to LASF for more info regarding this promo which is currently hitting the LA streets.

Work by Artek

LASF fave EyeOne

"What do we have here..."

Darth Maul by Artek

Just Blaaaaaaaze!!!

Leo Eguiarte

Star Wars Propaganda

Vodka + Brisk = Jedi Mind Trick

"Bleep, Bleep, Bloop....whooooooaaaaa!"

Brisk Saber App

2012-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome Brisk spot featuring Yoda vs Darth Maul. Download the Brisk Saber app on on iTunes and Android NOW!

Los Feliz On the Lot: 1/30/12

2012-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Mandoline Grill hosts "On The Lot" (formerly "Los Feliz Din-Din-A-Go-Go"), a weekly Monday night street food-for-all featuring a stellar truck rotation of established favorites rather than flavors of the month. It's a fun, festive, family-friendly night of community and commerce all packed into a church parking lot... where else? Tonight's Line-Up (below) and on their Twitter: OnTheLotLA.

Mandoline Grill's Vietnamese Pork Taco

No Jodas Potato Balls

WHAT: Los Feliz On the Lot

WHEN: Mondays (5:30-9pm)

WHERE: OMGC Parish, 2060 N. Vermont Ave.

10-10-11 Line-Up: @MandolineGrill @lomoarigato @Flatirontruck@GlobalSoulTruck @BoolBBQ @IndiaJonesCT @MamboJuiceTruck@ParadiseCookies!

Bodega Cantina Party!

2012-01-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

LASF will be celebrating the kick-off of the Brisk/Star Wars promo at the Bodega Cantina Party featuring free grub from the Greasy Wiener, a Star Wars street art exhibit and a live performance by Just Blaze. Note that it's a CLOSED private event, BUT you can STILL win tickets on our FB & Twitter giveaways all week.

Sneak Peek: Star Wars/Brisk Promo feat Greasy Weiner

2012-01-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

LA Street Food gives you an exclusive sneak peak into the upcoming Star Wars/Brisk promo featuring the Greasy Wiener food truck. The 3-month promo tour starts in early Feb to coincide with the theatrical 3-D release of "Phantom Menace." More info will be revealed shortly, but for now here's what the truck will look like. May the Force be with you!

MetroPCS Food Giveaway: Pig Out (for free)

2011-12-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

We're celebrating the launch of the Special Edition tokidoki™ android phoneAND to set it off right, The BACONMANIA food truck will be handing out FREE FOOD this Saturday at the Fullerton MetroPCS Retail Store. At just 79 bucks, it's the hottest phone this holiday season, and they are going QUICK! Quantities are limited, so check out metropcs.com and your local metropcs dealer!

OC – BACONMANia

Saturday, 12/17 from 12-2pm @ FULLERTON RETAIL STORE

205 E ORANGETHORPE AVE
FULLERTON, CA

MetroPCS Giveaway: Free Pizza Party in Pomona.

2011-12-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

We're celebrating the launch of the Special Edition tokidoki™ android phone AND to set it off right, Valentino's Pizza truck will be handing out FREE FOOD this Sunday at the Pomona MetroPCS Retail Store. At just 79 bucks, it's the hottest phone this holiday season, and they are going QUICK! Quantities are limited, so check out metropcs.com and your localmetropcs dealer!

Pomona – Valentino's Pizza

Sunday, 12/18 from 2-4pm @ POMONA RETAIL STORE
68 RIO RANCHO RD
POMONA, CA

MetroPCS Giveaway: Mandoline Grill in the IE

2011-12-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

LA Street Food is helping promote the launch of the Special Edition tokidoki™ android phone AND to set it off right, The Mandoline Grill food truck will be handing out FREE FOOD this Saturday at the Redlands MetroPCS Retail Store. At just 79 bucks, it's the hottest phone this holiday season, and they are going QUICK! Quantities are limited, so check out metropcs.com and your local metropcs dealer!

Redlands – Mandoline Grill

Saturday, 12/17 from 12-2pm @REDLANDS RETAIL STORE
10080 ALABAMA ST
REDLANDS, CA

Auntie Em's: Click Your Heels for Cupcakes.

2011-12-02T09:18:00.001-08:00

Taking its name from Dorothy's aunt in the “Wizard of Oz, this colorful, old-timey cottage café is a popular breakfast spot for young families and hung-over hipsters, but its best known for its baked goods. Owner/chef Terri Wahl's red velvet cupcakes are a dessert superpower having competed on Food Network's "Cupcake Wars." They come in convenient (or cruel) guilt-free mini-sizes so you can mix it up with a variety pack (coconut, chocolate or carrot cake) to-go. The Farmer’s Market fresh menu is written on a chalkboard outside so the food is fresh and seasonal. For breakfast, order the open-faced sandwiches or the orange French toast. There are also soulful stews, rain forest-sized salads and the most homely lamb shepherd's pie this side of Kansas. The prices are a bit more, it's somewhat out of the way, but this is real deal comfort food in a family-friendly setting that proves that you can go home again.

EAT IT: The holiday pies sell out fast

Auntie Em's
4616 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
www.auntieemskitchen.com
(323) 255-0800
Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm,  Sat-Sun: 8am to 4pm

Tarascos: A fistful of tacos.

2011-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

“You can’t have an LA Street Food app without Tarascos,” chortled the Pancho Villa ‘stached hipster drawing his Modelo at a local dive saloon. So LASF rode into the hard to find Silverlake taqueria to see if the gringo knew what he was talking about. It was lunchtime so parking can be a problem (they only have two spots in a huge lot), but you’re better off hitching up your ride on the street. Order from a counter off a chalkboard menu featuring the usual fare favoring fresh ingredients that are more green than greasy. Take a seat at the adjoining picnic-style outdoor patio where you will be served a complimentary basket of chips and four community “what up with that” salsas (smoky habenero crème being the best, but nothing amazing). The burritos are big without being overbearing, while the tacos are a better bet if you want to mix it up. As for the proteins, the al pastor cooked with pineapple chunks is a sweet and savory taste-slinger that puts Tarascos on the LA Mexican food map. The charbroiled steak was a bit overcooked and you’ll find better fish tacos up the road (Best Fish Tacos in Ensenda), but the chicken and Cochinita Pibil had a rich full flavor. Is it the best taco in the east? Hardly, but it's fairly authentic, won't fill you up and it's a good value especially on Taco Tuesday ($0.99 tacos). They also offer tamale-making classes every second and last Sun-Mon of the month for $40.

Tarascos

3319 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026

(323) 669-3300

www.tarascosrestaurant.com

EAT IT: Al Pastor tacos

Mon-Thu: 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-3pm, Sun: 9am-11pm

Fashion's Night Out 90210: Oh What A Night

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

How much is that model in the window?

Over 15,000 foodies and fashionistas came out to Rodeo Drive to celebrate this year's Fashion's Night Out 90210, making it the biggest consumer event in the history of Beverly Hills. LA Street Food hand-picked 17 of the finest food trucks to feed the well-heeled crowd (yes models do eat), while over 100 retailers participated with runway shows, one-night only sales, cocktail parties and an exclusive blogger social. Oh, what a night indeed.

Food trucks on parade

Buttermilk Truck's FNO Whoppie Pie - as seen on KTLA
(photo courtesy of East of Highland)

Carnie fun in the 90210

KO Taco's FNO lobster taco special - as seen on KTLA

Blogger Party at the Luxe Hotel Penthouse
(photo courtesy of East of Highland)

Local blogger's strike a pose

Well-heeled and well fed

Foot fetish
(Photo courtesy of East of Highland)

MeSoHungry - Monster Attack

2011-09-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Me So Hungry moniker is both cute and crude, it’s like those American Apparel ads that draw a confused blink or wink. In a crowded food truck lot it’s the kind of name that both attracts and alienates - do they serve tacos? Curious carnivores will happily be introduced to a four-wheeled gastropub menu that's described as a “fusion of world flavors that pack a monster-sized punch,” which I guess explains the truck’s mascot (a doppelganger of Sully from Monsters Inc). It's a bold, but pretty fair assessment of Chef Cory Ewing’s three-part menu that doesn’t go off script, think punched up bar food centered on sliders (which come in twos for $8). The KMT marinated short rib is both sweet and savory, topped with pepper jack cheese, crispy onions and a spicy creme Fraiche, it’s one of the best sliders in mobile cuisine. The Flyin’ Hawaiian pulled pork and the bacon and cheddar Cali Angus are solid, if not spectacular options. All the sliders can be Big Monster-sized or you can save room for the fried sides: beer battered onion rings, popcorn shrimp or sweet potato fries. There’s also dessert (blueberry bites, fried banana) to make you appetizing for a future Godzilla attack.

