South Pasadena's own Barbecue Joint - Gus's Barbecue

Recently renovated, Gus's Barbecue features some of the good barbecue in the West San Gabriel area. I was first there about 10 years ago . . . and for my 2nd trip the summer of 2009. It was recently taken over by the same group/family that owns Tops in Pasadena. They did a complete makeover to the place along with a new website.

Being a novice BBQ connoisseur, but striving to become an expert, I don't have extensive experience in tasting a lot of different BBQ joints. Though, I have had BBQ in North Carolina, New York City, and in a few different places in Los Angeles.

If you want to get a better idea about BBQ in and around LA and beyond, check out PulledPorker's Blog
http://bbqandbaseball.blogspot.com/

But my experience at Gus's was a good one. Not a great one but good. I did enjoy the sides - mostly the mac'N cheese and fries. Heck I will order mac'n cheese at any fine dining establishment. But I didn't come to Gus's for the sides.

The baby back ribs were good, not exceptional. They had a few different kinds of bbq ribs - St. Louis, Memphis, and Carolina. I couldn't really tell the difference unless I read the menu. In fact they all tasted quite good. I don't really have a preference. In my eyes, good barbeque must have good texture - meaning that the meat has to fall off the bone as you rip it easily from the bone with your teeth. I do like the smokiness of the Carolina's and the sweetness from the Memphis.

I do want to proceed to expand my bbq experience. But in order to do that, I am going to have to try a lot of other BBQ places. If you guys have suggestions, please let me know.









Rating
2 pigs, $

Gus's Barbecue
808 Fair Oaks
South Pasadena, CA
(626) 799-3251
http://www.gussbbq.com/



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To the Slaughterhouse We Go! . . . LA's Animal

With a restaurant name like Animal, there's almost a sense of arrogance about what you think you do well - which is anything non-seafood or vegetable related. Man is instinctively carnivorous, making Animal the ideal place to eat when you want to return back to your roots. Many people have talked about this restaurant, since day 1, about their unique skill with beef, pork, and other land animal meat.

After looking at my list of restaurants to try . . . we decided tonight's the night. After fighting traffic, toward this part of town, I was happy get a nice imported Japanese beer. I strongly suggested that my friend get the Mexican coke - since it is made much sweeter than the American counterparts. The menu was quite simple & clear, and very much straight to the point with their "meat" selections. The menu doesn't try to fool around with fancy words and descriptions.

When I saw loco moco on the menu, I was immediately taken back by my Maui experience, last year, during my friend's wedding weekend. Though the loco moco I had, at this famous local hangout, was overwhelmingly large and intimidating with its enormity - it kinda scared me from future loco moco's. I had since not considered ordering it again.(I profusely apologize for my crappy English - I wasn't sure how to explain it) But then I see Animal's take, on this famous Hawaiian dish, with foie gras. After mulling over my other options, the Foie Gras in the Loco Moco just stood out. After a recommendation from our server - I knew I had to order it - it was almost destiny. Perhaps Loco Moco deserved another chance to redeem itself.

As some of you might know, the manner by which foie gras is acquired is quite inhumane. I was made aware of unethical treatment to our feathered pals, by my friend, who consciously chooses to limit her foie gras consumption to once a year. But on this plate - there were two very large pieces of foie gras. Personally, i don't really order foie gras and don't have a big craving for it either. But tonight, the foie gras stood out. With each bite of the loco moco - with foie gras, burger, spam, and egg, this combination made me understand this goose liver appeal. By itself, each of these pieces remain unspectacular, but together as one, like a fine ensemble, it plays out beautifully.

And did I tell you about the pork belly? And I almost had to fault my server for not even touching upon it while we were ordering. Later on, he did mention that critics and others have raved about the pork belly. He kept trying to push other appetizers. But the pork belly with kimchi, this easy combination, just screamed at me, more so than the loco moco. When it came, inside I knew I would be comparing this to Japanese Izakaya style pork belly. This dish excelled and exceeded with its crunchy fat. The fat on the pork belly also melted in your mouth with eat bite, and yet stayed crunchy as well. I think, "this is the best pork belly that I have ever tasted, Period."

In addition we had the bacon chocolate crunch bar, with anglaise. I don't have an idea what the anglaise is. But the combination of bacon with chocolate brought a new taste sensation in chocolate that I have never tasted before.

I think I will have to make another trip to Animal. I like this place.


I don't even remember this plate. I think my friend ordered it. I apologize for the brightness of the flash. This restaurant is a bit dark.

This is the bacon chocolate dessert. It was pretty tasty. I had never had anythign similar.

The foie gras loco moco with SPAM!!!! I like spam. I didn't think I would order something with spam at Animal. Nor did I think I would order anything with kimchi, either.

