Los Angeles: Big Bar regulars often ask for the Corn and Oil, an off-menu classic made with Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, Velvet Falernum and Angostura Bitters.
Los Angeles: The space is cool but cozy, buzzy but still conducive to conversation. Bonus: upon departure, guests are offered a single, golden canele, an itty-bitty cake rich with egg and butter.
Los Angeles: The rice balls are a must order: dark golden, baseball size balls with ultra crispy shells that give way to toothsome, mushroom-infused rice and hearts of oozy mozzarella.
Los Angeles: Mother Dough is a date-worthy pizzeria. The long, narrow room is dimly-lit and features weathered brick walls decorated with framed railroad ties.
Los Angeles: Dishes like the signature chocolate bread pudding are made to order. Chocoholics should also consider the chocolate chip cookie - a light crunchy exterior interior shot through with molten chocolate.
Los Angeles: Yuca’s carnitas are delicious, but the standout taco is the cochinita pibil, a tender, mild pork stew that stains the tortilla with its orange, greasy goodness.