EAT IT: KMT sliders

MeSo Hungry

twitter.com/mesohungrytruck

Download LA Street Food app to get a taste of LA's melting pot of street food flavors. Now on iTunes

LA Street Food App Fashion's Night Out Guide

2011-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is an app to guide you through tonight's food trucks at Fashion's Night Out on Rodeo Drive & Beverly. Download the new LA Street Food app update to get the scoop on tonight's event. Now on iTunes for your iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch.

LAST exclusive peak: Cart for a Cause - Donut Debutant

2011-09-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cart for a Cause enlisted BLD to come up with the Fashion's Night Out exclusive LBD (Little Black Doughnut): Dark Chocolate Glazed Raised Donut with Sparkling Silver Sugar Crystals. Cart for a Cause will be one of the 16 food trucks along Rodeo Drive for this year's FNO. Track them all on the LASF app's FNO feature.

Fashion's Night Out

Thu - 9/8/11

6-10pm

FNO feature - Waffles de Liege: Not just for breakfast anymore.

2011-09-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Belgium’s finest export aside from Jean-Claude Van Damme is undoubtedly the Belgian waffle. Americans are as familiar with the traditional Brussels waffle (thanks to Eggo) as they are with say “Bloodsport,” whereas the lesser-known Liege waffle is more like “JCVD,” a cult classic favored by Euros and pundits. Two recent college grads (George Wu and Lawrence Tai) hope to change that with LA’s first and only (as of now) waffle truck. The Liege, which hails from its namesake city, is a richer, denser, sweeter and chewier waffle. The key ingredient is pearl sugar, which caramelizes when baked, giving it a crispy exterior and warm, cake-like interior. Although it doesn’t have the same consistency of Shaky Alibi, Waffles de Liege does a pretty good rendition, plus it’s cheaper ($4.50) and has a better name. Their dough is freshly made from scratch each morning and everything is made-to-order, which can explain the long waits. They offer fresh fruit toppings, syrups and traditional spreads (try Speculoos, a graham cracker-ish delight) for $.50, 2 for $.75, 3 for $1. Top it all off with a scoop $2.50 or a double for $4 of Fosselman’s Ice Cream with rotating flavors such as lychee or Banana/Heath.

Waffles de Liege

FNO Special: Dessert tower (vanilla ice cream, strawberries & chocolate syrup on a waffle)

twitter.com/wafflesdeliege

Download LA Street Food app to get a taste of LA's melting pot of street food flavors. Now on iTunes

FNO feature - KO Tacos a #1 Contender

2011-09-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Watch your back Kogi. KO Taco's Chris Goossen has his eyes on taking your undisputed taco truck title. Hailing out of the famous Goossen boxing clan, the former executive chef at Bottega Louie and longtime personal chef to Mark Wahlberg (dude does have some Turtle in him), combines culinary skill with top-flight ingredients to create 4-star quality street food. His 10-taco choices run the gamut from traditional hard-shells (Carne Asada, Yukon Gold potato) to modern mash-up (Jalapeno Teriyaki Chicken, Hawaiian Tuna Poke). The prices range from $2.50-$4, but the value comes in a bull-rush of textured flavors that come at you like Mike Tyson in his prime, assaulting your palette from all sides until you're down for the count. Every taco on the list has a signature taste with the champion being the spicy Blackened Shrimp that’s topped with bacon, cheese grits and Cajun salsa. Taking a cue from the family business, the pretty gals taking orders are ring card-worthy. Ding-Ding. Let's get it on.

FNO SPECIAL: Rock shrimp taco topped with caviar.

Knockout Tacos

Twitter.com/kotacotruck

LASF Exclusive: Waffles de Liege's FNO Dessert Tower!

2011-08-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Waffles de Liege FNO special features a waffle dish with vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a chocolate FNO logo to top it off.

Fashion's Night Out PSA.

2011-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a celebrity PSA on this year's Fashion Night Out. Looks like (skinny) Perez Hilton needs some street food

Fashion's Night Out 2011

2011-08-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

LASF is bringing food trucks to this year's Fashion's Night Out in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 from 6-10pm. This year's line-up has doubled, with 15 of the best gourmet food trucks along the #300 and #400 blocks of Rodeo Drive and the #300 block of Beverly. Fashion will be represented with 60+ fabulous events going on throughout the 90210, including numerous cocktail parties, celebrity appearances and extended shopping hours. In addition, the Cirque du Soleil’s Flipbook Experience on Rodeo Drive offers visitors the opportunity to insert themselves into Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular new IRIS show at the Kodak Theatre. Food + fashion = fun.

Food truck line-up (many of which you can find on the LA Street Food app):

Coolhaus

Buttermilk Truck

Waffles de Liege

Lobsta Truck

Tango Mango

Tino's Pizza

Greasy Wiener

Me So Hungry

Cart for a Cause

Nacho Truck

Cheeseball Wagon

Breezy Freeze

Sprinkles

KO Taco Truck (just added)

Great Balls on Tires (just added)

And special guest...

The Flower Truck

Buttermilk Truck: Red Velvet Flavornista.

2011-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Buttermilk Truck's FNO Whoopie Pie.

Here's a sneak pic of Buttermilk Truck's "Fun, Fashion & Flavor," a limited-time only Red Velvet Whoopie Pie made exclusively for Fashion Night Out: Red Velvet Cakes with Buttermilk's special Cream Cheese Filling. All topped off with a sprinkle of Powdered sugar and sparkle Pizazz!

Coolhaus: Ice Cream Couture.

2011-08-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak at Coolhaus' limited edition FNO Sammie: double chocolate cookies (black) with red velvet ice cream (white and red), covered with edible glitter. It will be wrapped with an edible wrapper, printed with the Fashion's Night Out logo.

Boba Truck: Boba reboot.

2011-08-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Before the Pinkberry mania, cupcake craze and now the pie revitalization, boba was the new “it” dessert. Bubble tea was cute, distinctly Asian (read: exotic) and underground hip. It was like edible Anime without the schoolgirl fetish. Surprisingly, it flamed out faster than Lucy Lui’s career. There was no Ballistic: Ecks vs Sever to blame so what happened? Perhaps The Boba Truck knows the answer and solution. The state-of-the-art mobile tea and coffee brewery specializes in Asian-inspired drinks, packed with tapioca pearls. The fresh teas are brewed-to-order, made with anti-oxidant ingredients and can enjoyed hot or iced. Even the tea strength and sweetness can be adjusted to your taste. There are over 100 premium teas (Earl Grey, Pomegranate, Swiss Peppermint) to choose from, which is both impressive and daunting. Tops on LASF’s list were the Fuji Apple black tea, which had a sweet and tangy taste and the full-bodied Almond milk tea. The chewy boba comes in regular or mini or you can get lychee, mango jelly or aloe bits. Oddly, they ran out of boba on my second visit, but the aloe bits were an enjoyable alternative, especially for boba non-believers. Drinks will run you between $4-$5. They’ve also partnered with the White Rabbit Cafe, taking a space at the Filipino food truck's brick and mortar in Canoga Park. Comeback? Hey, Lucy Lui is in Kung-Fu Panda 1 & 2.

Boba Truck

twitter.com/thebobatruck

Download the LA Street Food app for a taste of LA's melting pot of street food flavors. Now on iTunes!

Joe's Pizza: Let’s hear it for New York... style pizza.

