LA Eateries - Diverse and Delicious!

As most of you know, I've been cruising around LA last weekend--and had a blast doing it! Spending some quality time with Dan, we explored the great vibe that LA has to offer and found some amazing eateries along the way. My only regret? Missing our reservation at Ketchup--a West Hollywood hotspot, known for its inventive comfort food and five types of ketchup. Of course it was also featured on MTV's The Hills, in the famous Heidi/Spencer, Lauren/Jason encounter. Read on and you'll find some delicious places that I urge you to visit next time you're in the city of Angels.

Dandana - An Arabian Adventure

Dandana - 42-21 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.6811

R/V/G Train to Steinway Street

www.dandananyc.com

Going to Dandana is like shopping at a Middle Eastern bazaar—you get a little bit of this, a little bit of that and a great deal of culture, flavor and energy. Note friends, Dandana takes you on a magic carpet ride far, far away from Queens and into lands of Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon.

Atmosphere:

Dandana’s is the only Middle Eastern eatery on the block, setting itself apart from Astoria’s Little Arabia neighborhood.

Walking into this joint, you immediately notice various hanging lanterns, cushiony seats with tassel pillows and eclectic Middle Eastern music. It’s a lot of fun to come to Dandana on a Friday night when you'll enjoy the boisterous atmosphere while smoking hookah and admiring the curvaceous belly dancers.

Food:

The appetizers at Dandana are the best thing on the menu. Click here for menu. I highly recommend getting the hummus, which comes in a big round bowl, seasoned with extra olive oil, paprika and other spices. The falafel is also exceptional--it's amazingly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I would opt-out for the sandwiches here. While they’re not bad, they’re plain and could be ordered anywhere else. Instead, I’d get a slow-cooked Tagine—a Moroccan specialty.

The hookah is a big reason why I come here. The actual hookahs are very large and attractive- looking with ornate pipes. My favorite flavor is the mixed fruit and I get it every time. I’d urge you to stay away from the apple hookah which doesn’t actually taste like apple at all.

Service and Cost:

The service at Dandana depends on the server and the time of day. While some waitresses are quick and conscientious, others can be standoffish and downright rude. The prices are moderate to inexpensive; $4 for appetizers, $5.50 - $8.00 for soups and sandwiches and $11.00 -$18.00 for main dishes.

Table 30 - New Cafe Serving the Basics

Table 30 - 35-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

718.278.3030

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Table 30 is a relatively new Mediterranean eatery on the popular 30th Avenue--the mecca of Greek cafes. Although, the newness factor has appeal, this place has a hard time differentiating itself from its neighbors.

Atmosphere:

Table 30 has a casual feel. It's cheery and bright but nothing too special. In terms of decor, it tries a bit too hard to fit in with the rest--the funky mirrors, track lighting and flat screen TVs have all been seen before. It all feels a tad dull and overdone. Even the waiters are dressed in matching T-shirts that say Table 30. Where have we seen this before? Umm...Ovelia, right across the street!

Food:

Like the atmosphere, the food at Table 30 falls short of spectacular. While they have an enormous selection of paninni-style sandwiches, the menu isn’t overly exciting. I do have to say though in my first visit, I had the pleasure of trying the most delicious French Onion Soup—I’m a sucker for this dish! The soup wasn’t too cheesy with plenty of caramelized onions to enjoy and a broth with just the right amount of zest. When it was first brought out, it was so large that I thought, “there is NO way that I’m finishing this .” But lo and behold, I embarrassingly came close to licking my plate clean.

I also came here for brunch with Kimberly and her mom and sadly, it was a letdown. Maybe my expectations were too high. With Ovelia across the street serving the most amazing brunch, Table 30 had a lot to live up to. But in the end it was just OK. Our omelets were large but lifeless—there was just something a bit off about their flavoring. And the bread was completely sopped with butter—I hate that! I much prefer to spread butter on my own bread thank you very much. It was also disappointing that Table didn’t offer a brunch special like some of its neighbors, meaning no complimentary Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s—boo!

Service and Cost:
No complaints about the service. Everyone was lovely and patient and willing to give us their recommendations. They also didn’t mind that we sat at our table chatting for an extra forty minutes after we finished eating! The prices are reasonable and you can walk out spending less than $25 per person (including drinks) for dinner and less than $15 for brunch.