Rate-A-Restaurant #403: Goldburger (Highland Park)

Restaurant: Goldburger

Location: 5623 York Blvd. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Hamburgers

We stipulated: Maria and I continue "New Food Sundays," inspired by the Los Angeles Times' latest 101 Restaurants special issue. There have been an explosion of new hamburger joints in our vicinity, and we frequently drive by Goldburger on York -- so it was time to try their take on the "smashburger."

They stipulated: "What started as an instagram account showcasing great burgers in great cities turned into a burger popup unlike any other in LA. Smashing grass-fed beef​ since day one, our focus has always been to mix the highest quality ingredients with just the right nostalgic elements, like American cheese and a plush white bun. We don't just add ketchup and mustard to your burger (or make you do it yourself!), we prepare LA style smashburgers that are meant to evoke everything that's great about our city."

What we ordered: The Goldburger: Grass-Fed double cheeseburger with grilled onions, fresh pickles, and a house-made award winning garlic-mustard aioli ($10 each) — 2 with cheese, 2 without. I ordered mine with diced peppers. Curly fries ($5)

High point: Delicious, buttery burgers and nicely made curly fries.

Low point: They close early -- 8 p.m. -- and may stop taking orders early, so plan accordingly.

 

Overall impression: Good burger.

Will we return:  I think so!

Rate-A-Restaurant #399: Holdaak Far East Chicken Shop (Highland Park)

Restaurant: Holdaak Far East Chicken Shop

Location: 5054 York Blvd. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Chicken/Korean

We stipulated: Maria and I continue "New Food Sundays," inspired by the Los Angeles Times' latest 101 Restaurants special issue. Holdaak is near by, and we continue our tour of hot chicken sandwich shops across the Southland.

 

They stipulated: "Holdaak [홀딱] actually means 'Madly in Love!' in Korean."

 

What we ordered: Spicy chicken sandwich ($7 + 1.75 for fries); original chicken sandwich ($6 + $1.75 for fries); 3 piece spicy chicken strips (comes with fries, $7); 6 original wings ($8); Daikon slaw (50 cents); Comeback sauce (35 cents)

High point: These sandwiches were HUGE. You get a lot for your money. 

Low point: I wish they had explained that Comeback sauce already comes with your meal; I didn't need to buy yet another sauce!

Overall impression: As far as chicken sandwiches go, it could probably use a bit more spice. But the Daikon slaw is a nice touch, and the size of the sandwich means you can spread it out among two meals.

Will we return:  Perhaps, although there are many other hot chicken shops to try first!

Rate-A-Restaurant #390: Pocha LA (Highland Park)

Restaurant: Pocha LA

Location: 6101 York Blvd. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Mexican

We stipulated: I wanted to try Pocha LA for my birthday, but they were closed on Monday. Nonetheless, I've heard amazing things about their tacos, so we decided to order it for our movie night on Wednesday.

They stipulated: Take out only right now. Also interestingly, no chicken. Meats are beef, pork or turkey.

What we ordered: Pocha Guacamole with chips, 6 oz. (avocado, scallions, cilantro, white onion, citrus) $4.75; short rib/brisket tacos (beef short rib & brisket braised in New Mexico chile sauce) $4 each; al pastor tacos (grilled pork in our signature marinade) $4 each; recado puerco molido tacos (Yucatan-spiced ground pork sauteed with sweet peppers) $4 each; turkey mole tacos (Abuelito's mole poblano) $4.75 each; elote a la Pocha (grilled corn on the cob with habanero cream, cotija cheese and cilantro). 

High point:  The guacamole was fantastic, with the right amount of citrus. Also enjoyed the mole, and the kids seemed to like the puerco. Also, the salsas were great, with a nice dose of spice.

Low point:  The grilled pork and the short rib were a bit too dry.

Overall impression: Didn't quite live up to the hopes we had. It was fine.

Will we return:  Not immediately, and alas Guisado's is still our taco champ. But an ok alternative.

The 14th Annual Great Los Angeles Walk Takes a Detour to Northeast Los Angeles, Pasadena and Arcadia!

For the 14th Annual Great Los Angeles Walk, we're mixing things up! For the first time since our 2014 walk across the San Fernando Valley, the GLAW is taking a detour from its usual downtown-to-ocean route.

This year, we're heading northeast -- to the San Gabriel Valley and northeast Los Angeles, before ending in downtown. In doing so, we'll be focusing most of our walk on two iconic streets: Colorado Blvd. and Figueroa.