2011-08-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Photo by Muy Yum

Daryl Strawberry was the last famous NY-import who came west looking to duplicate greatness, only to go down in a blaze of Sheen (aka cocaine, prostitutes and major league failures). Fortunately, this fabled NYC pizzeria’s fate looks so bright they just opened their second establishment along the fabled Sunset Strip (8539 Sunset Blvd.). Their first foray out of Greenwich Village is a hole-in-the-wall just off the Third Street Promenade. Their NYC-style pizza will have you in an empire state of mind with a springy, crispy crust that's as thin and dependable as Mariano Rivera and the cheese as cheesy as A-Rod's frosted tips. The pies come in one-size 19" ($19-$26) or giant slices ($2.75-$4). You can't go wrong with any choices, but the white pizza (ricotta, spinach and garlic), Caprese (fresh mozzarella, pepperoni) and the Mozzarella-laced Grandma will have you chanting "MVP" as in "Most Valuable Pizza."

Joe's Pizza

111 Broadway

Santa Monica, CA 90401

www.joespizza.com

(310) 395-9222

Daily: 11am-midnight

Eat Real Festival: A Tasty Revolution.

2011-07-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Eat it. Make it. Grow it. Words to live by if you were at the 3rd Annual (1st in LA) Eat Real Festival. The two day event (July 16-17) held at the Helms Bakery District in Culver City was like a retro state faire meets sustainable food movement rally, focusing on the purveyors who grow, prepare and cook food. The casually cool crowd beat the summer heat and Carmageddon, indulging in a variety of dining options from gourmet food trucks to farmer's market favorites. You could get in touch with your food literally, with classes on everything from canning to tamale making. And you couldn't help but not go home empty-handed. LASF spent an arm and leg on well... an arm and leg (plus much more) at the Lindy & Grundy mobile butcher shop, which had a meat valet so I guess it was zombie-friendly too.

BigMista gettin' his Q on.

Who knew Armenian food was so healthy? Hungry Nomad's Za'Atar feta wrap.

Carnivore porn courtesy of Lindy & Grundy butcher shop.

Lindy & Grundy meat valet is herrrrre!

Hollywood Farmer's Kitchen summer jams.

Track down the bacon chutney from Cast Iron Gourmet.

LASF fave Flatiron Truck bringing it farm-to-curbside.

Getting their hands dirty at Eat Real Fest.

Flat Iron Truck: Farm-to-curbside dining.

2011-07-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Combining the “farm-to-table” movement with the food truck trend is an ingenious idea. Yet, Flatiron Truck chef/owner Timothy Mark Abell’s ambitious plan to bring sustainable dining to a curbside near you is a risky endeavor. After all, the atypical food truck consumer doesn’t care where their sustenance comes from as long as it tastes good, is cheap and comes in a taco. One glance at the chalkboard menu (Challa French Toast, oxtail sandwich) and it’s obvious that this isn’t your drunken buddy’s post-last call food truck. Abell, who has worked at some of the finest kitchens in town (Hungry Cat, Water Grill and the Wilshire), raises the bar in a watered down scene, where fusion, gimmicks and copycats mask an inferior product. Abell uses locally grown California produce, fresh seafood and top-shelf meats from the farmers' markets that he shops at two or three times a week. The interchangeable menu (breakfast, brunch, dinner) has a couple mainstays mixed in with daily specials (depending on neighborhood or event). The namesake steak ($11) is of course the signature dish and it’s a good one, perfectly charred and pink on the inside, served on a bed of greens with cubed potatoes. You can also get it on a decent, yet sparse market salad. The triple pork (chorizo, ground pork and bacon-tomato jam) burger draws raves, while the juice-dripping dry-aged burger ($10) could be the best under-the-Twitter-radar burger in LA. All of it cost a bit more, (average meal $12-$15), but it's fresh and inspiring in terms of the food truck world, offering a much-needed change of pace.

Flat Iron Truck

twitter.com/flatirontruck

Download the LA Street Food app for a taste of LA's melting pot of street food flavors.

Plancha: A Taco Joint

2011-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Love it or hate it, Fresh-Mex is basically Mexican food for white people. Take a peak into Chipotle, most people in-line think Menudo was a boy band from the ‘80s. At first glance, Plancha Tacos looks like its fast-casual competitors: clean, accessible and corporate. The difference is in the details. Owner Peter White worked at the original Poquito Mas for 25 years so he knows what will bring in a Mid-City crowd. His south-of-the-border fare uses only locally sourced ingredients, but has a down-home flavor that you would find on Olvera Street (with less grease). The proteins are all grilled on an open-kitchen with a 10-seat counter. There’s a mini-fresh salsa bar and a chill-axin’ outdoor patio overlooking the bustling 3rd street shopping district. The under $10 menu consists of burritos (egg white Protein breakfast burrito is a local favorite), a huge veggie selection, salads, bowls and tacos (all of which are available in lo-carb lettuce cups) that come with chips. The street tacos (3 for $5) are your best bet. Choose from grilled steak (tender smoky taste), al pastor (sweet and savory blend) and chicken (finely shredded white meat), which was one of the better pollo tacos LASF’s had in awhile. Make them Plancha-style (guac, salsa roja and cojita cheese) for $.45 or 3 for $1.25. They’re even open till midnight on the weekends in case you get the pre-2am munchies. Tamale Sundays feature fresh, homemade specials that sell out quickly.

EAT IT: chicken tacos, breakfast burrito

Plancha

8250 W. 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048

twitter.com/planchatacos

(323) 951-9911

LASF 1.7 Update

2011-06-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

LA Street Food 1.7 is now live on iTunes. Download it now to get the scoop on the latest & greatest street food in LA. The new edition features 250+ reviews, 2500+ pics, interactive maps and new technology.

Roll call of the new reviews on LASF 1.7:

Lardon

Pal Cabron

Juicy Burger

Boba Truck

25 Degrees

Waffles de Liege

Jogasaki Burrito

Habit, The

Vesuvio

Cafe Con Leche

Tango Mango

Plancha Tacos

Flat Iron Truck

TiGeorges

Tino's Pizza

Papa's Place

2011 Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance

2011-06-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

LA Street Food was a proud participant of the 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance on 6/19/11. Hot wheels, family fun and street food? That's amore! Great Balls on Tires, Vesuvio, Tino's Pizza, Tango Mango & Auto Gelato (which made their 1st LA appearance) represented the GFT well as the 90210 came, saw and ate. GBOT is already on the LASF app, while the rest will be on the next update.

Tango Mango: Italian ice is nice.

Big pimpin' ascot-style

I could picture Steve McQueen in this

Tino's Pizza Artichoke Veggie Delight

Cute, but aren't there child labor laws in the 90210?

Auto Gelato's treat comes in a real coconut shell

Hipster porn

People love GBOT's balls

LASF's ride (I wish!)

Vesuvio's infamous rice balls

Testosterone baby!

Vintage classic

Asian BBQ LASF style!

2011-06-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

The Spread

Assi Market in Ktown

Carnivore Porn

Kim Chi Burgers

Kalbi Tacos

Shishito Peppers

Veggie Platter

Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing (Get the recipe from Come Together LA)

Carrot Cake Cookies (Come Together LA)

Chego: Peasant food for the soul.

2011-06-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Kogi auteur Roy Choi ‘s first foray into a brick-and-mortar arrived with as much hype as the iPad. After all, this fast casual joint (think Yoshinoya but edible) is the next stage of the food truck evolution. Since, his food truck formula was copied more than Charlie Sheen’s lexicon here's how he does it. Step A: Keep it real. Rather than join Culver City’s vaunted restaurant row, “Papi Chulo” sets up shop in a non-descript storefront in a Palms mini-mall in close proximity to his demographic (the young and restless college aged, Twitterati). Step B: Know your audience. Invariably, if Kogi is for drunks, Chego is for stoners. It’s cheap, (under $10), filling and fast (with a DIY condiment-utensil-beverage station), getting you home in time for your date with Step C: Do what you do. Proteins like the signature Chubby Kurobuta pork belly, buttered kimchi and sour cream chicken are soaked in Choi’s mash-up mastery: incorporating Far East flavors + cross-cultural ingredients = feel good comfort cuisine. The sauce-heavy, gooey rice bowls are anything but subtle, assaulting your palette with the same veracity and unruliness as a tiger’s bloodthirsty troll. Beginners like the charred baby bok choi and portobello, $12 salad and 3pm Meatballs offer a more straightforward approach but are equally tasty, while the stellar desserts like the Elvis cream pie (exactly what you think it is) and the Sriacha bar (yes, he went there) are definitely winning. If you like the post last-call Kogi you will definitely enjoy Chego, its soulful medical marijuana card-carrying brother.

