Swork Coffee

Swork Coffee


If you've ever driven down Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock than you've probably seen a small coffee shop with bright red letters called Swork. The facade itself was enough for me to want to try it and so I did. It's a nice little coffee shop that's somewhat Starbucks-esque but with a hint of Ikea. All in all, it's a very homey place that has a small child play area and that even serves a small selection of gelato and has free Wi-Fi.



What to eat: There are a few good pastries, try what you like, I prefer the cookies.
What to drink: Frappuccino, gelato
What to know before you go: Bring your laptop for free Wi-Fi usage
Where to park: Metered street parking or a lot behind Swork



2160 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 258-5600

www.swork.com

Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 6:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
Sun 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Filipino food: Asian Noodles

Asian Noodles

Here's another restaurant recommended by my uncle. It's nestled in between Chinatown and Olvera Street on Spring street. Before this place I had never tried Filipino food of any sorts but I found it to be surprisingly good. The culinary influences are fairly obvious; from Chinese, to Malay, and even some Spanish all mixed together to create something unique and delectable. One dish that really stood out for me was their Beef Steak; brought to you sizzling on a skillet is an off paring of slice beef steak and french fries in a delicious sauce. At first I didn't know what to think of this dish but upon trying it, I was in love. I highly recommend trying the Beef steak, unless of course you're a Vegetarian than maybe the Vegetable Stir-Fry dish would suit you. I believe that Asian Noodles have a few Vegatarian dishes for one to choose from.


What to eat: Beef Steak, I forgot the rest since it's been a while but I'll edit later.
What to drink: There are few Filipino drinks and a small coconut that they'll cut a hole and put a straw in for you to drink
What to know before you go: It's somewhat small and may be crowded and doesn't take reservations but you can get food to go.
Where to park: There are a few lots that you have to pay for on the same street or metered street parking


643 N Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-1083

Cooling down in the summertime part 2: Fosselman's

Fosselman's

This time, I decided to post about an old fashioned ice cream parlor. This place has been around for about 80+ years and it's still kicking. I really don't have much to say about this place other than it's classic, it's delicious, and it's a nice place to take a date or the family. It's located in Alhambra just off the 10 freeway about 10 minutes from Downtown L.A., so check it out sometime on a weekday afternoon. Enjoy.


What to eat: Banana split, ice cream sundae, ice cream float
What to drink: Frozen Lemonade
What to know before you go: Just a nice place to go
Where to park: There's a car lot on the side between Fosselman's and a bank.


1824 W Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 282-6533

www.fosselmans.com/

Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sun: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Cooling down in the summertime part 1: Scoops

Scoops

I figured I'd post something to help you beat the heat this summer; I give you Scoops! A really laid back Gelato place nestled in a quaint bicycle/vegan neighborhood from what I could tell. You'll really like the proprietor of Scoops, he's a nice little old man who obviously loves what he does and it shows in his great products. You may find some of the flavors to be somewhat different but most are actually good--Although, I can't say that about all of them because I have yet to try them all. I suggest the Brown Bread flavor, the Oreo flavor, or if you want something a little more refreshing then one of the sorbet flavors.


What to eat: Brown Bread, Oreo, or a sorbet
What to drink: Bottled water
What to know before you go: It's street parking and many are metered, so bring change.
Where to park: On the street wherever you can.

712 N Heliotrope Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 906-2649

Hours:
Mon-Thu 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Damn good chinese food: Yang Chow

Yang Chow


I'll keep this post simple. I've been going to Yang Chow since I was a little kid, since my family frequented it often. It's in the heart of Chinatown and has been around longer than I. In my opinion, it is quite simply one of the best Chinese restaurant in town. Once you try it, I'm sure you'll agree, so head on over and give it a try. You'll notice the head shots of many famous people who also enjoy the food all over the walls. It's a little cramped inside but you should've seen how small it was years back before the added another room. If you only get one thing, I would suggest the Slippery Shrimp; it'll make you say "wow."



What to eat: Slippery shrimp, Yang Chow fried rice, beef and broccoli
What to drink: nothing special, I guess just try the hot tea
What to know before you go: During the lunch and dinner rush will draw large crowds so the parking will be scarce
Where to park: There is a car lot behind Yang Chow which is $0.75 if you get it validated but it's small, so you may have to park on any of the car lots in Chinatown.


CHINATOWN/LOS ANGELES
819 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
TEL: (213) 625 - 0811
FAX: (213) 625 - 7901
http://www.yangchow.com/index.html

Also, there are two other locations for those who don't live near Downtown.

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
6443 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Canoga Park, CA 91303
TEL: (818) 347 - 2610
FAX: (818) 347 - 2613

PASADENA
3777 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
TEL: (626) 432 - 6868
FAX: (626) 432 - 4539

An oldie, but goody: Philippe The Original

Philippe The Original


If you're a foodie and live in or near Los Angeles, then you've most likely heard of or have been to Philippe The Original, or Philippe's as I and many others call it. Well, if you've neither heard of or been to Philippe's then your life is not complete--at least sandwich-ly speaking of course. For those unfortunate enough to have revelled in the culinary delights of the French Dip sandwich of the aforementioned then what are you doing reading this? You should already be on your way there to try a Beef French Dip, double dipped of course. Here, take the address, get directions and leave your computer!


What to eat: French Dip (roast beef, even though all are good) double dipped
What to drink: I prefer the Lemonade, but alcohol is also served
What to know before you go: CASH ONLY, although there is an ATM and parking may be scarce during rush hours
Where to park: There is a car lot behind and across the street.


Philippe the Original, 1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles
(213) 628-3781
www.philippes.com.

Hours:
Breakfast 6 to 10:30 a.m.
Sandwiches 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Best damn sandwiches in town: Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin

Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin


I have a lot to thank my uncle for, one of them being the love of finding and trying new places to eat. Being that he lives in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, He knows somewhat more of the restaurants there. It so happens that there, in Eagle Rock, nestled between two small businesses lay Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin. Trust me (or at least you'll learn to when you try this place) when I say this place is second-to-none when it comes to sandwiches and smoothies. My love for this place comes from Dave's French Dip Melt (Formerly, the Roast Beef Melt) and either a Strawbanana smoothie or his Brown Cow shake. I really can't describe the taste of the melt as it just melts in your mouth with premium quality ingredients and as many say, the best thing about Dave's, is Dave himself. He has since hired a few other workers but you're sure to catch him there.

What to eat: French Dip Melt, Tuna Melt, Meatball Sub

What to drink: Strawbanana Smoothie, Brown Cow Shake

What to know before you go: it's CASH only, so bring some.

Where to park: If you're going East on Colorado to get there, turn right on the small street just past Dave's and park in the alley/parking lot or if you're going West on Colorado, turn left on that same small street.

Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin
2152 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 490-0988
http://daveschillin.com/

Hours:
Monday: Saturday 11:00AM - 9:00PM
Sunday: 12:00PM - 8:00PM