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Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
I like it when you call me Big Salad
Wax on all you want about your favorite cuisine — Italian, Thai, Middle Eastern, French — but I dare you to find any country, however charming, that makes a salad like we do here in California. And by salad I mean big salad. Yeah, the French do their small plates of tiny greens in a perfectly emulsified vinaigrette. Italians are maestros at dressing a pile of arugula in a coating of olive oil so ethereal that not even one precious leaf wilts. But I'm talking here about salads you can really dig into. Salads that are full of surprises and eat like a treasure hunt, hiding every flavor and texture you could dream of wanting with a leaf of lettuce. I'm talking here about salads that act as a meal. Los Angeles practically invented the genre, with the OG of meal salads, the Brown Derby's Cobb. The finely chopped La Scala Chopped Salad (from the now-shuttered Beverly Hills institution) was a city treasure. Then along came Wolfgang Puck's Chinois Chicken Salad, which followed in the footsteps of Madame Wu's Chinese Chicken Salad, the salad said to have started the whole sweet crunchy Chinese-ish salad ball rolling. (Chin Chin on the Sunset Strip, credited with popularizing the salad in the '80s and '90s, is closing at the end of this month.) Those are salads with names and distinct identities. But we Angelenos can (and do!) turn anything into a salad. A can of tuna has inspired endless salads including, it would be only fair to mention, salad Niçoise (the classic French salad composed of tuna, green beans, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies and olives). Shredded chicken has infinite possibilities in Salad City. And I once ordered a sushi salad at a Japanese restaurant (albeit in San Diego) that featured a platter of lightly dressed tender greens with edamame and pickled ginger thrown in and, yes, slices of sushi-grade raw fish. It was fresh. Easy. Original. And it was a salad! No time is fresh-and-easy deliciousness as important as it is in the summertime. Or should we say saladtime. A salad meal is often composed of leftovers, and dressing can be made in advance. Salads are cool and cooling and — whether you're planning a family meal, a Girl Dinner or a party — meal salads are often the answer. To put together a meal salad of your own, first, think about a theme. If I were making a hamburger salad, the first thing I'd do is think about a hamburger. I'd take it apart in my mind, up the veggie component — iceberg, tomato, raw or grilled onion — and think about what else I like on my burger, such as bacon and pickles. Toss all but the burger patty together with mustard vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing (because mustard and blue cheese are things I would love on any burger) and put the patty — any patty, leftover or prepared for the occasion — cut into quarters, on top. Are you getting the freewheeling, can't-go-wrong picture? I have a friend who takes the sweetest, richest, deep-fried Chinese favorite — like orange chicken or sweet-and-sour pork. Tosses mixed Asian greens with a light dressing of sesame oil and lime juice, and then adds the chunks of meat, transforming something decadent and heavy (deep fried and drenched in sweet sticky sauce) into a salad meal that you might even call refreshing! It's the Asian version of the more common (but not as common as it should be) fried chicken salad, wherein boneless fried chicken tenders or cubes are tossed with lettuce (I'd use frisée) and whatever dressing you want (I'd go with buttermilk dressing to reflect the buttermilk that the chicken is marinated in) and anything else you might like with fried chicken — such as potatoes, bacon or corn. Steak salad is a personal favorite because I like steak but in small portions, more as a condiment than a main event. To make one, first cook your perfect steak. Then decide on your 'greens,' which might not be green. (I like mine with radicchio.) Choose your dressing — sherry vinaigrette is my go-to for this. Slice the steak. Add anything you might like with steak, like roasted potatoes or a cubed baked potato, grilled onions, fresh or slow-roasted tomatoes, boiled potatoes and / or shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss and enjoy. I've made many Asian chicken salads. And really. They're all good. You almost can't go wrong with that winning combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, all conveniently served under the guise of 'healthy' eating. But IYKYK: There's one that stands above the rest. Unless someone can persuade Joan McNamara to share her top-secret recipe for the Joan's on Third Chinese chicken salad — a mountain of shredded iceberg lettuce laced with crispy wonton strips, delicate thin fried rice noodles, sliced velveted chicken and sliced toasted almonds, all tossed together with a mysterious emulsified sweet dressing — we'll have to go out for that one. Joan? Eating out this week? Sign up for Tasting Notes to get our restaurant experts' insights and off-the-cuff takes on where they're dining right now. Twenty years after it was published, this combination of flavors — slightly sweet marinated salmon, crunchy cucumbers, and avocado — is still a winner. The only thing I'd do differently? I'd toss the vegetables together rather than composing them in sections as they are here, and then break the salmon into large chunks with my hands and gently mix them the time: 1 hour. Serves 4. What I love about this salad from the steakhouse Jar is just how unexpected the combination of ingredients is — cabbage, fennel, carrots and onion — laced with prosciutto, shredded chicken, olives and feta in a slightly sweet, herby vinaigrette made of champagne and rice wine vinegar — and how well they work together. The vegetables used are also available in winter, so if you fall in love with this salad, as I have, you can enjoy it all year the time: 30 minutes. Serves 2. There are seemingly endless versions of this L.A. classic. Until someone can convince Joan McNamara of Joan's on Third to share the recipe for hers, we'll have to 'settle' (wink, wink) on Wolfgang Puck' the time: 30 minutes. Serves 6.