EAT IT: Chubby Pork Belly Bowl, $3 Meatballs, Elvis Cream Pie

CHEGO

3300 Overland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 287-0337

http://eatchego.com

Download the LA Street Food app on iTunes for more reviews on LA's melting pot of street food flavors.

That's Brisk Baby Pics

2011-05-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Only a couple more weeks before the Brisk promo comes to a close. Follow Brisk street teams, LA Street Food & four trucks (White Rabbit, Lomo Arigato, Frysmith & Ahn Joo) to win FREE Machete promo gear and Brisk drink. That's Brisk Baby!

New food truck launch: Curb A Peel

2011-05-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

Curb A Peel invited LASF to a tasting of their food truck at Lyric Pre-School in Silverlake. Their Chinese/Mexican fusion menu is still working out its kinks, but the custom-built truck is definitely one the best looking to join the GFT highway. Look for them on the streets soon and read about my review on the next app update.

Taste of the Eastside

2011-05-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Taste of the Eastside: Great event for a good cause.

Taste of the Eastside was a nice, well-organized event at a perfect locale at Barnsdall Park. Some vendors put out a little more than the others, Little Dom's ran out of fried oysters really early (what up with that), while Barbarella Bar was giving out free short rib morsels. It was a tasting so the servings were small, but the innovation and presentation were big. I bypassed familiar haunting grounds (Hugo's, Sweets for the Soul, Xoia) for places that I've had on my "must eat" list for awhile. The mood was chill (literally), with lots of stuffed faces, custom facial hair and blog-worthy fashions. The silent auction, which raised money for charity (including The Children's Hospital) was quite impressive. I'm hoping they expand it a bit next year with more vendors as the Eastside boasts a healthy number of indie eateries, both new and old, who shape who we are, where we live and what we eat.

Elf Cafe: Not only one of the best dishes...

... but the purrtiest. (Elf Cafe)

Good KCRW-tunes, but gotta move it to the bar area in 2012.

The Park: Double-backed for this sweet-indulgence... twice.

The Kitchen: Probably my fave dish of the day, but I'm a card carrying carnivore.

"Pharmacie" mixologist Talmadge Lowe doin' work.

Pepper-laced jalapeno bourbon cocktail.

Looked good, tasted okay, but I forgot who made it.

Ready for its close-up.

Barbarella Bar: Bold and tender taste.

Eastside nirvana.

Auntie Em's: Decent, but I don't go here for the mac 'n cheese.

Brite Spot: In a crowded field, this banana pudding was the best dessert of the day.

Brite Spot: Carrot cake cupcake. I never knew their desserts were this bomb.

Mas Malo tequila. Hey, it's for the kids.

Best Late Night Eats

2011-05-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

101 Coffee Shop
6145 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, 323-467-1175
the101coffeeshop.com
The Draw: Think of this tragically hip diner tucked inside a Best Western hotel as Denny’s for the hungry and hung-over Hollywood sect.
The Scene: Slow-poke service comes with a smirk from a self-aware staff that looks as if it stepped out of a Nylon Magazine photo shoot. The novella-sized menu runs the gamut of classic Americana with a “Whole Foods” twist. There’s usually a wait for late-night or morning-after tables, but the people watching is always A-list.
Hot Tip: Street parking can be tough, so take advantage of the motel’s adjacent free lot.

Pink’s
709 N. La Brea Ave., Hollywood, 323-931-4223
pinkshollywood.com
The Draw: Hot dogs are smothered with chili and cheese. With a line like this, the food must be good.
The Scene: It seems like no matter what time of day or night you visit, there’s always a crowd. And it’s usually filled with a representative mix of locals and tourists. Sun–Thu 9:30am–2am, Fri–Sat 9:30am–3am. $
Hot Tip: First time at Pink’s? Start with the classic chili-and-cheese hot dog.

Sanamluang Café
5176 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-660-8006
The Draw: Great noodle dishes and curries are served almost until sunrise at this savory Thai stop between the bars in Hollywood and Silver Lake.
The Scene: The bright, no-frills room and frantic cooking noises in the back are like a good shot of caffeine. Thai teens breaking curfew and tattooed musicians graze on curried noodles and sip Thai iced tea, like the rebels they are. Daily 10:30am–2am. $
Hot Tip: Two words: General’s Noodles.

Review: Juicy Burger

2011-05-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

In the crowded SoCal burger-verse, Juicy Burger sits somewhere in-between Fatburger and Umami both figuratively and literally - its Los Feliz (1820 Vermont Ave) location is within walking distance of both. Billing itself as a “premium burger bar” is a bit of a reach, but it does take its systematic cues from The Counter. Pencil in your order from a checklist menu that allows you to customize your made-to-order burger. Choose from a variety of proteins (beef, chicken, turkey, veggie), buns, cheeses ($0.75), sauces ($0.50) and toppings ($0.50). There are also classic combos like the Popeye Burger (grilled spinach, onions and sautéed mushrooms) if you just want something “in your belly.” The namesake burger comes on a squishy Brioche bun with a 1/3 beef patty. It’s a tad greasy, cooked to medium well (blasphemy for the burger bourgeoisie) but a solid burger at a solid price (under $10). The turkey option is surprisingly just as juicy as its beef brethren, while the chicken goes great with the Teriyaki or BBQ glaze. LASF would put the house cut, twice-fried fries up against any competition, especially with the chipotle ketchup. The sparse interior with its dark wood booths and orange walls isn’t exactly a hang out, but rather a quick and easy place to drop in before or after a night out (it’s open till 3am).

Juicy Burger
(323) 465-8429
6340 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
http://juicyburgeronline.com
Daily 11am-3am

NileGuide's Review of LA Street Food iPad App.

2011-04-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is the only real local Los Angeles guide on here. Based on my budget and lifestyle, this is probably more useful to me, as a resident, than the more upscale Zagat's and LocalEasts... (more)

That's Brisk Baby!

2011-04-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Follow Brisk street teams, LA Street Food & four trucks (White Rabbit, Lomo Arigato, Frysmith & Ahn Joo) to win free Machete promo gear and Brisk drinks.

That's Brisk Baby!

Cool & Refreshing

Chase the White Rabbit

Frysmith's Brisk-inspired "Machete Cachete"

Winning!

Frysmith's winning combo

How Much is that Brisk in the Window? FREE!

Lomo Arigato & Brisk = Dynamic Duo

Ahn Joo's Korean Grub Pairs Perfectly with Brisk

Highland Park Din-Din-A-Go-Go

2011-04-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Rokyo: Ramen Bowl (look for a review on the next app update)

The ever-popular Din-Din-A-Go-Go mobile food court drops into Highland Park at the parking lot of the sustenance super emporium aka Figueroa Produce every Tues (5:30-9pm). The night is hosted by chef Debbie Lee & her Ahn-Joo truck with a constant rotation of the lastest & greatest trucks. Follow it on Twitter where they announce a weekly special using a special ingredient (kale, collard greens, etc).

Free Brisk from Ahn-Joo? That's Brisk Baby!

Lomo Arigtato: chicken & bacon Chaufa (thank you may I have another?)

WHAT: Highland Park Din-Din-A-Go-Go

WHEN: Every Tuesday (5:30-9pm)

WHERE: Figueroa Produce Market parking lot (6312 N. Figueroa St. LA CA)

FOLLOW: http://twitter.com/HPARKDDAGG

Follow the Brisk Trucks (Lomo Arigato, Ahn Joo, White Rabbit & Frysmith) to win free gear & drinks

Japan LA Benefit

2011-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Frysmith & Lomo Arigato came out to support Japan LA's art exhibit benefit for tsunami/earthquake victims in Japan. Follow all four Brisk trucks to get a taste of some great food and free Brisk drinks and promo gear.

LA Street Food Top 10 List!

