Travel Spork

Withdrawals.  I’m not talking about the kind you have when heading home after binge drinking for three days in Las Vegas. I am, however, talking about food withdrawals. Yep, the cravings you get when returning home after traveling to another country and tasting all the delightful native foods.  So, what can you do to satiate those cravings when you do get home? Well, you could try to recreate a dish yourself, although you may find yourself running around for days looking for special ingredients. And furthermore, let’s just be honest. You’re not that great of a cook. Well, no Bobby Flay, at least. Anyway…just be lazy. Besides, you just may find some amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants right in your own back yard.

Living in Los Angeles, one of the most diverse counties in the United States, there are many, many dining choices.  And although I have barely put a dent in the long list of options, I have a few of my favorite little spots in L.A.

Korean

Dan Sung Sa – 3317 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020.  I was originally taken here by a good friend of mine, and have since become obsessed with this place.  Stepping into this dark, divey, cozy place makes me feel like I am in a pub in the Korean wartime era or an indoor pojangmacha.  The distressed wooden walls are covered in graffiti and old-school posters, and simple dim lights illuminate the small wooden tables and built-in wooden benches. Smoking is allowed in here, so if you are bothered by that, don’t even bother. They bring complimentary soup in a beat-up kettle and matching pitchers of water, and the flowing Soju will get you giggling and reminiscing in no time.

Guess what? Chicken butt. Yes, they have chicken butt here, along with many other meats and seafood including frog legs, octopus, blood sausage, pork intestine, scallops, and gizzards. Come hungry, because the plates come in big portions! Among my favorites here are the chicken gizzard skewers, the seafood pancake, fried chicken wings, tofu with kimchi, and mussels.  You can eat like a king for around $25 per person. Factor in a little more $$ if you drink like me.  Seriously awesome.  

Japanese

Azuma – 16123 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90247. This little yummy izakaya-style Japanese restaurant is nestled away on Western and 162^nd.  If you blink, you will pass it. Park behind the restaurant, enter through the back door, proceed through the narrow kitchen, and find yourself a nice little table.  I prefer the tables against the wall beneath the Japanese-written menus. You have your own free will, so please, sit where you want.  It’s tight quarters in here, and the place will get packed during peak hours. So, get there early (or late), otherwise you might be waiting for awhile.

Everything is a decent-size portion, and most of the plates will crowd the table. So, I suggest sharing a few small dishes.  Among my favorites are the Deep-Fried Octopus with Mexican sauce (Tapatio), Negi Gyoza – steamed dumpling with salad, Okonomiyaki – Japanese style pancake with pork and seafood, and Wakami qri Sunomona – simple cucumber and seaweed salad in vinegar sauce.  The service is great, the prices are right, and the food hits the spot. Japanese comfort food at it’s best. Bravo.

Indonesian

Toko Rame – 17155 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706. If you haven’t yet tried Indonesian food, you are clearly missing out.  The food here is so good and authentic, that it has gotten me dreaming about coconuts, curries, fragrant rice, peanut sauce, frangipani, and Sampoernas once again.  The family that owns and operates this spot, right off the 91 Freeway, is from Sumatra. Some dishes are slightly different than what you might find in Bali, but the same great flavors you remember are definitely there.  And sorry, if you are a pork fan, there is no Babi Guling. Waahh. Nevertheless, there are some awesome dishes that will make you come back for more.

If you have no idea what to order, I have a few suggestions:  Nasi Bungkus – West Sumatran combo platter with rice, rendang, chicken, egg, tofu, and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf;  Sate Ayam/Sate Sapi – Chicken satay or beef satay that comes with peanut sauce, rice cubes, and rice cakes; Curry Noodles – Mixed with a coconut gravy and chicken and shrimp.  Try one of the drinks too! Yum! The Es Cendol is a hot pink coconut/rose flavored water that is so delicious, or the Es Dawet, which has green jelly in coconut milk. I am getting hungry just thinking about this place…I could eat here every day.  Unfortunately, they are closed on Mondays. But honestly, if I knew where they lived, I would be showing up to their house. I’m not kidding.

Turkish

Spinners Turkish Kebab – 16076 Harbor Blvd, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Although this restaurant isn’t located in Los Angeles, it is highly worth mentioning and worth the drive. Also, “Spinners” isn’t on the storefront signage…it just reads “Turkish Kebab.” Anyway, a friend-of-a-friend used to own this place, and since has changed ownership. However, the same deliciousness remains.  There isn’t much of an ambiance in here, no alcohol, but there is always a Turkish soccer game on and has consistently great food.

I had my first döner kebab experience when I went to Germany. Strange, I know, but knowing the history of the migration of Turks to Germany, then this would make perfect sense.  So, of course, I return home from Germany and start craving döner. After months and months, I am finally reunited with the slowly roasted Turkish delight! At Spinners, there are several menu items to choose from, but I recommend getting the lamb döner plate. This comes with rice, hummus and pita, and a simple chopped cucumber-tomato salad.  Pair this with a cold, tart mint yogurt drink and your meal is set to perfection.  Follow up with some hot Turkish tea and a piece of baklava. All for about $12. You can thank me later.