2019 Favorite Food Lists
In addition to my movie list (https://ewh111.tumblr.com/post/189987788669/annual-list-of-favorite-film-experiences-of-2019), people have asked that I share a similar list for food. Given the amount of travel this year, it seemed like an appropriate time to start such a post. 2019 took me to China, Korea, Japan, Czech Republic, and Australia, mostly through work-related travel. One international experience is highlighted below. But one doesn't have to go far in Los Angeles for a good meal, so I’m sharing some favorite food experiences.
Favorite Meals from China Food Adventure
This summer I had the incredible opportunity to help lead a trip with 18 Harvard-Westlake faculty members on a culture & food themed trip to China with one of my idols, British food writer/chef Fuchsia Dunlop. I have her cookbooks, read her memoir, and watched her on food shows. She accepted my invitation to join us as our food tour guide, and she curated all our meals in three distinct regional cuisines. Over the course of 10 days, we had 19 meals with over 300 courses in Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. Here are a few highlights.
Dinner at Dragon Well Manor, Hangzhou
Fuchsia Dunlop introducing the lunch at Xijie Wangshi in Dujiangyan
Fuchsia Dunlop at Qing Cheng Jia in Dujiangyan
And Back in LA
Favorite Mapo Tofu Dish: I don’t like tofu. But believe it or not, I’ll jump at the chance to have these versions of the classic Sichuan dish.
Hunan Mao Jia, Rosemead
Xiang La Hui, Alhambra
Chengdu Taste/Sichuan Impression, Alhambra
Other Favorite SGV Dishes
Steamed fish head with chilis, Hunan Mao Jia (photo below)
Boiled fish with rattan peppers, Sichuan Impression (the Alhambra branch, not the West LA store)
Any dumpling dish, You Kitchen
Favorite Japanese, Non-Sushi
Aburiya Raku
Tsubaki
Favorite Sushi
Sushi Zo
Asanebo
Shunji
Sushi Ginza Onodera
Nozawa Bar
Unusual New Dishes
Mapo Tofu Lasagna, Nightshade (photo below)
Radicchio XO salad, Angler
Lobster Bisque Roll, Found Oyster
Some Memorable Meals
Bistro LQ/Chef Yu Bo Duo French/Sichuan White Alba Truffle 19 course dinner (see menu below)
Tasting menu, Somni
Short Rib, Majordomo
Omakase, Sushi Ginza Onodera
Whole King Crab, Angler (photo below)
Favorite comfort food
Din Tai Fung
Pho Cafe
Silver Lake Ramen
Haidilao Hot Pot
Some favorite cravings
Spicy shrimp & pork wontons, Din Tai Fung
Fried clams with bellies or soft shell steamers, Connie & Ted's
Chicken tarna wrap, Zankou Chicken
Mushroom cheesesteak with provolone, Boo's Philly Cheesesteak
Favorite Fried Chicken
Kyochon, Ktown
Crack Shack, Century City, Pasadena, Las Vegas
Bavettes, Las Vegas
Favorite new finds
Needles, Silver Lake (tiny place with great char siu and white cut chicken)
Found Oyster, East Hollywood (New England seafood joint)
Ceviche Project, Silver Lake (photo below)
Kato, West LA (Taiwanese/Japanese tasting menu)
Angler, Beverly Center (seafood)
Nightshade, Downtown LA (modern LA w/Asian foundation)
Sushi Note, Sherman Oaks