2011-03-21T09:45:00.001-07:00

5. Slaw Dogs

4. Ahn-Joo

4 (t) Vizzi

3. Lomo Arigato

2. Bigmistas Barbeque

1. Mo-Chica

Free gear coming to a curbside near you!

2011-03-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Follow the 4 Brisk trucks to score free Machete/SA Studios gear: Frysmith, Lomo Arigato, Ahn-Joo & White Rabbit

#1 Mo-Chica: A Foodie Machu Picchu

2011-03-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hidden in an ethnic food court south of downtown, the unassuming food stand has earned the Midas touch of approval by the high & low priest of the LA food scene (Jonathan Gold) and ranking #4 on LA Magazine’s 2010 “Best New Restaurants” list. Virgin restaurateur Ricardo Zarate was born in Lima, trained in London and versed in Japanese so it’s no surprise that his exhilarating dishes are described as Nobu-style Peruvian. The organic-ingredient menu is straightforward: four appetizers, seven main courses, nothing above $13. Start off with the elixir-like ceviche (cubes of sushi-quality tuna blended with seaweed, chiles, diced sweet potatoes and corn nut kernels). Next, is the incomparable Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef filet under a log-cabin of thick French fries) or the palette-pleasing Arroz con Pollo or Mariscos (can’t miss with either one). Wash it all down with purple corn tea. The presentation is as exquisite as the food, ingeniously shedding LA’s multicultural sunshine on an ancient cuisine. For further exploration, reserve a seat for their monthly tasting menu featuring six courses for $35.

EAT IT: Lomo saltado, ceviche

Mo-Chica

3655 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA

(213) 747-2141

www.mo-chica.com

Mon: 11am-4pm/6pm-8pm, Tue-Sat: 11am-4pm/6pm-9:45pm

Suite101.com names LASF a top LA app!

2011-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Where guidebooks are invariably aimed at visitors to a city, the joy of apps is that many of them appeal as much to residents. And if you are a visitor, that can help you enjoy the experience all the more. This Street Food app wants to help anyone eat well for under $20 a meal... (more)

#2 Bigmista's Barbeque: Real. Good. Meat.

2011-03-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

This hard-to-find, easy-to-please BBQ stand is the Keyser Soze of the gastronomic blogosphere. Despite having no brick-and-mortar eatery or food truck (just a smoker), their slabs of brisket, racks of ribs and tender smoked meats are the stuff of “foodie legend,” spreading across LA like a raging wildfire.The Mista and Mrs. Mista (aka Neil and Phyllis Strawder) behind the catering/vending stand make the rounds of local farmer's markets (Atwater Village-Sun, Torrance-Sat/Tue and El Segundo-Thu) so keep track of them via Twitter. Just get there early, because the prime cuts (brisket, ribs and tri-tip) often sell out. The slow-cooked meats, massaged with their signature spice rub and drizzled with their homemade BBQ sauce come a la carte, as sandwiches (under $6) or platters (under $18) with sinfully soulful side dishes (mac ‘n’ cheese, pineapple coleslaw and collard greens), including the Jonathan Gold-approved Pig Candy (thick bacon slices glazed with maple syrup) and "Moink Balls" (meatballs wrapped in bacon with a blueberry-chipotle sauce). The waits are often long, but the home cooking comes with a smile and TLC-touch, which just adds to the wondrous flavor.

EAT IT: Pig candy, brisket, pulled pork, ribs (everything)

Bigmista's Barbeque

bigmista.com

Farmer's Markets: Sun: 10am-2pm (Atwater Village), Tue: 8am-1pm (Torrance), Thu: 3-7pm (El Segundo), Fri: 3-7pm (Echo Park), Sat: 8am-1pm (Torrance)

Frysmith featured on Amp Radio!

2011-03-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

Check out Frysmith's new Brisk wrap & listen to their Amp Radio interview.

#3 Lomo Arigato: Jap-Ruvian

2011-03-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

Unlike the made-up Mexican-Korean mash-up courtesy of Kogi, Lomo Arigato’s Peruvian-Japanese fusion food has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The odd culture coupling was an inspiration for Lomo Arigato founder Eric Nakata, a Japanese-American with family roots that stretch from Tokyo to Lima.Although Nakata is a trained sushi chef, you won’t find any raw fish on the $7-$8 menu (at least for now). His signature serving is the "Lomo Saltado," a dynamite dish of sautéed tri-tip strips wok-tossed with veggies, French fries, red wine, soy sauce and served on a bed of white rice. The "Tallarin" is the same concept (chicken works better) except with Soba-like noodles, while the "Chaufa" is basically Peruvian fried rice. It’s fresh and flavorful, tasting less like street food and more like fine cuisine cooked on the street, especially when it’s flared right in front of you in the food truck’s custom-built windows that serve as an open kitchen on wheels. Last but not least is the "Aji" aka the insanely spicy green sauce, which is like discovering Machu Picchu in your mouth.

EAT IT: Lomo saltado with 2x aji

Lomo Arigato

twitter.com/lomoarigato

Machete might not text, but he drinks Brisk.

2011-03-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the four Brisk trucks roaming the streets: Frysmith, Lomo Arigato, White Rabbit & Ahn-Joo? They will be giving out free promos & giveaways soon. Stay tuned to LASF for more details.

#4t Ahn-Joo: Seoul-to-soul.

2011-03-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in this ongoing craze, the “gourmet” portion of the “food truck” movement has gone the way of Lucy Liu’s career. Enter Chef Debbie Lee, a “Next Food Network Star” finalist with a visionary take on Korean pub grub. Ahn-Joo, which translates to “snack,” is “Seoul-to-soul” food that combines her Southern roots and Korean heritage. It’s heavy comfort cuisine that’s long on taste and made with a TLC-touch: fried chicken with pickled daikon, pan-seared potstickers and a dazzling array of Robata skewers. Mostly everything LASF tried on the under $7 is a hit, especially the garlic fried potato wedges and ground rib eye with shitake mushroom meatloaf. The only exception was the salty Korean Nachos - a good idea that was too salty, perhaps it goes better with an ice cold beer. The desserts are just as inventive, with the berry-filled Nutella Bhang edging the Fugi apple eggroll with Mascarpone. This is curbside cuisine designed for the true foodie. Fresh, original and inspiring, Ahn-Joo re-defines what the “gourmet food truck” phenomenon is all about.

EAT IT: Mama Lee's Meatloaf, fried chicken

Ahn-Joo

twitter.com/AhnJooLA

http://ahnjoo.com

#4 Vizzi Truck: Odd name. Good food.

2011-03-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Vizzi’s tagline of “coastal-infused visionary cuisine” is about as clear as President Obama’s Healthcare Plan. But, take one bite into their trademark BBQ braised Wagyu slider and it all makes sense. French cooking techniques are mixed with modern flavors from around the globe (California to Oregon and the Philippines) to create something that’s both cutting-edge and traditional. The emphasis is on healthy bistro cuisine rather than greasy comfort food. In fact nothing is fried. The fruit poke salsa with organic pita chips or a baby heirloom tomato & basil salad set the tone for the 3 varieties of sliders, which are served on a grilled Hawaiian bun. The aforementioned BBQ braised Wagyu tops LASF’s list as it’s slow-cooked to perfection - giving it a smoky, yet sweet infusion. The black skillet Jidori chicken is close behind with a garlicky crème-fraiche chimichurri sauce that stirs the palette, while the chickpea cutlet is a worthy vegetarian option. They’re served in cardboard box on a bed of Pimento-spiced, Yakima salt popcorn, which while healthier than say fries and grows on you. As for the truck, it’s definitely “Pimp My Ride” worthy, with booming speakers and flat-screens showing the big game or showcasing local indie artists.

EAT IT: Wagyu slider, Chicken Piadina

twitter.com/VizziTruck

vizzitruck.com

#5 Slaw Dogs: Hot dogs get "hot" again.

