Hungry City Blog » Jennifer Lima

Sake it to me! (Los Angeles)

Jennifer Lima — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:37:26 +0000

It’s a pretty well known fact that if its authentic Japanese cuisine that you’re looking for, Little Tokyo is the place to go. With all the sushi and sake food spots in the area, and believe me there are quite a few, there’s one that is a definite must. There’s a place where creativity flows in and around you with every bite you take. Where you’ll be sure to find a sake that you love no matter what your taste might be. Not to mention that the decor makes you feel like you’ve died and gone to Tokyo heaven. It’s a place where bliss is a serious understatement.

That place is Joy Mart Restaurant, known for their creative sushi and extensive sake bar, located in the Japanese Village Plaza. So whether you’re into trying new and excited foods like their Caterpillar Roll (made up of sliced avocado over water eel and cucumber) or just in the mood for a “too big for your chopsticks” California Roll, Joy Mart is the place for you. Oh and did I mention the Tempura Ice Cream? What a better way to top off a night of sushi and sake then with deliciously sweet Tempura Ice Cream?

For more information or to check out their full menu, visit their website below.

Joy Mart Restaurant

Sake Bar & Creative Sushi

137 Japanese Village Plaza

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Best Miso Soup! Plus Sushi that won’t break the bank at Kino Sushi on Hollywood Blvd (Los Angeles)

Jennifer Lima — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:33:10 +0000

Olivia D. via yelp.com

As a starter served in all, if not most, Japanese restaurants Miso Soup isn’t really a dish that gets much attention. That’s because you’ve never had the Miso Soup at Kino Sushi in Hollywood.

As someone who’s tasted her share of miso soup, both in Los Angeles and in Miami, I’ve never had one that tasted so rich. I know what you’re thinking. They all have the same ingredients right? Don’t ask me how they make their soup so good, the point is they do. It doesn’t hurt that their sushi is yummy too. Made from fresh fish, vegetables and tangy sauces (depending on which roll you try) it’s sure to be well worth your buck. Did I mention it’s cheap too? Just take a look at their menu.

Whether you go for the tempura, the chicken teriyaki or the sushi, the miso is a must have. Lucky for you, it already comes included with everything you order.

Kino Sushi

6721 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

First Annual LA Street Food Fest takes Downtown by Storm! (Los Angeles)

Jennifer Lima — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:42:00 +0000

Thousands of foodies flooded the streets of Downtown LA yesterday afternoon for the first Annual LA Street Food Fest. After getting caught in an hour of some serious LA traffic on the 101, I arrived at the LA Center Studios to find a line that went down the street and around the corner. People were lining up for hours just to get a $5 ticket to get into the festival, some started lining up at 9:45 am waiting for the doors to open at 11:00 am. To say that there was excitement, and hungry bellies, would be a serious understatement. Sadly for some, they arrived too late. With the massive numbers of people that came out, the food trucks found themselves running low, forcing the festival to close its gates a little after 3:00 pm. Luckily, there’s always next year!

Some of LA’s most popular, and yummiest, food trucks participated, including 8 of the top 10 food trucks in LA. Over 35 food trucks, a Valentine’s Day Marketplace from Unique LA, patio tables and an Oh Snap! photo booth filled the LA Center Studios. Not to mention on insanely long lines that crowded trucks like the Grilled Cheese, Buttermilk and Frysmith. Each one was at least an hour wait. But seriously, can you imagine an entire food truck specializing in grilled cheeses? What could be better than all the mouth watering food? The prices. All food items ranged fro $1 to $5, so you could indulge without breaking the bank.

While waiting in line at Louks, a Greek Gourmet Truck, I bought a $1 brownie from the Sweets Truck girls that were waling around with baskets full of sugary goodness. I have to admit that this particular brownie, made with a mix of oreos, chocolate cream and chocolate chips, was by far, the best brownie I have ever tasted. Did I mention they also sell flavored coffees? Hmm I can’t wait to try them. From Louks I had a chicken gyro, while I’m not really a fan of shaved chicken, the mix of onions, fresh tomato and their signature sauce really hit the spot.

After sampling some of the foodie favorites, I made my way through the Valentine’s Marketplace and picked up some chic (and cheap) goodies. One booth I found myself going back to again and again was called Fleamarketgirl, with designs from local artist Paco Montestrque. Being a Miami girl, I picked up a gold plated Florida necklace, that way I have a little bit of home with me always. Plus it was oh so cute. I had a chance to get a few words with Nelson, also from Fleamarketgirl, take a look at the Valentine’s Market Place and check out what he had to say by clicking the video below.

Wish you were there? Be sure to check back here for next years dates and other foodie events! Below are a few of my food trucks, click the logo to see their website and find them near you.