The walk will begin at Arcadia County Park's War Memorial Fountain (across the street from a Van de Kamp's windmill that now serves as a Denny's location) and pass by the Santa Anita horse racing track, before swinging north to Colorado Blvd. — and from there we'll enter Pasadena and work our way west, down what was once Route 66. We'll see historic Pasadena buildings and eventually get to the famed Old Town Pasadena, before then walking on the Colorado Bridge.

From there, we'll hit the outskirts of Eagle Rock (and see the actual Eagle Rock), then hang a left on Figueroa and head south, down through Highland Park and its various historic buildings and residences. We'll cross over the river and past the Los Angeles State Historic Park into Chinatown, then near El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument on to our final destination: Grand Park and Los Angeles City Hall.

The start point is near a Metro Gold Line station, and the end point is also transit-friendly. This is a fantastic way to explore a different part of Los Angeles than we normally do, see some fantastic historic sites and end in downtown, which will already be decked out for the holidays. From there, we'll celebrate at a downtown location to be announced later.

Stay tuned for more details! Always check www.greatlawalk.com for updates, and feel free to drop us a line at greatlawalk@mail.com to let us know you're coming!

Most importantly: The date for the walk is SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2019 at 9 am. Meet at Arcadia County Park's War Memorial Fountain! (It's always the Saturday before Thanksgiving -- just remember that!) More details to come!

Pizza and a Movie: The Best Deal in Town Can Be Found in Highland Park (Shh!)

I hesitate to share this with folks who don't know — we can't let the Highland Theatre get *too* crowded, after all! But nonetheless, a tip: First-run movies are still just $7 before 6 p.m. at the Highland Theatre in Highland Park.  And even after that, they're $10 for adults and $8 for kids. What's more, they're $6 ALL DAY on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

That's thing one. Thing two: A block over, Folliero's still serves pizza and pasta at a good price. Most dishes are in the $7 range, and a small pizza will also just send you back $7. It's not the best, but it's pretty great for the price. There is still such a thing as dinner and a movie on a budget. Just don't tell too many people about it!

Rate-A-Restaurant #381: Cafe Birdie (Highland Park)

Restaurant: Cafe Birdie

Location: 5631 N Figueroa St. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Mediterranean/American

We stipulated: For date night, Maria and I were planning on another Highland Park restaurant -- but it was packed. Instead, we walked by Cafe Birdie, and decided to check it out.

They stipulated: Walk-in traffic is accepted, and don't forget to check out the hidden bar in the back.

What we ordered: CAULIFLOWER, spicy chickpea puree, cilantro, olives, golden raisins, toasted walnuts ($15); GRILLED SHRIMP, fingerling potato, spicy romesco ($17); MOROCCAN-SPICED FRIED CHICKEN, harissa aioli, lime ($15); FALL MARGARITA, blanco tequila, lemon, tamarind, allspice, pineapple ($13)

High point:  The cauliflower was pretty amazing, and the fall margarita was a great idea.

Low point:  Entrees came out separately, which would have been a concern if we weren't sharing the plates. Luckily we were, so it worked out fine.

Overall impression: Nice spot, and yet another welcome addition to the ever-growing restaurant options near us. I never eat fried chicken coating... but I couldn't resist it here!

Will we return:  Definitely, especially to check out that secret bar in the back.

Celebrating Lummis Day and Northeast Los Angeles at Heritage Square

Victorian-era Los Angeles comes alive at Heritage Square, the collection of old homes and buildings parked in Highland Park. We were back there on Sunday for the 9th annual free Lummis Day event.

"Lummis Day" takes its name from pioneering L.A. journalist, librarian and leader Charles Fletcher Lummis, whose Lummis House, a Rustic American Craftsman stone house that he built in the late 19th century, is nearby and now a cultural landmark. Lummis Day is meant to celebrate the unique, diverse neighborhoods of Northeast Los Angeles.

Here are more pics from the Lummis Day events:


In costume inside one of the Heritage Square homes.






Kids gather for a puppet show at "Colonial Drug"


The puppets get down for "Scooter's Circus Adventure."


An old timey revue: Teatro Arroyo's "Dr. Madcap's Theatricum."


A model of Eagle Rock's Oinkster restaurant.

Bar Visit: Hermosillo (Highland Park)

A few weeks ago on a date night, Maria and I traveled down York to check out the Hermosillo Bar -- and yes, although there were plenty of Highland Park hipsters in attendance, it was a chill crowd and a good vibe. Local craft beers on tap, a cool but simple decor (updated dive bar chic?) and a friendly staff that lets you sample the beers before committing. We grabbed our drinks, then sat along the front window, looking out on York.

The Hermosillo Bar is definitely a pick for us, and we'll be back. A few pics:







Hermosillo Bar (Highland Park)
5125 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042