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- The Citizen
World snacks worth travelling for
Forget the multiple-course meals—sometimes, the real magic of travel is in a pocket-sized snack. From Japan's iconic mochi to West Africa's addictive chin chin, here are ten snacks that are worth crossing borders for. Pastel de Nata – Portugal Golden and caramelised on top, custardy in the middle, and nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell—pastéis de nata are Portugal's most beloved edible export. Created by monks in Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery in the 18th century, these tarts were once made to use up leftover egg yolks. Today, the best place to try them is Pastéis de Belém, where the recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Dust yours with cinnamon and pair it with an espresso for the full experience. Chin Chin – West Africa Sweet, crunchy, and endlessly snackable, chin chin is a staple in Nigerian and Ghanaian celebrations. Made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, butter, and nutmeg, these little fried cubes are a favourite at weddings, birthdays, and roadside stalls alike. In Lagos or Accra, you'll often find them sold in plastic bags—perfect for munching on while navigating the city's lively markets. They also keep well, making them ideal souvenirs. Sambusa – East Africa & Middle East Resembling its Indian cousin, the samosa, the sambusa is a triangular pastry filled with spiced lentils, minced meat, or vegetables. It's especially popular during Ramadan, when families break their fast with a hot sambusa straight from the frying pan. Found across Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan (as well as Yemen and the Levant), sambusas are a culinary symbol of cultural cross-pollination via centuries-old spice routes. Mochi – Japan A bite of mochi is a textural sensation—soft, stretchy, and gently sweet. Made from pounded glutinous rice, mochi is both a traditional offering and a modern treat. You'll find it in convenience stores and boutique sweet shops across Japan, often filled with red bean paste or fresh fruit. Try ichigo daifuku (mochi stuffed with a whole strawberry) during spring or savour warm yaki mochi grilled over coals during winter. Arepas – Venezuela & Colombia These round cornmeal cakes are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and endlessly versatile. Arepas are eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, stuffed with everything from cheese to shredded beef and avocado. In Bogotá or Caracas, street vendors sling arepas from carts with steaming griddles, their comforting aroma filling the air. ALSO READ: Sip, Shake, Travel: The origins of 10 famous cocktails Pão de Queijo – Brazil Crusty outside, pillowy inside, and bursting with cheese, pão de queijo is Brazil's ultimate comfort snack. Made with cassava flour, these gluten-free bites are a product of colonial ingenuity and indigenous ingredients. You'll find them at bakeries and airports alike, best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee. They're especially popular in the state of Minas Gerais, where the cheese used is a local pride. Börek – Turkey & the Balkans Crispy layers of filo pastry, cradling a savoury filling of cheese, spinach, or minced meat—börek is a Balkan classic that traces its roots to the Ottoman Empire. Every region has its version, from spirals to cigar rolls. In Sarajevo or Istanbul, it's a beloved breakfast, often paired with yoghurt or ayran. Whether it's served in a sit-down bakery or wrapped in brown paper from a corner shop, börek delivers comfort in every bite. Khanom Buang – Thailand A street food favourite in Bangkok's night markets, khanom buang looks like a tiny taco but tastes like a sweet-and-savoury treat. These crispy rice flour crepes are filled with coconut cream and toppings like golden egg yolk threads (foi thong) or shredded coconut. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, these colourful confections offer a glimpse into Thailand's long-standing culinary artistry. Koeksisters – South Africa Twisted, golden, and soaked in syrup until sticky-sweet, koeksisters are a South African classic with roots in both Afrikaans and Cape Malay traditions. The Afrikaans version is braided and dunked in syrup, while the Cape Malay variety (koesister) is spiced and rolled in coconut. Either way, they're best eaten cold and with sticky fingers. Find them in bakeries and roadside farm stalls across the Western Cape. Khachapuri – Georgia Georgian cuisine's crown jewel, khachapuri, is a boat-shaped bread filled with gooey cheese and topped with a runny egg. Tear off the crust and dip it into the molten centre for maximum joy. Each region in Georgia has its own spin—Adjaruli is the most famous, but don't skip Imeruli, a round, enclosed version. This is comfort food with architectural flair and deep cultural roots. ALSO READ: Global food markets you have to visit — and their African equivalents The post World snacks worth travelling for appeared first on Getaway Magazine.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
