Local Flavor

[esn212]

This may be partially off topic, but it seemed like this would be a place where people could really contribute. I am a big fan of eating (not that I am a fatass or anything). But I have found it harder and harder to find good restaurants that also have local character.

I feel like just the way giant record stores have taken over from smaller independent shops, chain restaurants, not even fast food exclusively, have cornered the market from local places that have a more unique ambiance, and better food. So I figured it would be kinda cool for us to share cool places to eat.

This whole post was inspired by a conversation with a buddy of mine about Tito's Tacos, a taco place in Culver City a few blocks from my house. (Thats in the West LA area). Anyways, Tito's is kind of legendary around here. From the time it opens to closing at 11 PM, there are always massive lines inside and outside. You get crappy service and the food is greasy as hell, but its fantastic. Completely Americanized Mexican food, but somehow, its just orgasmic. And cheap.

So sorry for the slightly rambling post. But anybody have recommendations of smaller places to eat that have that kind of character and food that is tough to come by elsewhere?

[erikaevexx]

Well, if you're ever in Ventura, I have some fav's ... There's Taco's and Beer, which used to be a sushi bar, still has the same owner, but the sushi bar moved up the street to a larger location, but Taco's and Beer still has the sushi bar feel, where you're at a bar, and you order on a sushi like menu and they have, well ... tacos and you guessd it, beer ... but let me tell you, they are the best tacos EVER, my fav is the ground beef hard shell. And Tecate on tap that's awesome. it's practially on the beach on Seaward Ave. For Indian food, I love Yasmeens, we eat there alot. That's on Main St. For the most amazing steak ever, it's Cafe Zack, melts in your mouth and consistant, which is rare in any restaurant. They're on Thompson Blvd, in a little old house. In Santa Barbara, you should never go there without eating at La Superica. it's a hole in the wall place, but always has a line down the street. SO not American Mexican, it was Julia Child's favorite place to eat. I make strip to SB just to eat there, and it's my birthday eatery. I get the 6 and 10. It's on Milpas just past Cota, not to far from the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Well ... you asked ....