This is the best pork belly that I have ever tasted in my LIFE. It is so good. Its all about the fat in this dish. The fat is crispy and crunchy and then proceeds to melt in your mouth.

I guess you don't need a fancy menu at Animal.

Animal
435 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 782-9225
http://www.animalrestaurant.com/

Open Seven Days A Week
Sunday - Thursday. 6pm-11pm
Friday - Saturday. 6pm-2am

Rating
3 pigs, $$$



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Hot Stuff Cafe - that's right, I am HOT STUFF!

I'm always on the look out for places that surprise me. Hot Stuff Cafe, with one of the more interesting names, surprises me in more ways than one.

Hot Stuff Cafe serves Westernized and European influenced cuisine to a local Chinese crowd. I was told that the owner is also of Chinese descent as well. As you walk in, the restaurant is a nice simple place with nothing special that jumps out. Being where it is located, I automatically assume that I will be eating something from a Hong Kong cafe.

Before I look at the regular menu, the drink menu indicates to me that this place IS a Hong Kong cafe. A Hong Kong cafe, mostly in Monterey Park and Alhambra, serves up westernized - club sandwiches, and Hong Kong style dishes - such as porridge, noodle soups, etc, for lunch and late night crowds.

Then my first surprise - the food menu has some nice pasta dishes, sizzling plate choices, and some decent appetizers. I wouldn't have expected this mix of selection from a place called Hot Stuff Cafe. I kinda almost was prepared to rib my friend about her choice in lunch places. After mulling over the menu, we picked the Beef Short ribs, the Orange Roughy, and had the unagi pizza for the appetizer. We finished off with the "Hot Stuff" Chocolate Cake.

The unagi pizza was a bit of a surprise. The waitress said that it was a popular dish. This pizza is very similar to a Japanese pizza - an Okonomiyaki. It had very similar flavors. I was in different with it. I thought it was ok. It wasn't something I would order again.

Our entrees came - the Orange Roughy and my Beef Short ribs. I was hesitate to order the fish, since I know that the Orange Roughy is on the endangered list. It looked good. I should have insisted to my friend not to order it. Anyways, I thought it was ok - nothing special or surprisingly good about it. Then my Beef Short Ribs came - and it WAS surprisingly good. As most of you know from my posts, I tend not to order beef. It was tender and slow cooked. The wine sauce was right on. It is something I would order again - but probably the only thing I would order again.

The dessert - the "Hot Stuff" Chocolate Cake was good to round out the meal. It was nicely presented. I didn't expect it to be that good - but it was good.

I wouldn't say that this place is overrated since I have not been here before, nor is this a place I would strongly consider going back again. Though i am tempted to try the Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon on their sizzling dish. I feel that Hot Stuff Cafe is a nice place for dinner but not an ideal place for lunch. The selections for lunch are similar to that of dinner.

"Hot Stuff" Chocolate Cake.

The Orange Roughy. I tried to tell my friend to save a fish. . .

The tenderness of the Beef Spare Ribs. It was good. But I was told my friend had it when it was better.

The Unagi Pizza. I should have known better than to order an Eel Pizza.

What a name! Hot Stuff Cafe!!! - not one !, but !!!


Hot Stuff Cafe
315 S San Gabriel Blvd
Ste A
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 292-7975
www.hotstuff-cafe.com

Rating
1 pig, $$



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What high school kids eat to grow big and tall - Taco Lita

High School kids need to eat simple things like meat and some sort of starch - like bread, tortilla, or rice. They don't really want to eat vegetables, fruits, and healthy things. Taco Lita serves that purpose for growing kids in San Gabriel Valley.

Taco Lita is local high school hang out in the city of Arcadia. Been around for about 40 years or so. I was told that, at its peak, there were 15 other Taco Lita's in the area. Arcadia's location is the last of its kind.

I assume back in the 60's, Mexican cuisine was getting a foothold in Southern California culture with ground beef tacos & burritos were gaining acceptance with burgers. This bastardization of true south of the border food was making a killing with white America. But, here it was, thus here to stay.

I'm not saying that I don't like it. I did like it. In fact, my high school friends, none of whom were of Latino descent, all craved Taco Lita, even today. The simple ground beef with cheese burrito, with nothing else was the popular choice. Heck, I even ordered it with double beef - and yes, I know it is so bad for my gout. This oily concoction of goodness sans lettuce and tomatoes, probably helped me grow an inch taller. Taco Lita also has another special item - called the Lit Burger - same thing as a burrito but on hamburger buns. I don't tend to order this, but I know it is quite popular. As I write this, I am getting cravings for a Lita Burger.

I wouldn't suggest the quesadilla, since they are like a burrito but more oily and greasy. Its just cheese, and lots of it, in a tortilla, but shaped like a burrito. I shouldn't have ordered it last time.