LA's iconic Sunset Boulevard faces decline as businesses flee
One of America's most famous streets is facing an undeniable decline as longtime businesses once central to its character are fleeing. As recently as ten years ago, Sunset Boulevard, also known as the Sunset Strip, was one of the top places to go in California for dinner and drinks. That's according to Chris Leonard, who told SFGate that when he moved to the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood about a decade ago, every single bar and restaurant would be packed by 9:30pm. However, recent social media posts decrying the lack of activity, city leaders putting out statements about a declining number of tourists and at least five businesses permanently closing since February all point to the waning influence of the iconic two-mile stretch of strip mall. The most recent restaurant to shutter its Sunset Strip location was Chin Chin , a well-known Chinese restaurant made popular by the Kardashians and other celebrities. It has been in business there since 1983 and announced at the end of May that it would close on July 27. Rock & Reilly's Irish Pub suffered a similar fate. After 14 years of operation on the strip, the well-known establishment shut down in March just before St. Patrick's Day, one of the biggest days of the year for Irish pubs. Both Chin Chin and Rock & Reilly's have other locations throughout Los Angeles that are still thriving. Rock & Reilly's even has plans to open a new bar in LAX. West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers explained that a lack of foot traffic post-COVID has made some businesses think twice about staying on the Sunset Strip. 'For us as a city, it's about what we can continue to do to make sure that West Hollywood reads as a business-friendly community, has people walking around, coming out, wanting to spend their dollars,' Byers told KABC . 'It's not up for every business to have to stay open forever and ever.' Le Petit Four, a popular French restaurant on the strip, announced it would close on March 31. The casual bistro, which started out as a pastry shop in 1981, cited 'rising costs' and 'a decline in foot traffic' as reasons it was forced to shutter. One of the key rising costs for restaurants in West Hollywood is the extraordinarily high minimum wage. The municipality has hiked the minimum wage more than 30 percent since the start of the pandemic, with it now settling at $19.65 per hour for non-hotel employees. 'It's absurd,' Le Petit Four's general manager, Luc Mena, told NBC4 in March. 'In order for us to survive, we would have to sell $80 steaks.' Labor costs are often one of the biggest expenses for restaurants, and that burden is certainly felt in West Hollywood, where the minimum wage is nearly $2 higher per hour than what Los Angeles County has stipulated. Other popular eateries on the Sunset Strip that have closed this year include Hudson House and The Den, though neither shared why they shut down. Other than astronomical labor costs for businesses, some have theorized that the strip has slowly lost its identity over the years, which has contributed to its decline. It has undergone a transformation from a place known for dive bars and laid-back concert venues to an area that almost exclusively caters to luxury-minded customers and rich celebrities, according to SFGate. 'There is a transition, just in terms of how costly everything is, into something more luxury-driven,' Genevieve Morrill, the president of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, told the outlet. She said this has happened because 'the land is so expensive.' Because commercial rents are high and the clientele is wealthy, developers have turned their attention to extravagant new projects. The Viper Room, an iconic night club and live music venue once owned by Johnny Depp, was set to be demolished to make way for a 90-room five-star hotel and roughly 28,000 square feet of restaurant, cafe and bar space. That particular development failed because the owners went into foreclosure , but other luxury experiences are making their way through the approvals process. For example, the Sunset Strip could eventually welcome a Las Vegas-style sphere, which would set up shop right across the Saddle Ranch Chop House, according to the plans under review.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
