Month 3 was the strongest so far in our culinary journey. Is that because three of the four restaurants were in Koreatown? Probably. As always, for a more in depth look at these restaurants as well a weekly update in the world of food news, check out Chew-001: A Food Podyssey, located in the Listen tab.
Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks (Jared’s Pick)
Location: 3377 Wilshire Blvd #103, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Craig’s Order: Boo’s Sweet Pepper Cheesesteak – Thinly sliced steak with grilled onions, sweet bell peppers and your choice of cheese (white American). Small side of fries.
Total: $13
Jared’s Order: Boo’s Sweet Pepper Cheesesteak – Thinly sliced steak with grilled onions, sweet bell peppers and your choice of cheese (white American). Small side of fries.
Total: $13
Thoughts: A hole in the wall amongst a crowded collection of restaurants and shops in Koreatown, Boo’s offers an authentic bite that’ll bring you right back to Philly (Not going to lie I’ve never been!). But I have had several east coast Philly cheesesteaks, and this one is among the best I’ve had. It’s as good as it’s going to get in LA, that’s for sure. Created originally in New Jersey by immigrants of South Korea with the help of their son, Boo’s has spread its wings to the west coast—opening up spots in Koreatown and Silverlake. What really stands out is the dedication to authenticity, flying out Amoroso Rolls from Philadelphia to hug the savory, sweet, and spicy meat and peppers.
Craig & Jared’s Score: 8.5/10
Sushi Ippo – All you can eat sushi (Craig’s Pick)
Location: 3800 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Craig’s Order: All You Can Eat Lunch Special
Total: $21.99
Jared’s Order: All You Can Eat Lunch Special
Total: $21.99
Thoughts: Sushi Ippo pretty much checks off every box in an AYCE (all you can eat) sushi restaurant. The place itself is large, with high ceilings and ample seating. Service was caring and efficient, quickly switching out our checklist when it was time for another round of food. The soft Korean pop music was a fun addition as well. The menu offers an extensive list of sushi as well as appetizers and a la carte entree options like teriyaki chicken. Jared and I came here with a view friends, one of whom is vegan, and he was delighted to see how many accommodating options were included on the menu. If you want to spend $22 on eight rolls instead of two, head to Sushi Ippo in Koreatown for lunch.
Craig & Jared’s Score: 8.25/10
Kyochon – Korean Wings (Craig’s Pick)
Location: 3833 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Craig and Jared’s Order: Small orders (10-12 wings per flavor) of soy garlic, honey, and hot wings. With sides of ranch and garlic sauce
Total: $11.99 per flavor x 3 flavors = $35.97
Thoughts: Standing proudly on the corner of 6th and Serrano Street in the food haven known as Koreatown, Kyochon will meet every need a Korean wing lover desires. The restaurant mimics a chrome/wooden industrial look similar to chipotle. The plain walls and unassuming decor give way to the star of the show, the wings. The restaurant cleverly offers an order at the counter option for a to go orders only, and a sit down waiter experience for dine-ins, which enables faster and more organized service. The menu is simple, offering primarily wings, which is all you are going to want to order. The heat, crispiness, and juiciness of the wings are the best I have had in LA. They also deliver until 1am so……yeah, this place has everything. Price is reasonable, but you’re going to want a lot of wings, So plan on spending about $15. My recommendation: The hot wings and the honey wings.
Craig & Jared’s Score: 9.5/10
Delancey | Pizzeria & Bar (Roommate Mike’s Pick)
Location: 5936 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Craig’s Order: The Crosby – Pesto, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Olives & Marinated Chiles. Added garlic for $1
Total: $17
Jareds Order: The Essex – Chicken Parm Pie
Total: $18
Our Other Friends Order: The Bay Ridge – Mozzarella, Italian Sausage & Pepperoni. And The Hudson – Italian Sausage, Smoked Mozzarella, Chili & Pepperonata
Total: $17 and $16 respectively
Thoughts: As former New York food dwellers, pizza has been the missing piece in our quest for LA food nirvana. It just seems like no where in this city can offer a great pizza at a reasonable price at a place that doesn’t have white table cloths. Delancey comes close and feels like the best we are going to find for some time. Delancey’s dimly lit brick interior does its best to invoke its inner Brooklyn, while pushing for a classier high end pizza parlor. The restaurant was filled with young adults out for a “wait out the traffic” pie and beer evening with coworkers. The pies themselves, were quite delicious, serving thin pizzas with a crispy, airy crust. The size of these pizza’s were also a nice surprise considering most “higher end” pizza places usually limit the size of their pie’s because “giant pizza’s aren’t classy” I guess. These pizza’s (tentatively) warrant their price with a comfortable but not overwhelming amount of options, all of which (we tried 4 different pizza’s in total) tasted great. The menu does a great job of respecting traditional New York Italian toppings while mixing in a modern flare that urges you to try something new. With an extensive beer menu, hip corporate coworkers around you, and surprisingly tasty za’s, Delancey is worth a second visit.
Craig & Jared’s Score: 8.25/10
