Tasty LA Treats

There is no lack of taquerias in the Bay Area but the best Cochinita Pibil taco I've ever had is in Los Angeles, in a Mexican dive called Paco's Tacos, which has been around in West LA for many many years. The Chile Colorado is also another favorite. Both are served with fresh tortillas hand-made by two ladies in an alcove off the dining area.

LA also has its fair share of celebrity restaurants from Wolfgang Puck to a new gig by Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton, who partnered and opened their first West Coast restaurant in Hollywood called Pizzeria Mozza. We ordered their Tuscan Bean Bruschetta (which is ultra delicious with grilled radichio covered by the white bean topping with a well in the center filled with olio and balsamico) and their fennel sausage, red onions and panna (cream) pizza. I was surprised that the pizza crust has a sourdough bread texture and when I googled Nancy Silverton, I realized that she's the co-founder of La Brea Bakery. Interesting, La Brea Ave is only about 5 mins away from Pizzeria Mozza. That's why the pizza crust is so yummy -- she's a famous baker afterall, and La Brea sourdough bread is one of my favorites. The waiter told me that their first international restaurant will be in Singapore. Well, that's news I can use...:-)

And if you ever find yourself in Pasadena, famous for its New Year's Rose Parade, check out the brunch menu at Mike and Anne's and definitely order the Lemon Ricotta Pancake - fluffly, light and very, very delicious.