Hala RIP?

[fieldafm]

I have a project I worked on a few years ago for a marketing campaign.  I'm not at work, so I can't pull up the sources but for every $100 you spend at a national retailer about $13-15 of that stays locally.  For a locally-owned business, that same $100 generates about $45-50 in local circulation.

Dos Gatos obviously kicks serious ass, but I also like Taco Lu for some margaritas if you're ever at the beach.

Next time you're in SoCal... check out their twitter feed and figure out where a Kogi BBQ taco truck will be and you won't be dissapointed.

[sheclown]

seriously?

Its a very well established fact. And literally less than one minute of reflection can tell you why.

The profits of the company are not exported to the out of town headquarters.  They stay intown and are usually spent locally.

Also design, marketing, branding, and management dollars are generally local.

Local contractors do the work on the places.  Local suppliers, well...supply.  Local accountants, account.  It goes on and on and on...

Support local.
Buy local.
Eat local

[Jaxson]

I only know one place that makes a phenomenal margarita, but I'll get called out for being biased.... (by the way, you are allowed to slap a co-worker, if it's to help them see the error in their ways... the bartenders at BB could f- up a jack and coke... I watched them...)

Of course you were a tourist, but the goal is to find where the locals eat, right? (Watch Anthony Bourdain's show...) So much great Mexi food in Mexifornia...

Oh, joy.  So many food snobs to please.  Just when I think that I am doing good by local places, my choices still aren't 'good enough.'  Argh!  I don't watch that much television, much less watch 'food porn' in which people cook and eat while I watch.  I don't really cook that much, but do enjoy going out to different places.  Would I go back to Mariasol (http://www.mariasol.com/index.html)?  I enjoyed the view and food and must admit that I don't set out to eat every meal with Princess Margaret (I know, she's dead!), so I am satisfied with being a 'tourist' from time to time.  Otherwise, I would drop dead trying to find ways to be too cool for school... 
I must admit that I even went to In-n-Out Burger.  Yes, I know that I am going to hell for not eating caviar for lunch, but I gots to have my In-n-Out milkshake! ; )

[RockStar]

Not being a food snob at all, but avoiding tourist areas will surely increase your odds of getting authentic local fare.

I wish we had In N Out. You've just made me so hungry for a double double animal style....bastardo! lol

[Brian Siebenschuh]

"Food snob" = somebody that thinks they know more about food than they do, and thusly can't appreciate the fantastic, simple beauty of something like In n' Out (or 5 Guys, for that matter, to draw a locally available comparison, as best as one can)...  An epicure that knows the difference between good, honest food & schlocky bullshit is not necessarily a food snob.

That being said, I've never been to Mariasol on the Santa Monica Pier, but it's my opinion that if a Mexican place (especially in Los Angeles) has a menu that includes coconut shrimp, stuffed potato skins, a grilled chicken Caesar salad, and New England clam chowder (?!), one might reasonably suspect that it's not the most honest, authentic representation of regional cuisine available in that particular area...

And come on RockStar, you know there are at least two places that make a phenomenal margarita - Dos Gatos is one - where's the other?

BTW, if you haven't been to Dos Gatos for a Red Dawn in an old school Moscow Mule style copper mug, you're missing out.  AND Jacksonville's newest street food vendor was set up in front of DG last night - brick oven pizzas right on the street!

[Jaxson]

@RockStar --- Agreed.  I am glad that you don't have a beef (ha, a pun!) with  'In-n-Out.'  I love that place!

[Dog Walker]

Best, most authentic Mexican food I've ever had in this country was in Santa Barbara at the Super Rico Tacoria.  Converted gas station with outside seating under a canopy, paper plates and napkins.  Mamacita was making the tortillas and salsas and sons were doing the cooking.

Turns out that it was Julia Child's favorite Mexican restaurant too.  So much for food snobbery!

[fieldafm]

Double double, animal style is what makes America great!!

I also like Astro Burger in North Hollywood.  Big, fat juicy pattys... and the scenery is great.  A fantastic mix of kindered souls in which to people watch.

L&L Hawaiin BBQ is great too.

Dang, Im hungry lol.

[RockStar]

@ Brian - ummm where? LOL

@ Dog - taco stands like that are always INCREDIBLE

@ Field - Astro burger...you're killing me...I think I have to go to 5 guys now.