2011-03-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

We may have grown up with hot dogs, but they’ve become an impulse meal, only had at a ballpark, post last call curb or if its the last thing on the backyard barbeque grill. Slaw Dogs is one of a new wave of purveyors changing the sausage stigma by giving the iconic American comfort food a modern makeover. Owner Ray Byrne takes a craftsman approach, incorporating LA's melting pot of flavors with high-quality domestic and international links, which he imports from a local butcher. The Vienna sausages while plump and snappy don’t compare with the artisan fare of Wurstküche or Chili Addiction, but lay a solid foundation to Byrne’s creative juices, which span the gastronomic globe. Although you can mix-and-match (first three standard toppings are free; custom toppings are $.99/each), the signature "Slaw Dogs” are where it’s at. The Thai Slaw Dog (chicken sausage lathered in a spicy peanut-coconut satay dressing, cilantro-carrot slaw, crushed peanuts, siracha aioli) is a four-quadrant palette pleaser, while the sacrilegious Holy Roller (spicy Polish with jalapeno bacon, rolled in a Parmesan cheese crisp and deep-fried) and belt-changer TNT Super Dog (10" rippered dog, chili, cheese, bacon pastrami, fries, grilled onion, wrapped in giant tortilla with a fried egg) are indulgence personified. The ever-evolving menu also includes a “special of the day” such as the Oaxacan (mole sauce) and "Cali" (kumquat chutney, habanero pickled onion, mint grilled onions and curry ketchup). The nice selections of salads are more than an afterthought, while the fried sides are sharable. Nothing on the menu is over $10, plus there’s a weekday happy hour and lunch special.

EAT IT: Thai Slaw Dog, TNT

Slaw Dogs

720 N. Lake Ave. #8

Pasadena, CA 91104

www.theslawdogs.com

(626) 808-9777

#6 Lobsta Truck: Rawk Lobsta!

2011-02-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

For most street foodies, lobster is a meal that we treat ourselves to when someone else is buying. Not so back East, where lobster shacks are the equivalent of LA taco shacks. Justin Mi discovered this on a trip across the Eastern seaboard, which inspired him to take crustacean consumption to a curbside near you. Lobsta Truck earns its East Coast-pronunciation by shipping fresh, never frozen lobster 3 days a week from Maine. The short and savory menu consists of traditional lobster ($12) and crab ($11) rolls, which feature chopped chunks of seafood succulence, either dressed to order with mayo or simply doused with a spoonful of drawn butter. Both are served open-faced style in a signature-split top roll (which also is transported cross-country). Pair the petite servings with the New England-style clam chowder ($4/$7), a straightforward, rich and generous rendition that will have you reconsidering your hatred for the Celtics (okay, not that good). Wash it down with a refreshing fresh-squeezed lemonade and top it off with a Whoopie Pie ($4). Compared to other food trucks the price point is dipping in uncharted waters, but dollar-for-dollar it's still a good deal, which explains its long lines at almost every stop.

EAT IT: Everything (if you've got the cash flow)

Lobsta Truck

twitter.com/lobstatruck

#7 Mandoline Grill: Viet food Viet people like.

2011-02-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

It’s only fitting that a Vietnamese food truck is representing this definitive street cuisine properly. Owner/chef Mong Skillman incorporates modern touches to her family recipes (mom has a restaurant in Honolulu) to create something utterly current, yet soulful. This isn't trying to be San Gabriel's finest nor a made-for-reality-TV side show. Its down-home cooking with a true Viet/grit quality. Her savory, vegan-friendly menu appeals to a wide audience, while also satisfying Việt Kiều’s aka Vietnamese Americans. The traditional-style “Banh Mi” sandwiches ($6) and "Bun" noodle bowls come in seasoned grilled pork, beef, chicken curry, lemon-grass tofu and are topped with fresh pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro and jalapenos. She's added tacos (because you have to), which are amazing with the sweet and savory fried tofu or occasional Hawaiian carnitas. Wash it all down with chilled exotic drinks (lychee, soy bean milk) or a strong, perfectly sweetened Vietnamese iced coffee. The truck often serves as a roadside companion to hipster bars and art galleries, but has a weekly residency in Los Feliz.

EAT IT: Tofu tacos, pork banh mi

Mandoline Grill

twitter.com/Mandolinegrill

www.mandolinegrill.com

Machete Brisk Iced Tea commercial

2011-02-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Here's another (big hint) about an upcoming LA Street Food affiliated project for Lipton Brisk about to hit the streets next month. Big ups for them bringing back the Claymation!

#9 Chili Addiction: Rehab won't help.

2011-02-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

Chili is a blue-collar bowl of testosterone with well-worn recipes traded between men like skin mags and duct tape. Chef John Kovin seems to have gathered a virtual chili almanac, brewing over 70 varieties including 20-plus vegan versions. After winning some local cook-offs, Kovin and partner Rick Foster took it to the streets (literally at the Hollywood’s Farmer’s Market) and now to their first brick-and-mortar.

Eight daily homemade chilis bubble in pots behind the counter of a chill-out space with cherry wood tables, fire engine red walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. Although there are standbys (hearty prime rib, chicken and soy chorizo) the other rotating flavors range from classic (Cincinnati, State Fair-style) to unique (Truffle, Beer & Lime, Mole). You can order it a la carte ($6/$8/$10) or get it on macaroni, cornbread a la mode, Belgian fries, nachos or a ½ lb prime rib burger.

This is high-quality comfort food, made from scratch. The snap-worthy sausages, hot sauces and dreamy ice cream are cut from the same TLC-cloth. Metered parking can be a snafu, but there's some spots in back.

EAT IT: Bloody Mary & Death Wish chili, Red Velvet ice cream

Chili Addiction

408 North La Cienega Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90048

(310) 854-0340

Tue-Fri: Noon-2:30pm, 5:30-9pm; Sat-Sun: Noon-9pm

www.chiliaddiction.com

Download LA Street Food app on iTunes.

#10 Honey's Kettle: Sinfully Soulful.

2011-02-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

If a man’s gonna eat fried chicken, he's gotta get greasy. That old saying surely applies to this upscale slow-fast food joint in the heart of downtown Culver City’s restaurant row. The family-run business updates the old-fashioned practice of kettle cooking, frying its salt and sweet chicken in stainless steel drums, which allows the juices to be sealed beneath a crackly, crisp battered skin that's best compared to adult candy. It's as delicious as it is gut-busting, making it an occasional treat when you need some Southern comforting and Carrie Underwood isn't available. All the cholesterol-clogging suspects are on the mouth-watering menu (hush puppies, catfish, shucked corn, chicken pot pies) including fresh fruit pies, waffles and buttermilk biscuits, whose batter mixes you can take home.

EAT IT: Fried chicken combos

Honey's Kettle

9537 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232

(310) 202-5453

(Also located at 2600 E. Alondra Blvd., Compton, 310-638-7871)

http://honeyskettle.com

Ludo Truck: Celeb Chef’s Big Red Coq.

2011-02-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

When Ludo Lefebvre threw his toque into the LA mobile food truck ring it was like Anakin Skywalker turning to the darkside in the eyes of the hardcore restaurant establishment. Heralded by Time magazine as a “Chef of the Future,” Lefebvre is most famous for the pop-up phenomenon LudoBites. That guerilla style approach is lacking here, but the multi-textured, mouth-exploding flavors still represent.

Strangely, nothing on the menu is cutting-edge outside of the succulent “Provencal Pepitte,” which have just the right juice and chutzpah. Prepared over three days, the Rosemary heavy, dark chicken balls come with your choice of a dipping sauce (piquillo pepper, honey smoked bbq, Bearnaise mayonnaise, and honey whole grain mustard).

The Honey-Garlic Glazed Wings are a sweet medley of herbs and spices, but a tad on the greasy side. The fresh-cut fries are noble, but a bit soggy, while the honey lavender biscuit is clever, yet dense. Overall, it's quality street food made with culinary flair, which may explain the $11-$15 price tag.

If you’re hoping to catch Ludo himself, it’s going to be few and far between as the Ludo brand is more associated with this Mobi Munch truck than the celebrity chef himself. Still, with him steering its course, there’s no doubt a lot more to come, and it will probably involve foie gras.

Ludo Truck

Twitter.com/ludotruck

Price Details: 2 pieces: $6 , 3 pieces: $8.25 , 10 pieces: $20

Scoops: Artisan ice cream.

