Earlez Grille: Dogs, Burgers, Sandwiches & Veggie

3630 Crenshaw Blvd. 90016, 323 299 BUNS
Well known for a number of delicacies including The Spicy Beef Hot Link (which I had) and the Veggie Chili Vegan Cheese Fries (enjoyed by LAA). Wow. The fixin's on the Link were perfect. The real surpise for meat eaters was the amazing Veggie Chili; it didn't have to be loaded on Fries with Cheese, but boy that was a "meat" eater's delight. We were there on a Tuesday, which meant we hit it on Skinny Fries day. If this were a contest, I'd say "Best in Show."
ps. No beef burgers, which is ok, and no pork products, which is also ok. They have a variety of dogs and links, veggie burgers, salmon burger, and all kinds of cake including Vegan Cake.

El Colmao

Considered by some the most authentic Cuban food in Los Angeles, El Colmao soldiers along, housed for nearly 40 years in an anonymous strip mall in the Byzantine Latino Quarter, far from the foodie frontera. El Colmao covers most of the Cuban basics, Bistek Empanizado, Picadillo, Pollo Ajo, and sides: fried plantains, mariquitas, garlic yucca, etc. In short, whatever your menu favorite at Lala's or the Versailles chain, you'll find it at El Colmao, likely for around 10 bucks.

As established in the Chipotle post, I'm a shredded beef guy, a machaca minion, so naturally my preferred order includes the Ropa Vieja, served in the traditional tomato based sauce with rice and black beans (or moros y christianos).

El Colmao sports an extensive beverage list, including things alcoholic and batidos. The flan was mediocre. The service at times...Cuban. The decor pleasantly outdated and clean.



El Colmao
2328 W. Pico Boulevard (near Magnolia)
213-386-6131
Open 7 days a week

Chipotle (Part 2)

On the carnivore side of the aisle, Chipotle features a terrific barbacoa beef burrito. Barbacoa (from whence we get the word "barbeque") was introduced to Southwestern cuisine via Mexican settlers in Texas. Typically barbacoa is not marinated, rather sauces are added after cooking (similar to fajitas). Chipotle describes their barbacoa thusly: spicy, shredded beef, braised with our own chipotle adobo, cumin, cloves, garlic and oregano. Braising involves first searing the meat at high temperatures and then simmering, in a covered pan with sauce. Adobo means seasonings.

Chipotle offers barbacoa in the conventional burrito form (with beans), in a fajita burrito (with sauteed peppers and onions instead of beans), or in a bowl (sin tortilla). The cost of the burrito is reasonable ($5.95), but they extract a king's ransom for chips & guacamole ($2.40). The Figueroa location, as Lisa noted, is bustling, a lunch staple for students, Expo Park personnel, and cops. Sidewalk seating is available as is validated parking.

Manas Indian Restaurant

2823 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007

When this place first opened, it was ALL VEGETARIAN. Although I'm still holding out for the LA City Council to expand their ban on fast food into a ban on meat, it hasn't happened yet and judging from the menu at Manas, there would probably be a riot. It wasn't too long after opening that Manas realized they couldn't survive in the carnivorous USC neighborhood without serving flesh, so they changed their menu to please the market.
Yes, it pissed me off, but I still go to Manas. The food is good, though not as good as it used to be, and there are a number of vegan choices. Last time I was there, I had the lunch special, some lentils, some other vegetable curry thing, rice and a salad. Very delicious.
Next door is an Indian market where you can buy vacuum packed Indian food, great for your earthquake kit or last minute meals.

Home Depot hot dog cart

Home Depot hot dog cart
1830 W Slauson Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90047

Sure, sometimes on a Saturday morning I go to the Santa Monica Promenade and get a latte and watch the people on their shopping trips with their fresh farmer's market produce. But other times, I would rather get some cheetos and a diet coke from the hot dog cart at the Home Depot and watch the people with their weekend project purchases.

The hot dogs are pretty good and they also have tacos and tortas.

Crenshaw Fish Market

Crenshaw Fish Market
3407 Crenshaw (Crenshaw/Jefferson)
btwn the burger place and cell phone place
323-734-6191
takeout only

The fish looks pretty good - and I am very alert to any suggestion of degradation or disease - 10 or 12 different species of fish and lots of it - so they must have a good turnover.

I got the $7.99 oyster dinner- fried oysters (coleslaw and macn'cheese with slices of bread). So many very rich oysters with a nice tartar sauce - couldn't eat them all.

Someone who eats fish should give them a try, cause it mostly fried fish (though also shrimp and oyster and wings). No vegan options.

Chipotle

Chipotle - USC
3748 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-765-9068

First of all, if you're going to eat here, order ahead online. You can create an account and create your burrito fantasy and then go pick it up without standing in the line from hell. Secondly, if you do order online, check your burrito before you come home. Last time I went there I got all the way home to find that my veggie burrito was a meat burrito. Disgusting. I was so pissed I can't even tell you.
Thirdly, this place uses naturally raised meat (whatever that means) and tries to be responsible with their food sourcing, so that's cool I guess.
Also, they sponsor a Tour de France team and we like that.
The veggie burrito is a bit bland, but if you heap up at least three kinds of salsa on it then it tastes OK.