I am finishing up my second year at Caltech. Over the past two years, I have been blessed to dine at many restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Los Angeles is a food mecca, so it can seem daunting when choosing where to go out to eat. To help you guys out, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite places to go for dinner and dessert. Whether you are planning a date night or a girls' night, here are my recommendations for the perfect dinner and dessert pairing.
Comfort
The Boiling Crab
Overview: This is the perfect place to go if you want to have some fun with your food and don't mind getting your hands dirty. You get to customize your food by choosing a fresh seafood, special sauce, and spiciness level. They then bring your order out in a plastic bag, which you are supposed to shake to mix everything together. You also get to wear a bib so that the juices don't get on your clothes.
Food Recommendations: 1 lb whole sha-bang shrimp medium spicy, corn, sweet potato fries
Price: Expect to spend ~$15-20.
Mangiamo Gelato Caffe
Overview: This cute little gelato shop over by Huntington Beach has some of the best gelato that I have ever tasted. It gives all the gelato shops that I frequented in Paris a run for their money. For the smallest size, you can choose up to 3 flavors. This is the perfect treat after a day at the beach.
Food Recommendations: Mango sorbetto, cookies and milk, nutella banana crepe
Price: Expect to spend ~$4-5.
Ethnic
Chakra Cuisine
Overview: This indian restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills mixes traditional indian food with modern aesthetics. It has a great ambiance and intimate feel. You can either dine in the main dining area or choose to dine in the lounge area with your own private bungalow complete with curtains for privacy.
Food Recommendations: Scallops, chicken chettinadu, samosa trio
Price: Expect to spend ~$35-40.
Tea Spots
Overview: Located within walking distance of Caltech, this is my favorite place to go for boba.
Food Recommendations: Mango icy with pink boba, oolong tea with boba, milk tea with boba
Price: Expect to spend ~$3-5.
Trendy
Umami Burger
Overview: You have not tasted a real burger until you have tried one from Umami Burger. There are quite a few locations in Southern California, each with its unique decor and theme. I have been to multiple Umami Burgers, and each one feels like a new experience.
Food Recommendations: The Original burger, sweet potato fries
Price: Expect to spend ~$10-15.
Georgetown Cupcake
Overview: This chic cupcake bakery located on the trendy Robertson Blvd. is the first west coast branch for the Washington D.C.-based company. These cupcakes are so good that their owners have a television show on TLC called "DC Cupcakes."
Food Recommendations: Key Lime, Strawberry Lava Fudge
Price: $2.75 per cupcake
Elegant
Parkway Grill
Overview: This upscale restaurant in Pasadena is the epitome of fine dining. I am not the biggest fan of red meat, and this place does a superb job of offering a balanced menu that also includes pastas and seafood. Every dish that I have had here has been outstanding. If you ever want to splurge, this is THE place in Pasadena to do so. I am going back this Wednesday when my parents come into town on their way to China.
Food Recommendations: Tiger shrimp corndogs, fresh angel hair pasta, creme brulee napoleon
Price: Expect to spend ~$50.
Bottega Louie
Overview: By now, you probably already know how much of a fan I am of Bottega Louie. The macarons are amazing.
Food Recommendations: Strawberry, grand cru
Price: $2.50 per macaron