And OMIGOD, did I tell you about the Taco Lita sauce? This stuff is great. Not spicy, but a bit tangy and vinegary. I know some people liken this to ketchup. But I dig it with almost anything. I even save it for other tacos and burritos.



After 40 years, nothing much as changed, except for the pricing.

Here is the beef and cheese burrito. Just Beef and Cheese. YUMMY! Make sure you add their sauce.

Here is their quesadilla with tomatoes and their sauce. A bit too greasy for my taste.

Look for Taco Lita in Arcadia. Ask anyone from Arcadia High School and they will rave about it.

Taco Lita
120 E Duarte Rd
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 445-2889

Rating
2 pigs, $



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New Thirsty Pig Rating System

I have decided to come up with a new rating system. An objective rating system has its faults and traits - but I think overall it can help the reader's experience on the site. I have a pretty agreeable palate. Its really hard for me to not like something that I put in my mouth. But I know I have to learn to be able to appreciate and distinguish subtle flavors. Please keep in mind, that some places that I write about may not get ratings at all.

0 pig - Don't believe the Hype
1 pig - Nothing special that gets my mouth watering.
2 pigs - I could/do eat this every day
3 pigs - National Gastronomic Treasure

$ - Hole in the wall, not a first date place, and about $10
$$ - Typical casual dining and around $20 or so
$$$ - Expected exceptional dining with pricing $25+

I am going to try to go back and put ratings on my past posts. In addition, you will be able to sort through the rating system on the cloud of categories.
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Peruvian Cuisine in Downtown Los Angeles - Mo-Chica

Tucked away in a food court, blocks away from USC, lives peruvian cuisine at its finest. I recently joined a newly formed monthly dining group that choose Mo-Chica for its first event. I didn't remember Mo-Chica's offering much from the Project by Project event, unfortunately either. All I was told, that we were going to a latin style restaurant near USC. Thus I was thinking hole-in-the-wall and something Mexican.

In this strange and somewhat industrial neighborhood, next to a large self-storage building and an earshot away from the 110 freeway, Mo-Chica serves great presentations of their countryman's food at almost a typical mall's food court's price. Valet parking is replaced by a plain clothed security guard. A Thai food, Mexican bakeries, and handicrafts booths dot the Mercado La Paloma, off the corner of 37th and Grand.

The simple menu, behind and above the counter, standout with the Seco De Cordero - Lamb, the Aji De Ballina - Shredded Chicken, Arroz con Marisco - Peruvian Seafood Paella, and Lomo Saltado - Beef. With our large group, we choose to order them all with some of their well known appetizers - the Ceviche Del Dia - today with halibut, Causa Del Dia - Potato salad, and the salad of the day. This caliber of food and presentation should be in a nice restaurant setting, rather than food court.

The appetizers, the Ceviche Del Dia and the Causa Del Dia were both exceptional. I admit I do not have much experience with Ceviche, let alone other Latin Cuisines except some Mexican, but it was quite good. The large pieces of fish in the ceviche, made me think that we were eating the potato salad before I took a bite. Then the Causa Del Dia - the peruvian potato salad came with its delicate presentation, was probably my favorite. It certainly didn't look like a regular picnic's potato salad. I could see the care that the Chef, Ricardo Zarate, does with all of his dishes. I do remember seeing him at the fabulous Project by Project July tasting event. You can see the care he takes in presentation and the quality dishware they utilize.

Tonight, on this Monday, the space was sparse and felt like a lazy Sunday. I was told that the Mercado La Paloma closes pretty early, around 8pm or so. But that did not deter us from our experience with the Seco De Cordero, lamb served on the bone. This was amazing tender with the meat falling off the bone. I don't usually eat Lamb, but this was an exception. My dining mates literally grabbed the bone and started barbarically feasting on the meat. The chicken - the Aji De Ballina was quite similar to that from El Pollo Inka link The yellow walnut sauce on the Aji, is a little off-settling if you haven't had it before. It looks like a fluorescent curry. The Aji is not something I would order first, here at Mo-Chica. The Lomo Saltado, better than expected, was one of the dishes I would recommend. I think the quality of meat could be tasted. Not of big fan of Paella, anywhere, my friends felt that it was one of their favorite dishes.

The purple corn tea and the cebada, the barley herbal drink was something to round off the meal. I liked the old fashion jugs they had with the drinks.

Tonight's event was a success in introducing my palate to finer Peruvian Cuisine. It is a hidden gem among the many other Latin food experiences here Los Angeles.

Mo-Chica offers entrees at less that $15 per plate - such as the lamb.

The yellow walnut sauce in the Aji De Ballina.

Lomo Saltado features large cut potato wedges.

I had the Cebada - the barley barely drink.

Too bad, they don't have a free standing location. One other drawback is that they don't serve alcohol. A good wine would go great with their menu.

