Huckleberry Ferry: A Very Expected Journey

Monsieur, my Croque Madame, si vous plait!

I've written about Huckleberry before and their Prosciutto Gruyere Croissants are still to to die for, but I think I've finally found an entree that is just as divine- The Croque Madame. Simple, French, and extremely tasty, it's basically a ham and cheese sandwich with cheesy bechamel, topped with sunny-side up eggs. But order it here and it'll knock your socks off. It even comes with a side salad with spicy mustard- so voila, there you have it, the perfect brunch. Making you wait in line in front of all their goodies is a good tactic too.

Well played, Huckleberry.... well played.

This is easily my favorite brunch spot. It can get pricey though, but still very much worth it.

> HUCKLEBERRY
1014 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

No... what are you doing? Please stop.

Got the Gottsui Glows.

This is what love looks like after a long night of karaoke on Sawtelle.

> GOTTSUI OKONOMIYAKI
2119 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Porto's Bakery's Strawberry Cheesecake Croissant.

Sweet sweet diabetes, just take me now.

> PORTO'S BAKERY
(multiple locations!)
3614 West Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505

Iguanas Ranas means Taco Noms. (NOW CLOSED)

Actually translates to "iguanas frogs", odd, I know, but as long as they have good tacos, I'm in. And I'm really picky about my tacos... as in I don't usually eat them.

Add some guac salsa to those specialty tacos... oh yeah.

Their specialty tacos are perfectly balanced in taste and adding their homemade salsas (strawberry salsa- what?) makes them even better. I've tried the Al pastor, Barbacoa, and Tinga (shredded beef with chile chipotle) and to top it off they have a rare Orange drink at their soda fountain that some people grew up with as kids. I'm not familiar with the name but it's rare, whipped, frothy and extremely sweet. A perfectly good combination for a taco run that hits the spot.

> IGUANAS RANAS
138 N Brand Blvd
Suite 100
Glendale, CA 91206

Cereal Killin'.

I had some Trader Joe's cereal one morning and I thought it looked beautiful. That is all.

The Pan vs. The Republic. OF PIE.

Hey all, it's been awhile- lots to catch up on. But it's the holidays, so let's talk PIE.

Apple Pan Hickory burger and fries- add some pepper to that ketchup!

Banana cream pie at Apple Pan- practically perfect in every way.

On the Westside, we have the well-established Apple Pan- casual,crowded, counter style dining. Excellent burgers, excellent fries, but an even more excellent banana cream pie. Burger of choice has the be the Hickory, but the pie really steals the show. There are other flavors and options of course, but those are my personal go-to's.

Republic of Pie's Banana Creme.

Now by the NoHo area, you have the Republic of Pie, so no question as to what they're all about. Their banana cream pie was more presentable and definitely delicious, but I prefer the "fresh-out-of-oven-made-by-grandma" feel of Apple Pan's. I also tried something like a chocolate pudding pie (picture) and that really... took the cake.

Both places are still recommended for some good ol' American pie action though.

> THE APPLE PAN
10801 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064

> REPUBLIC OF PIE
11118 Magnolia Blvd
San Fernando Valley, CA 91601

Republic of Pie's chocolate "something-or-other-I-forgot-tasty-though"

Daichan Kaiten Sushi.

Garlic seared albacore- heavenly.

Well, I've finally found my new sushi spot, and it's not just any ol' Japanese sushi place, but conveyor belt sushi!

Everything is fresh and delicious, and coming in at rush hour is even better because the sushi chef makes 3-4 of everything anyone orders!

For a kaiten sushi, the prices are good, about $5-6 per plate, for 2-4 pieces. It's very easy to control how much you spend and best of all, you get to try all sorts of things!

Mussels.

Service is friendly and fast, plus it's on Sawtelle, which means lots more to see, eat and karaoke. I've been going again and again.

Tuna on crispy rice.

 > DAICHAN KAITEN SUSHI
11301 Olympic Blvd
Ste 203
Los Angeles, CA 90064