Chef

Ben Bailly

"I love this place. The deli has been around since 1947 and has a bit of that old-school, 1950’s diner feel to it. Their #19 pastrami sandwich is, for me, the best in town. It features thick slices of juicy, tender pastrami, Swiss cheese, and not-too-sweet, freshly-made cole slaw sandwiched between two slices of crusty rye bread."

"Sushi Gen is a great spot in Little Tokyo. It's completely authentic and utilizes the freshest ingredients. Their sashimi is some of the best LA has to offer."

"It's a simple dish elevated to higher planes with the right technique and ingredients. The pasta is thick and served al dente in a creamy sauce made of mascarpone and freshly cracked black pepper. I also really like the 62-degree poached egg that comes on top of the pasta."

"This is the perfect place for a midnight snack. The chorizo tacos from this truck, which parks just off Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, are spicy, caramelized, and lightly saucy. There is always a line, but it’s so worth the wait!"

"I live within walking distance of Chego, so it has sort of become my canteen. The pork belly bowl offers a well-balanced dish of spicy and sweet flavors; the jalapenos, sour cream sauce, cilantro, and watermelon radishes make it my favorite dish on their menu."

"The sandwich features a big, single piece of tasty housemade porchetta surrounded by a layer of crispy skin. The brioche that it’s served on soaks up the fatty juices. It's tender, crispy, and full of flavor in every bite."