The potato salad. I'm not sure what the yellow coating on the top is.

Open till 10pm, Mondays through Saturdays.

Mo-Chica
Mercado La Paloma
3655 S. Grand Ave., L.A.
(213) 747-2141
http://www.mo-chica.com/

Jonathan Gold's Counter Intelligence review May 27, 2009

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A Little Gem in Pasadena, Green Street Tavern

Located on Green St. behind the bustle of Colorado Blvd in Old Town Pasadena, sits the unassuming Green Street Tavern. This little place is good place for a date. This little restaurant is a cozy little place with an ambient mood feel. Walking in brings you in a modest but small dining area, then to the side, you'll find a nice room that can be used for private events. Decor with the dark lighting is better suited at night.

We kinda just found this restaurant, since our stomachs were growling. I kinda wish we came at night, since we were part of the daily lunch crowd. After scanning the lunch menu, I knew I had to order their signature burger special, which came with a beer. How could you go wrong with beer, burger, and some fries? My friend ordered Gnocchi. My burger, not especially small, had the sweet onions falling off. The sauce was dripping as I was trying inhale it in one breath. I could barely get a good grip - meaning that the burger was so juicy, and not dry, or that the burger was too messy for me to hold. I think both . . . From someone who had had hundreds of burgers over his lifetime, and a body to show for it, this burger did standout. As I continue to document this experience whilst glancing at the pictures of the grilled and gounded dead animal flesh on bread - I remember the tanginess of the sauce. I slightly noticed my friend eyeing the handheld feast with envy, while she stared at her colorless Gnocchi. She tried to keep her composure and pride by declining the bite I had offered her . . . too bad for her.

Anyways. . . who would have thought this little date place would have pretty good burgers? I also just found out that the Counter is opening another restaurant in Pasadena soon on Lake avenue.

Green Street Tavern
69 W Green St
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 229-9961
http://www.greenstreettavern.net/


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Looking for a great Jewish Deli in Downtown LA that is open Late! - Langer's

Langer's arguably makes the best traditional pastrami sandwich in Los Angeles. In my opinion they do have the best jewish deli sandwiches. I have been to Canter's, Nate N Al's, and Jerry's deli - but I know I am missing one or two in the Valley. I would even compare Langer's to Katz's in New York City. But I think Katz beats Langer's, by a hair. I like the service that Katz has better - where you walk up and order and the guy gives you a small plate sample of the meats. (oh gosh my mouth is watering). . . .back to Langer's

They have been around for over 60 years. I was reading, at one point, there were open late. When the neighborhood changed, for the worse, the owners, still the same ones, were forced to close early - at 4pm. I asked our waitress if they had thoughts about returning to dinner hours and late night schedules, with new influx of residents in downtown Los Angeles. And she still said no. I do hope they would consider opening for dinner and late night crowds. Hot pastrami sandwiches are great late night drunk fare.

I can't explain it, but pastrami beef is one of the few cured and prepared meats that goes good if sliced thinly or thickly. The thin sliced pastrami is what you find at the Hat of Alhambra, Tops of Pasadena, and Johnnie's of Culver City. The thick pastrami is the more traditional jewish cut, found at Canter's, Nate N Al's, and Langer's. Personally, I like the traditional thick cuts. I believe texture is quite important to the eating experience. Thin sliced pastrami seems to fall apart too easily when you pick it up and when you eat it. Sometimes when you bite into the sandwich the little pieces - might often be more tough than you want. Whereas the thick cut pastrami, is expected to have the same texture all around and won't typically fall apart. But I do like the Hat's dipped buns (in the au jus) which gives it a more juicy and squishy feel in your mouth. But for me, my ultimate preference has to be with undipped Rye bread with sauerkraut and russian dressing. For whatever the reason, this combination - which I had for the first time just recently, does it for me. The flavors just melt together in this perfect storm of tanginess, sourness, and savoriness - with this unique taste sensation.

Anyways. . . .just go Langer's. Make the trip out there. Deal with the crappy neighborhood and useless parking situation. You won't regret it.

Check out this perfect pastrami. The meats are piled high with the coleslaw. Thank you Mr. B.Y. for this nice image. My camera couldn't get focused correctly.

Here is the sign right outside near MacArthur park in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, their parking lot is a block away.

I love these old fashion coke glasses they still use. Same cool shape and all.

Check out the sauerkraut with the russian dressing. Amazing combination and taste.

My friend got the juicy Pastrami dipped sandwiches. But I prefer mine with lots of mustard on rye.

Here's my sandwich with the rye. The Rye bread's nutty flavor coupled with the mustard and savoriness of the pastrami give it a unique taste.

Langer's
704 S Alvarado St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 483-8050
www.langersdeli.com

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