• Augie’s On Main

    We strutted into Augie’s on Main fresh from the Farmers Market, feeling very Santa Monica chic — and Murphy the Doodle immediately became the VIP of the patio scene. Water bowls, tail wags, new canine connections… honestly, he may have had more friends than we did. Now let’s talk about the culinary plot twist: this…

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  • All’ Antico Vinaio

    I was really excited to try All’ Antico Vinaio – Los Angeles after hearing so much hype. We stopped in for lunch and while it was good… I wasn’t exactly blown away. The bread? Excellent. The Italian potato chips? Elite. Truly no notes. I may or may not have stuffed a few into my sandwich…

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  • Sadaf Modern Persian Cusine

    Last night we ventured to Sadaf – Encino, a modern Persian restaurant with multiple locations and, apparently, a very relaxed relationship with time. We arrived at 6:35 p.m. and were quoted a “20-minute wait.” Adorable. We were ushered into the bar because the entrance was packed with large parties. (Note: they don’t take reservations for…

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  • All About the Cinnamon

    Straight outta West Philly, two hip-hop-loving creatives turned a pandemic cinnamon bun craving into a full-blown sugar empire. The concept? “Where hip hop and baking collide.” The execution? Absolutely understood the assignment. Now let’s talk about the important stuff: carbs. A recent cinnamon-fueled adventure to Sherman Oaks brought us to this colorful little gem on…

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  • Manhattan Beach Creamery

    If happiness had a street address in Manhattan Beach, it would absolutely be Manhattan Beach Creamery. I walked in thinking, “I’ll just grab a frozen banana.”I walked out questioning all my life decisions… because HOW do you choose a treat when 28 small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream flavors are staring at you like a delicious beauty…

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  • Joe’s Pizza

    Last night we secured what I can only describe as a legitimate slice of New York pizza — no plane ticket required. It was a brisk 54 degrees in Los Angeles (yes, that qualifies as Arctic conditions here), but we boldly chose to sit outside so our pizza could remain at peak temperature. This is…

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  • Hibye Coffee

    As part of my very serious responsibilities as a Yelp Elite Black (you’re welcome, Westlake Village), I visited Hibye Coffee — and let’s just say… I’ve found my new pink-lit personality trait. 💖 Located on Russell Ranch Road in the Target shopping center, this little lounge gives cozy zodiac café meets “why don’t I work…

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  • Pantry Coffee +madhappy

    Drove over to Melrose & Robertson to try Pantry Coffee after multiple “you HAVE to go” texts — and fine, everyone was right. First of all, it’s tucked inside Madhappy, so you can emotionally support yourself with a vanilla latte and then financially destabilize yourself with sweats. Multitasking. Let’s discuss the customer service because WOW….

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  • Jon and Vinny’s

    We stopped into Jon & Vinny’s in Brentwood recently, which is basically California-Italian with great lighting and better PR. Created by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, this place has mastered the art of making you feel both very cool and slightly underdressed at the same time. Let’s start with the wine, because priorities. The program—courtesy…

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  • Jones

    If comfort food had a crown, Spaghetti & Meatballs, old-school style at Jones would be wearing it—and judging everyone else at the table. This was not a meal. This was a full Italian-American experience, paced perfectly from “we’ll just start with a salad” to “someone loosen my waistband.” The Opening Act: Salads (aka, Lies We…

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