Few spots from the last couple weeks:
Noodle Harmony
Got spicy beef noodle soup, which was great and rich and almost a little gamy - it reminded me of the broth from some of the better Paomo I’ve had. The Sichuan Dry Noodles were good and nutty, though I think they could have been a bit punchier. The cold tofu, though, was really the star, super spicy and savory with a great chili crisp and green onion.
Kitchen Mouse
This has become a go-to brunch spot for me, especially when family is in town (with all of their complicated dietary stuff). It’s right in the neighborhood, it’s healthy-ish and light, and it’s pretty damn good. Really like the huevos rancheros, the morning glory bowl, and the Moros cakes. The Socca (pictured) was new for me, a really interesting savory chickpea pancake with tons of herbs and pickled onions. Pretty fun.
Tacos El Viejon
I’ve mentioned this place before, and it’s just really damn good TJ style tacos. It may not quite be on Tire Shop’s level every time, but it’s close. And they’re more convenient, they’re super nice people, the tortillas are fresh and great, they do a good adobada now, and the chorizo is really out of this world.
Mariscos El Paradero
Finally made it down there and was pretty impressed by their mariscos. Need to go back with a bigger group to run through more of the menu. Couldn’t quite justify the tower because I wanted to try a couple other things and it’s $35.
The Raymond / Bar 1886 Happy Hour
Solid happy hour. The food is fine and fairly affordable at HH, but the drinks are the reason to go. $7 at HH and really excellent, plus it’s a nice environment, especially around the holidays.
Anayas Pasadena
Made the mistake of going when I wasn’t very hungry so I only had a couple tacos, which were pretty solid but not exactly the thing to get there. Friends had shrimp enchiladas, which were excellent with an almost tikka masala-like creamy tomato sauce, and a mole burrito, which was also nice but I think would be better served at a specialist. Interesting to note - their menu advertises cocktails, but they’re all made with Sabe brand spirits. Seemed a little odd, so did some research - they appear to be underproof knockoff spirits used so that places with only a beer-and-wine license can make ‘cocktails.’ Weird choice, and I don’t love that they’re charging real cocktail prices with fake cocktails, with no mention of the substitution. And not just because of the ABV. Food was pretty good tho.