And its menu suggests it is both, and so does the overall vibe. They didn’t do much to change it from Tiger Lily, or not much that I can tell. It’s still an open space situated around a bar, with a nice outdoor patio.

While the ambiance and the live Cuban music was a plus, the food was just awful. The carnitas taquitos were deep fried wontons filled with a pork mush. The accompanying spicy red chili aioli was too overpowering for the “taquitos”.

My Ropa Viejas was bland and reminded me of my mom’s pot roast. Not that your pot roast was bad mom, but you never called it Ropa Viejas. It was also lukewarm when it arrived. The rice and black beans were pretty bland too. The rice was dry and the texture felt like it had been sitting out for a while. Angela got the Camarones with a creole garlic and hot pepper sauce. It wasn’t creole, nor was it garlicky or spicy.

I don’t have any pictures from that night. My camera battery was dead, but the presentation on the dishes on clear glass plates was just as bland as the food. I doubt I will be returning. Slapping a new sign up and changing the menu does not a Cuban restaurant make

Cuba Libre Latin Cafe Bar
1745 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-5900

Gary Canter, a long time Dodger fan, has been trying to get into Dodger Stadium for some time.

The Canter’s Fairfax, an orgasmic mix of pastrami and corned beef.

Waffle fries from Canter’s. Crispy, tasty and pipin’ hot!

Tri-tip sliders, parmesan-bleu fries and shakes from Ruby’s. Heart attack anyone?

Mrs Beasley, where are my ice cream cookie sandwiches?

Cookies, cakes, and Tiramisu at Mrs Beasley’s

Blended margaritas, hurricanes, pina coladas and a full bar at the Think Blue Bar.

A view from the field. Brad Penny dominates the Pirates.

According to the Times, rich people sit on the field level. While I am sure the average income on the field level is closer to the upper percentile, it’s not untouchable for us average working Joes. You can buy tickets from StubHub for anywhere from $20 on up to $150 for field level seats.

It may get the award for the longest restaurant name ever. It will definitely get the award for the best fish taco ever. At least, the best fish taco north of the border. Best Fish Taco in Ensenada’s tacos are large and juicy, lightly breaded and deep fried. The fish is flavorful, but without that fishy taste. They come “nude” and they leave you to top it any way you want. Shredded cabbage, radish slaw, mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or plain salsa. Finish it of with a little creme sauce. Try the homemade horchata too. Food is cheap, fish tacos are $1.50, shrimp $2 and drinks $1. That’s it, nothing else on the menu. Patio seating outside, BYOB. This is my new Saturday afternoon spot. (Closed on Monday)

The Best Fish Taco in Ensenada
1650 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

I spend all day thinking about you as I drink my crappy office coffee. It just doesn’t fill my caffeine desires like you do. The rest of the town is abuzz with nothing but good things to say about you. I am here to throw in my two cents. This is the best coffee I’ve had in a while, maybe ever. Intelligentsia opened in Sunset Junction about a month ago and slowly but surely is becoming the areas most unknown, well known spot. Check out this video of owner Doug Zell taking you on a tour of his new gourmet coffee bar. The style of pour you see here in this pic of my latte is called a rosetta pour, simply beautiful.
Intelligentsia
3922 West Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake
Open Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Went to check out the new bar Johnnie’s in Highland Park/Eagle Rock on Sat night. My good friend Gina started bartending that night and invited us down for a drink or two or three. This is a hidden gem, in an otherwise non-descript area. Surrounded by a body shop, a run down dentist office, and not much else. The street had very little life, despite this one bright spot. You get the feeling that this is the place locals will be coming for years to drink and forget the day’s woes.

The bar’s owner, Zach was as nice as they come. He even bought us a round of drinks, gave us a quick tour of the bar and patio out back. He’s been fighting with the Mayor’s office for a couple of years now to open up his bar. His original idea was to open up a coffee shop in the neighborhood (he lives near the place), but he decided to re-open Johnnie’s instead. His hard work has paid off.

It’s a mellow Saturday night, a deer head looks over you as you order your drinks from the friendly bartenders. Gina pours a stiff drink and makes a mean Bloody Mary. People play pool and watch the bizarre nature videos being projected against the wall. We all look around and smile at each other, happy and content to call Johnnie’s home for the night and hopefully many more to come.

Johnnie’s Bar
5006 York
Highland Park, CA