Mexicali Cocina and Cantina - Los Angeles

After a morning in Studio City we stopped for lunch at Mexicali Cocina and Cantina on Ventura Blvd. This was one of my friend’s favorite spots and was really a great suggestion.

Established in 1995, this decent-sized restaurant offers California Mexican cuisine in a comfortable setting.

The Chips and Salsa were very good and fresh.

I ordered the Dos Combo with a Chicken Suprema Enchilada and a Chicken Fajita Taco (with Black Beans and Rice $10.49).

The flavors were fantastic and I ate everything on my plate.

I highly recommend this place.

Hamburger Haven - Los Angeles

While drive down Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood we saw a small building called Hamburger Haven, and on the side of the building there was a sign claiming “Almost Every Day People Tell Us We Have The BEST BURGERS IN TOWN”.

Honestly, how could we not stop to see if we felt the same?

First you go in and there is a guy behind the counter to take your order and a guy grilling Burgers on the Flat Top. The place seems to have been there for many years, and is really more of a concession stand then a restaurant.

Once you place your order you find a seat at one of the plastic tables in the covered outdoor area and wait for them to tell you your food is ready. No frills here, none at all.

I had a Cheeseburger with Bacon, Fries and a Drink.

I was pleased by the quantity of crispy Bacon, and overall it tasted pretty good (however I doubt that it was actually the Best Burger in Town). The Fries were standard and although I don’t really remember the price I don’t think it was very high.

On my next trip to L.A. I can’t see myself going back, however for locals I’m sure it could be a regular spot for a good, quick Burger.

Kincaid's - Los Angeles

My first stop for food in Los Angeles was in Redondo Beach at Kincaid’s Bay House. We arrived about 15 minutes before they opened for lunch so we walked around the beautiful boardwalk area until it was time.

We opted to sit outside and enjoyed the scenic view while we had lunch.

This is an upscale place and since they had a full bar we decided to start with cocktails while we looked over the menu.

They also brought out some fresh bread was both nutty and hearty which really made us realize how hungry we were getting.

My friend ordered the Beer Battered Fish and Chips (Pacific Cod Fillets, locally selected artisan Beer Batter, Malt Vinegar, housemade Artichoke Caper Tartar Sauce $15.95)

Although I did not try it I did think that it looked pretty good and he seemed to enjoy it.

I decided to get a lunch combo with an Iceberg Lettuce Wedge (Bacon, Monterey Jack, Choice of Dressing) and Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Pesto Cream Sauce, Garlic Confit, Asiago) for $13.95.

I was extremely pleased with my meal. The Iceberg Wedge was crisp and the Bleu Cheese Dressing was excellent, however it was the Pasta that was to die for! The large pieces of roasted Garlic were soft like butter and the Sauce couldn’t have been more perfect. It was very satisfying and the portion size was just right.

Then we opted to get a couple of Desserts and share, deciding on the Key Lime Pie (Nellie and Joe’s famous Key West Lime Juice, Lemon Sorbet $7.95) and the Bananas Foster Sundae (Caramelized Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, Buttermilk Waffle, Candied Pecans, Housemade Butterscotch poured tableside $8.95).

Both Desserts were outstanding. The Bananas Foster was rich and heavy, while the Key Lime Pie was light and refreshing. Both were extremely large and would have been enough for two people individually. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the Key Lime Pie because it had just the right amounts of sweet and tart.

Our meal all together came to $92 (but that is with two cocktails each). For me it was a nice welcome to Los Angeles and a really great way to start my vacation!