The biggest source of joy during these crisp winter nights in LA (yes, tis true!), is the promise of a steaming hot bowl of ramen. LA is a mecca for all things noodle—and ramen is one of its shining stars. Start with LA’s very own ramen classic, Daikokuya. It’s arguably the granddaddy of ramen houses—centrally located in Little Tokyo, the wait can be killer but it’s almost always worth it as you eat your weight in a fat slice of chasu (braised pork), mounds of green onions, and perfectly done noodles. A few blocks away is another Little Tokyo favorite, Orochon. Here you can choose different soup bases and levels of spiciness. A drive to the far east, as in Gardena, takes you to Asa Ramen. There, amongst the discerning mostly-Asian clientele, you can get two different types of broth, assari (shoyu) and kotteri (tonkotsu & shoyu blend) as the base of your ramen. And to all the West siders out there, rejoice for a ramen place has opened up in Hollywood! Slick décor aside, Ikemen serves up authentic Japanese fare—its specialty being Tsukemen, or “dipping ramen” where you dip your noodles into a bowl of broth that is served separately.

-Maurene

(Image from Ikemen)

It's no secret that I'm basically a cookie monster. Well a dessert monster really! My newest cookie infatuation is with these little guys from Trader Joe's called Peanut Butter Goodies.  A crisp biscuit topped with peannut butter mousse, then covered in chocolate and rolled in chopped peanuts. They are salty and sweet and heavenly! I think they would be just perfect tossed in with some banana ice cream. 

-Natalie

(Image by On the Cheap)

I'm personally a huge fan of s'mores (and every dessert for that matter) so when I finally had the S'mores Pie from First Prize Pies I was in heaven! This pie is so decadent and delicious and the marshmallow texture on top is exactly like a melted marshmallow you would heat over a fire. So good! I think this pie would be such a fun alternative to a birthday cake or any other occasion that calls for a special dessert. You can get mini versions of their pies or a full size one depending on how much you need. Although I wouldn't say these are super cheap for an everyday dessert, they are well worth it for a special occasion  or gift dessert. 

(Image from First Prize Pies)

   


The O.G. food truck that started it all, Kogi, is now a veteran of the L.A. streets. Owner Roy Choi opened up his first restaurant in 2010 in Culver City, called Chego. In Korean, "chego" means "number one," or "the best." And IT IS. Chego serves up insanely flavorful and affordable appetizers, main dishes topping rice bowls, soda pops, and desserts. My reliable faves are the Chubby Pork Belly and Buttered Kimchi Chow. With descriptions such as "kochujang-lacquered kurobuta" on their menu, how can you lose? Like all of L.A.'s best, Chego is tucked away in a strip mall and has a few large tables for family-style seating and stand-up eating room as well.
-Maurene

(Image from Citybest.com)

  

I recently went to the newly opened Van Horn Sandwich Shop on Court Street in Brooklyn and I must say, it was super delicious. Their signature sandwich is the fried chicken sandwich piled high with a tasty cabbage slaw, nestled in a perfectly buttery bun. The star is the chicken itself though, so juicy and flavorful - maybe since it's marinated overnight in jalepeno buttermilk. They also have a variety of other sandwiches including pulled pork and catfish and sides like collard greens, hush puppies, and mac & cheese. I cannot wait to go back and try the rest of the menu!

(Images by On the Cheap)

I am so smitten with these two sets of measuring cups! They are so cute they can double as kitchen decor and they hardly take up any space. Either of these would make a great little gift for a friend that loves to cook. Top: Milk Bottle Measuring Cups from Anthropologie, bottom: Whale Measuring Cup set from Urban Outfitters.  

(Images from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters)

   

My new favorite dessert to make at home is the sundae pictured above using Trader Joes' new fleur de sel caramel sauce. Just scoop up some vanilla ice cream, add slivered almonds, and top it off with the caramel sauce and voila! Perfect amount of crunch and sweetness and just a hint of salt from the caramel. So good!

(Image by On the Cheap)

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I'm loving all these heart shaped kitchen goods. Clockwise from top left: whisk, measuring cups, cutting board, and cookie cutters. 

(Images from Urban Outfitters)

   

I can't get enough of these beer & pretzel caramels from Liddabit Sweets. They use Brooklyn Brewery's Brown Ale and East India Pale Ale and chunks of salty pretzel and the result is the most delicious and unique caramel you've ever had! If you don't live near one of the places that carries them, you can order them right here. 

(Image from Liddabit Sweets)

   
  

Love these Brooklyn and Seattle map prints from Drywell. In addition to neighborhoods, parts of the pig and salmon are also diagrammed. Perfect for the foodie in your life!

(Images from Drywell)