Suehiro + + +

Located in J-town, Suehiro is a nice cosy place where you can satisfy late-night Sushi cravings. The flan dessert is delicious. Bring a few friends for a relaxed eating experience. Thumbs up.

Who? Andrew, Howie, Jared+Erika

Olive Garden + + +

An excellent place to have a nice sit-down meal. Be it a dinner date, a business dinner, or in my case a recruiting dinner - all fit well in this more "upscale" Italian restaurant chain. The flavours are fresh, light and simple. And the presentation style makes it feel like home. There is one tucked away in beautiful Westwood. Thumbs up.

Who? Andrew, Steve, new PhD student+girlfriend

The Woodranch BBQ & Grill * * * */ + + + +

Who? Themo, Dora, Andrew
Where? The Grove
How much? $35
Zagat: * * * *, $24

Themos' Take: Niam niam... Tasty meats and great ribs ans steaks at the $20-$30 range. The only one in LA is located at the Grove, and it's worth it. Thumbs way up.

Andrew's Take: Best take-out BBQ menu. Bring it home!

Moishe's (Farmer's Market) * */ + + +

Who? Andrew, Themo
Where? The Grove
Zagat: * * * *, $11

Excellent shish kebab, hummus and other middle-Eastern dishes can be found here. Although it's "fast" food, it's still very tasty - and quite kind to the wallet. The busy patio atmosphere of the Farmer's market gives me that "dai pai dong" dining experience that I miss from the East. You can also pick up some fine NY Strips and Rib Eye from Huntington Meats for BBQ delight Thumbs up.