Bludso’s Bar & Que

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Stoli The Foodie

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After cleaning my barbeque slathered fingers, I had to write about this BBQ haven. Southern California is not known for barbeque, most restaurants are chains claiming they serve “fall-off-the-bone” ribs, but Bludso’s is different and considered the best in slow-cooked meats.

Kevin Bludso, owner and pit-master at the original Compton location, has multi-generational Central Texas-style barbequing roots. In an effort to keep him out of trouble, Kevin’s mother sent him to spend summers with his grandmother in Texas where he worked at her restaurant. He learned all about the pit-master craft but swore he’d never get into the food service business. Bludso worked as a corrections officer for 11 years before he left to, following in his family’s footsteps, focus on a catering business he had on the side and eventually in 2008 open a restaurant in Compton (mostly a takeout window). Bludso has built quite the following and the restaurant was even featured on “Diners, Drive In’s and Dives,” sharing the coveted recipes for the spicy BBQ sauce and rub, his mom’s collard greens, and the “Compton Trim” (vs. St. Louis Trim). In collaboration with Jason Bernstein and James Starr, co-owners of burger mecca Golden State, last year Bludso opened a larger and more “upscale” West Hollywood location with steel picnic tables, a bar, dessert options, outdoor and indoor seating. The recipes are Bludso originals but the cooking and smoking are done by Noah Galuten, also from Golden State. The meats are priced by the pound and served on paper-lined sheet trays.

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AOC: Wine, Tapas, and now Brunch!

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Stoli The Foodie

AOC is an L.A. gem, commonly known for its wine selection and small plates menu. Chef Suzanne Goin’s California French menu has some Mediterranean influences and is driven by seasonal ingredients. It is an excellent restaurant for dinner that I would recommend anytime (must tries are the arroz negro with squid with saffron aioli; brussels sprouts with pancetta and parsnip puree; grilled pork confit with potato, apples, dijon mustard, and cabbage). Now AOC is open for bunch on the weekends! The delicious culinary decadence of the AOC dinner menu is brought forth in a divine brunch menu.

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SteingartenLA: California-Style Beer Garden

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Stoli The Foodie

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SteingartenLA brings a California rendition of a German-beer-hall, complete with brews and brats, to the Westside. Steingarten opened in a wave of German-themed establishments that popped up around town in the past few years—Wurstkuche, Biergarten, Bru Haus… Just stumbling distance from me, I could not be more thrilled this establishment is in my neighborhood [at the old Kay & Dave’s location on Pico]. The decor features a fully stocked dark wood bar, rustic chalkboard menu, colorful dining room with high ceilings & open-air retractable roof, some communal tables, and a beautiful outdoor patio: Califorinia-style beer garden with a custom-built fire pit and tables/benches. The menu offers unique items such as exotic sausages with regular or pretzel bun, deer salami, chicken schnitzel sandwich and sides such as parmesan fries or red cabbage slaw; it’s divided into: small bites, salads, sandwiches, sausages and burgers. Even the dipping sauces are one of a kind—Steingarten mustard sauce (Dijon with a bit of horseradish) and curry ketchup. Also keep in mind, no meal here is complete without a BEER!

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Larchmont Bungalow

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Stoli The Foodie

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Breakfast all day, like music to my ears! Larchmont Bugalow is located in the charming Larchmont village. The cafe is set up like a little country home with an antique coffee grinder displayed in the front window; an old school stove where you can get water and fix-ins for your coffee; a living room area with a fireplace and couch; a patio area in the back with additional seating. At the counter you see the delicious assortment of muffins and other baked goods they offer, such as macarons, cupcakes, cakes… You order at the counter and sit wherever there is room available.