One of America's most iconic streets is dying as businesses flee the storied address en masse
One of America's most famous streets is facing an undeniable decline as longtime businesses once central to its character are fleeing. As recently as ten years ago, Sunset Boulevard, also known as the Sunset Strip, was one of the top places to go in California for dinner and drinks. That's according to Chris Leonard, who told SFGate that when he moved to the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood about a decade ago, every single bar and restaurant would be packed by 9:30pm. However, recent social media posts decrying the lack of activity, city leaders putting out statements about a declining number of tourists and at least five businesses permanently closing since February all point to the waning influence of the iconic two-mile stretch of strip mall. The most recent restaurant to shutter its Sunset Strip location was Chin Chin, a well-known Chinese restaurant made popular by the Kardashians and other celebrities. It has been in business there since 1983 and announced at the end of May that it would close on July 27. Rock & Reilly's Irish Pub suffered a similar fate. After 14 years of operation on the strip, the well-known establishment shut down in March just before St. Patrick's Day, one of the biggest days of the year for Irish pubs. Both Chin Chin and Rock & Reilly's have other locations throughout Los Angeles that are still thriving. Rock & Reilly's even has plans to open a new bar in LAX. West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers explained that a lack of foot traffic post-COVID has made some businesses think twice about staying on the Sunset Strip. 'For us as a city, it's about what we can continue to do to make sure that West Hollywood reads as a business-friendly community, has people walking around, coming out, wanting to spend their dollars,' Byers told KABC. 'It's not up for every business to have to stay open forever and ever.' Le Petit Four, a popular French restaurant on the strip, announced it would close on March 31. The casual bistro, which started out as a pastry shop in 1981, cited 'rising costs' and 'a decline in foot traffic' as reasons it was forced to shutter. One of the key rising costs for restaurants in West Hollywood is the extraordinarily high minimum wage. The municipality has hiked the minimum wage more than 30 percent since the start of the pandemic, with it now settling at $19.65 per hour for non-hotel employees. 'It's absurd,' Le Petit Four's general manager, Luc Mena, told NBC4 in March. 'In order for us to survive, we would have to sell $80 steaks.' Labor costs are often one of the biggest expenses for restaurants, and that burden is certainly felt in West Hollywood, where the minimum wage is nearly $2 higher per hour than what Los Angeles County has stipulated. Other popular eateries on the Sunset Strip that have closed this year include Hudson House and The Den, though neither shared why they shut down. Other than astronomical labor costs for businesses, some have theorized that the strip has slowly lost its identity over the years, which has contributed to its decline. It has undergone a transformation from a place known for dive bars and laid-back concert venues to an area that almost exclusively caters to luxury-minded customers and rich celebrities, according to SFGate. 'There is a transition, just in terms of how costly everything is, into something more luxury-driven,' Genevieve Morrill, the president of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, told the outlet. She said this has happened because 'the land is so expensive.' Because commercial rents are high and the clientele is wealthy, developers have turned their attention to extravagant new projects. The Viper Room, an iconic night club and live music venue once owned by Johnny Depp, was set to be demolished to make way for a 90-room five-star hotel and roughly 28,000 square feet of restaurant, cafe and bar space. That particular development failed because the owners went into foreclosure, but other luxury experiences are making their way through the approvals process. For example, the Sunset Strip could eventually welcome a Las Vegas-style sphere, which would set up shop right across the Saddle Ranch Chop House, according to the plans under review. But according to West Hollywood's mayor, Chelsea Byers, there is still hope for the iconic street, though its certainly not guaranteed it will stay the same. 'Every business that closes, we have seen more licenses open up,' she said. 'We're not at a low point in terms of new businesses opening.'