2011-01-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Tai Kim’s experimental gelatos, sherbets and sorbets are more like edible art than frozen desserts. His cult creamery (next to LA City College) serves as a workshop where the Cal Arts grad creates avant-garde flavors like blueberry-mascarpone, Pistachio and Rosewater and Colt .45 (Weezy's fave).

Obviously, there’s a lot more going on here than 31 flavors, but judge these eccentric combos by their intoxicating tastes because most of the odd pairings work, none better than the famous brown bread, which uses Grape Nuts instead of breadcrumbs.

Exploration is encouraged so sample until you find what you’re looking for. If it’s not there you can put in your two cents on a “suggestion board” that Kim takes his inspiration from. As for the freshly made ice cream, it’s soft, fluffy and affordable.

One scoop for $2.75 actually gets you two flavors and you can get it in a cup, cone, shake, float, between cookies or atop a cupcake.

If you bring in the cup on your next visit you can get the scoop(s) for $2. Good deal. Great place. Update: They've recently opened a second store on the Westside (3400 Overland Ave.).

EAT IT: Brown bread, Green Tea Vanilla,

Scoops

712 N Heliotrope Dr, LA, CA 90029

(323) 906-2649

Mon-Sat: 12pm-10pm, Sun: 2pm-6pm

Phydough Truck Launch at The Americana @ Brand

2011-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

Check out the rest of the gallery on the LA Street Food Facebook page and look for a review on the upcoming app update!

White Rabbit: Chase it.

2011-01-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Filipino food is the bowl-headed stepchild of the Asian food world. Underappreciated, underrepresented and often underwhelming when it’s done outside family kitchens. Ironically, it’s food trucks that are changing that stigma.

Leading the charge is White Rabbit, who go down the familiar fusion route that was paved by Kogi. The difference of course is the authentic Filipino flavors that you will find in their pork Sisig burritos, pork Tochino quesadillas or ube fries. Their signature Sisig is a savory mix of fried pig parts (don't ask) and sautéed onions, garlic and jalapenos, while their sweet and sour chicken adobo (get it on top of fries) comes at you like a Manny Pacquiao combination.

For all their taste, the tacos are tiny, (they’ve reduced the price to 3 for $5) and the single tortillas are often DOA after one bite. As for dessert, there’s a rich, creamy chocolate champorado and crème Brule toast.

The young, affable team behind it draws a passionate following, especially among Filipino foodies, who finally have something they can proudly call their own. Update: They've just opened the White Rabbit Cafe (8316 Winnetka Ave. Canoga Park).

EAT IT: Chicken adobo fries, Sisig burrito

White Rabbit

twitter.com/whiterabbittruk

Marvel vs Capcom 3: Food Fight

2010-12-21T10:00:00.007-08:00

Marvel VS Capcom 3 Food Fight! from SA Studios Global on Vimeo.

Marvel vs Capcom: Food Fight

2010-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

LA Street Food in-conjunction with Capcom and SA Studios present the hottest VGA pre-party and tailgate event--Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Fate of Two Worlds FOOD FIGHT!

Come watch the ultimate food truck battle, where Top Chefs Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites) & Eric Greenspan (The Foundry) will compete and create food inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom 3. There will be food, drinks, a live DJ, and exclusive Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gameplay.

Stay tuned to LA Street Food to win tix!

WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2010
TIME: 11am-3pm
WHERE: Undisclosed

Crepe 'n Around: From Paris with Love.

2010-12-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

The quintessential Parisian street food make its way to the blacktops of LA by way of a local family-run food truck with restaurant roots. Husband James Radzik is a service industry veteran, while chef Eileen DeLeoz’s impressive resume includes a Diplôme de Pâtisserie from Le Cordon Bleu Paris and stints at Patina and Gordon Ramsay. Rather than go the authentic route, her hand-held version is almost like a gourmet wrap (knives need not apply), which fits in perfectly with curbside dining.

Categorized into “savory and “sweet,” the thin, slightly crispy crepes complement the fusion of flavors inside (chicken pesto, ham and brie, teriyaki flank steak, roasted veggies and LASF favorite maple braised pork). For dessert, there’s strawberries & cream, banana Nutella and a S’more’s version.

Their moderate sizes, exotic textures and reasonable prices ($6) make them ideal for a cost-effective, on-the-go lunch or you can top it off with a combo of zesty garlic fries and a Pellegrino Limonata for $10.

EAT IT: Fried chicken crepe

Crepe 'n Around

Twitter.com/crepenaround

Less Mall. More Melrose: Sat 12/4 (1-4pm)

2010-11-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

Melrose District, Los Angeles & LA Street Food present "Less Mall. More Melrose." It will be the place to be this SAT 1-4pm. 4 food trucks, sales, discounts & entertainment wrapped in holiday fun.Take a seasonal stroll on Melrose between La Brea and Fairfax, and look for the red MAMA dots to find holiday discounts and special events from participating merchants. Food Trucks appearing courtesy of LA Street Food:

ME SO HUNGRY • LOBSTA TRUCK • CREPEʼN AROUND • WILLOUGHBY ROAD

LASF featured in Food Truck Talk

2010-11-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

LA Street Food is featured in Food Truck Talk! A one-stop truck shop for all things street food. They're also giving away 5 free promo copies of the app!

The LA Street Food app is the essential mobile application for foodies and food truck chasers in Southern California. This app for the iPhone, iPad, and Touch (Android and Blackberry versions coming) provides a plethora of information for those looking to really experience street food and food tucks in an efficient manner... (more)

LASF Dining On Up: Zengo

2010-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Because man cannot live on street food alone, LASF will deliver occasional reviews on sit down dining establishments. Here's the inaugural edition. Enjoy.

Chef-restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s empire spans from D.C. to Dubai. Thus, his first foray to the shores of SoCal came with more bated breath than season three of True Blood. His Latin-Asian restaurant is arguably the marquee attraction in the much-blogged-about dining deck at the revitalized Santa Monica Place Mall.

The menu specializes in tapas-style fusion plates that tease the taste buds (and wallet) into submission. It’s SoCal dining, where expensive food and drink intertwine with a breezy outdoor ambience, KCRW grooves, and a see-and-be-seen scene.

Start off with the Peking duck daikon and charred tuna wonton tacos before moving on to the braised beef short ribs or the chipotle-miso–glazed black cod. The handcrafted cocktails are also a mash-up of multicultural flavors.

Zengo

395 Santa Monica Pl., 3rd Fl. (4th St.)

310-899-1000

www.richardsandoval.com/zengosm

Daily 10am–11pm.

LASF's Best Burgers

2010-11-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

Burger Kitchen

8048 West 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 944-0503

The Scene

LA needs another burger bistro like it does a Kardashian. Thus, owners Alan and son Daniel Saffron knew they had to up their ground beef game, which is why they pulled some strings to become California’s exclusive provider of Pat La Frieda aka America’s #1 meat purveyor.

The Draw

There are 20+ burger choices in all, ranging in price from $9-$50 and categorized into “From the Ranch” (24 oz. prime ground "Cowboy Burger," Texas chili burger and LASF fave “Mountain Burger”) and “Burgers Around the World” (Kobe burger, lamb burger and Thai chicken. The main attraction is “The Natural,” made with the specially shipped, dry-aged Pat La Frieda beef. It’s a decadent juice dribbler, rich in flavor as it is in price ($29!), but a must-try at least once. Orders come out slowly, but the comfy, casual setting offers 20 craft beers and 25+ wines.

Hot Tip

For those wanting a taste of Pat La Frieda, you can have it mixed into any of the house meat options for $2. Also, their Wednesday beer-tasting dinners consist of a burger, fries and a flight of four beers for $20.

Grill ‘Em All

twitter.com/GrillEmAllTruck

323-252-5603

The Scene

You’ve heard of rock star chefs, well this is a heavy metal burger truck. Taking their name from a clever pun on Metallica’s magnum opus, "Kill 'Em All,” "The Great Food Truck Race" winners combine their two passions in life - hamburgers and Hessians.

The Draw

The ghastly "Molly Hatchet" (topped with bacon, maple syrup drizzle, covered in fennel sausage gravy) is heavier than a Dokken guitar solo, while the “Waste ‘Em All” (pepperjack, green chilies, beer soaked onions) is hotter than Lita Ford in leather pants. Biting into the made-to-order monstrosities is like a mosh pit in your mouth, with a gut punch of deeo, aggro flavors that will have you throwing up devil horns in approval.