Unique LA\’s Valentine Marketplace at LA Street Food Fest

Julie Powell Does it Again (News)

Jennifer Lima — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:38:46 +0000

Julie Powell, Cleaving

You may know her from the film Julie & Julia, a recent blockbuster hit, but this time she is taking on more than just Julia Child. Cleaving is a tale about marriage, meat and obsession, and is Julie Powell’s newest challenge. In this memoir, quirky in her classic style, she writes about her journey through the inner workings of a butcher shop and takes an honest, in depth look at her marriage. Bold and personal, Powell’s words are as naked as a new born baby, making Cleaving a book that is sure to bring you laughter, tears and smiles. What more can you ask for?

Whether you’re a foodie fanatic or simply fell in love with her story, and the movie, her newest journey is definitely a must read. So make sure to stop and pick up a copy at your nearest book store.

For more information on Julie Powell, her blog or just random tidbits of information, please check her website.

The infamous Pinks says Hello Franchise! (Los Angeles)

Jennifer Lima — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:43:32 +0000

Ever drive by Pinks Hollywood, that corner diner on Melrose and La Brea? You know, the one that always seems to have a line around the block? Well get ready, because they’re setting up shop all over this delicious city of ours. After opening up to Las Vegas last year, Pinks is now available at Knott’s Barry farm, Planet Hollywood and various city fairs. Oh and did I mention, in the very near future, you can get Pinks hotdogs at LAX?

I can barely contain my excitement over the thought of being able to enjoy their one of a kind chili dogs without having to wait in a 45 minute line. Pinks is truly one of this city’s hidden gems, from the beginning, given that they’ve been around since 1939.

Bacon Chili Cheese Dog with Onion Rings and Strawberry Crush

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, get in your car and go check them out. They even have a vegan friendly section of their menu. What other hot dog spot do you know that’s vegan friendly?

Pinks Hollywood

709 N. La Brea Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90038

Traditional, Modern Mexican food, heating up Chicago (Chicago)

Jennifer Lima — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:47:13 +0000

Looking for a great Mexican restaurant? Well head to the River North neighborhood in Chicago where you will find Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar located at 358 W. Ontario. My husband and I wanted to dine out on a Saturday evening, and since his favorite cuisine is Mexican, we decided to eat at Zocalo. This was not our first time dining there either. Well we didn’t have reservation, and it was crowed. However the hostess, said honestly to my husband, that she could seat us at a corner table but we needed to be finished in an hour and 15 minutes. We said no problem, because the food is that good.

I ordered Enchiladas Suiza de Pollo with black beans, chihuahua cheese, chicken and sour cream. My dish was deeeelicious. My husband ordered Tacos Zocalo, which was equivalent to good chicken fajitas, but nonetheless good. For drinks we had mango margaritas with a lime, mine blended and my husband’s on ice. Both drinks were tart, but mine tasting better as a blended drink. The ambiance was nice, with not-so loud music playing while we ate.

Zocalo is a traditional, modern take on Mexican, with the average meal around $12-$15. Service was good and the food even better. Street parking is limited since there are permit signs on the streets nearby, but valet parking is available. For more information, full menu, hours, dinner specials and events, visit http://www.zocalochicago.com/.

Happy Birthday Jones Hollywood (Los Angeles)

Jennifer Lima — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:59:35 +0000

Written by Jenny Lima

In a diverse city like Los Angeles, with food spots at every corner, ranging from Middle Eastern cuisine to Sushi heaven finding a place to eat is never an issue. Now deciding which one to eat at, that’s an everyday issue that riddles even the savviest LA foodie. Ever wish you could find a hip, low key spot to eat? Someplace that spoils you with scrumptious appetizers, mind blowing entrees and “call me a cab” drinks?

If so please give a warm welcome and say Hellooo to Jones Hollywood! Hidden deep in the West Hollywood streets, covered with brick walls and bright lights is where you’ll find it. This cozy hot spot will have you feeling at home from the moment you walk in and pondering on their always positive fortunes cookies on your way out. You can hang out in the lounge area or have a drink by the bar or even bring the family for dinner. It’s a one stop shop bringing you the best in Italian cuisine.

Jones may be hidden, but it’s no stranger to the limelight, not with local icons stopping in for a bite. Among them, other local celebs that have kept this yummy hot spot their little secret and for much longer than you might think.

Fifteen years to be exact. This past Tuesday, Jones celebrated its’ 15^th year anniversary with a packed house of loyal customers, new faces and your local celeb or two. Nonetheless, everyone enjoyed the special $5 menu, featuring some of their signature dishes and house favorites. Personally, since it was my first time that night, I started off with their signature drink “Jonesy’s Jukebox.” I’m not completely sure what was in it, but it had a citrus taste to it making it feel like you were being energized while sinking into pure bliss. After two of those, along with the fried calamari with a spicy sauce, I was in heaven.

Given that Jones is an Italian restaurant, I just had to try one of their pizzas. I opted for the BBQ Chicken pizza and I must say, that was the best pizza I have ever tasted in my life. New York and Chicago style pizzas don’t have a thing on Jones pizza. I finished off my night with an apple pie dessert. Now I’ve had homemade apple pie before, but I’ve never had one quite like this. Words cannot describe…I guess you’ll have to try this one for yourself. Oh and, let me know if you find the words.