Rate-A-Restaurant #311: Sticky Rice

Restaurant: Sticky Rice

Location: Grand Central Market: 317 S Broadway Ste C-4-5 (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Thai




We stipulated: We were downtown for lunch recently, and decided to visit the Grand Central Market. We hadn't been to the legendary spot in a while, and wanted to see all the changes (including the addition of several upscale spots) we'd been hearing about.
They stipulated: The Thai food stand is among the new wave of eateries opening in the Grand Central Market as part of its overhaul.



What we ordered: Gai Yang (BBQ chicken, sticky rice, papaya) $10; Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) $4



High point:  The Tom yum going soup was fantastic -- rich, and spicy to order. I love spicy. It was too much for Maria, but I liked that it made my eyes water.



Low point: My pet peeve: too much skin on the chicken.



Overall impression: A great addition to the Grand Central Market, and I love the feeling of a Thai street food stand like what you might find overseas. I think the Grand Central is doing a good job of keeping and honoring the traditional food stands while also bringing in a whole new generation to fill the empty stalls, like Sticky Rice, Eggslut and Valerie.

Will we return: It looks like their menu rotates, and I'd love to try their curry. (I didn't last time because only beef curry was on the menu that day.)

FREE L.A.: Pershing Square's Winter Festival This Saturday

I still find that downtown, particularly around Pershing Square and the Biltmore Hotel, gets me in the holiday spirit this time of year. And if you've got the kids in tow, there's no better time than this Saturday to head down, for the free annual Winter Holiday Festival.

The event, 11:00am to 7:00pm, takes place at Pershing Square and includes a visit from Santa: "Pershing Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with free holiday activities like tons of snow, a train ride, make & take children’s crafts, puppet shows, community youth performances, memento photos, and more. Santa’s emporium features stocking stuffers and tasty holiday treats for purchase."

While you're down there, make sure to spend some time at the Biltmore and Grand Central Market, which is also decorated for the season. And, of course, there's the outdoor skating at Downtown on Ice ($6 for skating and $2 for skate rentals).

Celebrate the Holidays this Weekend in Downtown

Anyone who tells you the holidays don't feel as real in Los Angeles hasn't visited downtown this time of year.

This weekend, downtown's Pershing Square and Grand Central Market are celebrating the holidays with two very kid-friendly events. I recommend hitting them both on Saturday to get in the mood.



First up, the Grand Central Market's "Christmas for the Kids" Event takes place this Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Not only is the market decked out for the holidays, but free pictures with Santa will be taken. Go grab a tamale at one of the stands.



Then, head over to Pershing Square for its annual Winter Holiday Festival.

The event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, from noon to 6 p.m. Details:

The second weekend in December Downtown On Ice present the Winter Holiday Festival a free fun weekend including a Snow Fun Zone, Make & Take Holiday Crafts, a Holiday Ornament Grove, and Free Entertainment.

Food is available for purchase on site. Secured validated parking with skate receipt is available in the Pershing Square underground garage or take the Metro Red Line to the 5th Street Pershing Square stop for quick no traffic travel.

Of course, while there, you should also ice skate at Downtown on Ice.



Plus, across from Pershing Square, the Biltmore Hotel is always dressed up for the holidays as well.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #156 in a series

(Flickr pic by Jek-in-the-Box.)

Restaurant: Maria's Fresh Seafood

Location: 317 S Broadway (Grand Central Market, Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Seafood, Mexican

We stipulated: We were downtown with our friend Lizzy (just back from her world travels!) to see the Murakami exhibit, and wanted to take her to Grand Central Market for some cheap grinds. I was also jonesing to try Maria's after reading some good reviews on Chowhound.

What we ordered: Fish tacos, scallop tacos, all around $2 each

High point: Ahh, the scallop tacos. Lightly breaded and damn near perfect. Plus, we got a table at Grand Central (not always an easy proposition on a weekend afternoon) quickly.

Low point: Maria didn't care much for the fish taco -- I think she thought it was too fishy. I liked it, although I preferred the scallop. Also, it's always confusing where to stand and order at Grand Central Market, especially during the lunch time frenzy... but just follow others, and it won't be a problem.

Maria notes: The fish taco was not too fishy, there was something about the flaky tasteless nature to it I did not like.

Overall impression: One Chowhounder writes: "It's important to stress that in addition to being a taco stand, they're also a fishmonger. So you know the stuff is good enough to sell by itself, let alone put into a taco." Indeed, nothing like biting into a fish taco and tasting the freshness. Also, another Chowhounder suggested asking for sauces on the side, and I'm glad I did.

Chance we will go back: Next time we're at Grand Central Market -- which probably won't be too long from now. I want more scallop tacos!

Downtown With the Holidays

It was quite easy to get into the holiday spirit this Saturday in Downtown L.A. After parking at the Central Library -- one of the best deals in downtown, just $1 ALL DAY with Library validation (just flash your City of L.A. library card -- you do have one, right?!) -- we walked down to the Biltmore Hotel, where we took in the Christmas tree in the lobby, Blogger Toddler was mesmerized by the life-sized gingerbread house (including free cookies) and we took pics of the beautiful old hotel decorated for season.



From there, we hit the Winter Holiday Festival in Pershing Square, where Maria and I took turns sliding down a hill of snow with Evan (who also got a chance to throw a snowball or two -- under the hot sun, no less!). The festival also included free family photos in front of a holiday backdrop; a Christmas tree decorating contest; and even a free sprig of mistletoe. We decided to skip the puppet show, in order to then head to...



Grand Central Market. Where another holiday festival included treats for the kids, and a visit with Santa. Blogger Toddler had fallen asleep; as a result, we took a rather sad pic with Santa featuring a sleeping Evan. When the BT woke up, we stood in line for a do-over. Santa was game, and the Blogger Toddler asked him once again for the same thing: He wants a shopping cart this Christmas.

More pics from our holiday Saturday in Downtown L.A.:


Snow in Los Angeles


Free mistletoe


Tree decorating contest


Puppets


Grand Central Market


Santa Claus


Life-size Gingerbread house at the Biltmore

Speaking of downtown, Darleene suggested a Blog-LA-Sphere outing at the Pershing Square ice rink... is there interest out there? UPDATE: Looks like Blogdowntown beat us to it! Bloggers on Ice takes place on Dec. 17.