Miami Herald
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Iconic Los Angeles-based Chinese restaurant and celebrity hangout closing after 42 years
If you've ever visited Los Angeles, chances are good that you spent some time on Sunset Boulevard, the historic Los Angeles street that spans practically the entire length of the city, from the Pacific Ocean to downtown. If you haven't visited L.A., you'll still recognize a particular section of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, called the Sunset Strip. It's been a scene-stealer in probably 100 movies and is known for its massive billboards. The Strip has always been one of Los Angeles's most dynamic neighborhoods. A blend of luxury hotels, boutique shopping, nightlife, and celebrity appeal, the Sunset Strip has long been a cultural bellwether. What's hot here often sets the tone for greater L.A. For decades, restaurants and bars along this glitzy corridor have attracted tourists and locals alike. But lately, the Sunset Strip has become a cautionary tale about the challenges facing the hospitality industry, especially for independent and legacy restaurants. Changing tastes, rising rents, and post-pandemic behavior shifts have forced many once-thriving spots to close. And one of the Strip's most recognizable dining landmarks is the latest to join the list. Image source: TheChin Chin is closing on Sunset Blvd. after more than 40 years Chin Chin, the upscale Chinese fusion restaurant chain that helped define casual fine dining in L.A. during the 1980s and 1990s, will permanently close its flagship West Hollywood location on July 27, 2025. The announcement came via the restaurant's Instagram on May 31 and caught longtime fans by surprise, as reported in Eater. "After 45 unforgettable years in West Hollywood, we are heartbroken to announce that Chin Chin will be unexpectedly closing its doors at our Sunset Plaza location…" the post read. Related: One of Texas's oldest BBQ joints is closing permanently after 34 years Known for its Chinese chicken salad, potstickers, and California-style dim sum, Chin Chin opened in 1983 and quickly became a favorite among locals, UCLA students and A-list celebrities. Regulars over the years included Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Megan Fox, and Sean Hayes, helping to elevate the brand beyond its menu and into L.A. lore. More Food: Applebee's brings back all-you-can-eat deal to take down Chili'sPopular Mexican chain reveals surprising growth plansStarbucks CEO shares plan for a whole new menu The Sunset Strip neighborhood has seen a surprising amount of turnover in the past year. Earlier in 2025, restaurants including the Den, Hudson House, Le Petit Four, and Rock & Reilly's abruptly shut down. French bistro Tesse closed in late 2024 after a six-year run, adding to the growing list of local casualties. A trend that's hitting legacy L.A. restaurants hard Chin Chin's closure may be the latest, but the closures on Sunset Blvd. collectively speak to larger industry trends. Independent restaurants, particularly those in high-rent, high-profile areas like the Sunset Strip, have been hit hard by rising labor costs, inflation, and shifting consumer preferences. Diners are increasingly looking for experiential, often tech-enabled dining or lower-cost convenience, putting pressure on traditional full-service spots. At the same time, landlords in trendy neighborhoods often favor new concepts that bring media buzz and high-volume traffic. That churn can push out older businesses, even those with strong customer loyalty and decades of history. Related: Beloved local family diner closing after nearly 40 years Still, it's not as if the Strip is dying. A major new food hall, Round 1 Delicious, is set to open with eight high-end Japanese restaurants under one roof. Michelin-starred chef Aitor Zabala also plans to reopen his acclaimed tasting-menu restaurant, Somni, just a few blocks away. These moves signal that while some businesses are being priced out or aged out, the area continues to attract bold new investment. As for Chin Chin, the outpouring of support online suggests the brand still has cultural cachet and plenty of customer demand. The restaurant launched a GoFundMe campaign to support staff and perhaps fund a future relocation. Chin Chin's other locations in Brentwood, Studio City, and Las Vegas will remain open, so you can still get your hands on the best Chinese chicken salad around. Related: Iconic Las Vegas Strip eatery permanently closes after long run The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
