Bay Cities

Number 12,13,14,15...

I have never been to Bay Cities when it wasn't packed. The sandwich case is always surrounded by people waiting for their number to be called. Once the number is called, he or she jumps to attention not wanting to miss the opportunity for the best sandwich in Los Angeles.

This Italian deli and grocery was introduced to me in high school when lunch time trips became an almost weekly thing. The parking is always a bitch in their tiny parking lot so I recommend parking else where and (I know) WALKING to the deli. Then grab an number and wait. Personally the wait is shortened by people watching and the large amount of people I went to high school with who apparently always eat there.

Then order either a Godmother or a Caprese with the works. Personally I wash it down with a Jones Blue Bubble Gum Soda. But thats just me...

Bay Cities Italian Deli
Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 7 pm, Sunday 9 am - 6 pm
1517 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Apple Pan

The Apple Pan is something I crave, dream about, and yell at people when they say they haven't been yet. This small lunch counter West of Westwood Blvd on Pico isn't the place you go to with a large group of people or if you want a relaxing dinner over candle light but the service is quick, attentive and no frills and the food is INCREDIBLE.

The menu is small with only a few things on it. Although why anyone gets anything but the Hickory Burger with cheese is beyond me. The fries are so-so and I usually skip them but the waiter does his best at tricking you into them by saying: "How many orders of fries?" while walking away, already putting your order on the grill.

Sodas are served in paper cones and the only milk you can get is whole milk. The burgers are wrapped in paper and hard to put down but you don't really want to once you start eating.

I went recently and got apple pie with cheddar cheese on top, which has been a dream of mine since I saw Taxi Driver. (I'm pretty sure that isn't the thing to take from that movie but I did). Its old fashion diner pie and it brings you back to the40s and 50s when The Apple Pan opened.

Go during an off hour because if you go for lunch or dinner, you will be forced to wait along the sides and silently will the people chewing to chew faster.

The Apple Pan
10801 W. Pico Blvd

Open
Tuesday -Thursday and Sunday
11 am - Midnight
Friday - Saturday
11 am - 1 am

SideWalk Cafe

My friend Anton is a recent transplant to Los Angeles and I have taken it upon myself to show him the city and apparently my favorite burger joints. Yesterday, we went to the Venice Boardwalk and walked to the Santa Monica pier and BACK! And they say we don't walk either.

We ended up eating at the Sidewalk Cafe on the far end of the board walk. Its a bar with a restaurant portion outside. The patio is nice and heated with street performers providing music and conversation starters.

All of their burgers are named after famous authors and have pretty much every combination you can imagine. I highly recommend getting the Dylan Thomas with a fried egg on top. The bun is a little too thick on top but after I pick most of it off, it doesn't bother me.

And the fries are worth every calorie. Thin, crispy and delicious. Don't be tempted by your guilty conscience.

The cafe is a perfect place to share a pitcher of beer, eat a burger and watch the sunset through the palm trees. As Anton put it: "This is beautiful, Diana."

The Sidewalk Cafe and Bar
1401 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291

Open
Daily 8 am - 11 pm

Hollywood Cafe

I discovered this office building cafe while working down the street at the Television Center. The Hollywood Cafe next to CopyMat at the corner of Sunset and Wilcox is the only place I know that offers a chicken salad melt.

A hater of tuna salad but lover of chicken salad, I have always wonder why there is always a tuna salad melt but rarely a chicken salad melt. Thank god, The Hollywood Cafe has answered my prayers and with chicken salad melted on both sides of the bread, they have answered my prayers with relish.

Now whenever I'm in the area for lunch time, its usually my spot for the Chicken Salad Melt plus Avocado. The cafe is a pretty nice place to enjoy a book and relax. Or you can always place an order for 1000 copies next door.