Hot Tip

The boys have garnered a groupie-like following with concert-sized lines so track them down at their monthly residencies at beer halls like Verdugo Bar and Eagle Rock Brewery.

Umami Burger

4655 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Feliz, CA 90027

(323) 669-3922

www.umamiburger.com

The Scene

For years we only knew about the four tastes: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Then owner Adam Fleischman introduced us to "umami," the little-known fifth element and our taste buds haven't been the same.

The Draw

The burgeoning burger chain has expanded their menu, but the rich, savory namesake burger is still the best, made with gourmet ingredients (top-shelf beef, Parmesan cheese, roasted tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms) and served on a freshly baked brioche bun. For the thrill-seekers there’s the Triple Pork (pulled pork shoulder, chorizo, and smoked bacon), which goes good with one of the many Japanese craft beers courtesy of The Salaryman bar, a kokeshi-doll-accented, Far East-flavored indoor/outdoor space.

Hot Tip

More gastropub than burger bar, there are also "kombu" meals pairing beers and burgers and a daily happy hour (3-7pm) featuring the diner-style Smashburger for $5 and daily beer special for $4.

LA Street Food Update 1.5 now live on iTunes!

2010-10-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tons of new reviews (White Rabbit, Magnolia Bakery, Manila Machine, Tinga, etc), hundreds of fresh foodie pics, new interface, iPad compatibility, special "EAT IT" section & more on the LA Street Food 1.5 update. Get it now on iTunes.

Magnolia Bakery: Going out to Cali.

2010-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

The East Coast-West Coast rivalry is heating back up thanks to a brewing cupcake battle. West Village’s famed Magnolia’s SoCal invasion comes on the heels of Beverly Hills’ Sprinkles announcement to expand to NYC in early 2011. Both claim to have started the cupcake craze that’s spawned countless imitators and its own TV show in Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”

We’re probably getting the better end of the trade considering that this New York institution is a full-fledged bakery rather than just a one-trick pony. The life-changing banana pudding is as Notorious as B.I.G., while the murderer’s row of icebox cakes, brownies, pies, whoopie cookies and mini-cheesecakes is as intimidating as the Yankees' line-up. Ironically, the weakest links are the cupcakes, not because they’re bad, but the classic buttercreams don’t really standout to locals who’ve been overexposed to some of the best gourmet cupcakes in the game. The chocolaty red velvet, Devil’s Food and pumpkin cupcakes are good, but nothing we’ve never sunken our teeth into before.

Everything is made from scratch with no preservatives. You can taste the quality in every bite, but the prices are reasonable. The art deco-inspired interior is charming with its black-and-white checkered floors, hanging pendant lamps and open work station. It can get crowded and there are parking issues, but they do offer curbside pick-up. “How you like them apples… Big Apple?”

EAT IT: Banana pudding, peanut butter toffee bar

Magnolia Bakery

8389 West 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 951-0636

www.magnoliabakery.com

Mon-Wed: 7:30am-9pm, Thu: 7:30am-10pm, Fri: 7:30am-midnt, Sat: 8am-midnt, Sun: 8am-8pm

Think Outside the Block Thu 10/21!

2010-10-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - LA Street Food teamed up with the top shops (Mortise & Tenon, Mix, Bleu and more) along La Brea for a night of style, design and food. LASF hand-picked its favorite trucks: Mandoline Grill, Coolhaus, Vizzi, Anh Joo and Knockout Tacos. FryGirl was also there dunking her infamous doughnuts. Note: There were many more pics, but the free wine was flowing...

Think Outside the Block Thu 10/21!

2010-10-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

"Think Outside the Block" LA Street Food & La Brea's top stores team up for a night of amazing furniture, design & food! Feat: COOLHAUS Ice Cream Sandwiches, Mandoline Grill, The Knockout Taco Truck, AhnJooLA and Vizzi (just announced).

Kalbi Burger: Seoul-ful burgers.

2010-10-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Think of this K-Town burger joint as the love child of Kogi and Umami Burger. Its creation was inevitable, injecting a fusion of Asian exoticism into an American classic, kind of like Maggie Q, but without the leather and guns.

Hidden in a non-descript strip mall, its fast food look isn’t an accurate representation of the sit down quality of the menu, which features natural Angus, hormone and antibiotic free beef. There’s a wide range of burgers: Seoul (sautéed Kim Chi), Hawaiian-style LuLu and The Saigon (imagine a Banh Mi burger) and a Tokyo Chicken. The centerpiece is the namesake Kalbi, a 50/50 blend of chuck and Korean short rib. It’s got a rich, smoky flavor with sweet undertones, a cultural mash-up that culls the best of both worlds. Some may find the American cheese odd, but most will agree that the squishy bun is more serviceable than stellar. Overall, it’s a cheaper alternative to its gourmet counterparts ($5.95 to $7.95) and earns a mention in the talk for LA’s best burger as the token Asian aka Daniel Dae Kim (“Lost”).

They also do Kim Chi-topped hotdogs, tempura onion rings and disappointing frozen fries, but we hear the garlic ones are better.

Kalbi Burger
4001 Wilshire Blvd., Unit E Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 738-7898
www.kalbiburger.com
Mon-Thu & Sun: 11am-11p, Fri-Sat: 11-9pm

LA Street Food's Top Burgers

2010-05-28T10:06:00.001-07:00

In honor of National Burger Day here's our top 10 burger joints in LA. (Restaurants and fast food joints were not considered).

1. Umami: The gourmet burger champ introduced us to the "Fifth Element" and we're not talking about the Bruce Willis flick with Chris Tucker in sci-fi drag.

2. 25 Degrees: This undercover build-your-own-burger hideaway inside the Roosevelt Hotel offers sirloin dripping monstrosities. Added points because they're open after last call.

3. The Bowery: Get this personal fave with "The Works." It's rich, plump and good in doses. Think of it as the Kim Kardashian of burgers.

4. Father's Office: A superlative and always reliable gourmet burger standby, it set the standard that Umami eventually surpassed.

5. Grill 'Em All: This heavy metal burger truck offers a gut punch of over-the-top burger toppings (maple syrup, fennel sausage gravy, Munchos potato chips) that are heavier than a Dokken guitar solo, yet just as addicting.

6. Oinkster: Slow, fast food makes for a classic American burger that's harkens back to pre-McDonald's days.

(Tie) Golden State: California sunshine in a bun. Locally grown ingredients are combined to produce an Umami-ish burger that definitely makes the conversation for LA's best burger.

7. The Counter: With over 300,000-plus burger combos, think of it as the Adderall Generation's version of the classic burger joint. Sure, it adds up to fun, original pairings, but for this crusty carnivore it can be a bit of sensory overload.

8. Irv's Burgers: Literally a mom-and-pop burger shack. Their backyard BBQ burgers have an added TLC-touch that makes it taste that much better.

9. 8 oz: More sizzle than steak, this overrated Melrose place is a people's fave. Perhaps it's because of hype or that it's more broad than bold, splitting the line between gourmet and to-go (although not in price).

10. The Bucket: An all-time great, now decimated by age and neglect, this Eagle Rock institution is capable of occasional greatness, but wallows in its past glories - kind of like Shaq.

"Taking it to the Streets" at Meltdown 4/3/10

2010-04-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

LA Street Food & Vivalafoodies present "Taking it to the Streets," a night of street art, street food & unity for the community. LA Street art icon Estevan Oriol headlined the art show, which also featured among others Eyeone, Meex One, Double D's, Joe Briscoe, Cav 3, Dino Mayorga, Mikee Kwasnik and more. Four fabulous food trucks (Komodo, Baby's Badass Burgers, Tasty Meat & Coolhaus) supplied the curbside dining.

The event also raised 4 bins of food and cash donations to the LA Regional Food Bank.

Special thanks goes out to our sponsors: Meltdown Comics, SA Studios, Sanctioned Mobile, Rime Magazine, XBox, Paysaber, Function Drinks and our amazing curator Marissa Harrington.

Check out more pics on the LA Street Food FaceBook gallery.