Vacations Blog

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

Here’s something to do when you’re stuck dining with one of those unbelievably obnoxious “foodies” who not only finds it necessary to “teach” you the correct pronunciation of each item on the menu but then insists on giving you a breakdown of every ingredient in all the dishes, from the gruyére to the légumes.

I like to pose a question to all the guests, who, like me are now practically comatose from the yammerings of our food-nut. What is your favorite dive in town? Where would you go if what you were craving wasn’t a fine fricassée with a nice cabernet but a greasy taco and a wax cup full of Coke? I like to watch everyone come to life as they regale their tablemates with tales of legendary double-decker burgers and homestyle empanadas. Then I like to watch our pretentious friend fume over our lowbrow conversation.

To list all of my favorite places would be impossible, so I’ll limit it to my top five, which will be difficult. (Sort of like the “Sophie’s Choice” of dives.) But first on the list would be Tito’s Tacos in Culver City. This taco stand has been around since 1959 and I’ve been going there since I was in Junior High school. (Which, for all you smart-asses, was not in 1959.) I couldn’t tell you what makes their tacos, burritos and enchiladas so good but you’ll find long lines at any time of day. And I dream about their salsa and chips.

And, what a coincidence – one of my other favorites is right around the corner. My husband hates this place, but the only way to satisfy my pastrami jones is with a visit to Johnnie’s Pastrami. The best part is the packet of spicy pickles and chili peppers the pastrami is served with, and the small cup of ketchup/mustard mixture that accompanies the fries. Seriously, I’ve tried just mixing ketchup and mustard at home but it never tastes as good.

Next on my list would be Popeyes Fried Chicken which shouldn’t count because it’s a chain, but just the thought of their spicy fried chicken completely clouds my good judgment. I order it with a side of red beans and rice. But I throw away the biscuit because you know, it’s so fattening.

Then there’s Nat’s Early Bite in Van Nuys. Their cramped parking lot, long wait, scratchy booths and absence of any aesthetic decor just screams AWESOME, AWESMOME FOOD. And it doesn’t fail to deliver. Just ask Sandra Tsing Loh, who’s a regular. The best part? While you wait you can go next door and peruse the selection of vintage Barbies and 60’s TV memorabilia at Big Kid, the best collectibles store in the city.

Last but not least would be AOI, a small, homestyle Japanese restaurant in Little Tokyo. Sure there are fancier places around, especially since the area’s recent resurgence, but you won’t find more lovingly prepared Japanese food anywhere. And the place has a devoted following – the wait can often be long during peak hours. But the staff is wonderful – I feel like I’m being mothered by my Japanese mom and aunts, except that at AOI they never make me feel guilty about anything.

What are your favorite dives in your city? And fess up - what’s the most painful dining experience you’ve ever had?

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